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Deadspin | After February brawl, Hornets and Pistons set for late-season rematch Feb 9, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (24) tries to hold the ball pressured by Detroit Pistons forward Paul Reed (7) and guard/forward Ausar Thompson (9) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images The Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets face each other Friday for the first time in more than two months in a game that will likely draw the attention of both teams. It will mark the first time the teams meet since a brawl that resulted in four player ejections and a later ejection of Charlotte coach Charles Lee. The Pistons beat Charlotte 112-86 at home in December and claimed a 110-104 decision Feb. 9 in the brawl-marred game in Charlotte. The Hornets (43-37) have been off since losing 113-102 on Tuesday night at Boston, ending a four-game winning streak. Yet Charlotte continues to jockey for postseason position. It will be in the Eastern Conference’s play-in tournament at the very least, but there’s a chance to improve that status. The Hornets are 1 1/2 games back of sixth-place Toronto entering Thursday’s action. The Pistons (58-22) are in better shape as they already have clinched the top seed in the Eastern Conference, winning four of their last five games. “I think we’re going to have a great practice and get ourselves ready to play a really tough (team), obviously, the No. 1 seed, in the Detroit Pistons,” Lee said. Cade Cunningham led the Pistons in scoring in both prior games vs. Charlotte, averaging 27.5 points in those outings. Cunningham played Wednesday for the first time since March 17 after missing 11 games because of a collapsed lung. He notched a double-double with 13 points and 10 assists in a 137-111 home rout of the Milwaukee Bucks. Detroit also had Isaiah Stewart back after missing nearly a month with a calf injury. “There is no way to replicate NBA basketball other than playing NBA basketball, so it was great to have them back out there trying to catch a rhythm going down the stretch,” Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. Bickerstaff said Cunningham could be on a minutes restriction if he plays again Friday. “Get him some reps,” Bickerstaff said of the importance of court time. “(How he feels through Thursday) will determine what happens vs. Charlotte.” The February brawl was sparked by a confrontation between Detroit’s Jalen Duren and Charlotte’s Moussa Diabate in the third quarter. Detroit’s Isaiah Stewart, who joined the fray by coming off the bench, and Charlotte’s Miles Bridges were also ejected and suspensions were handed out. With the playoffs beginning within a week or so, it figures that the behavior will be better from both teams. Lee said the defensive intensity from Charlotte has been strong at times. He also liked the tempo the team played with in Boston. “I thought the unselfishness offensively, the pace and execution were great for most of the game,” he said. Guard LaMelo Ball has been heating up again for the Hornets. He tallied 36 points, including a season-best 23 in the first half, in the Boston game. He has scored 35 or more points in back-to-back games for the first time since doing so in three consecutive games in November of 2024. The Hornets did have a backcourt glitch earlier this week with guard Coby White out of action because of groin soreness. He has averaged 17.2 points per game across the past month, so it would be a boost if he’s able to return with the Pistons in town. Friday’s matchup with Detroit will mark the final home game of the regular season for the Hornets. Detroit is 7-2 against the Hornets in the last nine meetings, splitting four clashes in Charlotte during that stretch. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #February #brawl #Hornets #Pistons #set #lateseason #rematch

Deadspin | After February brawl, Hornets and Pistons set for late-season rematch
Deadspin | After February brawl, Hornets and Pistons set for late-season rematch Feb 9, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (24) tries to hold the ball pressured by Detroit Pistons forward Paul Reed (7) and guard/forward Ausar Thompson (9) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images The Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets face each other Friday for the first time in more than two months in a game that will likely draw the attention of both teams. It will mark the first time the teams meet since a brawl that resulted in four player ejections and a later ejection of Charlotte coach Charles Lee. The Pistons beat Charlotte 112-86 at home in December and claimed a 110-104 decision Feb. 9 in the brawl-marred game in Charlotte. The Hornets (43-37) have been off since losing 113-102 on Tuesday night at Boston, ending a four-game winning streak. Yet Charlotte continues to jockey for postseason position. It will be in the Eastern Conference’s play-in tournament at the very least, but there’s a chance to improve that status. The Hornets are 1 1/2 games back of sixth-place Toronto entering Thursday’s action. The Pistons (58-22) are in better shape as they already have clinched the top seed in the Eastern Conference, winning four of their last five games. “I think we’re going to have a great practice and get ourselves ready to play a really tough (team), obviously, the No. 1 seed, in the Detroit Pistons,” Lee said. Cade Cunningham led the Pistons in scoring in both prior games vs. Charlotte, averaging 27.5 points in those outings. Cunningham played Wednesday for the first time since March 17 after missing 11 games because of a collapsed lung. He notched a double-double with 13 points and 10 assists in a 137-111 home rout of the Milwaukee Bucks. Detroit also had Isaiah Stewart back after missing nearly a month with a calf injury. “There is no way to replicate NBA basketball other than playing NBA basketball, so it was great to have them back out there trying to catch a rhythm going down the stretch,” Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. Bickerstaff said Cunningham could be on a minutes restriction if he plays again Friday. “Get him some reps,” Bickerstaff said of the importance of court time. “(How he feels through Thursday) will determine what happens vs. Charlotte.” The February brawl was sparked by a confrontation between Detroit’s Jalen Duren and Charlotte’s Moussa Diabate in the third quarter. Detroit’s Isaiah Stewart, who joined the fray by coming off the bench, and Charlotte’s Miles Bridges were also ejected and suspensions were handed out. With the playoffs beginning within a week or so, it figures that the behavior will be better from both teams. Lee said the defensive intensity from Charlotte has been strong at times. He also liked the tempo the team played with in Boston. “I thought the unselfishness offensively, the pace and execution were great for most of the game,” he said. Guard LaMelo Ball has been heating up again for the Hornets. He tallied 36 points, including a season-best 23 in the first half, in the Boston game. He has scored 35 or more points in back-to-back games for the first time since doing so in three consecutive games in November of 2024. The Hornets did have a backcourt glitch earlier this week with guard Coby White out of action because of groin soreness. He has averaged 17.2 points per game across the past month, so it would be a boost if he’s able to return with the Pistons in town. Friday’s matchup with Detroit will mark the final home game of the regular season for the Hornets. Detroit is 7-2 against the Hornets in the last nine meetings, splitting four clashes in Charlotte during that stretch. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #February #brawl #Hornets #Pistons #set #lateseason #rematchFeb 9, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (24) tries to hold the ball pressured by Detroit Pistons forward Paul Reed (7) and guard/forward Ausar Thompson (9) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets face each other Friday for the first time in more than two months in a game that will likely draw the attention of both teams.

It will mark the first time the teams meet since a brawl that resulted in four player ejections and a later ejection of Charlotte coach Charles Lee.

The Pistons beat Charlotte 112-86 at home in December and claimed a 110-104 decision Feb. 9 in the brawl-marred game in Charlotte.

The Hornets (43-37) have been off since losing 113-102 on Tuesday night at Boston, ending a four-game winning streak.

Yet Charlotte continues to jockey for postseason position. It will be in the Eastern Conference’s play-in tournament at the very least, but there’s a chance to improve that status. The Hornets are 1 1/2 games back of sixth-place Toronto entering Thursday’s action.

The Pistons (58-22) are in better shape as they already have clinched the top seed in the Eastern Conference, winning four of their last five games.

“I think we’re going to have a great practice and get ourselves ready to play a really tough (team), obviously, the No. 1 seed, in the Detroit Pistons,” Lee said.

Cade Cunningham led the Pistons in scoring in both prior games vs. Charlotte, averaging 27.5 points in those outings. Cunningham played Wednesday for the first time since March 17 after missing 11 games because of a collapsed lung. He notched a double-double with 13 points and 10 assists in a 137-111 home rout of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Detroit also had Isaiah Stewart back after missing nearly a month with a calf injury.

“There is no way to replicate NBA basketball other than playing NBA basketball, so it was great to have them back out there trying to catch a rhythm going down the stretch,” Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff said.


Bickerstaff said Cunningham could be on a minutes restriction if he plays again Friday.

“Get him some reps,” Bickerstaff said of the importance of court time. “(How he feels through Thursday) will determine what happens vs. Charlotte.”

The February brawl was sparked by a confrontation between Detroit’s Jalen Duren and Charlotte’s Moussa Diabate in the third quarter. Detroit’s Isaiah Stewart, who joined the fray by coming off the bench, and Charlotte’s Miles Bridges were also ejected and suspensions were handed out.

With the playoffs beginning within a week or so, it figures that the behavior will be better from both teams.

Lee said the defensive intensity from Charlotte has been strong at times. He also liked the tempo the team played with in Boston.

“I thought the unselfishness offensively, the pace and execution were great for most of the game,” he said.

Guard LaMelo Ball has been heating up again for the Hornets. He tallied 36 points, including a season-best 23 in the first half, in the Boston game. He has scored 35 or more points in back-to-back games for the first time since doing so in three consecutive games in November of 2024.

The Hornets did have a backcourt glitch earlier this week with guard Coby White out of action because of groin soreness. He has averaged 17.2 points per game across the past month, so it would be a boost if he’s able to return with the Pistons in town.

Friday’s matchup with Detroit will mark the final home game of the regular season for the Hornets.

Detroit is 7-2 against the Hornets in the last nine meetings, splitting four clashes in Charlotte during that stretch.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #February #brawl #Hornets #Pistons #set #lateseason #rematch

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Feb 9, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (24) tries to hold the ball pressured by Detroit Pistons forward Paul Reed (7) and guard/forward Ausar Thompson (9) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets face each other Friday for the first time in more than two months in a game that will likely draw the attention of both teams.

It will mark the first time the teams meet since a brawl that resulted in four player ejections and a later ejection of Charlotte coach Charles Lee.

The Pistons beat Charlotte 112-86 at home in December and claimed a 110-104 decision Feb. 9 in the brawl-marred game in Charlotte.

The Hornets (43-37) have been off since losing 113-102 on Tuesday night at Boston, ending a four-game winning streak.

Yet Charlotte continues to jockey for postseason position. It will be in the Eastern Conference’s play-in tournament at the very least, but there’s a chance to improve that status. The Hornets are 1 1/2 games back of sixth-place Toronto entering Thursday’s action.

The Pistons (58-22) are in better shape as they already have clinched the top seed in the Eastern Conference, winning four of their last five games.

“I think we’re going to have a great practice and get ourselves ready to play a really tough (team), obviously, the No. 1 seed, in the Detroit Pistons,” Lee said.

Cade Cunningham led the Pistons in scoring in both prior games vs. Charlotte, averaging 27.5 points in those outings. Cunningham played Wednesday for the first time since March 17 after missing 11 games because of a collapsed lung. He notched a double-double with 13 points and 10 assists in a 137-111 home rout of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Detroit also had Isaiah Stewart back after missing nearly a month with a calf injury.

“There is no way to replicate NBA basketball other than playing NBA basketball, so it was great to have them back out there trying to catch a rhythm going down the stretch,” Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff said.

Bickerstaff said Cunningham could be on a minutes restriction if he plays again Friday.

“Get him some reps,” Bickerstaff said of the importance of court time. “(How he feels through Thursday) will determine what happens vs. Charlotte.”

The February brawl was sparked by a confrontation between Detroit’s Jalen Duren and Charlotte’s Moussa Diabate in the third quarter. Detroit’s Isaiah Stewart, who joined the fray by coming off the bench, and Charlotte’s Miles Bridges were also ejected and suspensions were handed out.

With the playoffs beginning within a week or so, it figures that the behavior will be better from both teams.

Lee said the defensive intensity from Charlotte has been strong at times. He also liked the tempo the team played with in Boston.

“I thought the unselfishness offensively, the pace and execution were great for most of the game,” he said.

Guard LaMelo Ball has been heating up again for the Hornets. He tallied 36 points, including a season-best 23 in the first half, in the Boston game. He has scored 35 or more points in back-to-back games for the first time since doing so in three consecutive games in November of 2024.

The Hornets did have a backcourt glitch earlier this week with guard Coby White out of action because of groin soreness. He has averaged 17.2 points per game across the past month, so it would be a boost if he’s able to return with the Pistons in town.

Friday’s matchup with Detroit will mark the final home game of the regular season for the Hornets.

Detroit is 7-2 against the Hornets in the last nine meetings, splitting four clashes in Charlotte during that stretch.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #February #brawl #Hornets #Pistons #set #lateseason #rematch

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Florida AG to probe OpenAI, alleging possible connection to FSU shooting | TechCrunch<div> <p id="speakable-summary" class="wp-block-paragraph">Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DW6l_tJkTFu/">announced</a> on Thursday his office will investigate OpenAI for its alleged harm to minors, potential to threaten national security, and its possible link to a <a href="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/crime/article304434411.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">shooting</a> that took place at Florida State University last year.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">“ChatGPT may likely have been used to assist the murderer in the recent mass school shooting at Florida State University that tragically took two lives,” Attorney General Uthmeier said in a video posted to social media.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">On the day of the FSU shooting last April, the suspect <a href="https://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/court-documents-show-florida-state-shooters-ai-chats-leading-up-to-the-attack/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">allegedly asked ChatGPT</a> how the country would react to a shooting at FSU, and what time it would be busiest at the FSU student union. These messages could potentially be used as evidence against the suspect in an October trial about the shooting.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The attorney general cited further concerns about ChatGPT’s encouragement of suicide in certain instances, which have been documented in <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/23/chatgpt-told-them-they-were-special-their-families-say-it-led-to-tragedy/">multiple lawsuits</a> brought by families against OpenAI. He also mentioned his concern that the Chinese Communist Party could use OpenAI’s technology against the United States.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">“As big tech rolls out these technologies, they should not — they cannot — put our safety and security at risk,” he said. “We support innovation. But that doesn’t give any company the right to endanger our children, facilitate criminal activity, empower America’s enemies, or threaten our national security.”</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"/> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">He also called on the Florida legislature to “work quickly” to protect children from the negative impacts of AI.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Each week, more than 900 million people use ChatGPT to improve their daily lives through uses such as learning new skills or navigating complex healthcare systems,” an OpenAI spokesperson said in a statement to TechCrunch. “Our ongoing safety work continues to play an important role in delivering these benefits to everyday people, as well as supporting scientific research and discovery.” </p> <div class="wp-block-techcrunch-inline-cta"> <div class="inline-cta__wrapper"> <p>Techcrunch event</p> <div class="inline-cta__content"> <p> <span class="inline-cta__location">San Francisco, CA</span> <span class="inline-cta__separator">|</span> <span class="inline-cta__date">October 13-15, 2026</span> </p> </div> </div> </div> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">OpenAI added that it builds and continues to improve ChatGPT to understand user intent and respond in appropriate, safe ways. The company said it will cooperate with the Florida attorney general’s investigation.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">On Wednesday, OpenAI unveiled its <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/08/openai-releases-a-new-safety-blueprint-to-address-the-rise-in-child-sexual-exploitation/">Child Safety Blueprint</a>, which includes policy recommendations designed to improve children’s safety as it relates to AI. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This action comes as chatbot makers face pressure to confront their potential role in creating child sexual abuse material (CSAM). According to a recent report from the <a href="https://www.iwf.org.uk/news-media/news/dangerous-ai-child-sexual-abuse-reaches-record-high-as-public-backs-clampdown-on-uncensored-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Internet Watch Foundation</a>, there were over 8,000 reports of AI-generated CSAM in the first half of 2025, which represents a 14% increase year over year.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">OpenAI’s blueprint recommends updating legislation to protect against AI-generated abuse material, refining the reporting process to law enforcement, and instituting better preventative safeguards against abusive uses of AI tools.</p> </div><script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>#Florida #probe #OpenAI #alleging #connection #FSU #shooting #TechCrunchChatGPT,OpenAI

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Deadspin | Forward-thinking Red Sox take momentum into series vs. Cardinals Boston Red Sox pitcher Connelly Early (71) throws a pitch in the second inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Boston Red Sox at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, March 29, 2026. The game was scoreless after three innings. Finally, the Boston Red Sox have a turn in the right direction. Back-to-back victories over the Milwaukee Brewers have the Red Sox feeling good as they turn their attention to another National League Central opponent, with the opener of a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday night. Strong pitching performances set the stage for Boston’s two latest victories, as left-hander Garrett Crochet and right-hander Sonny Gray each pitched 6 1/3 innings en route to their respective 3-2 and 5-0 decisions. Now, manager Alex Cora looks to southpaw Connelly Early (0-0, 2.89 ERA) to continue the trend. “We will pitch. We’re going to be better,” Cora said. “And for this team to make it to October, we have to pitch. And we will.” Though the Red Sox lost his first two starts of 2026 by 3-2 scores, Early has picked up where he left off as a rookie last September. The 24-year-old has allowed just three runs and struck out 10 through 9 1/3 innings, including four innings of two-run ball in his start Saturday against the San Diego Padres. Across four starts late last season, Early was 1-2 with a 2.33 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 19 1/3 frames. “Stuff-wise, he’s really good,” Cora said earlier this season. “He slows down the moments, and he’s getting better.” Like Gray did after Crochet, Early will look to help the Red Sox continue building momentum from their first series win. There were more positive signs, too, as Wilyer Abreu continued his hot start (.383 average) with a 2-for-4 effort on Wednesday, and Trevor Story erased an 0-for-16 funk with a four-game hit streak and three straight multi-RBI performances. “(The slow start is) already in the past. We’ve got to move forward,” catcher Carlos Narvaez said. “We won the series. That’s all that matters now. We’ve got six on the road.” The Cardinals return home with momentum themselves, having followed up a 7-6, 10-inning triumph on Tuesday with a convincing 6-1 effort on Wednesday against the Washington Nationals. It has been a stretch to remember for 23-year-old outfielder Jordan Walker, who homered in all three games against Washington and four of the last five, giving him 12 RBI and a 1.049 OPS for the season. “Man, I always feel like I can do it,” Walker said. “But just working with the guys all day … (my confidence) is just going through the roof right now and I’ve got to get it to stay there.” On top of Walker continuing his recent exploits, Alec Burleson went 3-for-4 with three RBI and starter Michael McGreevy (1-1) pitched six solid innings to lead to Wednesday’s win. It was just the second of seven St. Louis victories that did not require a comeback effort. “It’s a very complete team. That’s how it feels,” McGreevy said. “Everything you want out of a baseball team. You’ve got great defenders behind you. You’ve got great offense. I never felt like we were out of any game on this road trip.” Manager Oliver Marmol agrees. “The style of play, how we’re winning these ballgames, has been consistent,” he said. “More proud of that than anything.” However, the struggles of Dustin May (0-2, 15.95) have been a sore spot for St. Louis thus far, as the veteran righty has been touched up for 13 runs on 17 hits in just 7 1/3 innings. He lasted just 3 1/3 and allowed seven runs last Saturday in an 11-6 setback to the host Detroit Tigers. May made six appearances (five starts) for the Red Sox late last season. His only career appearance against them was a five-inning losing effort on July 27, just four days before the Los Angeles Dodgers traded him to Boston. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Forwardthinking #Red #Sox #momentum #series #CardinalsBoston Red Sox pitcher Connelly Early (71) throws a pitch in the second inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Boston Red Sox at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, March 29, 2026. The game was scoreless after three innings.

Finally, the Boston Red Sox have a turn in the right direction.

Back-to-back victories over the Milwaukee Brewers have the Red Sox feeling good as they turn their attention to another National League Central opponent, with the opener of a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday night.

Strong pitching performances set the stage for Boston’s two latest victories, as left-hander Garrett Crochet and right-hander Sonny Gray each pitched 6 1/3 innings en route to their respective 3-2 and 5-0 decisions. Now, manager Alex Cora looks to southpaw Connelly Early (0-0, 2.89 ERA) to continue the trend.

“We will pitch. We’re going to be better,” Cora said. “And for this team to make it to October, we have to pitch. And we will.”

Though the Red Sox lost his first two starts of 2026 by 3-2 scores, Early has picked up where he left off as a rookie last September. The 24-year-old has allowed just three runs and struck out 10 through 9 1/3 innings, including four innings of two-run ball in his start Saturday against the San Diego Padres.

Across four starts late last season, Early was 1-2 with a 2.33 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 19 1/3 frames.

“Stuff-wise, he’s really good,” Cora said earlier this season. “He slows down the moments, and he’s getting better.”

Like Gray did after Crochet, Early will look to help the Red Sox continue building momentum from their first series win. There were more positive signs, too, as Wilyer Abreu continued his hot start (.383 average) with a 2-for-4 effort on Wednesday, and Trevor Story erased an 0-for-16 funk with a four-game hit streak and three straight multi-RBI performances.

“(The slow start is) already in the past. We’ve got to move forward,” catcher Carlos Narvaez said. “We won the series. That’s all that matters now. We’ve got six on the road.”


The Cardinals return home with momentum themselves, having followed up a 7-6, 10-inning triumph on Tuesday with a convincing 6-1 effort on Wednesday against the Washington Nationals.

It has been a stretch to remember for 23-year-old outfielder Jordan Walker, who homered in all three games against Washington and four of the last five, giving him 12 RBI and a 1.049 OPS for the season.

“Man, I always feel like I can do it,” Walker said. “But just working with the guys all day … (my confidence) is just going through the roof right now and I’ve got to get it to stay there.”

On top of Walker continuing his recent exploits, Alec Burleson went 3-for-4 with three RBI and starter Michael McGreevy (1-1) pitched six solid innings to lead to Wednesday’s win. It was just the second of seven St. Louis victories that did not require a comeback effort.

“It’s a very complete team. That’s how it feels,” McGreevy said. “Everything you want out of a baseball team. You’ve got great defenders behind you. You’ve got great offense. I never felt like we were out of any game on this road trip.”

Manager Oliver Marmol agrees.

“The style of play, how we’re winning these ballgames, has been consistent,” he said. “More proud of that than anything.”

However, the struggles of Dustin May (0-2, 15.95) have been a sore spot for St. Louis thus far, as the veteran righty has been touched up for 13 runs on 17 hits in just 7 1/3 innings. He lasted just 3 1/3 and allowed seven runs last Saturday in an 11-6 setback to the host Detroit Tigers.

May made six appearances (five starts) for the Red Sox late last season. His only career appearance against them was a five-inning losing effort on July 27, just four days before the Los Angeles Dodgers traded him to Boston.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Forwardthinking #Red #Sox #momentum #series #Cardinals">Deadspin | Forward-thinking Red Sox take momentum into series vs. Cardinals Boston Red Sox pitcher Connelly Early (71) throws a pitch in the second inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Boston Red Sox at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, March 29, 2026. The game was scoreless after three innings. Finally, the Boston Red Sox have a turn in the right direction. Back-to-back victories over the Milwaukee Brewers have the Red Sox feeling good as they turn their attention to another National League Central opponent, with the opener of a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday night. Strong pitching performances set the stage for Boston’s two latest victories, as left-hander Garrett Crochet and right-hander Sonny Gray each pitched 6 1/3 innings en route to their respective 3-2 and 5-0 decisions. Now, manager Alex Cora looks to southpaw Connelly Early (0-0, 2.89 ERA) to continue the trend. “We will pitch. We’re going to be better,” Cora said. “And for this team to make it to October, we have to pitch. And we will.” Though the Red Sox lost his first two starts of 2026 by 3-2 scores, Early has picked up where he left off as a rookie last September. The 24-year-old has allowed just three runs and struck out 10 through 9 1/3 innings, including four innings of two-run ball in his start Saturday against the San Diego Padres. Across four starts late last season, Early was 1-2 with a 2.33 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 19 1/3 frames. “Stuff-wise, he’s really good,” Cora said earlier this season. “He slows down the moments, and he’s getting better.” Like Gray did after Crochet, Early will look to help the Red Sox continue building momentum from their first series win. There were more positive signs, too, as Wilyer Abreu continued his hot start (.383 average) with a 2-for-4 effort on Wednesday, and Trevor Story erased an 0-for-16 funk with a four-game hit streak and three straight multi-RBI performances. “(The slow start is) already in the past. We’ve got to move forward,” catcher Carlos Narvaez said. “We won the series. That’s all that matters now. We’ve got six on the road.” The Cardinals return home with momentum themselves, having followed up a 7-6, 10-inning triumph on Tuesday with a convincing 6-1 effort on Wednesday against the Washington Nationals. It has been a stretch to remember for 23-year-old outfielder Jordan Walker, who homered in all three games against Washington and four of the last five, giving him 12 RBI and a 1.049 OPS for the season. “Man, I always feel like I can do it,” Walker said. “But just working with the guys all day … (my confidence) is just going through the roof right now and I’ve got to get it to stay there.” On top of Walker continuing his recent exploits, Alec Burleson went 3-for-4 with three RBI and starter Michael McGreevy (1-1) pitched six solid innings to lead to Wednesday’s win. It was just the second of seven St. Louis victories that did not require a comeback effort. “It’s a very complete team. That’s how it feels,” McGreevy said. “Everything you want out of a baseball team. You’ve got great defenders behind you. You’ve got great offense. I never felt like we were out of any game on this road trip.” Manager Oliver Marmol agrees. “The style of play, how we’re winning these ballgames, has been consistent,” he said. “More proud of that than anything.” However, the struggles of Dustin May (0-2, 15.95) have been a sore spot for St. Louis thus far, as the veteran righty has been touched up for 13 runs on 17 hits in just 7 1/3 innings. He lasted just 3 1/3 and allowed seven runs last Saturday in an 11-6 setback to the host Detroit Tigers. May made six appearances (five starts) for the Red Sox late last season. His only career appearance against them was a five-inning losing effort on July 27, just four days before the Los Angeles Dodgers traded him to Boston. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Forwardthinking #Red #Sox #momentum #series #Cardinals

Barcelona has carried its fury beyond the dugout and into UEFA’s inbox, ​lodging a formal complaint on Thursday over the officiating in ‌its 2-0 home defeat by Atletico Madrid ​in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg.

The ⁠row centres on an incident early in the second half when Barca appealed for a penalty after Atletico goalkeeper Juan ‌Musso appeared to have put the ball back into play from a goal kick ‌before defender Marc Pubill handled it inside the ‌six-yard ⁠box to retake it.

Referee Istvan Kovacs waved ⁠play on, and the VAR team did not summon him to the monitor, drawing furious reactions from the Barcelona bench.

“Barcelona inform ​that the club legal ‌services have submitted a complaint to UEFA today regarding the events in the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Atletico Madrid,” the club said in ‌an official statement on Thursday.

“The complaint centres ​around a specific action. In the 54th minute of the match, after play had ⁠been restarted correctly, an opponent player picked up the ball in their area without being shown the corresponding ‌penalty,” it added.

“Barcelona understand that this decision, along with a grave lack of intervention by VAR, represents a major error. Accordingly, the club has requested an investigation be opened, access to refereeing communications, and where applicable, official acknowledgment of the errors and ‌the adoption of the relevant measures.”

Interpretations of similar incidents have varied. ​In the Champions League quarterfinals in April 2024, the referee did not award a ⁠penalty to Bayern Munich after Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes touched ⁠the ball following what appeared to be a restart from goalkeeper David Raya.

Later in 2024, ‌VAR intervened to award Club Brugge a penalty in a comparable exchange involving Aston Villa goalkeeper ​Emiliano Martinez and defender Tyrone Mings.

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#Barcelona #lodges #UEFA #complaint #Atletico #defeat">Barcelona lodges UEFA complaint after Atletico defeat Barcelona has carried its fury beyond the dugout and into UEFA’s inbox, ​lodging a formal complaint on Thursday over the officiating in ‌its 2-0 home defeat by Atletico Madrid ​in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg.The ⁠row centres on an incident early in the second half when Barca appealed for a penalty after Atletico goalkeeper Juan ‌Musso appeared to have put the ball back into play from a goal kick ‌before defender Marc Pubill handled it inside the ‌six-yard ⁠box to retake it.Referee Istvan Kovacs waved ⁠play on, and the VAR team did not summon him to the monitor, drawing furious reactions from the Barcelona bench.“Barcelona inform ​that the club legal ‌services have submitted a complaint to UEFA today regarding the events in the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Atletico Madrid,” the club said in ‌an official statement on Thursday.“The complaint centres ​around a specific action. In the 54th minute of the match, after play had ⁠been restarted correctly, an opponent player picked up the ball in their area without being shown the corresponding ‌penalty,” it added.“Barcelona understand that this decision, along with a grave lack of intervention by VAR, represents a major error. Accordingly, the club has requested an investigation be opened, access to refereeing communications, and where applicable, official acknowledgment of the errors and ‌the adoption of the relevant measures.”Interpretations of similar incidents have varied. ​In the Champions League quarterfinals in April 2024, the referee did not award a ⁠penalty to Bayern Munich after Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes touched ⁠the ball following what appeared to be a restart from goalkeeper David Raya.Later in 2024, ‌VAR intervened to award Club Brugge a penalty in a comparable exchange involving Aston Villa goalkeeper ​Emiliano Martinez and defender Tyrone Mings.Published on Apr 10, 2026 #Barcelona #lodges #UEFA #complaint #Atletico #defeat

Deadspin | Nuggets take aim at No. 3 seed in the West against Thunder Apr 8, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) controls the ball as Memphis Grizzlies forward Toby Okani (5) guards in the third quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Oklahoma City wrapped up the No. 1 overall seed with a win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night, making the final two games inconsequential for the reigning NBA champions. The Denver Nuggets, on the other hand, have something to play for when they host the Thunder on Friday night. Denver (52-28) leads the Los Angeles Lakers for the No. 3 seed, which would mean avoiding the Thunder (64-16) in the second round should both make it that far. The Nuggets have won 10 in a row for the first time in 13 years to climb into third place, and close out their home schedule against Oklahoma City. They finish the season Sunday night in San Antonio, which has locked up the No. 2 seed. The Thunder have won the first three matchups between the teams, the last one on March 9 when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hit a 3-pointer at the horn to win it, part of a streak of winning 19 of their last 20 overall to hold off the Spurs for the top seed. “It’s impressive,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the win over the Clippers. “Obviously, none of it means anything if you don’t win in the end, and you know that. But teams that win in the end have some of the same characteristics and traits and check off the same boxes. “So checking off those boxes is kind of just like knowing we’re headed in the right direction,” he continued. “Obviously, we’re far from the finish line of where we want to go, but like I said, it lets us know we’re heading right there.” Oklahoma City is trying to league’s first repeat winner since Golden State in 2017-18, and Gilgeous-Alexander, who is second in the NBA in scoring at 31.1 points a game, is favored to win his second straight MVP. The Thunder may choose to rest some of their top players on Friday night, which would benefit Denver. The Nuggets, who have won their last 10 home games, are surging at the right time of the year despite needing rallies to beat bad teams. “I think some of the wins have been better than others, we’ve played better,” guard Christian Braun said after Denver rallied to beat the visiting Memphis Grizzlies. “In this league, a win’s a win. You’ve got to find a way to string them together however you can get them. We’ve done a good job of doing that. Now we’ve got to keep it going.” One of Gilgeous-Alexander’s main competitors for league MVP is Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets center is averaging a triple-double for the second straight season (27.8 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.9 assists) and is poised to become the first player in NBA history to lead the league in rebounding and assists. Last season, Denver took the Thunder to seven games in the second round but feel better equipped for a longer playoff run this time. The Nuggets are deeper, with the ability to go nine or 10 deep when fully healthy if guard Peyton Watson and forward Spencer Jones can return from hamstring injuries for the postseason. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Nuggets #aim #seed #West #ThunderApr 8, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) controls the ball as Memphis Grizzlies forward Toby Okani (5) guards in the third quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Oklahoma City wrapped up the No. 1 overall seed with a win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night, making the final two games inconsequential for the reigning NBA champions.

The Denver Nuggets, on the other hand, have something to play for when they host the Thunder on Friday night.

Denver (52-28) leads the Los Angeles Lakers for the No. 3 seed, which would mean avoiding the Thunder (64-16) in the second round should both make it that far. The Nuggets have won 10 in a row for the first time in 13 years to climb into third place, and close out their home schedule against Oklahoma City.

They finish the season Sunday night in San Antonio, which has locked up the No. 2 seed.

The Thunder have won the first three matchups between the teams, the last one on March 9 when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hit a 3-pointer at the horn to win it, part of a streak of winning 19 of their last 20 overall to hold off the Spurs for the top seed.

“It’s impressive,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the win over the Clippers. “Obviously, none of it means anything if you don’t win in the end, and you know that. But teams that win in the end have some of the same characteristics and traits and check off the same boxes.


“So checking off those boxes is kind of just like knowing we’re headed in the right direction,” he continued. “Obviously, we’re far from the finish line of where we want to go, but like I said, it lets us know we’re heading right there.”

Oklahoma City is trying to league’s first repeat winner since Golden State in 2017-18, and Gilgeous-Alexander, who is second in the NBA in scoring at 31.1 points a game, is favored to win his second straight MVP.

The Thunder may choose to rest some of their top players on Friday night, which would benefit Denver. The Nuggets, who have won their last 10 home games, are surging at the right time of the year despite needing rallies to beat bad teams.

“I think some of the wins have been better than others, we’ve played better,” guard Christian Braun said after Denver rallied to beat the visiting Memphis Grizzlies. “In this league, a win’s a win. You’ve got to find a way to string them together however you can get them. We’ve done a good job of doing that. Now we’ve got to keep it going.”

One of Gilgeous-Alexander’s main competitors for league MVP is Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets center is averaging a triple-double for the second straight season (27.8 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.9 assists) and is poised to become the first player in NBA history to lead the league in rebounding and assists.

Last season, Denver took the Thunder to seven games in the second round but feel better equipped for a longer playoff run this time. The Nuggets are deeper, with the ability to go nine or 10 deep when fully healthy if guard Peyton Watson and forward Spencer Jones can return from hamstring injuries for the postseason.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Nuggets #aim #seed #West #Thunder">Deadspin | Nuggets take aim at No. 3 seed in the West against Thunder Apr 8, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) controls the ball as Memphis Grizzlies forward Toby Okani (5) guards in the third quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Oklahoma City wrapped up the No. 1 overall seed with a win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night, making the final two games inconsequential for the reigning NBA champions. The Denver Nuggets, on the other hand, have something to play for when they host the Thunder on Friday night. Denver (52-28) leads the Los Angeles Lakers for the No. 3 seed, which would mean avoiding the Thunder (64-16) in the second round should both make it that far. The Nuggets have won 10 in a row for the first time in 13 years to climb into third place, and close out their home schedule against Oklahoma City. They finish the season Sunday night in San Antonio, which has locked up the No. 2 seed. The Thunder have won the first three matchups between the teams, the last one on March 9 when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hit a 3-pointer at the horn to win it, part of a streak of winning 19 of their last 20 overall to hold off the Spurs for the top seed. “It’s impressive,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the win over the Clippers. “Obviously, none of it means anything if you don’t win in the end, and you know that. But teams that win in the end have some of the same characteristics and traits and check off the same boxes. “So checking off those boxes is kind of just like knowing we’re headed in the right direction,” he continued. “Obviously, we’re far from the finish line of where we want to go, but like I said, it lets us know we’re heading right there.” Oklahoma City is trying to league’s first repeat winner since Golden State in 2017-18, and Gilgeous-Alexander, who is second in the NBA in scoring at 31.1 points a game, is favored to win his second straight MVP. The Thunder may choose to rest some of their top players on Friday night, which would benefit Denver. The Nuggets, who have won their last 10 home games, are surging at the right time of the year despite needing rallies to beat bad teams. “I think some of the wins have been better than others, we’ve played better,” guard Christian Braun said after Denver rallied to beat the visiting Memphis Grizzlies. “In this league, a win’s a win. You’ve got to find a way to string them together however you can get them. We’ve done a good job of doing that. Now we’ve got to keep it going.” One of Gilgeous-Alexander’s main competitors for league MVP is Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets center is averaging a triple-double for the second straight season (27.8 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.9 assists) and is poised to become the first player in NBA history to lead the league in rebounding and assists. Last season, Denver took the Thunder to seven games in the second round but feel better equipped for a longer playoff run this time. The Nuggets are deeper, with the ability to go nine or 10 deep when fully healthy if guard Peyton Watson and forward Spencer Jones can return from hamstring injuries for the postseason. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Nuggets #aim #seed #West #Thunder

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