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Have consistently maintained that Ayush Shetty is a generational talent: P. V. Sindhu  Double Olympic medallist P. V. Sindhu heaped praise on Ayush Shetty after the World No. 25 stunned defending champion and World No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn at the Badminton Asia Championship 2026, becoming only the second Indian ever to reach the men’s singles final at the continental event.“I have consistently maintained that he is a generational talent. In terms of pure natural ability, he stands right up there with the very best young players I have come across. There is a prodigious level of talent in him, and it is something you immediately recognize when you see him on court,” Sindhu said in a social media post.Sindhu proceeded to dissect the technique of Ayush, who had also won the BWF World Junior Championships bronze medal in 2023. She said, “Physically, he has a strong presence on court. His height gives him excellent reach, and he already possesses a very deep, heavy smash that can put opponents under serious pressure.READ: Badminton Asia Championships 2026: Ayush shocks World No. 1 Vitidsarn, becomes second Indian ever to reach men’s singles final“What also stands out is his defensive instinct. He stays very low, reads the shuttle well, and shows a natural ability to absorb pressure in rallies.”Ayush had been extensively training with Irwansyah Adi Pratama, Sindhu’s coach, and the 2019 world champion for three weeks in the lead-up to the tournament. His technical superiority was on full display as he took down Thailand’s Vitidsarn 10-21, 21-19, 21-17 in an hour and 15 minutes in Ningbo.“Like any young athlete with immense potential, there are areas that will determine how far he ultimately goes,“ Sindhu said, before adding: “Fitness and the ability to remain injury-free will be absolutely critical in shaping his long-term career, and that is something we must continue to focus on carefully.”Published on Apr 11, 2026  #consistently #maintained #Ayush #Shetty #generational #talent #Sindhu

Have consistently maintained that Ayush Shetty is a generational talent: P. V. Sindhu

Double Olympic medallist P. V. Sindhu heaped praise on Ayush Shetty after the World No. 25 stunned defending champion and World No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn at the Badminton Asia Championship 2026, becoming only the second Indian ever to reach the men’s singles final at the continental event.

“I have consistently maintained that he is a generational talent. In terms of pure natural ability, he stands right up there with the very best young players I have come across. There is a prodigious level of talent in him, and it is something you immediately recognize when you see him on court,” Sindhu said in a social media post.

Sindhu proceeded to dissect the technique of Ayush, who had also won the BWF World Junior Championships bronze medal in 2023. She said, “Physically, he has a strong presence on court. His height gives him excellent reach, and he already possesses a very deep, heavy smash that can put opponents under serious pressure.

READ: Badminton Asia Championships 2026: Ayush shocks World No. 1 Vitidsarn, becomes second Indian ever to reach men’s singles final

“What also stands out is his defensive instinct. He stays very low, reads the shuttle well, and shows a natural ability to absorb pressure in rallies.”

Ayush had been extensively training with Irwansyah Adi Pratama, Sindhu’s coach, and the 2019 world champion for three weeks in the lead-up to the tournament. His technical superiority was on full display as he took down Thailand’s Vitidsarn 10-21, 21-19, 21-17 in an hour and 15 minutes in Ningbo.

“Like any young athlete with immense potential, there are areas that will determine how far he ultimately goes,“ Sindhu said, before adding: “Fitness and the ability to remain injury-free will be absolutely critical in shaping his long-term career, and that is something we must continue to focus on carefully.”

Published on Apr 11, 2026

#consistently #maintained #Ayush #Shetty #generational #talent #Sindhu

Double Olympic medallist P. V. Sindhu heaped praise on Ayush Shetty after the World No. 25 stunned defending champion and World No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn at the Badminton Asia Championship 2026, becoming only the second Indian ever to reach the men’s singles final at the continental event.

“I have consistently maintained that he is a generational talent. In terms of pure natural ability, he stands right up there with the very best young players I have come across. There is a prodigious level of talent in him, and it is something you immediately recognize when you see him on court,” Sindhu said in a social media post.

Sindhu proceeded to dissect the technique of Ayush, who had also won the BWF World Junior Championships bronze medal in 2023. She said, “Physically, he has a strong presence on court. His height gives him excellent reach, and he already possesses a very deep, heavy smash that can put opponents under serious pressure.

READ: Badminton Asia Championships 2026: Ayush shocks World No. 1 Vitidsarn, becomes second Indian ever to reach men’s singles final

“What also stands out is his defensive instinct. He stays very low, reads the shuttle well, and shows a natural ability to absorb pressure in rallies.”

Ayush had been extensively training with Irwansyah Adi Pratama, Sindhu’s coach, and the 2019 world champion for three weeks in the lead-up to the tournament. His technical superiority was on full display as he took down Thailand’s Vitidsarn 10-21, 21-19, 21-17 in an hour and 15 minutes in Ningbo.

“Like any young athlete with immense potential, there are areas that will determine how far he ultimately goes,“ Sindhu said, before adding: “Fitness and the ability to remain injury-free will be absolutely critical in shaping his long-term career, and that is something we must continue to focus on carefully.”

Published on Apr 11, 2026

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Deadspin | Spacestation, Fuel advance in OWCS NA Stage 1 playoffs <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/13070194.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/13070194.jpg" alt="ESports: Call of Duty League Finals" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Jul 19, 2019; Miami Beach, FL, USA; A general view of custom PlayStation controllers sold by a vender during the Call of Duty League Finals e-sports event at Miami Beach Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Spacestation Gaming rallied past Team Liquid for a 3-2 win as Overwatch Champions Series’ North America Stage 1 playoffs got underway on Friday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Awaiting Spacestation in the upper-bracket final will be the Dallas Fuel, who throttled LuneX Gaming 3-0 on Friday.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Team Liquid and LuneX Gaming will clash on Saturday in the lower-bracket semifinal of the double-elimination playoffs.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>The Overwatch 2 online competition, with a prize pool of $75,000, began with six teams playing a regular season with a round-robin format.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>The top four teams advanced to the regional playoffs, which through Sunday, and all sealed berths in North America Stage 2. All playoff matches are first-to-three except for the grand final, which is first-to-four.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>The championship team will receive $30,000, the runner-up $15,000, with both teams receiving berths in the OCS Champions Clash, scheduled for May 22-24 in Tokyo.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>On Friday, Spacestation Gaming opened with a 2-1 win on Busan Control before Team Liquid captured Blizzard World Hybrid 2-1 and Watchpoint: Gibraltar Escort 3-2. Spacestation pulled level by claiming Suravasa Flashpoint 3-1, then sealed the match by prevailing 144.86 meters to 67.6 meters on Runasapi Push.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-8"> <p>The Fuel cruised past LuneX 2-0 on Busan Control, 144.86m to 77.94m on Runasapi Push and 3-1 on Aatlis Flashpoint.</p> </section> <section id="section-9"> <p>Overwatch Champions Series’ North America Stage 1 prize pool</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>1. $30,000, qualifies for Champions Clash, NA Stage 2</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>2. $15,000, qualifies for Champions Clash, NA Stage 2</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>3. $12,000, qualifies for NA Stage 2</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>4. $8,000, qualifies for NA Stage 2</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>5-6. Extinction, Disguised — $5,000, qualifies for NA Stage 2 promotion/relegation</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Spacestation #Fuel #advance #OWCS #Stage #playoffs

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Deadspin | MLB roundup: Dodgers walk off Rangers on Max Muncy’s 3rd HR of night <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28706150.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28706150.jpg" alt="MLB: Texas Rangers at Los Angeles Dodgers" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 10, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (13) watches the flight of the ball on a walk-off solo home run in the ninth inning to defeat the Texas Rangers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Max Muncy hit a two-out solo shot in the bottom of the ninth to cap his second career three-homer game, giving the host Los Angeles Dodgers an 8-7 walk-off win over the Texas Rangers.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Andy Pages homered and collected his fourth three-hit game of the season for the Dodgers, who overcame the first blown save of the season from closer Edwin Diaz (1-0). Los Angeles won for the sixth time in seven games.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>The Rangers pulled even in the ninth on a two-run homer from Evan Carter and an RBI single from Ezequiel Duran with two outs. That set the stage for Muncy’s winner off Jacob Latz (0-1).</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Corey Seager and Wyatt Langford also went deep for Texas, which had a three-game winning streak end.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Padres 5, Rockies 2</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Gavin Sheets launched a game-ending three-run homer and San Diego walked off visiting Colorado for the second straight game.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Sheets crushed a 434-foot bomb to right-center off Juan Mejia (0-2), his second homer of the game and season, to clinch the Padres’ sixth win in seven games. Mason Miller (1-0) struck out the side in the ninth for the second straight night. The Rockies had evened the score with a pair of two-out runs in the eighth inning.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Rockies starter Tomoyuki Sugano tossed six innings, allowing four hits and two runs. San Diego’s Walker Buehler needed only 68 pitches to fire six scoreless innings, permitting three hits.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Pirates 2, Cubs 0</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Bryan Reynolds hit a two-run home run, Carmen Mlodzinski threw 5 1/3 scoreless innings and visiting Pittsburgh beat Chicago.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Cubs starter Shota Imanaga held Pittsburgh hitless in his six-inning stint. The third pitch from Cubs reliever Caleb Thielbar (1-1) in the seventh was singled to right by Ryan O’Hearn. Reynolds blasted the next pitch for his third homer of the season.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Pittsburgh’s Mason Montgomery (1-0) struck out two batters in relief. Dennis Santana pitched a perfect ninth inning for his first save. Ian Happ produced two hits and Carson Kelly had a single and three walks for the Cubs.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Diamondbacks 5, Phillies 4</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>Ketel Marte and James McCann each drove in two runs as visiting Arizona beat Philadelphia for its fifth win in six games.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>Michael Soroka (3-0) allowed four runs in 5 2/3 innings, striking out 10. Paul Sewald worked around a two-out triple in the ninth to register his fourth save.</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>Brandon Marsh hit a three-run home run for the Phillies, who have lost three in a row. Jesus Luzardo (1-2) was charged with five runs in 4 2/3 innings.</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>Tigers 2, Marlins 0</p> </section><section id="section-18"> <p>Keider Montero tossed six strong innings and three relievers completed the shutout as host Detroit snapped a five-game losing streak by blanking Miami.</p> </section><section id="section-19"> <p>Montero (1-1) allowed just two hits and a walk while recording seven strikeouts. Kenley Jansen recorded his second save of the season and the 478th of his career, tying him with Lee Smith for third place on the all-time list. </p> </section><section id="section-20"> <p>Javier Baez homered, Spencer Torkelson drove in the other run with a single and Colt Keith had two hits for the Tigers. Marlins starter Chris Paddack (0-2) gave up two runs and seven hits in six innings.</p> </section><section id="section-21"> <p>Braves 11, Guardians 5</p> </section><section id="section-22"> <p>Ronald Acuna Jr., Matt Olson and Michael Harris II each hit home runs in the sixth inning as Atlanta picked up a win over visiting Cleveland.</p> </section><section id="section-23"> <p>Atlanta sent 10 batters to the plate, pounded out seven hits and scored six runs in the decisive sixth inning. Reliever Tyler Kinley (2-0) picked up the win with a scoreless sixth inning.</p> </section><section id="section-24"> <p>Cleveland starter Slade Cecconi (0-2) threw 5 1/3 innings and yielded seven hits and, five runs (four earned).</p> </section><section id="section-25"> <p>Nationals 7, Brewers 3</p> </section><section id="section-26"> <p>James Wood highlighted a four-run ninth inning with a run-scoring double as Washington came from behind to beat host Milwaukee.</p> </section><section id="section-27"> <p>The Nationals used three bunts and a hit by pitch off Brewers closer Trevor Megill (0-2) to spark an unusual winning rally. PJ Poulin (1-0) tossed a perfect eighth inning. Nationals starter Jake Irvin gave up two hits and three runs in five innings.</p> </section><section id="section-28"> <p>The Brewers announced Chad Patrick as their starter, but switched up and used Aaron Ashby as an opener. Ashby gave up two runs in the first but settled down to go 2 1/3 innings, allowing three hits and the two runs.</p> </section><section id="section-29"> <p>Angels 10, Reds 2</p> </section><section id="section-30"> <p>Jorge Soler belted a grand slam and Jack Kochanowicz allowed one run over seven innings, fueling visiting Los Angeles to a victory over Cincinnati.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-31"> <p>Zach Neto launched a two-run homer, Josh Lowe also went deep and Yoan Moncada had an RBI single while reaching base four times for the Angels, who ended a two-game skid. Kochanowicz (2-0) permitted just two hits.</p> </section> <section id="section-32"> <p>Elly De La Cruz belted a solo homer for the Reds, who lost their third straight game. Chase Burns (1-1) yielded five runs in 5 1/3 innings.</p> </section><section id="section-33"> <p>Blue Jays 10, Twins 4</p> </section><section id="section-34"> <p>Brandon Valenzuela hit his first career home run, a two-run blast that capped a five-run fourth inning, and Toronto defeated visiting Minnesota.</p> </section><section id="section-35"> <p>Daulton Varsho added a solo shot and a double for the Blue Jays while Vladimir Guerrero had three hits, including two doubles, and an RBI. Davis Schneider contributed two hits and two RBIs as Toronto won its second straight after losing six in a row.</p> </section><section id="section-36"> <p>Ryan Jeffers hit a three-run home run and added two singles for the Twins, who had won their four previous games. Brooks Lee added a solo shot.</p> </section><section id="section-37"> <p>Athletics 4, Mets 0</p> </section><section id="section-38"> <p>A quintet of pitchers combined on a six-hit shutout for the visiting Athletics, who continued their surge with a win over New York.</p> </section><section id="section-39"> <p>Shea Langeliers laced a third-inning run-scoring single before Jeff McNeil (single) and Denzel Clarke (two-run single) added RBI hits in the ninth for the A’s, who have posted two straight shutouts and have won four of their past five. Reliever Jack Perkins (1-0) got the win after throwing 2 1/3 innings.</p> </section><section id="section-40"> <p>Clay Holmes (2-1) gave up one run in 5 1/3 innings for the Mets, exiting due to a left hamstring injury.</p> </section><section id="section-41"> <p>Royals 2, White Sox 0</p> </section><section id="section-42"> <p>Kris Bubic allowed two hits and struck out a career-high 11 over seven stellar shutout innings, and Carter Jensen clubbed a solo home run as Kansas City snapped a three-game skid with a victory over visiting Chicago.</p> </section><section id="section-43"> <p>Bubic (2-1) didn’t yield a hit until Lenyn Sosa led off the fifth inning with a double. The other hit Bubic surrendered came via Derek Hill’s single to open the sixth, as he went on to match the longest outing of his career.</p> </section><section id="section-44"> <p>White Sox starter Davis Martin (2-1) gave up two runs and seven hits without a walk over seven innings.</p> </section><section id="section-45"> <p>Cardinals 3, Red Sox 2</p> </section><section id="section-46"> <p>Dustin May pitched six solid innings as St. Louis edged visiting Boston.</p> </section><section id="section-47"> <p>Jordan Walker went 2-for-4 with a run for the Cardinals, who won thir third straight game. Jose Fermin knocked in the decisive run in the fifth inning. May (1-2), who entered the game with a 15.95 ERA through two starts, allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits.</p> </section><section id="section-48"> <p>Wilyer Abreu went 2-for-4 and Trevor Story drove in a run and stole home for the Red Sox, whose two-game winning streak ended.</p> </section><section id="section-49"> <p>Rays 5, Yankees 3</p> </section><section id="section-50"> <p>Yandy Diaz started an early comeback with a two-run homer to spoil Luis Gil’s season debut and spark Tampa Bay to a victory over New York in St. Petersburg, Fla.</p> </section><section id="section-51"> <p>Seeking more production, Rays manager Kevin Cash moved Diaz to the cleanup spot and elevated Chandler Simpson to the leadoff position. Simpson drove in two runs. Steven Matz (3-0) threw five innings of two-run ball, and Bryan Baker escaped a ninth-inning jam for his second save.</p> </section><section id="section-52"> <p>Gil (0-1) needed 88 pitches to get through his four-inning stint, allowing three runs. Ben Rice homered for the Yankees, who lost their third game in a row.</p> </section><section id="section-53"> <p>Mariners 9, Astros 6</p> </section><section id="section-54"> <p>Randy Arozarena hit a tiebreaking, two-run homer in the fifth inning and Seattle snapped a five-game skid with a victory against visiting Houston.</p> </section><section id="section-55"> <p>Mariners starter Emerson Hancock (2-1) overcame one shaky frame to pitch five innings and allow three runs. Andres Munoz worked around two walks in the ninth for his first save.</p> </section><section id="section-56"> <p>Yordan Alvarez hit a three-run homer for the Astros, who lost their fifth in a row. Reliever Ryan Weiss (0-2) yielded Arozarena’s blast.</p> </section><section id="section-57"> <p>Giants 6, Orioles 3</p> </section><section id="section-58"> <p>Willy Adames, Casey Schmitt and Jung Hoo Lee combined for four runs, five RBIs and seven extra-base hits as San Francisco won at Baltimore.</p> </section><section id="section-59"> <p>Adames and Lee each provided a homer, double and two RBIs while Schmitt drilled three doubles, scored twice and knocked in a run. Landen Roupp (2-1) permitted one run on five hits over six innings.</p> </section><section id="section-60"> <p>Gunnar Henderson hit a two-run homer, his third long ball in the past four games, and Adley Rutschman went 3-for-5 with two doubles for the Orioles, whose three-game winning streak ended. Shane Baz (0-1) gave up three runs in five innings.</p> </section><section id="section-61"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #MLB #roundup #Dodgers #walk #Rangers #Max #Muncys #3rd #night

Deadspin | Shane McClanahan helps Rays blank hapless Giants  May 1, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) throws a pitch during the first inning against San Francisco Giants at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images   Shane McClanahan crafted his second straight scoreless start, Yandy Diaz and Junior Caminero homered, and the Tampa Bay Rays opened a six-game homestand with a 3-0 win over the struggling San Francisco Giants on Friday night at St. Petersburg, Fla.   In a season-longest six inning, the left-handed McClanahan (3-2) allowed five hits, struck out five and did not issue a walk. He pitched five scoreless against the Minnesota Twins in his previous outing,  McClanahan was aided by two double plays to end his final two innings.   Diaz slugged a solo home run in the second, but the designated hitter left the game for a pinch hitter in the seventh. Caminero added a massive solo in the fourth.  Taylor Walls was 2-for-3 with a double, run and stolen base, though the Rays were outhit 6-5 by the visitors.   Giants starting pitcher Robbie Ray (2-4) allowed just four hits in 6 1/3 innings, but three runs came across. He struck out five without a walk.   Luis Arraez doubled for the club’s only extra-base hit as they lost their fourth straight game and were shutout for a majors-high seventh time.   Leading off the bottom of the second and facing a 2-0 offering from Ray, Diaz belted his fifth homer to right on Ray’s four-seam fastball, taking it the other way an estimated 364 feet.   The Giants failed to muster much against McClanahan through the first time through the order, but overaggressive baserunning by Arraez trying to turn his double into a triple led to right field Jake Fraley and shortstop combining to toss out the three-time batting champ at third base.   Just as Diaz did two frames prior, Caminero opened the fourth with a 432-foot rocket to left on another four-seamer from Ray for a 2-0 lead.   After Walls doubled to lead off the sixth and stole third, Chandler Simpson lifted a sacrifice fly for a 3-0 advantage.   Over the seventh and eighth inning, respectively, Tampa Bay relievers Ian Seymour and Cole Sulser kept the Giants off the board.   Closer Bryan Baker pitched a perfect ninth with a strikeout for his eighth save in 10 chances for the staff’s second shutout.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Shane #McClanahan #helps #Rays #blank #hapless #GiantsMay 1, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) throws a pitch during the first inning against San Francisco Giants at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images

Shane McClanahan crafted his second straight scoreless start, Yandy Diaz and Junior Caminero homered, and the Tampa Bay Rays opened a six-game homestand with a 3-0 win over the struggling San Francisco Giants on Friday night at St. Petersburg, Fla.

In a season-longest six inning, the left-handed McClanahan (3-2) allowed five hits, struck out five and did not issue a walk. He pitched five scoreless against the Minnesota Twins in his previous outing,

McClanahan was aided by two double plays to end his final two innings.

Diaz slugged a solo home run in the second, but the designated hitter left the game for a pinch hitter in the seventh. Caminero added a massive solo in the fourth.

Taylor Walls was 2-for-3 with a double, run and stolen base, though the Rays were outhit 6-5 by the visitors.

Giants starting pitcher Robbie Ray (2-4) allowed just four hits in 6 1/3 innings, but three runs came across. He struck out five without a walk.


Luis Arraez doubled for the club’s only extra-base hit as they lost their fourth straight game and were shutout for a majors-high seventh time.

Leading off the bottom of the second and facing a 2-0 offering from Ray, Diaz belted his fifth homer to right on Ray’s four-seam fastball, taking it the other way an estimated 364 feet.

The Giants failed to muster much against McClanahan through the first time through the order, but overaggressive baserunning by Arraez trying to turn his double into a triple led to right field Jake Fraley and shortstop combining to toss out the three-time batting champ at third base.

Just as Diaz did two frames prior, Caminero opened the fourth with a 432-foot rocket to left on another four-seamer from Ray for a 2-0 lead.

After Walls doubled to lead off the sixth and stole third, Chandler Simpson lifted a sacrifice fly for a 3-0 advantage.

Over the seventh and eighth inning, respectively, Tampa Bay relievers Ian Seymour and Cole Sulser kept the Giants off the board.

Closer Bryan Baker pitched a perfect ninth with a strikeout for his eighth save in 10 chances for the staff’s second shutout.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Shane #McClanahan #helps #Rays #blank #hapless #Giants">Deadspin | Shane McClanahan helps Rays blank hapless Giants  May 1, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) throws a pitch during the first inning against San Francisco Giants at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images   Shane McClanahan crafted his second straight scoreless start, Yandy Diaz and Junior Caminero homered, and the Tampa Bay Rays opened a six-game homestand with a 3-0 win over the struggling San Francisco Giants on Friday night at St. Petersburg, Fla.   In a season-longest six inning, the left-handed McClanahan (3-2) allowed five hits, struck out five and did not issue a walk. He pitched five scoreless against the Minnesota Twins in his previous outing,  McClanahan was aided by two double plays to end his final two innings.   Diaz slugged a solo home run in the second, but the designated hitter left the game for a pinch hitter in the seventh. Caminero added a massive solo in the fourth.  Taylor Walls was 2-for-3 with a double, run and stolen base, though the Rays were outhit 6-5 by the visitors.   Giants starting pitcher Robbie Ray (2-4) allowed just four hits in 6 1/3 innings, but three runs came across. He struck out five without a walk.   Luis Arraez doubled for the club’s only extra-base hit as they lost their fourth straight game and were shutout for a majors-high seventh time.   Leading off the bottom of the second and facing a 2-0 offering from Ray, Diaz belted his fifth homer to right on Ray’s four-seam fastball, taking it the other way an estimated 364 feet.   The Giants failed to muster much against McClanahan through the first time through the order, but overaggressive baserunning by Arraez trying to turn his double into a triple led to right field Jake Fraley and shortstop combining to toss out the three-time batting champ at third base.   Just as Diaz did two frames prior, Caminero opened the fourth with a 432-foot rocket to left on another four-seamer from Ray for a 2-0 lead.   After Walls doubled to lead off the sixth and stole third, Chandler Simpson lifted a sacrifice fly for a 3-0 advantage.   Over the seventh and eighth inning, respectively, Tampa Bay relievers Ian Seymour and Cole Sulser kept the Giants off the board.   Closer Bryan Baker pitched a perfect ninth with a strikeout for his eighth save in 10 chances for the staff’s second shutout.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Shane #McClanahan #helps #Rays #blank #hapless #Giants

Deadspin | Stars’ Mikko Rantanen fined K for cross-checking  Apr 20, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) looks on during the game between the Stars and the Wild in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images   Stars forward Mikko Rantanen enters the offseason ,000 lighter, fined that amount Friday for cross-checking Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov on Thursday night.  Minnesota defeated Dallas 5-2 in Game 6 to finish off a 4-2 win in the Western Conference first-round series.  The incident occurred early in the third period with the game tied at 2-2 when Rantanen delivered a high hit while battling for a loose puck. He drew a two-minute penalty for roughing and Kaprizov was able to stay in the game.   Rantanen, 29, recorded seven points (one goal, six assists) and 12 penalty minutes in six games in the series.  He had 77 points (22 goals, 55 assists) in 64 games during the regular season, his first full campaign with Dallas.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Stars #Mikko #Rantanen #fined #crosscheckingApr 20, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) looks on during the game between the Stars and the Wild in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Stars forward Mikko Rantanen enters the offseason $5,000 lighter, fined that amount Friday for cross-checking Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov on Thursday night.

Minnesota defeated Dallas 5-2 in Game 6 to finish off a 4-2 win in the Western Conference first-round series.


The incident occurred early in the third period with the game tied at 2-2 when Rantanen delivered a high hit while battling for a loose puck. He drew a two-minute penalty for roughing and Kaprizov was able to stay in the game.

Rantanen, 29, recorded seven points (one goal, six assists) and 12 penalty minutes in six games in the series.

He had 77 points (22 goals, 55 assists) in 64 games during the regular season, his first full campaign with Dallas.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Stars #Mikko #Rantanen #fined #crosschecking">Deadspin | Stars’ Mikko Rantanen fined K for cross-checking  Apr 20, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) looks on during the game between the Stars and the Wild in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images   Stars forward Mikko Rantanen enters the offseason ,000 lighter, fined that amount Friday for cross-checking Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov on Thursday night.  Minnesota defeated Dallas 5-2 in Game 6 to finish off a 4-2 win in the Western Conference first-round series.  The incident occurred early in the third period with the game tied at 2-2 when Rantanen delivered a high hit while battling for a loose puck. He drew a two-minute penalty for roughing and Kaprizov was able to stay in the game.   Rantanen, 29, recorded seven points (one goal, six assists) and 12 penalty minutes in six games in the series.  He had 77 points (22 goals, 55 assists) in 64 games during the regular season, his first full campaign with Dallas.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Stars #Mikko #Rantanen #fined #crosschecking

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