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Deadspin | Surging Braves set to open series against ‘grinding’ Phillies  Apr 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) hits a home run against the Miami Marlins during the seventh inning at Truist Park. All players are wearing number 42 today in honor of Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images   The Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies are trending in opposite directions heading into their first matchup of the season Friday.  The visiting Braves have won three series in a row, taking two of three from the Los Angeles Angels, Cleveland Guardians and Miami Marlins over the last two weeks. Most recently, Atlanta won its final two against Miami, including a 6-3 victory Wednesday.  “When you start to win games and you start to win series, you start to believe,” Braves manager Walt Weiss said. “I go back to the stuff I was saying in spring training and at the end of camp. It’s just a really good vibe and the guys have a really good look in their eyes. They’re playing that way.”  Bryce Elder pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings Wednesday to lower his ERA to 0.77, while Matt Olson, Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies all hit home runs for Atlanta.  “It’s good offense,” said Weiss, whose team is the only one with a winning record in the National League East. “Especially when we get everyone rolling, it’s going to be a really good offense.”  Philadelphia has lost three series in a row, dropping two of three against the San Francisco Giants, Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs. The Phillies were pounded 11-2 by the Cubs on Wednesday as Jesus Luzardo gave up nine runs (eight earned) on 12 hits in 5 1/3 innings.  “You’ve got to keep grinding,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. “We’re going through a tough time right now in all phases of the game. I don’t think that’s any secret, but we’re going to get better. We’re a good club.”  Trea Turner and Bryce Harper hit solo home runs for Philadelphia, while Adolis Garcia notched two hits. Still, the Phillies lost their third home series of the season — as many as they lost at home all of last year.   “Obviously, we want to win,” Harper said. “It’s the main goal of why we’re here. You never want to lose games. Obviously, it’s early in the season, but I don’t like that notion because I like to win games in April as much as I like to win games in September.”  Harper will face Atlanta left-hander Martin Perez (0-1, 3.14 ERA), who was designated for assignment on Sunday but brought back after he passed through waivers and elected free agency. The 35-year-old allowed one run and two hits in five innings against Cleveland on Saturday.  Perez has made 10 appearances (nine starts) against Philadelphia, going 4-1 with a 3.78 ERA.  The Phillies will give the nod to right-hander Taijuan Walker (1-2, 7.36), who has given up nine first-inning runs in his three starts, but just four runs outside of the first. He allowed two runs in the first inning against the Diamondbacks on Saturday before following that up with four scoreless frames in a 4-3 triumph.  “Yeah, we’ve been trying a few things — we’re trying to figure it out, just haven’t gotten it yet,” Walker said. “I feel like after the first inning, everything is good, I get in a little groove. So, just got to figure out that first inning.”  In 11 career appearances (10 starts) against Atlanta, Walker is 3-2 with a 4.63 ERA.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Surging #Braves #set #open #series #grinding #Phillies

Deadspin | Surging Braves set to open series against ‘grinding’ Phillies
Deadspin | Surging Braves set to open series against ‘grinding’ Phillies  Apr 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) hits a home run against the Miami Marlins during the seventh inning at Truist Park. All players are wearing number 42 today in honor of Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images   The Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies are trending in opposite directions heading into their first matchup of the season Friday.  The visiting Braves have won three series in a row, taking two of three from the Los Angeles Angels, Cleveland Guardians and Miami Marlins over the last two weeks. Most recently, Atlanta won its final two against Miami, including a 6-3 victory Wednesday.  “When you start to win games and you start to win series, you start to believe,” Braves manager Walt Weiss said. “I go back to the stuff I was saying in spring training and at the end of camp. It’s just a really good vibe and the guys have a really good look in their eyes. They’re playing that way.”  Bryce Elder pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings Wednesday to lower his ERA to 0.77, while Matt Olson, Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies all hit home runs for Atlanta.  “It’s good offense,” said Weiss, whose team is the only one with a winning record in the National League East. “Especially when we get everyone rolling, it’s going to be a really good offense.”  Philadelphia has lost three series in a row, dropping two of three against the San Francisco Giants, Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs. The Phillies were pounded 11-2 by the Cubs on Wednesday as Jesus Luzardo gave up nine runs (eight earned) on 12 hits in 5 1/3 innings.  “You’ve got to keep grinding,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. “We’re going through a tough time right now in all phases of the game. I don’t think that’s any secret, but we’re going to get better. We’re a good club.”  Trea Turner and Bryce Harper hit solo home runs for Philadelphia, while Adolis Garcia notched two hits. Still, the Phillies lost their third home series of the season — as many as they lost at home all of last year.   “Obviously, we want to win,” Harper said. “It’s the main goal of why we’re here. You never want to lose games. Obviously, it’s early in the season, but I don’t like that notion because I like to win games in April as much as I like to win games in September.”  Harper will face Atlanta left-hander Martin Perez (0-1, 3.14 ERA), who was designated for assignment on Sunday but brought back after he passed through waivers and elected free agency. The 35-year-old allowed one run and two hits in five innings against Cleveland on Saturday.  Perez has made 10 appearances (nine starts) against Philadelphia, going 4-1 with a 3.78 ERA.  The Phillies will give the nod to right-hander Taijuan Walker (1-2, 7.36), who has given up nine first-inning runs in his three starts, but just four runs outside of the first. He allowed two runs in the first inning against the Diamondbacks on Saturday before following that up with four scoreless frames in a 4-3 triumph.  “Yeah, we’ve been trying a few things — we’re trying to figure it out, just haven’t gotten it yet,” Walker said. “I feel like after the first inning, everything is good, I get in a little groove. So, just got to figure out that first inning.”  In 11 career appearances (10 starts) against Atlanta, Walker is 3-2 with a 4.63 ERA.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Surging #Braves #set #open #series #grinding #PhilliesApr 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) hits a home run against the Miami Marlins during the seventh inning at Truist Park. All players are wearing number 42 today in honor of Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies are trending in opposite directions heading into their first matchup of the season Friday.

The visiting Braves have won three series in a row, taking two of three from the Los Angeles Angels, Cleveland Guardians and Miami Marlins over the last two weeks. Most recently, Atlanta won its final two against Miami, including a 6-3 victory Wednesday.

“When you start to win games and you start to win series, you start to believe,” Braves manager Walt Weiss said. “I go back to the stuff I was saying in spring training and at the end of camp. It’s just a really good vibe and the guys have a really good look in their eyes. They’re playing that way.”

Bryce Elder pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings Wednesday to lower his ERA to 0.77, while Matt Olson, Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies all hit home runs for Atlanta.

“It’s good offense,” said Weiss, whose team is the only one with a winning record in the National League East. “Especially when we get everyone rolling, it’s going to be a really good offense.”

Philadelphia has lost three series in a row, dropping two of three against the San Francisco Giants, Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs. The Phillies were pounded 11-2 by the Cubs on Wednesday as Jesus Luzardo gave up nine runs (eight earned) on 12 hits in 5 1/3 innings.

“You’ve got to keep grinding,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. “We’re going through a tough time right now in all phases of the game. I don’t think that’s any secret, but we’re going to get better. We’re a good club.”


Trea Turner and Bryce Harper hit solo home runs for Philadelphia, while Adolis Garcia notched two hits. Still, the Phillies lost their third home series of the season — as many as they lost at home all of last year.

“Obviously, we want to win,” Harper said. “It’s the main goal of why we’re here. You never want to lose games. Obviously, it’s early in the season, but I don’t like that notion because I like to win games in April as much as I like to win games in September.”

Harper will face Atlanta left-hander Martin Perez (0-1, 3.14 ERA), who was designated for assignment on Sunday but brought back after he passed through waivers and elected free agency. The 35-year-old allowed one run and two hits in five innings against Cleveland on Saturday.

Perez has made 10 appearances (nine starts) against Philadelphia, going 4-1 with a 3.78 ERA.

The Phillies will give the nod to right-hander Taijuan Walker (1-2, 7.36), who has given up nine first-inning runs in his three starts, but just four runs outside of the first. He allowed two runs in the first inning against the Diamondbacks on Saturday before following that up with four scoreless frames in a 4-3 triumph.

“Yeah, we’ve been trying a few things — we’re trying to figure it out, just haven’t gotten it yet,” Walker said. “I feel like after the first inning, everything is good, I get in a little groove. So, just got to figure out that first inning.”

In 11 career appearances (10 starts) against Atlanta, Walker is 3-2 with a 4.63 ERA.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Surging #Braves #set #open #series #grinding #Phillies

Apr 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) hits a home run against the Miami Marlins during the seventh inning at Truist Park. All players are wearing number 42 today in honor of Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies are trending in opposite directions heading into their first matchup of the season Friday.

The visiting Braves have won three series in a row, taking two of three from the Los Angeles Angels, Cleveland Guardians and Miami Marlins over the last two weeks. Most recently, Atlanta won its final two against Miami, including a 6-3 victory Wednesday.

“When you start to win games and you start to win series, you start to believe,” Braves manager Walt Weiss said. “I go back to the stuff I was saying in spring training and at the end of camp. It’s just a really good vibe and the guys have a really good look in their eyes. They’re playing that way.”

Bryce Elder pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings Wednesday to lower his ERA to 0.77, while Matt Olson, Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies all hit home runs for Atlanta.

“It’s good offense,” said Weiss, whose team is the only one with a winning record in the National League East. “Especially when we get everyone rolling, it’s going to be a really good offense.”

Philadelphia has lost three series in a row, dropping two of three against the San Francisco Giants, Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs. The Phillies were pounded 11-2 by the Cubs on Wednesday as Jesus Luzardo gave up nine runs (eight earned) on 12 hits in 5 1/3 innings.

“You’ve got to keep grinding,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. “We’re going through a tough time right now in all phases of the game. I don’t think that’s any secret, but we’re going to get better. We’re a good club.”

Trea Turner and Bryce Harper hit solo home runs for Philadelphia, while Adolis Garcia notched two hits. Still, the Phillies lost their third home series of the season — as many as they lost at home all of last year.

“Obviously, we want to win,” Harper said. “It’s the main goal of why we’re here. You never want to lose games. Obviously, it’s early in the season, but I don’t like that notion because I like to win games in April as much as I like to win games in September.”

Harper will face Atlanta left-hander Martin Perez (0-1, 3.14 ERA), who was designated for assignment on Sunday but brought back after he passed through waivers and elected free agency. The 35-year-old allowed one run and two hits in five innings against Cleveland on Saturday.

Perez has made 10 appearances (nine starts) against Philadelphia, going 4-1 with a 3.78 ERA.

The Phillies will give the nod to right-hander Taijuan Walker (1-2, 7.36), who has given up nine first-inning runs in his three starts, but just four runs outside of the first. He allowed two runs in the first inning against the Diamondbacks on Saturday before following that up with four scoreless frames in a 4-3 triumph.

“Yeah, we’ve been trying a few things — we’re trying to figure it out, just haven’t gotten it yet,” Walker said. “I feel like after the first inning, everything is good, I get in a little groove. So, just got to figure out that first inning.”

In 11 career appearances (10 starts) against Atlanta, Walker is 3-2 with a 4.63 ERA.

–Field Level Media

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Ayush Shetty: Asian Championship run gives me confidence that I can maintain level for longer period <div id="content-body-70870302" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Last month, when India’s squad for the Thomas & Uber Cup was announced, Ayush Shetty was a young-and-upcoming 20-year-old who was getting his maiden call up.</p><p>When India takes to the court in Denmark from April 24, he will be its most in-form player, having made a stirring run to the Badminton Asia Championships (BAC) final in China last week.</p><p>He has broken into the world’s top-20 and there will be expectations galore. But he is confidence personified, despite 2026 being only his second full year on the senior circuit.</p><p>“My expectations [from myself] are always high, and I take people’s expectations as a challenge,” Ayush said at the Centre for Badminton Excellence here on Thursday.</p><p>“When I won the Super 300 [U.S. Open in 2025], I did not see it as a surprise. Even when I got a confirmed medal at the Asian Championship, I believed that I could win the tournament,” the World No. 18 added.</p><p>This confidence manifested in three straight victories over top-10 players at BAC – the then World No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn, No. 4 Jonatan Christie and No. 7 Li Shi Feng.</p><p>“I had never beaten three top-10 players,” stated Ayush, who was No. 25 then. “It has always been like one victory [over an elite player] and then a loss. This run gives me the confidence that I can maintain my level for a longer period. Even my second round opponent Chi Yu Jen (No. 20) was a very tricky player.</p><p>“Going into the All England [in early March], I felt that I was at my 100%. But the results were different (first round defeat). That is why BAC was important – to keep my confidence and belief high.”</p><p>The one dull moment in an otherwise golden few days for Ayush was the retirement on Tuesday of double Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen, whom he idolises and has even trained with in Dubai.</p><p>“It’s a bit sad. I always wanted him to retire on the court. He deserved it,” said Ayush about the great Dane who last played competitively in October 2025.</p><p>“I had told him in 2024 that we will play [competitively] soon. He said ‘sure, I have a couple of more years’. I will always have the regret that I could never play him.”</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 16, 2026</p></div> #Ayush #Shetty #Asian #Championship #run #confidence #maintain #level #longer #period

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Deadspin | Finding ways to win, Padres face another challenge in Mariners’ pitching   Apr 15, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill celebrates after hitting a walk-off double during the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Petco Park. All MLB players are wearing number 42 today to honor Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images   San Diego Padres’ first-year manager Craig Stammen can explain his team’s five-run, ninth-inning rally Wednesday night that produced a 7-6 win over the visiting Seattle Mariners on Wednesday.  “Just a never-say-die mentality,” he said. “We just battled and came away with the crazy victory.”  That stretched San Diego’s winning streak to seven games and gives the Padres a chance to sweep Seattle and the seven-game homestand if they can prevail Thursday night.  For 8 1/2 innings, it looked like Thursday night’s game would be a rubber game. The Mariners led 6-0 after 5 1/2 innings and starter Emerson Hancock was dealing. Even after Hancock lost his shutout in the sixth on the 200th homer of Xander Bogaerts’ career, Seattle and its lockdown bullpen still had a four-run lead with nine outs to get.  The first six came pretty easily. But the last three never happened as the Padres’ recent offensive surge continued. They have scored 47 runs during the winning streak and have collected 66 hits as well, including at least 10 in four straight games.  “We don’t give up,” Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill said. “We have so much heart in that clubhouse, a lot of different personalities.”  Merrill is one of those personalities who drives the clubhouse and the team. His two-run double in the ninth won the game, but his home run robbery of Julio Rodriguez in the third was one reason Merrill could be the hero at the plate later.  The dramatic comeback overshadowed more injury concerns for San Diego. Catcher Freddy Fermin left the game in the third inning after being struck in the mask by a foul ball for the second time on the night. Stammen said Fermin didn’t suffer a concussion but will be re-evaluated on Thursday.  Walker Buehler (0-1, 4.97 ERA) gets the ball for the Padres after his best outing of the young season. The right-hander tossed six scoreless innings Friday night against Colorado and left with a 2-0 lead but settled for a no-decision in the team’s 5-2 triumph.    Buehler is 1-1 with a 7.08 ERA in four career starts against Seattle.  Luis Castillo (0-0, 6.92) will oppose Buehler, hoping for better results than he got Saturday night during his team’s 8-7 home victory over Houston. Castillo was pounded for 10 hits and seven runs over 3 1/3 innings with a walk and three strikeouts.   The right-hander is 3-3 with a 3.71 ERA in nine career starts against San Diego.  Consecutive losses aside, the Mariners have gotten good starting pitching. That unit ranks eighth in Major League Baseball in ERA at 3.42 and has put up four straight quality starts, including Hancock’s six-inning outing Wednesday night.  “The potential for all of us, it’s just endless,” right-hander George Kirby said. “There’s so much you learn from each guy going out there. It’s just cool everyone’s healthy and we’re all doing our thing.”  Seattle’s team ERA of 3.24 ranks third in MLB and the Mariners’ bullpen largely has done the job, save for Andres Munoz’s ninth-inning implosion Wednesday night that saw him allow all five runs and bloated his ERA to 9.45.  Wasted in the loss was a stellar game by right fielder Luke Raley, who went 4-for-5 with a two-run homer and upped his average to .339.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Finding #ways #win #Padres #face #challenge #Mariners #pitchingApr 15, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill celebrates after hitting a walk-off double during the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Petco Park. All MLB players are wearing number 42 today to honor Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

San Diego Padres’ first-year manager Craig Stammen can explain his team’s five-run, ninth-inning rally Wednesday night that produced a 7-6 win over the visiting Seattle Mariners on Wednesday.

“Just a never-say-die mentality,” he said. “We just battled and came away with the crazy victory.”

That stretched San Diego’s winning streak to seven games and gives the Padres a chance to sweep Seattle and the seven-game homestand if they can prevail Thursday night.

For 8 1/2 innings, it looked like Thursday night’s game would be a rubber game. The Mariners led 6-0 after 5 1/2 innings and starter Emerson Hancock was dealing. Even after Hancock lost his shutout in the sixth on the 200th homer of Xander Bogaerts’ career, Seattle and its lockdown bullpen still had a four-run lead with nine outs to get.

The first six came pretty easily. But the last three never happened as the Padres’ recent offensive surge continued. They have scored 47 runs during the winning streak and have collected 66 hits as well, including at least 10 in four straight games.

“We don’t give up,” Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill said. “We have so much heart in that clubhouse, a lot of different personalities.”

Merrill is one of those personalities who drives the clubhouse and the team. His two-run double in the ninth won the game, but his home run robbery of Julio Rodriguez in the third was one reason Merrill could be the hero at the plate later.

The dramatic comeback overshadowed more injury concerns for San Diego. Catcher Freddy Fermin left the game in the third inning after being struck in the mask by a foul ball for the second time on the night. Stammen said Fermin didn’t suffer a concussion but will be re-evaluated on Thursday.


Walker Buehler (0-1, 4.97 ERA) gets the ball for the Padres after his best outing of the young season. The right-hander tossed six scoreless innings Friday night against Colorado and left with a 2-0 lead but settled for a no-decision in the team’s 5-2 triumph.

Buehler is 1-1 with a 7.08 ERA in four career starts against Seattle.

Luis Castillo (0-0, 6.92) will oppose Buehler, hoping for better results than he got Saturday night during his team’s 8-7 home victory over Houston. Castillo was pounded for 10 hits and seven runs over 3 1/3 innings with a walk and three strikeouts.

The right-hander is 3-3 with a 3.71 ERA in nine career starts against San Diego.

Consecutive losses aside, the Mariners have gotten good starting pitching. That unit ranks eighth in Major League Baseball in ERA at 3.42 and has put up four straight quality starts, including Hancock’s six-inning outing Wednesday night.

“The potential for all of us, it’s just endless,” right-hander George Kirby said. “There’s so much you learn from each guy going out there. It’s just cool everyone’s healthy and we’re all doing our thing.”

Seattle’s team ERA of 3.24 ranks third in MLB and the Mariners’ bullpen largely has done the job, save for Andres Munoz’s ninth-inning implosion Wednesday night that saw him allow all five runs and bloated his ERA to 9.45.

Wasted in the loss was a stellar game by right fielder Luke Raley, who went 4-for-5 with a two-run homer and upped his average to .339.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Finding #ways #win #Padres #face #challenge #Mariners #pitching">Deadspin | Finding ways to win, Padres face another challenge in Mariners’ pitching   Apr 15, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill celebrates after hitting a walk-off double during the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Petco Park. All MLB players are wearing number 42 today to honor Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images   San Diego Padres’ first-year manager Craig Stammen can explain his team’s five-run, ninth-inning rally Wednesday night that produced a 7-6 win over the visiting Seattle Mariners on Wednesday.  “Just a never-say-die mentality,” he said. “We just battled and came away with the crazy victory.”  That stretched San Diego’s winning streak to seven games and gives the Padres a chance to sweep Seattle and the seven-game homestand if they can prevail Thursday night.  For 8 1/2 innings, it looked like Thursday night’s game would be a rubber game. The Mariners led 6-0 after 5 1/2 innings and starter Emerson Hancock was dealing. Even after Hancock lost his shutout in the sixth on the 200th homer of Xander Bogaerts’ career, Seattle and its lockdown bullpen still had a four-run lead with nine outs to get.  The first six came pretty easily. But the last three never happened as the Padres’ recent offensive surge continued. They have scored 47 runs during the winning streak and have collected 66 hits as well, including at least 10 in four straight games.  “We don’t give up,” Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill said. “We have so much heart in that clubhouse, a lot of different personalities.”  Merrill is one of those personalities who drives the clubhouse and the team. His two-run double in the ninth won the game, but his home run robbery of Julio Rodriguez in the third was one reason Merrill could be the hero at the plate later.  The dramatic comeback overshadowed more injury concerns for San Diego. Catcher Freddy Fermin left the game in the third inning after being struck in the mask by a foul ball for the second time on the night. Stammen said Fermin didn’t suffer a concussion but will be re-evaluated on Thursday.  Walker Buehler (0-1, 4.97 ERA) gets the ball for the Padres after his best outing of the young season. The right-hander tossed six scoreless innings Friday night against Colorado and left with a 2-0 lead but settled for a no-decision in the team’s 5-2 triumph.    Buehler is 1-1 with a 7.08 ERA in four career starts against Seattle.  Luis Castillo (0-0, 6.92) will oppose Buehler, hoping for better results than he got Saturday night during his team’s 8-7 home victory over Houston. Castillo was pounded for 10 hits and seven runs over 3 1/3 innings with a walk and three strikeouts.   The right-hander is 3-3 with a 3.71 ERA in nine career starts against San Diego.  Consecutive losses aside, the Mariners have gotten good starting pitching. That unit ranks eighth in Major League Baseball in ERA at 3.42 and has put up four straight quality starts, including Hancock’s six-inning outing Wednesday night.  “The potential for all of us, it’s just endless,” right-hander George Kirby said. “There’s so much you learn from each guy going out there. It’s just cool everyone’s healthy and we’re all doing our thing.”  Seattle’s team ERA of 3.24 ranks third in MLB and the Mariners’ bullpen largely has done the job, save for Andres Munoz’s ninth-inning implosion Wednesday night that saw him allow all five runs and bloated his ERA to 9.45.  Wasted in the loss was a stellar game by right fielder Luke Raley, who went 4-for-5 with a two-run homer and upped his average to .339.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Finding #ways #win #Padres #face #challenge #Mariners #pitching

Union Berlin’s new coach Marie-Louise Eta — the first woman to manage a Bundesliga team — is well aware ​of the discussions regarding her appointment last week but said on Thursday ‌she was only focused on getting the side back on ​the winning track.

Eta was appointed interim head coach on ⁠Saturday for the remainder of the season following the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart with Union in 11th place.

She will oversee the men’s first team through the ‌end of the campaign before moving to the club’s women’s side.

“I totally understand that in public there is this ‌issue (of the first woman as a Bundesliga coach),” she told a ‌press ⁠conference ahead of her first game on Saturday at ⁠home to strugglers VfL Wolfsburg.

“I obviously know the issue and it was never about that. It’s always about football, about working with people … and about being successful.

“I have ​the trust of the club ‌and I am happy about it. The most important thing now is to prepare for the weekend against Wolfsburg,” Eta said.

ALSO READ | Kompany hails Marie-Louise Eta’s appointment as ‘something special’

Asked if she had any hesitation when getting the job offer last week, ‌Eta added: “There was nothing to consider. I was at home ​on Saturday so I was surprised initially (to get the call) but then I was happy for this trust, ⁠and then things happened quickly.”

Eta said she was by no means an exception in football with women taking over more and more key positions ‌in many clubs around the world.

“There are female coaches out there before me. In many other countries as well,” Eta said. “I understand the issue and the interest in it but it would be nice if this issue did not exist and it was only about success on the pitch.”

Eta has been coaching Union’s Under-19 team.

She became the ‌first female assistant coach in the German top flight with Union in 2023 ​but her appointment this time has also triggered some derogatory social media comments, which have been condemned by the ⁠club.

“This (social media comments) does not concern me because it says more about those ⁠posting these things than about me or other people they are talking about,” she said.

“That my appointment became so big ‌may have surprised us a bit because for us it was not really. I hope in the next few years this ​will be less and less and people will focus on football.”

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#Union #Berlins #MarieLouise #Eta #aware #special #position #Bundesliga #focus #football">Union Berlin’s Marie-Louise Eta aware of special position in Bundesliga but wants to focus on football  Union Berlin’s new coach Marie-Louise Eta — the first woman to manage a Bundesliga team — is well aware ​of the discussions regarding her appointment last week but said on Thursday ‌she was only focused on getting the side back on ​the winning track.Eta was appointed interim head coach on ⁠Saturday for the remainder of the season following the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart with Union in 11th place.She will oversee the men’s first team through the ‌end of the campaign before moving to the club’s women’s side.“I totally understand that in public there is this ‌issue (of the first woman as a Bundesliga coach),” she told a ‌press ⁠conference ahead of her first game on Saturday at ⁠home to strugglers VfL Wolfsburg.“I obviously know the issue and it was never about that. It’s always about football, about working with people … and about being successful.“I have ​the trust of the club ‌and I am happy about it. The most important thing now is to prepare for the weekend against Wolfsburg,” Eta said.ALSO READ | Kompany hails Marie-Louise Eta’s appointment as ‘something special’Asked if she had any hesitation when getting the job offer last week, ‌Eta added: “There was nothing to consider. I was at home ​on Saturday so I was surprised initially (to get the call) but then I was happy for this trust, ⁠and then things happened quickly.”Eta said she was by no means an exception in football with women taking over more and more key positions ‌in many clubs around the world.“There are female coaches out there before me. In many other countries as well,” Eta said. “I understand the issue and the interest in it but it would be nice if this issue did not exist and it was only about success on the pitch.”Eta has been coaching Union’s Under-19 team.She became the ‌first female assistant coach in the German top flight with Union in 2023 ​but her appointment this time has also triggered some derogatory social media comments, which have been condemned by the ⁠club.“This (social media comments) does not concern me because it says more about those ⁠posting these things than about me or other people they are talking about,” she said.“That my appointment became so big ‌may have surprised us a bit because for us it was not really. I hope in the next few years this ​will be less and less and people will focus on football.”Published on Apr 16, 2026  #Union #Berlins #MarieLouise #Eta #aware #special #position #Bundesliga #focus #football

Kompany hails Marie-Louise Eta’s appointment as ‘something special’

Asked if she had any hesitation when getting the job offer last week, ‌Eta added: “There was nothing to consider. I was at home ​on Saturday so I was surprised initially (to get the call) but then I was happy for this trust, ⁠and then things happened quickly.”

Eta said she was by no means an exception in football with women taking over more and more key positions ‌in many clubs around the world.

“There are female coaches out there before me. In many other countries as well,” Eta said. “I understand the issue and the interest in it but it would be nice if this issue did not exist and it was only about success on the pitch.”

Eta has been coaching Union’s Under-19 team.

She became the ‌first female assistant coach in the German top flight with Union in 2023 ​but her appointment this time has also triggered some derogatory social media comments, which have been condemned by the ⁠club.

“This (social media comments) does not concern me because it says more about those ⁠posting these things than about me or other people they are talking about,” she said.

“That my appointment became so big ‌may have surprised us a bit because for us it was not really. I hope in the next few years this ​will be less and less and people will focus on football.”

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#Union #Berlins #MarieLouise #Eta #aware #special #position #Bundesliga #focus #football">Union Berlin’s Marie-Louise Eta aware of special position in Bundesliga but wants to focus on football

Union Berlin’s new coach Marie-Louise Eta — the first woman to manage a Bundesliga team — is well aware ​of the discussions regarding her appointment last week but said on Thursday ‌she was only focused on getting the side back on ​the winning track.

Eta was appointed interim head coach on ⁠Saturday for the remainder of the season following the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart with Union in 11th place.

She will oversee the men’s first team through the ‌end of the campaign before moving to the club’s women’s side.

“I totally understand that in public there is this ‌issue (of the first woman as a Bundesliga coach),” she told a ‌press ⁠conference ahead of her first game on Saturday at ⁠home to strugglers VfL Wolfsburg.

“I obviously know the issue and it was never about that. It’s always about football, about working with people … and about being successful.

“I have ​the trust of the club ‌and I am happy about it. The most important thing now is to prepare for the weekend against Wolfsburg,” Eta said.

ALSO READ | Kompany hails Marie-Louise Eta’s appointment as ‘something special’

Asked if she had any hesitation when getting the job offer last week, ‌Eta added: “There was nothing to consider. I was at home ​on Saturday so I was surprised initially (to get the call) but then I was happy for this trust, ⁠and then things happened quickly.”

Eta said she was by no means an exception in football with women taking over more and more key positions ‌in many clubs around the world.

“There are female coaches out there before me. In many other countries as well,” Eta said. “I understand the issue and the interest in it but it would be nice if this issue did not exist and it was only about success on the pitch.”

Eta has been coaching Union’s Under-19 team.

She became the ‌first female assistant coach in the German top flight with Union in 2023 ​but her appointment this time has also triggered some derogatory social media comments, which have been condemned by the ⁠club.

“This (social media comments) does not concern me because it says more about those ⁠posting these things than about me or other people they are talking about,” she said.

“That my appointment became so big ‌may have surprised us a bit because for us it was not really. I hope in the next few years this ​will be less and less and people will focus on football.”

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#Union #Berlins #MarieLouise #Eta #aware #special #position #Bundesliga #focus #football

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