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Deadspin | Thunder open NBA playoffs as heavy favorites to repeat  Apr 8, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives past Los Angeles Clippers guard Kris Dunn (8) in the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images   The Oklahoma City Thunder are overwhelming favorites to repeat as NBA champions.  Led by reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder are listed at +110 to win the NBA Finals per DraftKings and +115 per BetMGM.  Oklahoma City finished the regular season with an NBA-best 64-18 record.  The Victor Wembanyama-led San Antonio Spurs (DraftKings: +500; BetMGM: +450) are second favorite followed by the Boston Celtics (DK: +550; B: +550) and Denver Nuggets (DK: +900; B: +1100).  The Spurs remained on the heels of the Thunder as the regular season came to a close before finishing with a 62-20 record.   The Celtics (56-26) benefited from the return of star Jayson Tatum from a ruptured Achilles in last year’s playoffs, while three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic powered the Nuggets to a 54-28 mark.  The Cleveland Cavaliers (DK: +1700; B: +1600), Detroit Pistons (DK: +2200; B: +1700) and New York Knicks (DK: +1800; B: +2200) round out the next tier of odds.  The odds for the remaining teams: Houston Rockets (DK: +8000; B: +6600); Minnesota Timberwolves (DK: +10000; B: +8000); Atlanta Hawks (DK: +13000; B: +10000); Los Angeles Lakers (DK: +15000; B: +20000); Philadelphia 76ers (DK: +15000; B: +25000); Toronto Raptors (DK: +35000; B: +30000); Orlando Magic (DK: +45000; B: +75000); Portland Trail Blazers (DK: +70000; B: +75000) and Phoenix Suns (DK: +70000; B: +50000)  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Thunder #open #NBA #playoffs #heavy #favorites #repeat

Deadspin | Thunder open NBA playoffs as heavy favorites to repeat
Deadspin | Thunder open NBA playoffs as heavy favorites to repeat  Apr 8, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives past Los Angeles Clippers guard Kris Dunn (8) in the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images   The Oklahoma City Thunder are overwhelming favorites to repeat as NBA champions.  Led by reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder are listed at +110 to win the NBA Finals per DraftKings and +115 per BetMGM.  Oklahoma City finished the regular season with an NBA-best 64-18 record.  The Victor Wembanyama-led San Antonio Spurs (DraftKings: +500; BetMGM: +450) are second favorite followed by the Boston Celtics (DK: +550; B: +550) and Denver Nuggets (DK: +900; B: +1100).  The Spurs remained on the heels of the Thunder as the regular season came to a close before finishing with a 62-20 record.   The Celtics (56-26) benefited from the return of star Jayson Tatum from a ruptured Achilles in last year’s playoffs, while three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic powered the Nuggets to a 54-28 mark.  The Cleveland Cavaliers (DK: +1700; B: +1600), Detroit Pistons (DK: +2200; B: +1700) and New York Knicks (DK: +1800; B: +2200) round out the next tier of odds.  The odds for the remaining teams: Houston Rockets (DK: +8000; B: +6600); Minnesota Timberwolves (DK: +10000; B: +8000); Atlanta Hawks (DK: +13000; B: +10000); Los Angeles Lakers (DK: +15000; B: +20000); Philadelphia 76ers (DK: +15000; B: +25000); Toronto Raptors (DK: +35000; B: +30000); Orlando Magic (DK: +45000; B: +75000); Portland Trail Blazers (DK: +70000; B: +75000) and Phoenix Suns (DK: +70000; B: +50000)  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Thunder #open #NBA #playoffs #heavy #favorites #repeatApr 8, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives past Los Angeles Clippers guard Kris Dunn (8) in the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Oklahoma City Thunder are overwhelming favorites to repeat as NBA champions.

Led by reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder are listed at +110 to win the NBA Finals per DraftKings and +115 per BetMGM.

Oklahoma City finished the regular season with an NBA-best 64-18 record.

The Victor Wembanyama-led San Antonio Spurs (DraftKings: +500; BetMGM: +450) are second favorite followed by the Boston Celtics (DK: +550; B: +550) and Denver Nuggets (DK: +900; B: +1100).


The Spurs remained on the heels of the Thunder as the regular season came to a close before finishing with a 62-20 record.

The Celtics (56-26) benefited from the return of star Jayson Tatum from a ruptured Achilles in last year’s playoffs, while three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic powered the Nuggets to a 54-28 mark.

The Cleveland Cavaliers (DK: +1700; B: +1600), Detroit Pistons (DK: +2200; B: +1700) and New York Knicks (DK: +1800; B: +2200) round out the next tier of odds.

The odds for the remaining teams: Houston Rockets (DK: +8000; B: +6600); Minnesota Timberwolves (DK: +10000; B: +8000); Atlanta Hawks (DK: +13000; B: +10000); Los Angeles Lakers (DK: +15000; B: +20000); Philadelphia 76ers (DK: +15000; B: +25000); Toronto Raptors (DK: +35000; B: +30000); Orlando Magic (DK: +45000; B: +75000); Portland Trail Blazers (DK: +70000; B: +75000) and Phoenix Suns (DK: +70000; B: +50000)

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Thunder #open #NBA #playoffs #heavy #favorites #repeat

Apr 8, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives past Los Angeles Clippers guard Kris Dunn (8) in the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Oklahoma City Thunder are overwhelming favorites to repeat as NBA champions.

Led by reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder are listed at +110 to win the NBA Finals per DraftKings and +115 per BetMGM.

Oklahoma City finished the regular season with an NBA-best 64-18 record.

The Victor Wembanyama-led San Antonio Spurs (DraftKings: +500; BetMGM: +450) are second favorite followed by the Boston Celtics (DK: +550; B: +550) and Denver Nuggets (DK: +900; B: +1100).

The Spurs remained on the heels of the Thunder as the regular season came to a close before finishing with a 62-20 record.

The Celtics (56-26) benefited from the return of star Jayson Tatum from a ruptured Achilles in last year’s playoffs, while three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic powered the Nuggets to a 54-28 mark.

The Cleveland Cavaliers (DK: +1700; B: +1600), Detroit Pistons (DK: +2200; B: +1700) and New York Knicks (DK: +1800; B: +2200) round out the next tier of odds.

The odds for the remaining teams: Houston Rockets (DK: +8000; B: +6600); Minnesota Timberwolves (DK: +10000; B: +8000); Atlanta Hawks (DK: +13000; B: +10000); Los Angeles Lakers (DK: +15000; B: +20000); Philadelphia 76ers (DK: +15000; B: +25000); Toronto Raptors (DK: +35000; B: +30000); Orlando Magic (DK: +45000; B: +75000); Portland Trail Blazers (DK: +70000; B: +75000) and Phoenix Suns (DK: +70000; B: +50000)

–Field Level Media

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Athletics Federation of India to step into track certification as 90% of synthetic tracks found substandard <div id="content-body-70877994" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Around 90 per cent of the synthetic tracks currently in use in the country are substandard in terms of material, laying and marking, Athletics Federation of India (AFI) spokesperson Adille Sumariwalla said on Saturday.</p><p>Sumariwalla said World Athletics has asked the AFI to get involved and address the issue, though he clarified that performances recorded on such tracks would not be annulled.</p><p>“I’m not going to name the tracks, but I can tell you that more than 90 per cent of tracks in India are substandard material-wise, laying-wise and marking-wise. We had a meeting with World Athletics in Tokyo last year during the World Championships, and they showed us some data, which was quite shocking,” Sumariwalla said during a virtual press conference.</p><p>“The material used is substandard, the process is substandard, the granules used are substandard and the laying methodology is substandard. The thickness is also substandard. In some cases, instead of polyurethane, only rubber or tyre rubber is being used.</p><p>“We have seen tracks where tyre rubber is used underneath and only red paint is applied on top. It’s that bad. Over time, such tracks will deteriorate and, within a few months, become unusable.”</p><p>He said the AFI, during its Annual General Meeting in Kohima on April 14 and 15, decided to step in and take a role in track certification.</p><p>“World Athletics was not happy with the quality being certified. So the AFI will now help in certifying and ensuring that all standards of measurement and quality are met,” said the former AFI president, who is now a vice-president of World Athletics.</p><p>“We are working out how we are going to go about it. Many operators are fly-by-night vendors, not proper suppliers. We need to assess the quality of vendors. We will likely come out with a list of genuine vendors worldwide whose materials can be used.</p><p><b>ALSO READ:<a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/athletics/sumit-antil-neeraj-chopra-accuse-naval-singh-harassment-abusive-language-news/article70875213.ece#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Sumit Antil, Neeraj Chopra accuse senior coach of harassment and using abusive language</a></b></p><p>“We also conducted a course with foreign experts in India to help our officials understand how a track is to be measured and tested, and what needs to be done during the laying process.”</p><p>Sumariwalla said the AFI had not been involved in track certification earlier.</p><p>“We stayed away from this for a long time, because the way contracts were awarded was not something we wanted to get into. We have never certified any track earlier. However, we will now have to get involved because World Athletics has asked us to do so.”</p><p>When asked if the recently laid Mondo track at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium was under scrutiny, he said, “I don’t know. I’m not going to get into details on which track and where.”</p><p>He clarified that India already has World Athletics-certified tracks, which do not require re-certification.</p><p>“Substandard means the quality is not good. It may be too soft or too hard. That does not affect World Athletics recognition, but instead of lasting 10 years, the track may deteriorate in two years and need relaying.</p><p>“You will not get good performance if tyre rubber is used instead of polyurethane. The performance will be slower,” Sumariwalla said.</p><p>Earlier this month, the AFI had made it mandatory for track and field athletes to obtain prior approval before entering into sponsorship agreements, including with private entities.</p><p>However, Sumariwalla said the decision was put on hold during the AGM in Kohima.</p><p>“The AFI had a healthy discussion and we decided to have further consultation. We will keep this open for the next three months.</p><p>“We want to address all concerns through a broader consultation process.”</p><p>He added that the AFI does not derive any benefit from the sponsorship deals signed by athletes.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 18, 2026</p></div> #Athletics #Federation #India #step #track #certification #synthetic #tracks #substandard

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Premier League 2025-26: Newcastle continues to sink; Wolves on brink of relegation <div id="content-body-70878679" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Newcastle has plunged into its most challenging period since the club was bought by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund.</p><p>A 2-1 home loss to Bournemouth on Saturday was a third straight defeat in the Premier League for Newcastle, which is languishing in 14th place in the 20-team top flight with five games remaining in the campaign. The team received boos at full time.</p><p>It leaves Newcastle manager Eddie Howe — hired in November 2021, weeks after the takeover by Saudi’s Public Investment Fund — under increasing pressure, with the club not giving any assurances he’ll be in charge beyond this season.</p><p>At St. James’ Park, Adrien Truffert broke a tie in the 85th minute with his first Premier League goal to win the game for eighth-place Bournemouth, which is unbeaten in 13 straight league matches — including six wins.</p><p>Marcus Tavernier turned in Rayan’s cross across the goalmouth in the 32nd minute to put the Cherries ahead. Will Osula equalized in the 68th minute after an initial offside call was overturned in a video review.</p><p>Wolverhampton lost 3-0 at Leeds and will be relegated if third-to-last Tottenham beats Brighton later Saturday.</p><p>Wolves, who have just 17 points from 33 games, have been in the Premier League for the past eight seasons.</p><p>Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted a stoppage-time penalty to round off the win after early goals by James Justin — with a bicycle kick — and Noah Okafor. Leeds moved nine points clear of the relegation zone.</p><div class=" article-picture center"><img src="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/dh2dff/article70878691.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/2026-04-18T133113Z_470751266_UP1EM4I11K09T_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-BRE-FUL.JPG" data-original="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/dh2dff/article70878691.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/2026-04-18T133113Z_470751266_UP1EM4I11K09T_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-BRE-FUL.JPG" alt="Brentford's Caoimhin Kelleher and Brentford's Nathan Collins react after the match against Fulham." title="Brentford's Caoimhin Kelleher and Brentford's Nathan Collins react after the match against Fulham." class=" lazy" width="100%" height="100%"/><div class="pic-caption"><figcaption class="figure-caption align-text-bottom"><p> Brentford’s Caoimhin Kelleher and Brentford’s Nathan Collins react after the match against Fulham. | Photo Credit: Reuters </p><img class="caption-image" src="https://assetsss.thehindu.com/theme/images/SSRX/lightbox-info.svg" alt="lightbox-info"/></figcaption></div><p class="caption"> Brentford’s Caoimhin Kelleher and Brentford’s Nathan Collins react after the match against Fulham. | Photo Credit: Reuters </p></div><p>Brentford failed to boost its unlikely Champions League qualification hopes by drawing a fifth straight game in the Premier League, this time 0-0 at home to Fulham.</p><p>Brentford could have climbed above Chelsea, which plays Manchester United later, and into sixth place with a win but missed a slew of chances. Top scorer Igor Thiago hit the goal frame.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 18, 2026</p></div> #Premier #League #Newcastle #continues #sink #Wolves #brink #relegation

Deadspin | Ramos powers Giants past host Nationals  Apr 17, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; San Francisco Giants infielder Luis Arraez (L) and Giants center fielder Drew Gilbert (R) walk back to the dugout after scoring runs on a two run single by Giants third baseman Matt Chapman (not pictured) against the Washington Nationals during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images   Heliot Ramos hit a three-run home run, Drew Gilbert and Casey Schmitt added solo shots and the San Francisco Giants beat the Nationals 10-5 in Washington on Friday night.  Matt Chapman had three hits and drove in three runs for the Giants, who have won two in row.  Logan Webb (2-2) went six innings for the win, allowing four runs on seven hits.  After scoring three runs or less in five straight games, the Giants jumped in front with a six-run second inning.  James Wood and Daylen Lile homered, and Jose Tena had three hits for the Nationals.  Washington’s Zack Littell (0-2) gave up eight runs on 11 hits over four innings.  Schmitt and Jung Hoo Lee opened the second inning with singles and Ramos followed with his first homer of the season, a three-run shot to center, to make it 3-0.  After Daniel Susac singled and was thrown out attempting to steal, Gilbert walked and Willy Adames singled. Littell retired Luis Arraez on a groundout as both runners advanced, and Champman lined a single to left center to make it 5-0. Rafael Devers doubled over the head of Wood in right and the lead was 6-0.   The Nationals got one back in the third. Tena singled and went to third on a single by Keibert Ruiz. Wood struck out, but Brady House grounded into a fielder’s choice and Tena scored.  Gilbert homered leading off the fourth to make it 7-1. Adames doubled and went to third on a ground out. With the infield in, Chapman singled between short and third to increase the lead to 8-1.  Joey Wiemer singled leading off the bottom half and Lile homered to center to pull Washington within 8-3.  Lile walked with one out in the sixth and scored on a two-out single by Tena.  Schmitt homered in the seventh to make it 9-4, but Wood answered in the bottom half to make it 9-5.  Ramos walked with the bases loaded in the ninth to push the lead to 10-5.  Luis Arraez had two singles and has hit safely in each of his 12 career games at Nationals Park.   –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Ramos #powers #Giants #host #NationalsApr 17, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; San Francisco Giants infielder Luis Arraez (L) and Giants center fielder Drew Gilbert (R) walk back to the dugout after scoring runs on a two run single by Giants third baseman Matt Chapman (not pictured) against the Washington Nationals during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Heliot Ramos hit a three-run home run, Drew Gilbert and Casey Schmitt added solo shots and the San Francisco Giants beat the Nationals 10-5 in Washington on Friday night.

Matt Chapman had three hits and drove in three runs for the Giants, who have won two in row.

Logan Webb (2-2) went six innings for the win, allowing four runs on seven hits.

After scoring three runs or less in five straight games, the Giants jumped in front with a six-run second inning.

James Wood and Daylen Lile homered, and Jose Tena had three hits for the Nationals.

Washington’s Zack Littell (0-2) gave up eight runs on 11 hits over four innings.

Schmitt and Jung Hoo Lee opened the second inning with singles and Ramos followed with his first homer of the season, a three-run shot to center, to make it 3-0.


After Daniel Susac singled and was thrown out attempting to steal, Gilbert walked and Willy Adames singled. Littell retired Luis Arraez on a groundout as both runners advanced, and Champman lined a single to left center to make it 5-0. Rafael Devers doubled over the head of Wood in right and the lead was 6-0.

The Nationals got one back in the third. Tena singled and went to third on a single by Keibert Ruiz. Wood struck out, but Brady House grounded into a fielder’s choice and Tena scored.

Gilbert homered leading off the fourth to make it 7-1. Adames doubled and went to third on a ground out. With the infield in, Chapman singled between short and third to increase the lead to 8-1.

Joey Wiemer singled leading off the bottom half and Lile homered to center to pull Washington within 8-3.

Lile walked with one out in the sixth and scored on a two-out single by Tena.

Schmitt homered in the seventh to make it 9-4, but Wood answered in the bottom half to make it 9-5.

Ramos walked with the bases loaded in the ninth to push the lead to 10-5.

Luis Arraez had two singles and has hit safely in each of his 12 career games at Nationals Park.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Ramos #powers #Giants #host #Nationals">Deadspin | Ramos powers Giants past host Nationals  Apr 17, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; San Francisco Giants infielder Luis Arraez (L) and Giants center fielder Drew Gilbert (R) walk back to the dugout after scoring runs on a two run single by Giants third baseman Matt Chapman (not pictured) against the Washington Nationals during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images   Heliot Ramos hit a three-run home run, Drew Gilbert and Casey Schmitt added solo shots and the San Francisco Giants beat the Nationals 10-5 in Washington on Friday night.  Matt Chapman had three hits and drove in three runs for the Giants, who have won two in row.  Logan Webb (2-2) went six innings for the win, allowing four runs on seven hits.  After scoring three runs or less in five straight games, the Giants jumped in front with a six-run second inning.  James Wood and Daylen Lile homered, and Jose Tena had three hits for the Nationals.  Washington’s Zack Littell (0-2) gave up eight runs on 11 hits over four innings.  Schmitt and Jung Hoo Lee opened the second inning with singles and Ramos followed with his first homer of the season, a three-run shot to center, to make it 3-0.  After Daniel Susac singled and was thrown out attempting to steal, Gilbert walked and Willy Adames singled. Littell retired Luis Arraez on a groundout as both runners advanced, and Champman lined a single to left center to make it 5-0. Rafael Devers doubled over the head of Wood in right and the lead was 6-0.   The Nationals got one back in the third. Tena singled and went to third on a single by Keibert Ruiz. Wood struck out, but Brady House grounded into a fielder’s choice and Tena scored.  Gilbert homered leading off the fourth to make it 7-1. Adames doubled and went to third on a ground out. With the infield in, Chapman singled between short and third to increase the lead to 8-1.  Joey Wiemer singled leading off the bottom half and Lile homered to center to pull Washington within 8-3.  Lile walked with one out in the sixth and scored on a two-out single by Tena.  Schmitt homered in the seventh to make it 9-4, but Wood answered in the bottom half to make it 9-5.  Ramos walked with the bases loaded in the ninth to push the lead to 10-5.  Luis Arraez had two singles and has hit safely in each of his 12 career games at Nationals Park.   –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Ramos #powers #Giants #host #Nationals

Deadspin | Ryan McMahon the unlikely hero as Yankees edge Royals  Apr 4, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Ryan McMahon (19) runs out a ground ball and is safe on a fielding error by the Miami Marlins during the third inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images   Ryan McMahon hit a tiebreaking two-run homer with two outs in the eighth inning and the New York Yankees earned a 4-2 victory over the visiting Kansas City Royals on Friday night.  After not starting the game, McMahon entered at third base for Amed Rosario. Ben Rice kept the inning going with a two-out single, and McMahon snapped a 2-2 tie by sending a 2-1 changeup from Alex Lange (0-1) into the left field seats. McMahon’s homer sent left fielder Starling Marte back, but the wind appeared to carry it over the fence.  It was McMahon’s sixth hit in 43 at-bats this season — his first extra-base hit — and it occurred after manager Aaron Boone said the left-handed hitting McMahon was working on some things with his swing behind the scenes.  The Yankees have won five games in their final at-bat this year, which are their five most recent victories. McMahon drew a walk on Monday when Jose Caballero scored on a wild pitch by Jordan Romano in an 11-10 win over the Los Angeles Angels.  McMahon delivered his clutch homer after Camilo Doval (1-0) allowed a tying homer down the right field line by Vinnie Pasquantino. Doval quickly got the final out and David Bednar notched his sixth save.  Rice hit a two-run homer in the fourth off Michael Wacha as the Yankees did enough with five hits to win for just the third time in their past 10 games.  Before Doval faltered, New York’s Cam Schlittler allowed an unearned run on three hits in six-plus innings. The right-hander struck out six and walked two while throwing mostly four-seam fastballs, sinkers and cutters among his season-high 93 pitches.   Schlittler pitched around a dropped fly ball by center fielder Trent Grisham in the sixth.  With one out and Maikel Garcia on first, Bobby Witt Jr. hit a fly to the warning track in center field in front of the New York bullpen. As Grisham settled under it, the ball caromed off his glove for a two-base error and Garcia advanced to third.  After allowing Pasquantino’s RBI grounder, Schlittler struck out Salvador Perez to end the sixth.  The Royals lost for the fifth game in a row and the eighth time in 10 games. Nine of those games have been decided by two runs or fewer.  Wacha allowed two runs on three hits in six innings. The right-hander struck out six and walked three.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Ryan #McMahon #hero #Yankees #edge #RoyalsApr 4, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Ryan McMahon (19) runs out a ground ball and is safe on a fielding error by the Miami Marlins during the third inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Ryan McMahon hit a tiebreaking two-run homer with two outs in the eighth inning and the New York Yankees earned a 4-2 victory over the visiting Kansas City Royals on Friday night.

After not starting the game, McMahon entered at third base for Amed Rosario. Ben Rice kept the inning going with a two-out single, and McMahon snapped a 2-2 tie by sending a 2-1 changeup from Alex Lange (0-1) into the left field seats. McMahon’s homer sent left fielder Starling Marte back, but the wind appeared to carry it over the fence.

It was McMahon’s sixth hit in 43 at-bats this season — his first extra-base hit — and it occurred after manager Aaron Boone said the left-handed hitting McMahon was working on some things with his swing behind the scenes.

The Yankees have won five games in their final at-bat this year, which are their five most recent victories. McMahon drew a walk on Monday when Jose Caballero scored on a wild pitch by Jordan Romano in an 11-10 win over the Los Angeles Angels.

McMahon delivered his clutch homer after Camilo Doval (1-0) allowed a tying homer down the right field line by Vinnie Pasquantino. Doval quickly got the final out and David Bednar notched his sixth save.

Rice hit a two-run homer in the fourth off Michael Wacha as the Yankees did enough with five hits to win for just the third time in their past 10 games.


Before Doval faltered, New York’s Cam Schlittler allowed an unearned run on three hits in six-plus innings. The right-hander struck out six and walked two while throwing mostly four-seam fastballs, sinkers and cutters among his season-high 93 pitches.

Schlittler pitched around a dropped fly ball by center fielder Trent Grisham in the sixth.

With one out and Maikel Garcia on first, Bobby Witt Jr. hit a fly to the warning track in center field in front of the New York bullpen. As Grisham settled under it, the ball caromed off his glove for a two-base error and Garcia advanced to third.

After allowing Pasquantino’s RBI grounder, Schlittler struck out Salvador Perez to end the sixth.

The Royals lost for the fifth game in a row and the eighth time in 10 games. Nine of those games have been decided by two runs or fewer.

Wacha allowed two runs on three hits in six innings. The right-hander struck out six and walked three.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Ryan #McMahon #hero #Yankees #edge #Royals">Deadspin | Ryan McMahon the unlikely hero as Yankees edge Royals  Apr 4, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Ryan McMahon (19) runs out a ground ball and is safe on a fielding error by the Miami Marlins during the third inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images   Ryan McMahon hit a tiebreaking two-run homer with two outs in the eighth inning and the New York Yankees earned a 4-2 victory over the visiting Kansas City Royals on Friday night.  After not starting the game, McMahon entered at third base for Amed Rosario. Ben Rice kept the inning going with a two-out single, and McMahon snapped a 2-2 tie by sending a 2-1 changeup from Alex Lange (0-1) into the left field seats. McMahon’s homer sent left fielder Starling Marte back, but the wind appeared to carry it over the fence.  It was McMahon’s sixth hit in 43 at-bats this season — his first extra-base hit — and it occurred after manager Aaron Boone said the left-handed hitting McMahon was working on some things with his swing behind the scenes.  The Yankees have won five games in their final at-bat this year, which are their five most recent victories. McMahon drew a walk on Monday when Jose Caballero scored on a wild pitch by Jordan Romano in an 11-10 win over the Los Angeles Angels.  McMahon delivered his clutch homer after Camilo Doval (1-0) allowed a tying homer down the right field line by Vinnie Pasquantino. Doval quickly got the final out and David Bednar notched his sixth save.  Rice hit a two-run homer in the fourth off Michael Wacha as the Yankees did enough with five hits to win for just the third time in their past 10 games.  Before Doval faltered, New York’s Cam Schlittler allowed an unearned run on three hits in six-plus innings. The right-hander struck out six and walked two while throwing mostly four-seam fastballs, sinkers and cutters among his season-high 93 pitches.   Schlittler pitched around a dropped fly ball by center fielder Trent Grisham in the sixth.  With one out and Maikel Garcia on first, Bobby Witt Jr. hit a fly to the warning track in center field in front of the New York bullpen. As Grisham settled under it, the ball caromed off his glove for a two-base error and Garcia advanced to third.  After allowing Pasquantino’s RBI grounder, Schlittler struck out Salvador Perez to end the sixth.  The Royals lost for the fifth game in a row and the eighth time in 10 games. Nine of those games have been decided by two runs or fewer.  Wacha allowed two runs on three hits in six innings. The right-hander struck out six and walked three.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Ryan #McMahon #hero #Yankees #edge #Royals

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