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Deadspin | Yankees need more punch from bottom 3 hitters vs. Athletics Apr 4, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Ryan Weathers (40) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the second inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images The New York Yankees are off to a quick start even with some difficulties hitting with runners in scoring position and getting production from the bottom of their lineup. The Yankees hope to see improvement in both areas Thursday afternoon when they host the Athletics in the decisive game of a three-game series. After winning seven of their first eight games, the Yankees dropped two of their past three and struggled to bring home baserunners. In a 7-6 loss to the visiting Miami Marlins on Sunday, New York finished 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position. In a 3-2 defeat to the A’s on Wednesday, the Yankees went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position, had three of their season-low four hits in the opening inning and struck out a season-high 15 times. “The story was we didn’t score when we had a chance to throw a knockout punch there early,” New York manager Aaron Boone said. “Just couldn’t break through and they held us down. Just one of those nights where we didn’t do enough.” Cody Bellinger hit an RBI single, but Ben Rice struck out four times and the Yankees saw their average with runners in scoring position drop to .227 (22-for-97) with 34 strikeouts. The Yankees also saw their bottom three hitters go 1-for-10, and that includes Ryan McMahon, who is 2-for-26 (.077) after going hitless in his first career start at shortstop. Overall, New York’s seven through nine hitters are 16-for-111 (.144) so far. “It’s (11) games in,” Boone said about McMahon. “He’s scuffling right now, but the reality is the last three games, he’s been on base four times, too, with walks and hits and big at-bats. We want him to improve to who he’s been in his career and he’s off to a slow start right now, but a number of our guys are as well.” The A’s are trying to claim their first series victory at Yankee Stadium since 2016 after Brent Rooker hit a tiebreaking sacrifice fly in the ninth inning off David Bednar on Wednesday. Rooker has seven of his eight RBIs in the past three games. His fly ball scored Nick Kurtz, who is 6-for-16 in his past four games. Rooker’s RBI occurred on a night when the A’s saw their bullpen combine to allow no hits and two walks while striking out eight in four shutout innings. One game earlier, the Athletics’ Mark Leiter Jr. allowed a go-ahead three-run homer to Amed Rosario in the eighth inning as the Yankees pulled out a 5-3 win. “(Tuesday) was a tough loss,” second baseman Jeff McNeil said on the Athletics’ postgame show after producing an RBI single among his two hits. “It says a lot about these guys to bounce back and get the W. The bullpen was huge.” The Yankees have not had a starter allow more than three runs so far, and Ryan Weathers (0-0, 4.50 ERA) will attempt to continue the trend and get deeper into his outing on Thursday. Weathers lasted 3 2/3 innings when he allowed three runs on six hits in a no-decision against the Marlins before the Yankees earned a 9-7 win on Saturday. In the left-hander’s only previous start against the A’s, he allowed three runs on five hits in six innings and took the loss for the Marlins on May 3, 2024. After getting five innings apiece from veterans Aaron Civale and Luis Severino in the series, the A’s will start Jeffrey Springs (1-0, 2.38 ERA) in the finale. Springs has allowed two runs or fewer in 18 of 32 starts since joining the A’s last season. He earned a win on Friday against the Houston Astros by allowing one run on two hits in six innings. Springs is 2-1 with a 2.03 ERA in 11 career appearances (three starts) against the Yankees, but he hasn’t faced them since 2022. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Yankees #punch #bottom #hitters #Athletics

Deadspin | Yankees need more punch from bottom 3 hitters vs. Athletics
Deadspin | Yankees need more punch from bottom 3 hitters vs. Athletics Apr 4, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Ryan Weathers (40) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the second inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images The New York Yankees are off to a quick start even with some difficulties hitting with runners in scoring position and getting production from the bottom of their lineup. The Yankees hope to see improvement in both areas Thursday afternoon when they host the Athletics in the decisive game of a three-game series. After winning seven of their first eight games, the Yankees dropped two of their past three and struggled to bring home baserunners. In a 7-6 loss to the visiting Miami Marlins on Sunday, New York finished 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position. In a 3-2 defeat to the A’s on Wednesday, the Yankees went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position, had three of their season-low four hits in the opening inning and struck out a season-high 15 times. “The story was we didn’t score when we had a chance to throw a knockout punch there early,” New York manager Aaron Boone said. “Just couldn’t break through and they held us down. Just one of those nights where we didn’t do enough.” Cody Bellinger hit an RBI single, but Ben Rice struck out four times and the Yankees saw their average with runners in scoring position drop to .227 (22-for-97) with 34 strikeouts. The Yankees also saw their bottom three hitters go 1-for-10, and that includes Ryan McMahon, who is 2-for-26 (.077) after going hitless in his first career start at shortstop. Overall, New York’s seven through nine hitters are 16-for-111 (.144) so far. “It’s (11) games in,” Boone said about McMahon. “He’s scuffling right now, but the reality is the last three games, he’s been on base four times, too, with walks and hits and big at-bats. We want him to improve to who he’s been in his career and he’s off to a slow start right now, but a number of our guys are as well.” The A’s are trying to claim their first series victory at Yankee Stadium since 2016 after Brent Rooker hit a tiebreaking sacrifice fly in the ninth inning off David Bednar on Wednesday. Rooker has seven of his eight RBIs in the past three games. His fly ball scored Nick Kurtz, who is 6-for-16 in his past four games. Rooker’s RBI occurred on a night when the A’s saw their bullpen combine to allow no hits and two walks while striking out eight in four shutout innings. One game earlier, the Athletics’ Mark Leiter Jr. allowed a go-ahead three-run homer to Amed Rosario in the eighth inning as the Yankees pulled out a 5-3 win. “(Tuesday) was a tough loss,” second baseman Jeff McNeil said on the Athletics’ postgame show after producing an RBI single among his two hits. “It says a lot about these guys to bounce back and get the W. The bullpen was huge.” The Yankees have not had a starter allow more than three runs so far, and Ryan Weathers (0-0, 4.50 ERA) will attempt to continue the trend and get deeper into his outing on Thursday. Weathers lasted 3 2/3 innings when he allowed three runs on six hits in a no-decision against the Marlins before the Yankees earned a 9-7 win on Saturday. In the left-hander’s only previous start against the A’s, he allowed three runs on five hits in six innings and took the loss for the Marlins on May 3, 2024. After getting five innings apiece from veterans Aaron Civale and Luis Severino in the series, the A’s will start Jeffrey Springs (1-0, 2.38 ERA) in the finale. Springs has allowed two runs or fewer in 18 of 32 starts since joining the A’s last season. He earned a win on Friday against the Houston Astros by allowing one run on two hits in six innings. Springs is 2-1 with a 2.03 ERA in 11 career appearances (three starts) against the Yankees, but he hasn’t faced them since 2022. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Yankees #punch #bottom #hitters #AthleticsApr 4, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Ryan Weathers (40) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the second inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

The New York Yankees are off to a quick start even with some difficulties hitting with runners in scoring position and getting production from the bottom of their lineup.

The Yankees hope to see improvement in both areas Thursday afternoon when they host the Athletics in the decisive game of a three-game series.

After winning seven of their first eight games, the Yankees dropped two of their past three and struggled to bring home baserunners.

In a 7-6 loss to the visiting Miami Marlins on Sunday, New York finished 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position. In a 3-2 defeat to the A’s on Wednesday, the Yankees went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position, had three of their season-low four hits in the opening inning and struck out a season-high 15 times.

“The story was we didn’t score when we had a chance to throw a knockout punch there early,” New York manager Aaron Boone said. “Just couldn’t break through and they held us down. Just one of those nights where we didn’t do enough.”

Cody Bellinger hit an RBI single, but Ben Rice struck out four times and the Yankees saw their average with runners in scoring position drop to .227 (22-for-97) with 34 strikeouts.

The Yankees also saw their bottom three hitters go 1-for-10, and that includes Ryan McMahon, who is 2-for-26 (.077) after going hitless in his first career start at shortstop. Overall, New York’s seven through nine hitters are 16-for-111 (.144) so far.

“It’s (11) games in,” Boone said about McMahon. “He’s scuffling right now, but the reality is the last three games, he’s been on base four times, too, with walks and hits and big at-bats. We want him to improve to who he’s been in his career and he’s off to a slow start right now, but a number of our guys are as well.”


The A’s are trying to claim their first series victory at Yankee Stadium since 2016 after Brent Rooker hit a tiebreaking sacrifice fly in the ninth inning off David Bednar on Wednesday.

Rooker has seven of his eight RBIs in the past three games. His fly ball scored Nick Kurtz, who is 6-for-16 in his past four games.

Rooker’s RBI occurred on a night when the A’s saw their bullpen combine to allow no hits and two walks while striking out eight in four shutout innings. One game earlier, the Athletics’ Mark Leiter Jr. allowed a go-ahead three-run homer to Amed Rosario in the eighth inning as the Yankees pulled out a 5-3 win.

“(Tuesday) was a tough loss,” second baseman Jeff McNeil said on the Athletics’ postgame show after producing an RBI single among his two hits. “It says a lot about these guys to bounce back and get the W. The bullpen was huge.”

The Yankees have not had a starter allow more than three runs so far, and Ryan Weathers (0-0, 4.50 ERA) will attempt to continue the trend and get deeper into his outing on Thursday.

Weathers lasted 3 2/3 innings when he allowed three runs on six hits in a no-decision against the Marlins before the Yankees earned a 9-7 win on Saturday.

In the left-hander’s only previous start against the A’s, he allowed three runs on five hits in six innings and took the loss for the Marlins on May 3, 2024.

After getting five innings apiece from veterans Aaron Civale and Luis Severino in the series, the A’s will start Jeffrey Springs (1-0, 2.38 ERA) in the finale. Springs has allowed two runs or fewer in 18 of 32 starts since joining the A’s last season. He earned a win on Friday against the Houston Astros by allowing one run on two hits in six innings.

Springs is 2-1 with a 2.03 ERA in 11 career appearances (three starts) against the Yankees, but he hasn’t faced them since 2022.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Yankees #punch #bottom #hitters #Athletics

Sports news

Apr 4, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Ryan Weathers (40) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the second inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

The New York Yankees are off to a quick start even with some difficulties hitting with runners in scoring position and getting production from the bottom of their lineup.

The Yankees hope to see improvement in both areas Thursday afternoon when they host the Athletics in the decisive game of a three-game series.

After winning seven of their first eight games, the Yankees dropped two of their past three and struggled to bring home baserunners.

In a 7-6 loss to the visiting Miami Marlins on Sunday, New York finished 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position. In a 3-2 defeat to the A’s on Wednesday, the Yankees went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position, had three of their season-low four hits in the opening inning and struck out a season-high 15 times.

“The story was we didn’t score when we had a chance to throw a knockout punch there early,” New York manager Aaron Boone said. “Just couldn’t break through and they held us down. Just one of those nights where we didn’t do enough.”

Cody Bellinger hit an RBI single, but Ben Rice struck out four times and the Yankees saw their average with runners in scoring position drop to .227 (22-for-97) with 34 strikeouts.

The Yankees also saw their bottom three hitters go 1-for-10, and that includes Ryan McMahon, who is 2-for-26 (.077) after going hitless in his first career start at shortstop. Overall, New York’s seven through nine hitters are 16-for-111 (.144) so far.

“It’s (11) games in,” Boone said about McMahon. “He’s scuffling right now, but the reality is the last three games, he’s been on base four times, too, with walks and hits and big at-bats. We want him to improve to who he’s been in his career and he’s off to a slow start right now, but a number of our guys are as well.”

The A’s are trying to claim their first series victory at Yankee Stadium since 2016 after Brent Rooker hit a tiebreaking sacrifice fly in the ninth inning off David Bednar on Wednesday.

Rooker has seven of his eight RBIs in the past three games. His fly ball scored Nick Kurtz, who is 6-for-16 in his past four games.

Rooker’s RBI occurred on a night when the A’s saw their bullpen combine to allow no hits and two walks while striking out eight in four shutout innings. One game earlier, the Athletics’ Mark Leiter Jr. allowed a go-ahead three-run homer to Amed Rosario in the eighth inning as the Yankees pulled out a 5-3 win.

“(Tuesday) was a tough loss,” second baseman Jeff McNeil said on the Athletics’ postgame show after producing an RBI single among his two hits. “It says a lot about these guys to bounce back and get the W. The bullpen was huge.”

The Yankees have not had a starter allow more than three runs so far, and Ryan Weathers (0-0, 4.50 ERA) will attempt to continue the trend and get deeper into his outing on Thursday.

Weathers lasted 3 2/3 innings when he allowed three runs on six hits in a no-decision against the Marlins before the Yankees earned a 9-7 win on Saturday.

In the left-hander’s only previous start against the A’s, he allowed three runs on five hits in six innings and took the loss for the Marlins on May 3, 2024.

After getting five innings apiece from veterans Aaron Civale and Luis Severino in the series, the A’s will start Jeffrey Springs (1-0, 2.38 ERA) in the finale. Springs has allowed two runs or fewer in 18 of 32 starts since joining the A’s last season. He earned a win on Friday against the Houston Astros by allowing one run on two hits in six innings.

Springs is 2-1 with a 2.03 ERA in 11 career appearances (three starts) against the Yankees, but he hasn’t faced them since 2022.

–Field Level Media

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PREVIEW

If the French Open women’s final appears on paper to be a mismatch between a teenage prodigy and an unheralded qualifier, Poland’s Maja ​Chwalinska has spent the past fortnight proving appearances can be deceiving.

Russian eighth seed Mirra Andreeva ‌arrives at Saturday’s showpiece as the overwhelming favourite after bulldozing her way ​through the draw, dropping only 12 games in her last three matches ⁠and looking every inch a future Grand Slam champion.

Yet, across the net will stand a player whose improbable run has become one of the stories of the tournament.

Read the full preview here.

LIVESTREAM AND TELECAST INFO

When and where to watch French Open 2026 women’s singles final between Mirra Andreeva and Maja Chwalinska in India?

The French Open 2026 women’s singles final between Mirra Andreeva and Maja Chwalinska will begin at 6:30 p.m. IST on June 6 (Saturday). In India, the match will be telecast live on the  Sony Sports Network while the live stream will be available on SonyLiv and FanCode (applications and websites both).

HEAD-TO-HEAD

This will be the first meeting between World No. 8 Andreeva and World No. 114 Chwalinska.

ROUTE TO THE FINAL

Mirra Andreeva

Semifinal: 6-1, 6-3 against [15] Marta Kostyuk (UKR)

Quarterfinal: 6-0, 6-3 against [18] Sorana Cirstea (ROU)

Round of 16: 6-3, 6-2 against Jil Teichmann (SUI)

Third Round: 6-4, 6-2 against [27] Marie Bouzkova (CZE)

Second Round: 3-6, 6-1, 6-1 against [Q] Marina Bassols Ribera (ESP)

First Round: 6-3, 6-3 against [WC] Fiona Ferro (FRA)

Maja Chwalinska

Semifinal: 7-6(4), 6-4 against [25] Diana Shnaider

Quarterfinal: 7-6(3), 6-3 against [22] Anna Kalinskaya

Round of 16: 6-3, 6-2 against Diane Parry (FRA)

Third Round: 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 against Maria Sakkari (GRE)

Second Round: 6-4, 6-0 against [23] Elise Mertens (BEL)

First Round: 6-4, 6-0 against Qinwen Zheng (CHN)

Time spent on court

Andreeva: 8 hours 14 minutes

Chwalinska: 10 hours 52 minutes

Published on Jun 06, 2026

#Andreeva #Chwalinska #French #Open #Final #Preview #headtohead #record #live #streaming #info">Andreeva vs Chwalinska, French Open 2026 Final: Preview, head-to-head record, live streaming info PREVIEWIf the French Open women’s final appears on paper to be a mismatch between a teenage prodigy and an unheralded qualifier, Poland’s Maja ​Chwalinska has spent the past fortnight proving appearances can be deceiving.Russian eighth seed Mirra Andreeva ‌arrives at Saturday’s showpiece as the overwhelming favourite after bulldozing her way ​through the draw, dropping only 12 games in her last three matches ⁠and looking every inch a future Grand Slam champion.Yet, across the net will stand a player whose improbable run has become one of the stories of the tournament.Read the full preview here.The French Open will have a new women’s singles champion!Will it be the Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva, ranked 8th in the world, or will it be Polish qualifier and World No. 114 Maja Chwalinska?Final on Saturday. Mark your calendars!📸 Reuters#RolandGarrospic.twitter.com/3jNaUMI1L7— Sportstar (@sportstarweb) June 4, 2026LIVESTREAM AND TELECAST INFOWhen and where to watch French Open 2026 women’s singles final between Mirra Andreeva and Maja Chwalinska in India?The French Open 2026 women’s singles final between Mirra Andreeva and Maja Chwalinska will begin at 6:30 p.m. IST on June 6 (Saturday). In India, the match will be telecast live on the  Sony Sports Network while the live stream will be available on SonyLiv and FanCode (applications and websites both).HEAD-TO-HEADThis will be the first meeting between World No. 8 Andreeva and World No. 114 Chwalinska.ROUTE TO THE FINALMirra AndreevaSemifinal: 6-1, 6-3 against [15] Marta Kostyuk (UKR)Quarterfinal: 6-0, 6-3 against [18] Sorana Cirstea (ROU)Round of 16: 6-3, 6-2 against Jil Teichmann (SUI)Third Round: 6-4, 6-2 against [27] Marie Bouzkova (CZE)Second Round: 3-6, 6-1, 6-1 against [Q] Marina Bassols Ribera (ESP)First Round: 6-3, 6-3 against [WC] Fiona Ferro (FRA)Maja ChwalinskaSemifinal: 7-6(4), 6-4 against [25] Diana ShnaiderQuarterfinal: 7-6(3), 6-3 against [22] Anna KalinskayaRound of 16: 6-3, 6-2 against Diane Parry (FRA)Third Round: 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 against Maria Sakkari (GRE)Second Round: 6-4, 6-0 against [23] Elise Mertens (BEL)First Round: 6-4, 6-0 against Qinwen Zheng (CHN)Time spent on courtAndreeva: 8 hours 14 minutesChwalinska: 10 hours 52 minutesPublished on Jun 06, 2026 #Andreeva #Chwalinska #French #Open #Final #Preview #headtohead #record #live #streaming #info

here.

LIVESTREAM AND TELECAST INFO

When and where to watch French Open 2026 women’s singles final between Mirra Andreeva and Maja Chwalinska in India?

The French Open 2026 women’s singles final between Mirra Andreeva and Maja Chwalinska will begin at 6:30 p.m. IST on June 6 (Saturday). In India, the match will be telecast live on the  Sony Sports Network while the live stream will be available on SonyLiv and FanCode (applications and websites both).

HEAD-TO-HEAD

This will be the first meeting between World No. 8 Andreeva and World No. 114 Chwalinska.

ROUTE TO THE FINAL

Mirra Andreeva

Semifinal: 6-1, 6-3 against [15] Marta Kostyuk (UKR)

Quarterfinal: 6-0, 6-3 against [18] Sorana Cirstea (ROU)

Round of 16: 6-3, 6-2 against Jil Teichmann (SUI)

Third Round: 6-4, 6-2 against [27] Marie Bouzkova (CZE)

Second Round: 3-6, 6-1, 6-1 against [Q] Marina Bassols Ribera (ESP)

First Round: 6-3, 6-3 against [WC] Fiona Ferro (FRA)

Maja Chwalinska

Semifinal: 7-6(4), 6-4 against [25] Diana Shnaider

Quarterfinal: 7-6(3), 6-3 against [22] Anna Kalinskaya

Round of 16: 6-3, 6-2 against Diane Parry (FRA)

Third Round: 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 against Maria Sakkari (GRE)

Second Round: 6-4, 6-0 against [23] Elise Mertens (BEL)

First Round: 6-4, 6-0 against Qinwen Zheng (CHN)

Time spent on court

Andreeva: 8 hours 14 minutes

Chwalinska: 10 hours 52 minutes

Published on Jun 06, 2026

#Andreeva #Chwalinska #French #Open #Final #Preview #headtohead #record #live #streaming #info">Andreeva vs Chwalinska, French Open 2026 Final: Preview, head-to-head record, live streaming info

PREVIEW

If the French Open women’s final appears on paper to be a mismatch between a teenage prodigy and an unheralded qualifier, Poland’s Maja ​Chwalinska has spent the past fortnight proving appearances can be deceiving.

Russian eighth seed Mirra Andreeva ‌arrives at Saturday’s showpiece as the overwhelming favourite after bulldozing her way ​through the draw, dropping only 12 games in her last three matches ⁠and looking every inch a future Grand Slam champion.

Yet, across the net will stand a player whose improbable run has become one of the stories of the tournament.

Read the full preview here.

LIVESTREAM AND TELECAST INFO

When and where to watch French Open 2026 women’s singles final between Mirra Andreeva and Maja Chwalinska in India?

The French Open 2026 women’s singles final between Mirra Andreeva and Maja Chwalinska will begin at 6:30 p.m. IST on June 6 (Saturday). In India, the match will be telecast live on the  Sony Sports Network while the live stream will be available on SonyLiv and FanCode (applications and websites both).

HEAD-TO-HEAD

This will be the first meeting between World No. 8 Andreeva and World No. 114 Chwalinska.

ROUTE TO THE FINAL

Mirra Andreeva

Semifinal: 6-1, 6-3 against [15] Marta Kostyuk (UKR)

Quarterfinal: 6-0, 6-3 against [18] Sorana Cirstea (ROU)

Round of 16: 6-3, 6-2 against Jil Teichmann (SUI)

Third Round: 6-4, 6-2 against [27] Marie Bouzkova (CZE)

Second Round: 3-6, 6-1, 6-1 against [Q] Marina Bassols Ribera (ESP)

First Round: 6-3, 6-3 against [WC] Fiona Ferro (FRA)

Maja Chwalinska

Semifinal: 7-6(4), 6-4 against [25] Diana Shnaider

Quarterfinal: 7-6(3), 6-3 against [22] Anna Kalinskaya

Round of 16: 6-3, 6-2 against Diane Parry (FRA)

Third Round: 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 against Maria Sakkari (GRE)

Second Round: 6-4, 6-0 against [23] Elise Mertens (BEL)

First Round: 6-4, 6-0 against Qinwen Zheng (CHN)

Time spent on court

Andreeva: 8 hours 14 minutes

Chwalinska: 10 hours 52 minutes

Published on Jun 06, 2026

#Andreeva #Chwalinska #French #Open #Final #Preview #headtohead #record #live #streaming #info
Deadspin | Late surge allows Tyrrell Hatton to seize lead at LIV Golf Andalucia May 10, 2026; Sterling, Virginia, USA; Tyrrell Hatton looks down a fairway during the final round of LIV Golf Virginia golf tournament at Trump National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Jack Power-Imagn Images Tyrrell Hatton carded a 2-under-par 69 on Friday to secure a two-stroke lead after the second round of LIV Golf Andalucia in Valderrama, Spain. Hatton recorded an eagle on the par-5 17th hole to highlight a round in which he also collected three birdies and three bogeys at Real Club Valderrama, home of the 1997 Ryder Cup. The 34-year-old Englishman is at 6-under par for the tournament and holds a two-shot lead over Thomas Detry of Belgium, who shot a 70 on Friday. “Yeah, certainly if you’d have said to me on Wednesday that I’d have a two-shot lead going into the weekend, I probably wouldn’t have believed you, to be honest,” Hatton said. “As I said (Thursday), I feel like I had a good warmup and allowed me to — I simplified a few things and just kind of went out with that feeling, and I feel like I hit some really good golf shots. “Tried to do the same thing again today. It was a tricky day, so even if you did hit some good shots, it was pretty easy to miss the greens. Yeah, I’m happy with how it feels, and hopefully I can keep going with that this weekend.” Hatton admitted that the front nine proved “pretty frustrating” and his bogey on No. 10 did him no favors before it began to turn around at the 11th hole. “Yeah, obviously making birdie on 11 and then a really good up-and-down on 12, and then a bonus putt on 13 kind of really got me going momentum-wise,” he said. “The eagle on 17 was clearly a highlight and definitely a bonus, as well.” Hatton also has helped Legion XIII claim a two-shot lead in the team competition. Legion XIII shot 5-under on Friday to rest at 3-under for the tournament, with Ripper GC and 4Aces GC each at 1-under. Detry saw his string of bogey-free holes end at 32 to start the tournament before recording two over his final four holes on Friday. “It’s a grind out there,” Detry said. “Bit of a shame to have leaked two more shots there on 15 and 18. But I feel like my game is in a pretty good spot for my fifth week in a row.” Scott Vincent, from Zimbabwe, shot a 72 on Friday to fall into a four-way tie for third place at 3-under for the tournament. Defending champion Talor Gooch shot up the rankings with a 67 on Friday to pull even with Vincent, Sergio Garcia (70) of Spain and Australia’s Cam Smith (70). Gooch recorded an eagle on the 11th hole to highlight a round in which he also had five birdies and three bogeys. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Late #surge #Tyrrell #Hatton #seize #lead #LIV #Golf #AndaluciaMay 10, 2026; Sterling, Virginia, USA; Tyrrell Hatton looks down a fairway during the final round of LIV Golf Virginia golf tournament at Trump National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Jack Power-Imagn Images

Tyrrell Hatton carded a 2-under-par 69 on Friday to secure a two-stroke lead after the second round of LIV Golf Andalucia in Valderrama, Spain.

Hatton recorded an eagle on the par-5 17th hole to highlight a round in which he also collected three birdies and three bogeys at Real Club Valderrama, home of the 1997 Ryder Cup.

The 34-year-old Englishman is at 6-under par for the tournament and holds a two-shot lead over Thomas Detry of Belgium, who shot a 70 on Friday.

“Yeah, certainly if you’d have said to me on Wednesday that I’d have a two-shot lead going into the weekend, I probably wouldn’t have believed you, to be honest,” Hatton said. “As I said (Thursday), I feel like I had a good warmup and allowed me to — I simplified a few things and just kind of went out with that feeling, and I feel like I hit some really good golf shots.

“Tried to do the same thing again today. It was a tricky day, so even if you did hit some good shots, it was pretty easy to miss the greens. Yeah, I’m happy with how it feels, and hopefully I can keep going with that this weekend.”

Hatton admitted that the front nine proved “pretty frustrating” and his bogey on No. 10 did him no favors before it began to turn around at the 11th hole.


“Yeah, obviously making birdie on 11 and then a really good up-and-down on 12, and then a bonus putt on 13 kind of really got me going momentum-wise,” he said. “The eagle on 17 was clearly a highlight and definitely a bonus, as well.”

Hatton also has helped Legion XIII claim a two-shot lead in the team competition. Legion XIII shot 5-under on Friday to rest at 3-under for the tournament, with Ripper GC and 4Aces GC each at 1-under.

Detry saw his string of bogey-free holes end at 32 to start the tournament before recording two over his final four holes on Friday.

“It’s a grind out there,” Detry said. “Bit of a shame to have leaked two more shots there on 15 and 18. But I feel like my game is in a pretty good spot for my fifth week in a row.”

Scott Vincent, from Zimbabwe, shot a 72 on Friday to fall into a four-way tie for third place at 3-under for the tournament.

Defending champion Talor Gooch shot up the rankings with a 67 on Friday to pull even with Vincent, Sergio Garcia (70) of Spain and Australia’s Cam Smith (70).

Gooch recorded an eagle on the 11th hole to highlight a round in which he also had five birdies and three bogeys.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Late #surge #Tyrrell #Hatton #seize #lead #LIV #Golf #Andalucia">Deadspin | Late surge allows Tyrrell Hatton to seize lead at LIV Golf Andalucia May 10, 2026; Sterling, Virginia, USA; Tyrrell Hatton looks down a fairway during the final round of LIV Golf Virginia golf tournament at Trump National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Jack Power-Imagn Images Tyrrell Hatton carded a 2-under-par 69 on Friday to secure a two-stroke lead after the second round of LIV Golf Andalucia in Valderrama, Spain. Hatton recorded an eagle on the par-5 17th hole to highlight a round in which he also collected three birdies and three bogeys at Real Club Valderrama, home of the 1997 Ryder Cup. The 34-year-old Englishman is at 6-under par for the tournament and holds a two-shot lead over Thomas Detry of Belgium, who shot a 70 on Friday. “Yeah, certainly if you’d have said to me on Wednesday that I’d have a two-shot lead going into the weekend, I probably wouldn’t have believed you, to be honest,” Hatton said. “As I said (Thursday), I feel like I had a good warmup and allowed me to — I simplified a few things and just kind of went out with that feeling, and I feel like I hit some really good golf shots. “Tried to do the same thing again today. It was a tricky day, so even if you did hit some good shots, it was pretty easy to miss the greens. Yeah, I’m happy with how it feels, and hopefully I can keep going with that this weekend.” Hatton admitted that the front nine proved “pretty frustrating” and his bogey on No. 10 did him no favors before it began to turn around at the 11th hole. “Yeah, obviously making birdie on 11 and then a really good up-and-down on 12, and then a bonus putt on 13 kind of really got me going momentum-wise,” he said. “The eagle on 17 was clearly a highlight and definitely a bonus, as well.” Hatton also has helped Legion XIII claim a two-shot lead in the team competition. Legion XIII shot 5-under on Friday to rest at 3-under for the tournament, with Ripper GC and 4Aces GC each at 1-under. Detry saw his string of bogey-free holes end at 32 to start the tournament before recording two over his final four holes on Friday. “It’s a grind out there,” Detry said. “Bit of a shame to have leaked two more shots there on 15 and 18. But I feel like my game is in a pretty good spot for my fifth week in a row.” Scott Vincent, from Zimbabwe, shot a 72 on Friday to fall into a four-way tie for third place at 3-under for the tournament. Defending champion Talor Gooch shot up the rankings with a 67 on Friday to pull even with Vincent, Sergio Garcia (70) of Spain and Australia’s Cam Smith (70). Gooch recorded an eagle on the 11th hole to highlight a round in which he also had five birdies and three bogeys. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Late #surge #Tyrrell #Hatton #seize #lead #LIV #Golf #Andalucia

We’re almost a month into the WNBA season, and it’s time for the first WNBA MVP rankings. A couple of disclaimers before we begin: team success is heavily weighed, so if your favorite player’s team has had a difficult start to the season, you’re unlikely to find them here. In this first edition, I excluded any players who are not currently on a playoff team (that means players on the Toronto Tempo, Washington Mystics, Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, Seattle Storm, and Connecticut Sun). Sorry, Kelsey Plum.

For that reason, the list is far from a definitive ranking of the best players in the WNBA. It’s based on production from the first month of the season, and players’ overall impact on winning. Some regular MVP candidates like Alyssa Thomas are not on this list due to their team’s early struggles (the Phoenix Mercury are 3-8 to begin the season).

Now that those disclaimers are out of the way, here’s where everyone stands.

A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces

Team record: 6-3
2026 stats: 24.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.6 blocks, 1.2 steals, 60.1% TS

A’ja Wilson hasn’t made a ton of headlines this season because she’s doing what she always does — dominating on both ends of the floor on a winning squad. Wilson leads the WNBA in points per game (24.8) and blocks (2.6). She’s also shooting 51.9% from the field and a scorching-hot 55.6% from three on two attempts per game. At 6-3, the Aces also have the league’s third-best record. The four-time MVP could very well win her fifth.

Olivia Miles, Minnesota Lynx

Team record: 8-2
2026 stats: 17 points, 6.4 assists, 4.9 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 0.8 blocks, 62.4% TS

Olivia Miles was not expected to be here. But the 23-year-old rookie has been one of the league’s best playmakers, averaging 6.4 assists per game (the 7th-most in the league). She’s also finding her footing as a scorer, averaging 17 points per game (the 15th-most in the league). Her true shooting is the highest of any player on this list.

But what makes Miles’ MVP case most compelling is that the Lynx — despite losing Napheesa Collier to injury and Bridget Carleton, Alanna Smith, Jessica Shepard, and Natisha Hiedeman to new teams — have been the best team in the WNBA through the first month of the season, and Miles has been their most important player.

Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings

Team record: 6-3
2026 stats: 18.3 points, 5.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds, 59.9% TS

At 6-3, the Wings are tied with the Atlanta Dream and Aces for the WNBA’s second-best record. And Paige Bueckers has been the engine that’s made it all work. Bueckers is averaging 18.3 points and 3.7 assists per game, while shooting 49.2% from the field and 42.5% from three.

The Wings have seen contributions from a slew of players — Arike Ogunbowale, Jessica Shepard, and Azzi Fudd have all been important — but if you’re looking for one player to credit for their early success, Bueckers is the obvious choice.

Allisha Gray, Atlanta Dream

Team record: 6-3
2026 stats: 20.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.2 steals, 55.6% TS

The Dream have been one of the WNBA’s best teams, and the two-headed monster of Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard leads them. Gray, who was named to the All-WNBA First Team last year, is the third-leading scorer in the league thus far.

Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever

Team record: 5-4
2026 stats: 19.8 points, 8.1 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 1.1 steals, 54.9% TS

Caitlin Clark is averaging 19.8 points (fourth-most in the WNBA) and 8.1 assists (most in the league) to begin the season. She hasn’t had the most efficient start — her 54.9% TS ranks her below most of the other players on this list — but her gravity and playmaking continue to amaze.

Rhyne Howard, Atlanta Dream

Team record: 6-3
2026 stats: 17.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.8 steals, 57.9% TS

Howard has been instrumental in the Dream’s 6-3 start, and while she’s been outscored by Gray, she is the more impactful defender. To truly be among the league’s best players, however, Howard will need to find more consistency. The former No. 1 overall pick exploded for 36 points on Tuesday, but followed that up with an 8-point performance two nights later.

Kelsey Mitchell, Indiana Fever

Team record: 5-4
2026 stats: 21.1 points, 2.4 assists, 59.6% TS

It’s hard to pin down who has been most important to the Fever this season, Kelsey Mitchell or Caitlin Clark. Mitchell, who is averaging the second-most points per game this season (21.2), gets the edge for now. The 30-year-old guard is shooting 48.6% from the field and 37.5% from three for a 59.6% TS, building off of her MVP-caliber season last year.

Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty

Team record: 6-4
2026 stats: 18.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.1 blocks, 54.6% TS

The Liberty have won 3 straight games after starting the season 3-4, and are now tied with the Valkyries for the fifth-best record in the WNBA. Breanna Stewart, meanwhile, has been their best player, averaging 18.8 points (6th-most) and 8.6 rebounds (1oth-most) per game. But, Stewart’s not higher on this list for a couple of reasons: the Liberty have underachieved, and her three-point shot has completely escaped her — she’s shooting 18.8% from beyond the arc, and defenses are beginning to take notice.

Veronica Burton, Golden State Valkyries

Team record: 6-4
2026 stats: 13.6 points, 5.8 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 55.3% TS

Veronica Burton doesn’t have the gaudy stats some of the players on this list have. But the Valkyries point guard is the team’s engine on both ends and has been crucial to their success so far this season.

#WNBA #MVP #race #Aja #Wilson #Caitlin #Clark #top #players #rank #month">WNBA MVP race: how A’ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark and the top players rank one month in We’re almost a month into the WNBA season, and it’s time for the first WNBA MVP rankings. A couple of disclaimers before we begin: team success is heavily weighed, so if your favorite player’s team has had a difficult start to the season, you’re unlikely to find them here. In this first edition, I excluded any players who are not currently on a playoff team (that means players on the Toronto Tempo, Washington Mystics, Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, Phoenix Mercury, Seattle Storm, and Connecticut Sun). Sorry, Kelsey Plum.For that reason, the list is far from a definitive ranking of the best players in the WNBA. It’s based on production from the first month of the season, and players’ overall impact on winning. Some regular MVP candidates like Alyssa Thomas are not on this list due to their team’s early struggles (the Phoenix Mercury are 3-8 to begin the season).Now that those disclaimers are out of the way, here’s where everyone stands.A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas AcesTeam record: 6-32026 stats: 24.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.6 blocks, 1.2 steals, 60.1% TSA’ja Wilson hasn’t made a ton of headlines this season because she’s doing what she always does — dominating on both ends of the floor on a winning squad. Wilson leads the WNBA in points per game (24.8) and blocks (2.6). She’s also shooting 51.9% from the field and a scorching-hot 55.6% from three on two attempts per game. At 6-3, the Aces also have the league’s third-best record. The four-time MVP could very well win her fifth.Olivia Miles, Minnesota LynxTeam record: 8-22026 stats: 17 points, 6.4 assists, 4.9 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 0.8 blocks, 62.4% TSOlivia Miles was not expected to be here. But the 23-year-old rookie has been one of the league’s best playmakers, averaging 6.4 assists per game (the 7th-most in the league). She’s also finding her footing as a scorer, averaging 17 points per game (the 15th-most in the league). Her true shooting is the highest of any player on this list.But what makes Miles’ MVP case most compelling is that the Lynx — despite losing Napheesa Collier to injury and Bridget Carleton, Alanna Smith, Jessica Shepard, and Natisha Hiedeman to new teams — have been the best team in the WNBA through the first month of the season, and Miles has been their most important player.Paige Bueckers, Dallas WingsTeam record: 6-32026 stats: 18.3 points, 5.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds, 59.9% TSAt 6-3, the Wings are tied with the Atlanta Dream and Aces for the WNBA’s second-best record. And Paige Bueckers has been the engine that’s made it all work. Bueckers is averaging 18.3 points and 3.7 assists per game, while shooting 49.2% from the field and 42.5% from three.The Wings have seen contributions from a slew of players — Arike Ogunbowale, Jessica Shepard, and Azzi Fudd have all been important — but if you’re looking for one player to credit for their early success, Bueckers is the obvious choice.Allisha Gray, Atlanta Dream Team record: 6-32026 stats: 20.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.2 steals, 55.6% TSThe Dream have been one of the WNBA’s best teams, and the two-headed monster of Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard leads them. Gray, who was named to the All-WNBA First Team last year, is the third-leading scorer in the league thus far.Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever Team record: 5-42026 stats: 19.8 points, 8.1 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 1.1 steals, 54.9% TSCaitlin Clark is averaging 19.8 points (fourth-most in the WNBA) and 8.1 assists (most in the league) to begin the season. She hasn’t had the most efficient start — her 54.9% TS ranks her below most of the other players on this list — but her gravity and playmaking continue to amaze.Rhyne Howard, Atlanta DreamTeam record: 6-32026 stats: 17.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.8 steals, 57.9% TSHoward has been instrumental in the Dream’s 6-3 start, and while she’s been outscored by Gray, she is the more impactful defender. To truly be among the league’s best players, however, Howard will need to find more consistency. The former No. 1 overall pick exploded for 36 points on Tuesday, but followed that up with an 8-point performance two nights later.Kelsey Mitchell, Indiana FeverTeam record: 5-42026 stats: 21.1 points, 2.4 assists, 59.6% TSIt’s hard to pin down who has been most important to the Fever this season, Kelsey Mitchell or Caitlin Clark. Mitchell, who is averaging the second-most points per game this season (21.2), gets the edge for now. The 30-year-old guard is shooting 48.6% from the field and 37.5% from three for a 59.6% TS, building off of her MVP-caliber season last year.Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty Team record: 6-42026 stats: 18.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.1 blocks, 54.6% TSThe Liberty have won 3 straight games after starting the season 3-4, and are now tied with the Valkyries for the fifth-best record in the WNBA. Breanna Stewart, meanwhile, has been their best player, averaging 18.8 points (6th-most) and 8.6 rebounds (1oth-most) per game. But, Stewart’s not higher on this list for a couple of reasons: the Liberty have underachieved, and her three-point shot has completely escaped her — she’s shooting 18.8% from beyond the arc, and defenses are beginning to take notice.Veronica Burton, Golden State ValkyriesTeam record: 6-42026 stats: 13.6 points, 5.8 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 55.3% TSVeronica Burton doesn’t have the gaudy stats some of the players on this list have. But the Valkyries point guard is the team’s engine on both ends and has been crucial to their success so far this season. #WNBA #MVP #race #Aja #Wilson #Caitlin #Clark #top #players #rank #month

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