Deadspin | Braves tally six runs in sixth to outslug Guardians Apr 10, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) celebrates with catcher Drake Baldwin (30) after a two-run home run against the Cleveland Guardians in the sixth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Ronald Acuna Jr., Matt Olson and Michael Harris II each hit home runs in the sixth inning as the Atlanta Braves picked up an 11-5 win over the visiting Cleveland Guardians on Friday. Atlanta sent 10 batters to the plate, pounded out seven hits and scored six runs in the decisive sixth inning. Acuna’s first home run of the season came on a hanging curve ball and tied the game at 2-2. Drake Baldwin singled to center before Olson launched a 3-0 pitch to right field for a two-run homer and the put the Braves up 4-2. Austin Riley singled to left field and scored on Dominic Smith’s RBI single for a 5-2 lead. Harris’ two-run shot scored Smith as the Braves opened up a 7-2 lead. Ozzie Albies and Smith notched two-out RBI singles in the bottom of the seventh and Atlanta led 9-2. The Guardians loaded the bases in the top of the eighth and a Rhys Hoskins’ RBI single scored Chase DeLauter. Angel Martinez’s RBI bloop single drove in Juan Brito and Hoskins as Cleveland cut its deficit to 9-5. An RBI double by Baldwin gave the Braves a 10-5 lead in the top of the ninth. He scored on an error two hitters later as Atlanta closed out the scoring. Cleveland starting pitcher Slade Cecconi (0-2) took the loss as he threw 5 1/3 innings, yielded seven hits, five runs (four earned), walked one and struck out three. Reliever Tyler Kinley (2-0) picked up the win in with a scoreless sixth inning. Starter Bryce Elder lasted 4 2/3 innings, allowing five hits, two runs, three walks, while recording three strikeouts. Acuna’s broken-bat RBI single up the middle snuck past a drawn-in infield and plated Smith as Atlanta seized a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning. Kyle Manzardo’s solo home run tied the game at 1-1 in the top of the fourth inning. In the top of the fifth, Martinez followed up an opposite field single with a steal of second base. Steven Kwan also lined an opposite field single to left and Martinez scored on an error by Braves left fielder Mike Yastrzemski as the Guardians took a 2-1 lead. Kwan and Martinez each went 2-for-4 for the visitors. Atlanta pounded out 15 hits, led by a 3-for-4 effort by Smith. He scored twice, drove in a pair and raised his batting average to .357. All nine Braves either scored or drove in at least one run. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Braves #tally #runs #sixth #outslug #Guardians

Deadspin | Braves tally six runs in sixth to outslug Guardians
Apr 10, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) celebrates with catcher Drake Baldwin (30) after a two-run home run against the Cleveland Guardians in the sixth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Ronald Acuna Jr., Matt Olson and Michael Harris II each hit home runs in the sixth inning as the Atlanta Braves picked up an 11-5 win over the visiting Cleveland Guardians on Friday.

Atlanta sent 10 batters to the plate, pounded out seven hits and scored six runs in the decisive sixth inning.

Acuna’s first home run of the season came on a hanging curve ball and tied the game at 2-2. Drake Baldwin singled to center before Olson launched a 3-0 pitch to right field for a two-run homer and the put the Braves up 4-2.

Austin Riley singled to left field and scored on Dominic Smith’s RBI single for a 5-2 lead. Harris’ two-run shot scored Smith as the Braves opened up a 7-2 lead.

Ozzie Albies and Smith notched two-out RBI singles in the bottom of the seventh and Atlanta led 9-2.

The Guardians loaded the bases in the top of the eighth and a Rhys Hoskins’ RBI single scored Chase DeLauter. Angel Martinez’s RBI bloop single drove in Juan Brito and Hoskins as Cleveland cut its deficit to 9-5.

An RBI double by Baldwin gave the Braves a 10-5 lead in the top of the ninth. He scored on an error two hitters later as Atlanta closed out the scoring.

Cleveland starting pitcher Slade Cecconi (0-2) took the loss as he threw 5 1/3 innings, yielded seven hits, five runs (four earned), walked one and struck out three. Reliever Tyler Kinley (2-0) picked up the win in with a scoreless sixth inning. Starter Bryce Elder lasted 4 2/3 innings, allowing five hits, two runs, three walks, while recording three strikeouts.

Acuna’s broken-bat RBI single up the middle snuck past a drawn-in infield and plated Smith as Atlanta seized a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning.

Kyle Manzardo’s solo home run tied the game at 1-1 in the top of the fourth inning.

In the top of the fifth, Martinez followed up an opposite field single with a steal of second base. Steven Kwan also lined an opposite field single to left and Martinez scored on an error by Braves left fielder Mike Yastrzemski as the Guardians took a 2-1 lead.

Kwan and Martinez each went 2-for-4 for the visitors.

Atlanta pounded out 15 hits, led by a 3-for-4 effort by Smith. He scored twice, drove in a pair and raised his batting average to .357. All nine Braves either scored or drove in at least one run.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Braves #tally #runs #sixth #outslug #Guardians

Sports news April 11, 2026

Apr 10, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) celebrates with catcher Drake Baldwin (30) after a two-run home run against the Cleveland Guardians in the sixth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Ronald Acuna Jr., Matt Olson and Michael Harris II each hit home runs in the sixth inning as the Atlanta Braves picked up an 11-5 win over the visiting Cleveland Guardians on Friday.

Atlanta sent 10 batters to the plate, pounded out seven hits and scored six runs in the decisive sixth inning.

Acuna’s first home run of the season came on a hanging curve ball and tied the game at 2-2. Drake Baldwin singled to center before Olson launched a 3-0 pitch to right field for a two-run homer and the put the Braves up 4-2.

Austin Riley singled to left field and scored on Dominic Smith’s RBI single for a 5-2 lead. Harris’ two-run shot scored Smith as the Braves opened up a 7-2 lead.

Ozzie Albies and Smith notched two-out RBI singles in the bottom of the seventh and Atlanta led 9-2.

The Guardians loaded the bases in the top of the eighth and a Rhys Hoskins’ RBI single scored Chase DeLauter. Angel Martinez’s RBI bloop single drove in Juan Brito and Hoskins as Cleveland cut its deficit to 9-5.

An RBI double by Baldwin gave the Braves a 10-5 lead in the top of the ninth. He scored on an error two hitters later as Atlanta closed out the scoring.

Cleveland starting pitcher Slade Cecconi (0-2) took the loss as he threw 5 1/3 innings, yielded seven hits, five runs (four earned), walked one and struck out three. Reliever Tyler Kinley (2-0) picked up the win in with a scoreless sixth inning. Starter Bryce Elder lasted 4 2/3 innings, allowing five hits, two runs, three walks, while recording three strikeouts.

Acuna’s broken-bat RBI single up the middle snuck past a drawn-in infield and plated Smith as Atlanta seized a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning.

Kyle Manzardo’s solo home run tied the game at 1-1 in the top of the fourth inning.

In the top of the fifth, Martinez followed up an opposite field single with a steal of second base. Steven Kwan also lined an opposite field single to left and Martinez scored on an error by Braves left fielder Mike Yastrzemski as the Guardians took a 2-1 lead.

Kwan and Martinez each went 2-for-4 for the visitors.

Atlanta pounded out 15 hits, led by a 3-for-4 effort by Smith. He scored twice, drove in a pair and raised his batting average to .357. All nine Braves either scored or drove in at least one run.

–Field Level Media

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Real Madrid drops points in draw with Girona, hands advantage to Barcelona in La Liga <div id="content-body-70850049" itemprop="articleBody">Real Madrid had to settle for a 1-1 draw against mid-table Girona in La Liga on Friday, extending the host’s winless run to three games in all competitions and ‌giving leader Barcelona a chance to stretch its advantage at the top.Federico Valverde put Real ahead six minutes ⁠after half-time, but Girona levelled in the 62nd minute through Thomas Lemar.Barca has 76 points, six ahead of second-placed Real, which has now played a ‌game more. The Catalan side visits Espanyol on Saturday and can move nine clear with seven matches left.Real began ‌the night under pressure, having slipped to a loss at ‌Mallorca ⁠last weekend to trail Barca by seven points.Coach Alvaro Arbeloa ⁠opted for a full-strength side despite Wednesday’s Champions League quarterfinal second leg at Bayern Munich, looming next Wednesday, in which his side must overturn a 2-1 deficit suffered at the Santiago ‌Bernabeu.Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr led the line, with Jude Bellingham in midfield, as Real monopolised possession. Yet, for all its territorial dominance, clear chances proved scarce in a tepid first half ‌short on tempo and inspiration.Girona was content to sit deep and spring forward when possible. It came closest before the break when Azzedine Ounahi unleashed a fierce effort ⁠from inside the box, only for goalkeeper Andriy Lunin to produce a sharp reflex save.The contest finally flickered into life after half-time.Valverde broke ‌the deadlock in the 51st minute with a low strike from the edge of the area that should have posed little threat, but Girona ‘keeper Paulo Gazzaniga allowed the ball to squirm through his arms as he dropped to try to smother it.Real’s relief was short-lived.In the 62nd minute, Lemar surged in from the right ‌and rifled a superb shot from the edge of the box that flew just inside the right post beyond Lunin’s despairing dive to level the score.Real pushed for a winner, but urgency ⁠curdled into anxiety. Attacks were hurried, passes rushed, and composure lacked.Girona held ⁠its shape with discipline to frustrate the crowd, who booed the players with the sensation that their team’s La Liga hopes ‌are dissipating before their eyes.The final whistle was greeted with unease around the Bernabeu, as Real’s stuttering form left the title race tilting ever more firmly towards its old rival Barca.Published on Apr 11, 2026</div> #Real #Madrid #drops #points #draw #Girona #hands #advantage #Barcelona #Liga

Deadspin | Chase Dollander’s stellar relief work guides Rockies past Astros Apr 16, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Colorado Rockies designated hitter Troy Johnston (20) hits a single during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images Chase Dollander recorded a career-high nine strikeouts out of the bullpen while Hunter Goodman hit his third home run of the series as the visiting Colorado Rockies salvaged the finale of a three-game interleague set against the Houston Astros with a 3-2 win on Thursday. Dollander (2-1) allowed one hit and walked two batters while working 5 1/3 scoreless innings. He averaged 99.4 mph on 29 four-seam fastballs and 98.8 mph on 19 sinkers. Victor Vodnik pitched a hitless ninth inning for his second save. The right-hander logged at least four innings of relief for the fourth time this season, joining Bruce Ruffin in 1993 as the only pitchers in franchise history with that distinction. He entered with two outs in the bottom of the first inning after opener Juan Mejia surrendered two runs on three hits. Dollander was exceptional from the onset. He induced Cam Smith to roll into an inning-ending groundout with runners on the corners in the first, and he recorded a called third strike on Jose Altuve to end the second after Yainer Diaz hit into a double play that erased Taylor Trammell. The Altuve at-bat was the first of five consecutive strikeouts for Dollander, who surrendered a one-out single to Joey Loperfido in the fourth only to retire the subsequent five batters on order. He fanned Diaz and Altuve in succession in the fifth, and when he ran into a spot of trouble in the sixth, he responded with strikeouts of Smith and Loperfido to strand two runners in scoring position. Yordan Alvarez and Loperfido spotted Houston a 2-0 lead with RBI singles in the first. The Rockies sliced that deficit in half in the third when Astros starter Ryan Weiss walked the bases loaded to open the frame before Tyler Freeman grounded into a double play that scored Kyle Karros. Goodman led off the fourth with his fourth homer of the season, a game-tying shot to left-center. Freeman pushed the Rockies ahead to stay with his RBI single off Christian Roa (0-1) in the fifth, plating Brenton Doyle. The Astros stranded runners in scoring position in the first, fourth and sixth innings before Carlos Correa lined out to first with the bases loaded to end the seventh. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Chase #Dollanders #stellar #relief #work #guides #Rockies #Astros

#Deadspin #Chase #Dollanders #stellar #relief #work #guides #Rockies #Astros">

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Apr 16, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Colorado Rockies designated hitter Troy Johnston (20) hits a single during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Chase Dollander recorded a career-high nine strikeouts out of the bullpen while Hunter Goodman hit his third home run of the series as the visiting Colorado Rockies salvaged the finale of a three-game interleague set against the Houston Astros with a 3-2 win on Thursday.

Dollander (2-1) allowed one hit and walked two batters while working 5 1/3 scoreless innings. He averaged 99.4 mph on 29 four-seam fastballs and 98.8 mph on 19 sinkers.

Victor Vodnik pitched a hitless ninth inning for his second save.

The right-hander logged at least four innings of relief for the fourth time this season, joining Bruce Ruffin in 1993 as the only pitchers in franchise history with that distinction. He entered with two outs in the bottom of the first inning after opener Juan Mejia surrendered two runs on three hits.

Dollander was exceptional from the onset. He induced Cam Smith to roll into an inning-ending groundout with runners on the corners in the first, and he recorded a called third strike on Jose Altuve to end the second after Yainer Diaz hit into a double play that erased Taylor Trammell.

The Altuve at-bat was the first of five consecutive strikeouts for Dollander, who surrendered a one-out single to Joey Loperfido in the fourth only to retire the subsequent five batters on order. He fanned Diaz and Altuve in succession in the fifth, and when he ran into a spot of trouble in the sixth, he responded with strikeouts of Smith and Loperfido to strand two runners in scoring position.

Yordan Alvarez and Loperfido spotted Houston a 2-0 lead with RBI singles in the first. The Rockies sliced that deficit in half in the third when Astros starter Ryan Weiss walked the bases loaded to open the frame before Tyler Freeman grounded into a double play that scored Kyle Karros.

Goodman led off the fourth with his fourth homer of the season, a game-tying shot to left-center.

Freeman pushed the Rockies ahead to stay with his RBI single off Christian Roa (0-1) in the fifth, plating Brenton Doyle.

The Astros stranded runners in scoring position in the first, fourth and sixth innings before Carlos Correa lined out to first with the bases loaded to end the seventh.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Chase #Dollanders #stellar #relief #work #guides #Rockies #Astros">Deadspin | Chase Dollander’s stellar relief work guides Rockies past Astros

Apr 16, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Colorado Rockies designated hitter Troy Johnston (20) hits a single during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Chase Dollander recorded a career-high nine strikeouts out of the bullpen while Hunter Goodman hit his third home run of the series as the visiting Colorado Rockies salvaged the finale of a three-game interleague set against the Houston Astros with a 3-2 win on Thursday.

Dollander (2-1) allowed one hit and walked two batters while working 5 1/3 scoreless innings. He averaged 99.4 mph on 29 four-seam fastballs and 98.8 mph on 19 sinkers.

Victor Vodnik pitched a hitless ninth inning for his second save.

The right-hander logged at least four innings of relief for the fourth time this season, joining Bruce Ruffin in 1993 as the only pitchers in franchise history with that distinction. He entered with two outs in the bottom of the first inning after opener Juan Mejia surrendered two runs on three hits.

Dollander was exceptional from the onset. He induced Cam Smith to roll into an inning-ending groundout with runners on the corners in the first, and he recorded a called third strike on Jose Altuve to end the second after Yainer Diaz hit into a double play that erased Taylor Trammell.

The Altuve at-bat was the first of five consecutive strikeouts for Dollander, who surrendered a one-out single to Joey Loperfido in the fourth only to retire the subsequent five batters on order. He fanned Diaz and Altuve in succession in the fifth, and when he ran into a spot of trouble in the sixth, he responded with strikeouts of Smith and Loperfido to strand two runners in scoring position.

Yordan Alvarez and Loperfido spotted Houston a 2-0 lead with RBI singles in the first. The Rockies sliced that deficit in half in the third when Astros starter Ryan Weiss walked the bases loaded to open the frame before Tyler Freeman grounded into a double play that scored Kyle Karros.

Goodman led off the fourth with his fourth homer of the season, a game-tying shot to left-center.

Freeman pushed the Rockies ahead to stay with his RBI single off Christian Roa (0-1) in the fifth, plating Brenton Doyle.

The Astros stranded runners in scoring position in the first, fourth and sixth innings before Carlos Correa lined out to first with the bases loaded to end the seventh.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Chase #Dollanders #stellar #relief #work #guides #Rockies #Astros

Ollie Watkins scored again as Aston Villa knocked out Bologna out of the Europa League in a 4-0 rout on Thursday to set up an all-English semifinal against Nottingham Forest.

Unai Emery’s team reached its second European semifinal in three seasons with a 7-1 aggregate victory.

Watkins had netted twice in last week’s 3-1 win in the first leg of the quarterfinal in Italy, and the striker set the pace at Villa Park.

He tapped in a low cross from the left provided by Morgan Rogers for a 1-0 lead after 16 minutes for his 100th goal for Villa.

Rogers had a golden opportunity to increase the lead but Bologna goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia saved his penalty kick.

Only a minute later, though, Villa doubled its lead when Emiliano Buendía scored from a tight angle.

READ | Watkins strikes twice for Aston Villa in 3-1 win at Bologna

Rogers made it 3-0 with another angled shot in the 39th, and Ezri Konsa finished the scoring seconds before the final whistle.

Villa reached the Champions League quarterfinals last season and is on course to secure a spot in the lucrative top-tier competition next campaign while sitting fourth in the Premier League.

Forest made the semifinals by beating 10-man Porto 1-0 in what’s been a successful return to European competition after a 30-year absence. It advanced 2-1 on aggregate after last week’s draw in Portugal.

Morgan Gibbs-White put the hosts ahead in the 12th minute with a deflected effort from outside the box after Porto defender Jan Bednarek was sent off for fouling Chris Wood, who then had to be substituted with a knee injury.

Wood is a key striker for relegation-threatened Nottingham — and New Zealand’s World Cup plans — and only recently returned from a long-term knee injury.

Porto has never beaten a Premier League club in England in 24 attempts.

The last time Nottingham reached a European semifinal was in 1984 in the UEFA Cup.

Freiburg marched into the semifinals by beating Celta Vigo 3-1.

The Bundesliga team reached the last four in a European competition for the first time on a 6-1 aggregate score after last week’s 3-0 victory in the first leg of the quarterfinal.

Freiburg has scored 11 goals in its last three games in the second-tier competition.

Igor Matanović put Freiburg 1-0 up with a stunning left-footed volley from outside the area. Yuito Suzuki doubled the advantage with a deflected shot late in the first half and then beat goalkeeper Ionut Radu after interval.

Williot Swedberg’s consolation goal came in stoppage time for the Spanish hosts.

Freiburg’s next opponent will be Braga, which came from two goals down to win 4-2 at Real Betis after those teams were tied 1-1 from the first leg.

Crystal Palace clinched a last-four spot in the third-tier Conference League despite a 2-1 loss to Fiorentina in Florence.

Palace advanced 4-2 on aggregate after a 3-0 home win in the first leg to meet Ukraine’s Shakhtar, which advanced past AZ Alkmaar on Thursday.

Strasbourg and Rayo Vallecano also advanced.

Italy’s football crisis only worsened with European exits for Bologna and Fiorentina.

As a result, Italy doesn’t have any club in a European semifinal for the first time in seven years.

That came after after Atalanta — the only Italian club to reach the Champions League round of 16 — was eliminated in a whopping 10-2 aggregate loss to Bayern Munich.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#Aston #Villa #sets #allEnglish #Europa #League #semifinal #Nottingham #Forest">

Aston Villa sets up all-English Europa League semifinal against Nottingham Forest Ollie Watkins scored again as Aston Villa knocked out Bologna out of the Europa League in a 4-0 rout on Thursday to set up an all-English semifinal against Nottingham Forest.Unai Emery’s team reached its second European semifinal in three seasons with a 7-1 aggregate victory.Watkins had netted twice in last week’s 3-1 win in the first leg of the quarterfinal in Italy, and the striker set the pace at Villa Park.He tapped in a low cross from the left provided by Morgan Rogers for a 1-0 lead after 16 minutes for his 100th goal for Villa.Rogers had a golden opportunity to increase the lead but Bologna goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia saved his penalty kick.Only a minute later, though, Villa doubled its lead when Emiliano Buendía scored from a tight angle.READ | Watkins strikes twice for Aston Villa in 3-1 win at BolognaRogers made it 3-0 with another angled shot in the 39th, and Ezri Konsa finished the scoring seconds before the final whistle.Villa reached the Champions League quarterfinals last season and is on course to secure a spot in the lucrative top-tier competition next campaign while sitting fourth in the Premier League.Forest made the semifinals by beating 10-man Porto 1-0 in what’s been a successful return to European competition after a 30-year absence. It advanced 2-1 on aggregate after last week’s draw in Portugal.Morgan Gibbs-White put the hosts ahead in the 12th minute with a deflected effort from outside the box after Porto defender Jan Bednarek was sent off for fouling Chris Wood, who then had to be substituted with a knee injury.Wood is a key striker for relegation-threatened Nottingham — and New Zealand’s World Cup plans — and only recently returned from a long-term knee injury.Porto has never beaten a Premier League club in England in 24 attempts.The last time Nottingham reached a European semifinal was in 1984 in the UEFA Cup.Freiburg marched into the semifinals by beating Celta Vigo 3-1.The Bundesliga team reached the last four in a European competition for the first time on a 6-1 aggregate score after last week’s 3-0 victory in the first leg of the quarterfinal.Freiburg has scored 11 goals in its last three games in the second-tier competition.Igor Matanović put Freiburg 1-0 up with a stunning left-footed volley from outside the area. Yuito Suzuki doubled the advantage with a deflected shot late in the first half and then beat goalkeeper Ionut Radu after interval.Williot Swedberg’s consolation goal came in stoppage time for the Spanish hosts.Freiburg’s next opponent will be Braga, which came from two goals down to win 4-2 at Real Betis after those teams were tied 1-1 from the first leg.Crystal Palace clinched a last-four spot in the third-tier Conference League despite a 2-1 loss to Fiorentina in Florence.Palace advanced 4-2 on aggregate after a 3-0 home win in the first leg to meet Ukraine’s Shakhtar, which advanced past AZ Alkmaar on Thursday.Strasbourg and Rayo Vallecano also advanced.Italy’s football crisis only worsened with European exits for Bologna and Fiorentina.As a result, Italy doesn’t have any club in a European semifinal for the first time in seven years.That came after after Atalanta — the only Italian club to reach the Champions League round of 16 — was eliminated in a whopping 10-2 aggregate loss to Bayern Munich.Published on Apr 17, 2026 #Aston #Villa #sets #allEnglish #Europa #League #semifinal #Nottingham #Forest