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RCB vs DC IPL 2026: Stubbs, Miller help Delhi Capitals get over the line in last-over thriller  Delhi Capitals took the foot off the gas, left it dangerously late, and yet managed to defeat Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Saturday.The visitor made heavy work of what should have been a comfortable 176-run chase, losing momentum with uninspiring batting in the middle overs.It boiled down to the final over, bowled by Romario Shepherd, with DC needing 15 runs. David Miller and Tristan Stubbs started with singles, leaving the boisterous home crowd in good spirits.Miller then flipped the script in dramatic style, with clean sixes over deep midwicket and cover.The South African, who only some days ago failed to take his team over the hump against Gujarat Titans in a similarly tight finish, turned hero this time around.On a sticky pitch, RCB looked set to record a fifth win when fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar scalped three wickets inside the first three overs. Local lad K.L. Rahul put DC on track with a fighting 34-ball 57 under pressure.RCB was back on top when Virat Kohli dove to his left at long-off to dismiss Rahul.Stubbs and captain Axar Patel (26, 19b, 3×4) moved along slowly, allowing the required rate to rise.Axar retired hurt with a leg injury, leaving his side with 42 runs needed in 25 balls. Miller seemed in no hurry, limping to six off six balls, before an explosive finish ended DC’s two match losing streak.ALSO READ:IPL 2026: Struggling Kolkata Knight Riders looks for foothold against high-flying Rajasthan RoyalsRCB took first strike under the bright afternoon sun, but barring Phil Salt (63, 38b, 4×4, 3×6), the batters failed to hit top gear.Opener Salt kept the tempo high even as Virat Kohli (19) and Devdutt Padikkal (18) failed when trying to force the pace.Patidar, who has been motoring along at a tremendous strike rate this season, could not provide the middle-order impetus. The skipper was smartly dragged wide by fast bowler Mukesh Kumar, leading to an edge.The DC bowlers hit the right spots in the last seven overs, conceding only 43 runs.Lungi Ngidi and T. Natarajan were mighty impressive in the death, choking the run flow with a mix of pinpoint yorkers and slow bouncers.The late strangle kept RCB to a score that turned out to be less than adequate.Published on Apr 18, 2026  #RCB #IPL #Stubbs #Miller #Delhi #Capitals #line #lastover #thriller

RCB vs DC IPL 2026: Stubbs, Miller help Delhi Capitals get over the line in last-over thriller

Delhi Capitals took the foot off the gas, left it dangerously late, and yet managed to defeat Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Saturday.

The visitor made heavy work of what should have been a comfortable 176-run chase, losing momentum with uninspiring batting in the middle overs.

It boiled down to the final over, bowled by Romario Shepherd, with DC needing 15 runs. David Miller and Tristan Stubbs started with singles, leaving the boisterous home crowd in good spirits.

Miller then flipped the script in dramatic style, with clean sixes over deep midwicket and cover.

The South African, who only some days ago failed to take his team over the hump against Gujarat Titans in a similarly tight finish, turned hero this time around.

On a sticky pitch, RCB looked set to record a fifth win when fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar scalped three wickets inside the first three overs. Local lad K.L. Rahul put DC on track with a fighting 34-ball 57 under pressure.

RCB was back on top when Virat Kohli dove to his left at long-off to dismiss Rahul.

Stubbs and captain Axar Patel (26, 19b, 3×4) moved along slowly, allowing the required rate to rise.

Axar retired hurt with a leg injury, leaving his side with 42 runs needed in 25 balls. Miller seemed in no hurry, limping to six off six balls, before an explosive finish ended DC’s two match losing streak.

ALSO READ:IPL 2026: Struggling Kolkata Knight Riders looks for foothold against high-flying Rajasthan Royals

RCB took first strike under the bright afternoon sun, but barring Phil Salt (63, 38b, 4×4, 3×6), the batters failed to hit top gear.

Opener Salt kept the tempo high even as Virat Kohli (19) and Devdutt Padikkal (18) failed when trying to force the pace.

Patidar, who has been motoring along at a tremendous strike rate this season, could not provide the middle-order impetus. The skipper was smartly dragged wide by fast bowler Mukesh Kumar, leading to an edge.

The DC bowlers hit the right spots in the last seven overs, conceding only 43 runs.

Lungi Ngidi and T. Natarajan were mighty impressive in the death, choking the run flow with a mix of pinpoint yorkers and slow bouncers.

The late strangle kept RCB to a score that turned out to be less than adequate.

Published on Apr 18, 2026

#RCB #IPL #Stubbs #Miller #Delhi #Capitals #line #lastover #thriller

Delhi Capitals took the foot off the gas, left it dangerously late, and yet managed to defeat Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Saturday.

The visitor made heavy work of what should have been a comfortable 176-run chase, losing momentum with uninspiring batting in the middle overs.

It boiled down to the final over, bowled by Romario Shepherd, with DC needing 15 runs. David Miller and Tristan Stubbs started with singles, leaving the boisterous home crowd in good spirits.

Miller then flipped the script in dramatic style, with clean sixes over deep midwicket and cover.

The South African, who only some days ago failed to take his team over the hump against Gujarat Titans in a similarly tight finish, turned hero this time around.

On a sticky pitch, RCB looked set to record a fifth win when fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar scalped three wickets inside the first three overs. Local lad K.L. Rahul put DC on track with a fighting 34-ball 57 under pressure.

RCB was back on top when Virat Kohli dove to his left at long-off to dismiss Rahul.

Stubbs and captain Axar Patel (26, 19b, 3×4) moved along slowly, allowing the required rate to rise.

Axar retired hurt with a leg injury, leaving his side with 42 runs needed in 25 balls. Miller seemed in no hurry, limping to six off six balls, before an explosive finish ended DC’s two match losing streak.

ALSO READ:IPL 2026: Struggling Kolkata Knight Riders looks for foothold against high-flying Rajasthan Royals

RCB took first strike under the bright afternoon sun, but barring Phil Salt (63, 38b, 4×4, 3×6), the batters failed to hit top gear.

Opener Salt kept the tempo high even as Virat Kohli (19) and Devdutt Padikkal (18) failed when trying to force the pace.

Patidar, who has been motoring along at a tremendous strike rate this season, could not provide the middle-order impetus. The skipper was smartly dragged wide by fast bowler Mukesh Kumar, leading to an edge.

The DC bowlers hit the right spots in the last seven overs, conceding only 43 runs.

Lungi Ngidi and T. Natarajan were mighty impressive in the death, choking the run flow with a mix of pinpoint yorkers and slow bouncers.

The late strangle kept RCB to a score that turned out to be less than adequate.

Published on Apr 18, 2026

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#RCB #IPL #Stubbs #Miller #Delhi #Capitals #line #lastover #thriller

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Deadspin | NHL Draft Lottery set for May 5 <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-900/26659285.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/26659285.jpg" alt="NHL: NHL Draft" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Jun 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Matthew Schaefer (left) with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman after being selected as the first overall pick to the New York Islanders in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft at Peacock Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The 2026 NHL Draft Lottery will be held May 5 at NHL Network’s studio in Secaucus, N.J.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The league said Saturday that the lottery will be broadcast live on ESPN, Sportsnet and TVA Sports. The time has yet to be announced.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>The lottery will begin with the determination of the No. 1 pick, followed by revealing the No. 2 selection. Lottery teams are defined as the 16 clubs that did not earn a berth in the upcoming Stanley Cup playoffs. For a team that traded its first-round pick, the receiving team will get the lottery spot — even if that team is in the playoffs. </p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>The teams with the best odds to win the lottery are:</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>1. Vancouver Canucks, 18.5%</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>2. Chicago Blackhawks, 13.5%</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>3. New York Rangers, 11.5%</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>4. Calgary Flames, 9.5%</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>5. Toronto Maple Leafs (conditional trade to Boston Bruins), 8.5%</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>6. Seattle Kraken, 7.5%</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>7. Winnipeg Jets, 6.5%</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>8. Florida Panthers, 6.0%</p> </section><br/><section id="section-13"> <p>9. San Jose Sharks, 5.0%</p> </section> <section id="section-14"> <p>10. Nashville Predators, 3.5%</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>11. St. Louis Blues, 3.0%</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>12. New Jersey Devils, 2.5%</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>13. New York Islanders, 2.0%</p> </section><section id="section-18"> <p>14. Columbus Blue Jackets, 1.5%</p> </section><section id="section-19"> <p>15. St. Louis Blues (from Detroit Red Wings), 0.5%</p> </section><section id="section-20"> <p>16. Washington Capitals, 0.5%</p> </section><section id="section-21"> <p>Under league rules that prevent a team from moving up more than 10 places in the draft, only the first 11 teams listed are in the running for the No. 1 pick.</p> </section><section id="section-22"> <p>The New York Islanders won the lottery in 2025, moving up from No. 10. They had just a 3.5% chance of winning. The Islanders selected Matthew Schaefer, a defenseman with Erie of the Ontario Hockey League.</p> </section><section id="section-23"> <p>The 2026 draft will begin June 26 at 7 p.m. ET with Round 1. Rounds 2 through 7 follow on Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m. ET.</p> </section><section id="section-24"> <p>Expected to be in contention for the No. 1 overall pick are Penn State left wing Gavin McKenna and left wing Ivar Stenberg from Frolunda of the Swedish Hockey League. </p> </section><section id="section-25"> <p>Under the terms of a March 7, 2025, trade between the Maple Leafs and Bruins, Toronto will keep the pick if it falls in the top 5. Toronto then would send either its 2027 or 2028 first-round pick to Boston.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-26"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #NHL #Draft #Lottery #set

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Three NBA Playoff Teams Likely to Be Eliminated Early | Deadspin.com <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-0 py-0 pb-4 undefined"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1776535780948" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1776535780948" alt="Mar 16, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) dribbles the ball as Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Mar 16, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) dribbles the ball as Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Four first-round NBA playoff series begin Saturday while the rest kick off Sunday, including the first game of the <a href="https://deadspin.com/why-oklahoma-city-thunder-could-own-the-next-decade-of-the-nba/" target="_blank">Oklahoma City Thunder’s title defense.</a></p><p>By the time next weekend rolls around, the field might already have some teams preparing to bow out.</p><p>This doesn’t suggest that the three teams below each will be swept out of the postseason. It is guessing, though, that their counterparts will be longer for the bracket.</p><h2 id="los-angeles-lakers" class=" uppercase break-words">LOS ANGELES LAKERS</h2><p>Lakers coach JJ Redick advocates for mindfulness and meditation, two good things in this crazy world. Redick even has been seen engaging in those mental-health exercises before games.</p><p>By month’s end, he’ll have to take the balancing act out of the arena. With Lakers starts Luka Doncic (hamstring strain) and Austin Reaves (oblique strain) out indefinitely, there’s little chance this series extends beyond five games.</p><p>Yes, LA still boasts home-court advantage <a href="https://deadspin.com/lebron-james-needs-one-more-miracle-to-carry-lakers-without-doncic-reaves/" target="_blank">and LeBron James</a>, who is three triple-doubles shy from passing Lakers icon Magic Johnson for most in NBA playoff history. But the Rockets are far closer to full strength, even with Kevin Durant questionable with a right knee contusion. Look for Houston big man Alperen Sengun to keep rolling. He shot 57.3% over the last 24 games and has a quickness advantage against Lakers counterpart DeAndre Ayton.</p><h2 id="philadelphia-76ers" class=" uppercase break-words">PHILADELPHIA 76ers</h2> </section><section id="2" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-0 py-0 pb-4 undefined"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1776535856625" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1776535856625" alt="Mar 30, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) reacts against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images" class="w-full"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Mar 30, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) reacts against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><br/><section id="section-3"> <p>The Sixers showed inconsistencies even during those rare cases when they were healthy this season, so a first-round date with the surging Boston Celtics didn’t figure to have staying power.</p><p>Take Joel Embiid and <a href="https://heavy.com/sports/nba/philadelphia-76ers/joel-embiid-injury-update-return-timeline-playoffs/" target="_blank">his emergency appendectomy</a> out of the Philly equation and that cinches it. This smacks of a Celtics runaway, even if Embiid manages to return to the lineup during the series, then magically remove the rust in real time against a team that has Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.</p><p>Boston commits the fewest turnovers in the league and is adept from long range and on the offensive glass. While it’s possible that Tyrese Maxey could go off and steer the Sixers into stealing a game – he averaged 30 points and 8.8 assists in four regular-season matchups with the C’s – Boston simply has too much talent.</p><p>Philly gets a head start on getting healthy for another shot (how many does that team have left, anyway?) next season.</p><h2 id="toronto-raptors" class=" uppercase break-words">TORONTO RAPTORS</h2> </section> <section id="4" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-0 py-0 pb-4 undefined"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1776535946247" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1776535946247" alt="Nov 23, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) dribbles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images" class="w-full"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Nov 23, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) dribbles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-5"> <p>Heaven knows that not every prediction lands. Who’d have imagined the Cavaliers would have be eliminated before the conference finals last season, for instance?</p><p>While Cleveland carries a slightly different core and a less lofty regular-season pedigree than last spring, Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and the Cavs seem like a good bet to handle a Raptors team whose ballhandler, Immanuel Quickley, is dealing with hamstring issues.</p><p>Mitchell carries plenty of firepower, to be sure, and has scored at least 30 points in eight straight series openers, a league record. Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram can keep the Raptors close, but they won’t be enough to overcome the Cavs’ depth.</p> </section></div> #NBA #Playoff #Teams #Eliminated #Early #Deadspin.com

Deadspin | White Sox ride offensive surge into rematch vs. A’s     Apr 17, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Chicago White Sox third baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) celebrates with team mates after hitting a grand slam against the Athleticsduring the seventh inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images   The Chicago White Sox will look to build on an elite offensive performance when they face the Athletics on Saturday afternoon in the middle contest of a three-game set at West Sacramento, Calif.  Chicago equaled its top scoring output of the campaign and racked up a season-high 15 hits during Friday’s 9-2 shellacking of the Athletics.  Munetaka Murakami smacked his first major league grand slam as part of a 3-for-5 outing. The left-handed-hitting Murakami’s seventh-inning blast cleared the tall batter’s eye beyond the center-field wall.  “I struck out the at-bat before, so I was trying to see the ball well and really get a good swing at it,” Murakami said through an interpreter. “And the result was the best I did.”  The grand slam, off Elvis Alvarado, was Murakami’s sixth homer in his 20 games with the White Sox. The 26-year-old starred in Japan with five seasons of 30 or more homers before signing with the White Sox in the offseason.  His wallop was the highlight of a standout offensive showing for Chicago, which has scored three or fewer runs 13 times this season. In fact, the White Sox had only 60 runs — second fewest in the majors — before Friday’s feast.  Murakami raised his batting average to .200, with 13 RBIs. He struck out twice and has fanned 28 times in 65 at-bats.  Andrew Benintendi was 3-for-6 with two runs and one RBI for Chicago, which won for just the third time in the past 11 games.  “It was really nice,” White Sox manager Will Venable said. “Those guys have been putting together really good at-bats; just nothing to show for it. To be able to come out, continue that and get rewarded was really nice. It was up and down the lineup.”  The Athletics had just four hits while losing their second straight game. Nick Kurtz had an RBI single when he won a 13-pitch battle with White Sox right-hander Davis Martin.   “That was our best at-bat of the night,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said. “He fought off a lot of pitches. It’s an at-bat we’ve seen from Nick in the past, and we’re starting to see more of those at-bats. We did some early work (before the game) with Nick, and it looks like things are turning in the right direction.”  The A’s committed just one error Friday, but Kotsay was concerned about the defense.  “We have to play clean games, and (Friday’s game) wasn’t one of those,” he said.  Athletics right-hander Luis Severino (0-2, 5.59 ERA) will take another swipe at ending his woes inside Sutter Health Park on Saturday.  Severino lost to the Texas Rangers 8-1 on Monday when he gave up four runs and six hits over six innings. He served up two homers, walked three and struck out seven in his first 2026 home outing. The setback leaves him 2-10 with a 6.01 ERA in 16 starts in West Sacramento since joining the A’s prior to last season. Severino sharply criticized the ballpark last June.  Severino is 2-3 with a 4.44 ERA in nine career appearances (eight starts) against the White Sox. Benintendi (13-for-38) is batting .342 with two homers, one triple, four doubles and 10 RBIs against Severino.  The White Sox will turn to right-hander Erick Fedde (0-3, 3.38 ERA) on Saturday. He has allowed only 14 hits and three walks in 16 innings, but Chicago has just three total runs in his three outings.  Fedde’s lone career appearance against the A’s was rough. He allowed six runs and nine hits in 2 2/3 innings during a 10-6 loss on Aug. 30, 2022, when he was a member of the Washington Nationals.  Jeff McNeil is 7-for-18 against Fedde from when both players were in the National League.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #White #Sox #ride #offensive #surge #rematchApr 17, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Chicago White Sox third baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) celebrates with team mates after hitting a grand slam against the Athleticsduring the seventh inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

The Chicago White Sox will look to build on an elite offensive performance when they face the Athletics on Saturday afternoon in the middle contest of a three-game set at West Sacramento, Calif.

Chicago equaled its top scoring output of the campaign and racked up a season-high 15 hits during Friday’s 9-2 shellacking of the Athletics.

Munetaka Murakami smacked his first major league grand slam as part of a 3-for-5 outing. The left-handed-hitting Murakami’s seventh-inning blast cleared the tall batter’s eye beyond the center-field wall.

“I struck out the at-bat before, so I was trying to see the ball well and really get a good swing at it,” Murakami said through an interpreter. “And the result was the best I did.”

The grand slam, off Elvis Alvarado, was Murakami’s sixth homer in his 20 games with the White Sox. The 26-year-old starred in Japan with five seasons of 30 or more homers before signing with the White Sox in the offseason.

His wallop was the highlight of a standout offensive showing for Chicago, which has scored three or fewer runs 13 times this season. In fact, the White Sox had only 60 runs — second fewest in the majors — before Friday’s feast.

Murakami raised his batting average to .200, with 13 RBIs. He struck out twice and has fanned 28 times in 65 at-bats.

Andrew Benintendi was 3-for-6 with two runs and one RBI for Chicago, which won for just the third time in the past 11 games.

“It was really nice,” White Sox manager Will Venable said. “Those guys have been putting together really good at-bats; just nothing to show for it. To be able to come out, continue that and get rewarded was really nice. It was up and down the lineup.”


The Athletics had just four hits while losing their second straight game. Nick Kurtz had an RBI single when he won a 13-pitch battle with White Sox right-hander Davis Martin.

“That was our best at-bat of the night,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said. “He fought off a lot of pitches. It’s an at-bat we’ve seen from Nick in the past, and we’re starting to see more of those at-bats. We did some early work (before the game) with Nick, and it looks like things are turning in the right direction.”

The A’s committed just one error Friday, but Kotsay was concerned about the defense.

“We have to play clean games, and (Friday’s game) wasn’t one of those,” he said.

Athletics right-hander Luis Severino (0-2, 5.59 ERA) will take another swipe at ending his woes inside Sutter Health Park on Saturday.

Severino lost to the Texas Rangers 8-1 on Monday when he gave up four runs and six hits over six innings. He served up two homers, walked three and struck out seven in his first 2026 home outing. The setback leaves him 2-10 with a 6.01 ERA in 16 starts in West Sacramento since joining the A’s prior to last season. Severino sharply criticized the ballpark last June.

Severino is 2-3 with a 4.44 ERA in nine career appearances (eight starts) against the White Sox. Benintendi (13-for-38) is batting .342 with two homers, one triple, four doubles and 10 RBIs against Severino.

The White Sox will turn to right-hander Erick Fedde (0-3, 3.38 ERA) on Saturday. He has allowed only 14 hits and three walks in 16 innings, but Chicago has just three total runs in his three outings.

Fedde’s lone career appearance against the A’s was rough. He allowed six runs and nine hits in 2 2/3 innings during a 10-6 loss on Aug. 30, 2022, when he was a member of the Washington Nationals.

Jeff McNeil is 7-for-18 against Fedde from when both players were in the National League.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #White #Sox #ride #offensive #surge #rematch">Deadspin | White Sox ride offensive surge into rematch vs. A’s     Apr 17, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Chicago White Sox third baseman Munetaka Murakami (5) celebrates with team mates after hitting a grand slam against the Athleticsduring the seventh inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images   The Chicago White Sox will look to build on an elite offensive performance when they face the Athletics on Saturday afternoon in the middle contest of a three-game set at West Sacramento, Calif.  Chicago equaled its top scoring output of the campaign and racked up a season-high 15 hits during Friday’s 9-2 shellacking of the Athletics.  Munetaka Murakami smacked his first major league grand slam as part of a 3-for-5 outing. The left-handed-hitting Murakami’s seventh-inning blast cleared the tall batter’s eye beyond the center-field wall.  “I struck out the at-bat before, so I was trying to see the ball well and really get a good swing at it,” Murakami said through an interpreter. “And the result was the best I did.”  The grand slam, off Elvis Alvarado, was Murakami’s sixth homer in his 20 games with the White Sox. The 26-year-old starred in Japan with five seasons of 30 or more homers before signing with the White Sox in the offseason.  His wallop was the highlight of a standout offensive showing for Chicago, which has scored three or fewer runs 13 times this season. In fact, the White Sox had only 60 runs — second fewest in the majors — before Friday’s feast.  Murakami raised his batting average to .200, with 13 RBIs. He struck out twice and has fanned 28 times in 65 at-bats.  Andrew Benintendi was 3-for-6 with two runs and one RBI for Chicago, which won for just the third time in the past 11 games.  “It was really nice,” White Sox manager Will Venable said. “Those guys have been putting together really good at-bats; just nothing to show for it. To be able to come out, continue that and get rewarded was really nice. It was up and down the lineup.”  The Athletics had just four hits while losing their second straight game. Nick Kurtz had an RBI single when he won a 13-pitch battle with White Sox right-hander Davis Martin.   “That was our best at-bat of the night,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said. “He fought off a lot of pitches. It’s an at-bat we’ve seen from Nick in the past, and we’re starting to see more of those at-bats. We did some early work (before the game) with Nick, and it looks like things are turning in the right direction.”  The A’s committed just one error Friday, but Kotsay was concerned about the defense.  “We have to play clean games, and (Friday’s game) wasn’t one of those,” he said.  Athletics right-hander Luis Severino (0-2, 5.59 ERA) will take another swipe at ending his woes inside Sutter Health Park on Saturday.  Severino lost to the Texas Rangers 8-1 on Monday when he gave up four runs and six hits over six innings. He served up two homers, walked three and struck out seven in his first 2026 home outing. The setback leaves him 2-10 with a 6.01 ERA in 16 starts in West Sacramento since joining the A’s prior to last season. Severino sharply criticized the ballpark last June.  Severino is 2-3 with a 4.44 ERA in nine career appearances (eight starts) against the White Sox. Benintendi (13-for-38) is batting .342 with two homers, one triple, four doubles and 10 RBIs against Severino.  The White Sox will turn to right-hander Erick Fedde (0-3, 3.38 ERA) on Saturday. He has allowed only 14 hits and three walks in 16 innings, but Chicago has just three total runs in his three outings.  Fedde’s lone career appearance against the A’s was rough. He allowed six runs and nine hits in 2 2/3 innings during a 10-6 loss on Aug. 30, 2022, when he was a member of the Washington Nationals.  Jeff McNeil is 7-for-18 against Fedde from when both players were in the National League.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #White #Sox #ride #offensive #surge #rematch

Deadspin | Against Red Sox, Tarik Skubal strives to squash Tigers’ road losing streak      Apr 12, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA;  Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) pitches in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images   With two-time reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal taking the mound, a pitchers’ duel could be on tap as the visiting Detroit Tigers look to even their four-game series against the Boston Red Sox on Saturday afternoon.  Skubal (2-2, 2.22 ERA), a left-hander, will try to play the role of stopper as Detroit’s road skid reached nine games with a 1-0, 10-inning setback in Friday’s series opener. Before Friday though, the Tigers had been on a six-game winning streak, with home sweeps of the Miami Marlins and Kansas City Royals.  Masataka Yoshida’s pinch-hit single scored Jarren Duran with the only run in a game Friday that featured just four hits for each team. For Detroit, Jahmai Jones had two.  Skubal will make his first start at Fenway Park since 2023. Last Sunday, in an 8-2 win over the Marlins, he threw 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball with seven strikeouts but thought he could do better. He took a no-hitter into the sixth inning.  “My stuff wasn’t good,” Skubal said. “But those things happen in baseball. It’s not always when you have your best stuff. If that was the case, it would be easy to predict our game. It’s just not like that.”  Skubal carries a 2-2 record and 4.91 ERA against Boston into Saturday’s game, his sixth start vs. the Red Sox. Most recently, he allowed five runs on seven hits while striking out 11 in a May 14, 2025, no-decision in a game the Tigers won 6-5.  Before Friday’s first pitch, Detroit placed infielder Zach McKinstry on the 10-day injured list with left hip/abdominal inflammation and recalled No. 6 prospect Hao-Yu Lee from Triple-A Toledo for his MLB debut. He went 0-for-3.  “We’re excited for Lee to get his feet wet in the big leagues,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “We’ve had him in camp the last couple of seasons. … He can play good defense. He’s a good baseball player.”  Beyond Jones, Kevin McGonigle had another hit, giving him 22 and a .306 average to lead all AL rookies.   An eight-inning start from Ranger Suarez helped set the stage for Boston’s second consecutive win on Friday, but it took an extra frame and Yoshida’s first career walk-off knock to get the job done.   Yoshida has just 29 at-bats this season, though he is on a six-game hitting streak.  “In these situations, I know how he feels; you want to play,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “We got him for a reason here (from Japan), and he’s been banged up, and now all of a sudden, this is how we’re going to play the game … with this roster and we’re going to maximize it, but it’s not easy.”  The Friday shutout win was Boston’s third of the season and second in as many home games.  Brayan Bello (1-1, 6.14 ERA) will look to throw his own gem on Saturday. The right-hander gave up a total of 10 runs (eight earned) in his first two starts before earning his first win with 6 2/3 innings of two-run ball last Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals in a 9-3 game.  “When I’m staying in the zone, this is the result that you get,” Bello said after the game. “When I’m executing all of my pitches, being aggressive in the zone, this is what happens.”  Bello is 0-1 with a 5.74 ERA in three career starts against Detroit. He took a no-decision in a 10-9 Tigers win on May 13, 2025, after allowing three runs (two earned) in 4 2/3 innings.   –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Red #Sox #Tarik #Skubal #strives #squash #Tigers #road #losing #streakApr 12, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) pitches in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

With two-time reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal taking the mound, a pitchers’ duel could be on tap as the visiting Detroit Tigers look to even their four-game series against the Boston Red Sox on Saturday afternoon.

Skubal (2-2, 2.22 ERA), a left-hander, will try to play the role of stopper as Detroit’s road skid reached nine games with a 1-0, 10-inning setback in Friday’s series opener. Before Friday though, the Tigers had been on a six-game winning streak, with home sweeps of the Miami Marlins and Kansas City Royals.

Masataka Yoshida’s pinch-hit single scored Jarren Duran with the only run in a game Friday that featured just four hits for each team. For Detroit, Jahmai Jones had two.

Skubal will make his first start at Fenway Park since 2023. Last Sunday, in an 8-2 win over the Marlins, he threw 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball with seven strikeouts but thought he could do better. He took a no-hitter into the sixth inning.

“My stuff wasn’t good,” Skubal said. “But those things happen in baseball. It’s not always when you have your best stuff. If that was the case, it would be easy to predict our game. It’s just not like that.”

Skubal carries a 2-2 record and 4.91 ERA against Boston into Saturday’s game, his sixth start vs. the Red Sox. Most recently, he allowed five runs on seven hits while striking out 11 in a May 14, 2025, no-decision in a game the Tigers won 6-5.

Before Friday’s first pitch, Detroit placed infielder Zach McKinstry on the 10-day injured list with left hip/abdominal inflammation and recalled No. 6 prospect Hao-Yu Lee from Triple-A Toledo for his MLB debut. He went 0-for-3.

“We’re excited for Lee to get his feet wet in the big leagues,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “We’ve had him in camp the last couple of seasons. … He can play good defense. He’s a good baseball player.”


Beyond Jones, Kevin McGonigle had another hit, giving him 22 and a .306 average to lead all AL rookies.

An eight-inning start from Ranger Suarez helped set the stage for Boston’s second consecutive win on Friday, but it took an extra frame and Yoshida’s first career walk-off knock to get the job done.

Yoshida has just 29 at-bats this season, though he is on a six-game hitting streak.

“In these situations, I know how he feels; you want to play,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “We got him for a reason here (from Japan), and he’s been banged up, and now all of a sudden, this is how we’re going to play the game … with this roster and we’re going to maximize it, but it’s not easy.”

The Friday shutout win was Boston’s third of the season and second in as many home games.

Brayan Bello (1-1, 6.14 ERA) will look to throw his own gem on Saturday. The right-hander gave up a total of 10 runs (eight earned) in his first two starts before earning his first win with 6 2/3 innings of two-run ball last Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals in a 9-3 game.

“When I’m staying in the zone, this is the result that you get,” Bello said after the game. “When I’m executing all of my pitches, being aggressive in the zone, this is what happens.”

Bello is 0-1 with a 5.74 ERA in three career starts against Detroit. He took a no-decision in a 10-9 Tigers win on May 13, 2025, after allowing three runs (two earned) in 4 2/3 innings.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Red #Sox #Tarik #Skubal #strives #squash #Tigers #road #losing #streak">Deadspin | Against Red Sox, Tarik Skubal strives to squash Tigers’ road losing streak      Apr 12, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA;  Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) pitches in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images   With two-time reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal taking the mound, a pitchers’ duel could be on tap as the visiting Detroit Tigers look to even their four-game series against the Boston Red Sox on Saturday afternoon.  Skubal (2-2, 2.22 ERA), a left-hander, will try to play the role of stopper as Detroit’s road skid reached nine games with a 1-0, 10-inning setback in Friday’s series opener. Before Friday though, the Tigers had been on a six-game winning streak, with home sweeps of the Miami Marlins and Kansas City Royals.  Masataka Yoshida’s pinch-hit single scored Jarren Duran with the only run in a game Friday that featured just four hits for each team. For Detroit, Jahmai Jones had two.  Skubal will make his first start at Fenway Park since 2023. Last Sunday, in an 8-2 win over the Marlins, he threw 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball with seven strikeouts but thought he could do better. He took a no-hitter into the sixth inning.  “My stuff wasn’t good,” Skubal said. “But those things happen in baseball. It’s not always when you have your best stuff. If that was the case, it would be easy to predict our game. It’s just not like that.”  Skubal carries a 2-2 record and 4.91 ERA against Boston into Saturday’s game, his sixth start vs. the Red Sox. Most recently, he allowed five runs on seven hits while striking out 11 in a May 14, 2025, no-decision in a game the Tigers won 6-5.  Before Friday’s first pitch, Detroit placed infielder Zach McKinstry on the 10-day injured list with left hip/abdominal inflammation and recalled No. 6 prospect Hao-Yu Lee from Triple-A Toledo for his MLB debut. He went 0-for-3.  “We’re excited for Lee to get his feet wet in the big leagues,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “We’ve had him in camp the last couple of seasons. … He can play good defense. He’s a good baseball player.”  Beyond Jones, Kevin McGonigle had another hit, giving him 22 and a .306 average to lead all AL rookies.   An eight-inning start from Ranger Suarez helped set the stage for Boston’s second consecutive win on Friday, but it took an extra frame and Yoshida’s first career walk-off knock to get the job done.   Yoshida has just 29 at-bats this season, though he is on a six-game hitting streak.  “In these situations, I know how he feels; you want to play,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “We got him for a reason here (from Japan), and he’s been banged up, and now all of a sudden, this is how we’re going to play the game … with this roster and we’re going to maximize it, but it’s not easy.”  The Friday shutout win was Boston’s third of the season and second in as many home games.  Brayan Bello (1-1, 6.14 ERA) will look to throw his own gem on Saturday. The right-hander gave up a total of 10 runs (eight earned) in his first two starts before earning his first win with 6 2/3 innings of two-run ball last Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals in a 9-3 game.  “When I’m staying in the zone, this is the result that you get,” Bello said after the game. “When I’m executing all of my pitches, being aggressive in the zone, this is what happens.”  Bello is 0-1 with a 5.74 ERA in three career starts against Detroit. He took a no-decision in a 10-9 Tigers win on May 13, 2025, after allowing three runs (two earned) in 4 2/3 innings.   –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Red #Sox #Tarik #Skubal #strives #squash #Tigers #road #losing #streak

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