Deadspin | Banged-up Astros try end skid against Cardinals Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros manager Joe Espada talks with a player in the dugout before the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images The injuries continue to add up for the Houston Astros, who lost outfielder Joey Loperfido to right quad tightness on Friday. He was unavailable for the Astros’ 7-5 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday. Loperfido underwent an MRI on Saturday and likely will be placed on the injured list, manager Joe Espada said. Houston, needing a victory on Sunday to avert a three-game series sweep, claimed outfielder Dustin Harris off waivers from the Chicago White Sox on Saturday in a move unrelated to the Loperfido injury. Harris slashed .224/.318/.414 across 27 games with the Texas Rangers (2024-25) and White Sox (2026). The Astros, who have lost three straight overall, entered the weekend with outfielders Jake Meyers (right oblique strain) and Zach Dezenzo (right elbow sprain) on the 10-day injured list. “Our reports have him pretty good in the (outfield) corners,” Astros manager Joe Espada said of Harris. “Left-handed bat. There’s some speed in there that we like. So the plan is to primarily stay in the corners, so once he gets here, we’ll get him in there. “We like the player. We would like to have him in the organization.” Right-hander Mike Burrows (1-3, 6.55 ERA) is scheduled to start the series finale for Houston. Burrows has allowed 33 hits, tied for the most in the majors, while tied for the most earned runs (16) and homers (five) surrendered in the American League. He logged a season-best six innings in a 6-2 loss to the Seattle Mariners on Monday but allowed 11 hits and six earned runs, both season highs. Burrows will make his first career appearance against the Cardinals. Left-hander Matthew Liberatore (0-1, 4.29) has the starting assignment for the Cardinals. Liberatore earned his first decision this season in his previous start, allowing four runs on six hits and three walks with two strikeouts over five innings in a 9-3 loss to the Cleveland Guardians on Monday. He posted a 3.38 ERA in his first three starts without a decision. The Cardinals won each game. Liberatore has faced one batter in his career against the Astros, recording an out in the Cardinals’ 8-5 road loss on June 4, 2024. St. Louis manager Oliver Marmol has lauded the early-season commitment to detail from his club, one purportedly entering a rebuilding phase this season. The Cardinals set the stage for a series sweep on Sunday by combining resourceful starting pitching with an egalitarian approach to offense, with contributors up and down the lineup playing a role in the first two series wins. Starting pitchers Kyle Leahy and Andre Pallante combined to allow four runs over 10 innings in wins on Friday and Saturday. After four different Cardinals recorded RBIs in the series opener, three Cardinals homered on Saturday to help carry the offense, including Masyn Winn and Jose Fermin going deep for the first time this season. A collective effort yielded a pair of interleague wins this series. Marmol wants more of the same. “We’ve just got to stay head down and continue to work on the things that we’re working on,” Marmol said. “Stay downhill. These guys have done a nice job this road trip, so we need to continue that (Sunday).” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Bangedup #Astros #skid #Cardinals

Deadspin | Banged-up Astros try end skid against Cardinals
Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros manager Joe Espada talks with a player in the dugout before the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The injuries continue to add up for the Houston Astros, who lost outfielder Joey Loperfido to right quad tightness on Friday. He was unavailable for the Astros’ 7-5 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday.

Loperfido underwent an MRI on Saturday and likely will be placed on the injured list, manager Joe Espada said. Houston, needing a victory on Sunday to avert a three-game series sweep, claimed outfielder Dustin Harris off waivers from the Chicago White Sox on Saturday in a move unrelated to the Loperfido injury.

Harris slashed .224/.318/.414 across 27 games with the Texas Rangers (2024-25) and White Sox (2026). The Astros, who have lost three straight overall, entered the weekend with outfielders Jake Meyers (right oblique strain) and Zach Dezenzo (right elbow sprain) on the 10-day injured list.

“Our reports have him pretty good in the (outfield) corners,” Astros manager Joe Espada said of Harris. “Left-handed bat. There’s some speed in there that we like. So the plan is to primarily stay in the corners, so once he gets here, we’ll get him in there.

“We like the player. We would like to have him in the organization.”

Right-hander Mike Burrows (1-3, 6.55 ERA) is scheduled to start the series finale for Houston.

Burrows has allowed 33 hits, tied for the most in the majors, while tied for the most earned runs (16) and homers (five) surrendered in the American League. He logged a season-best six innings in a 6-2 loss to the Seattle Mariners on Monday but allowed 11 hits and six earned runs, both season highs.

Burrows will make his first career appearance against the Cardinals.

Left-hander Matthew Liberatore (0-1, 4.29) has the starting assignment for the Cardinals.

Liberatore earned his first decision this season in his previous start, allowing four runs on six hits and three walks with two strikeouts over five innings in a 9-3 loss to the Cleveland Guardians on Monday. He posted a 3.38 ERA in his first three starts without a decision. The Cardinals won each game.

Liberatore has faced one batter in his career against the Astros, recording an out in the Cardinals’ 8-5 road loss on June 4, 2024.

St. Louis manager Oliver Marmol has lauded the early-season commitment to detail from his club, one purportedly entering a rebuilding phase this season. The Cardinals set the stage for a series sweep on Sunday by combining resourceful starting pitching with an egalitarian approach to offense, with contributors up and down the lineup playing a role in the first two series wins.

Starting pitchers Kyle Leahy and Andre Pallante combined to allow four runs over 10 innings in wins on Friday and Saturday. After four different Cardinals recorded RBIs in the series opener, three Cardinals homered on Saturday to help carry the offense, including Masyn Winn and Jose Fermin going deep for the first time this season.

A collective effort yielded a pair of interleague wins this series. Marmol wants more of the same.

“We’ve just got to stay head down and continue to work on the things that we’re working on,” Marmol said. “Stay downhill. These guys have done a nice job this road trip, so we need to continue that (Sunday).”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Bangedup #Astros #skid #Cardinals

Sports news April 19, 2026

Apr 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros manager Joe Espada talks with a player in the dugout before the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The injuries continue to add up for the Houston Astros, who lost outfielder Joey Loperfido to right quad tightness on Friday. He was unavailable for the Astros’ 7-5 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday.

Loperfido underwent an MRI on Saturday and likely will be placed on the injured list, manager Joe Espada said. Houston, needing a victory on Sunday to avert a three-game series sweep, claimed outfielder Dustin Harris off waivers from the Chicago White Sox on Saturday in a move unrelated to the Loperfido injury.

Harris slashed .224/.318/.414 across 27 games with the Texas Rangers (2024-25) and White Sox (2026). The Astros, who have lost three straight overall, entered the weekend with outfielders Jake Meyers (right oblique strain) and Zach Dezenzo (right elbow sprain) on the 10-day injured list.

“Our reports have him pretty good in the (outfield) corners,” Astros manager Joe Espada said of Harris. “Left-handed bat. There’s some speed in there that we like. So the plan is to primarily stay in the corners, so once he gets here, we’ll get him in there.

“We like the player. We would like to have him in the organization.”

Right-hander Mike Burrows (1-3, 6.55 ERA) is scheduled to start the series finale for Houston.

Burrows has allowed 33 hits, tied for the most in the majors, while tied for the most earned runs (16) and homers (five) surrendered in the American League. He logged a season-best six innings in a 6-2 loss to the Seattle Mariners on Monday but allowed 11 hits and six earned runs, both season highs.

Burrows will make his first career appearance against the Cardinals.

Left-hander Matthew Liberatore (0-1, 4.29) has the starting assignment for the Cardinals.

Liberatore earned his first decision this season in his previous start, allowing four runs on six hits and three walks with two strikeouts over five innings in a 9-3 loss to the Cleveland Guardians on Monday. He posted a 3.38 ERA in his first three starts without a decision. The Cardinals won each game.

Liberatore has faced one batter in his career against the Astros, recording an out in the Cardinals’ 8-5 road loss on June 4, 2024.

St. Louis manager Oliver Marmol has lauded the early-season commitment to detail from his club, one purportedly entering a rebuilding phase this season. The Cardinals set the stage for a series sweep on Sunday by combining resourceful starting pitching with an egalitarian approach to offense, with contributors up and down the lineup playing a role in the first two series wins.

Starting pitchers Kyle Leahy and Andre Pallante combined to allow four runs over 10 innings in wins on Friday and Saturday. After four different Cardinals recorded RBIs in the series opener, three Cardinals homered on Saturday to help carry the offense, including Masyn Winn and Jose Fermin going deep for the first time this season.

A collective effort yielded a pair of interleague wins this series. Marmol wants more of the same.

“We’ve just got to stay head down and continue to work on the things that we’re working on,” Marmol said. “Stay downhill. These guys have done a nice job this road trip, so we need to continue that (Sunday).”

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Bangedup #Astros #skid #Cardinals

Some Geese Coachella Weekend 2 Thoughts That I Am Reasonably Sure Are My Own

Deadspin | New Bengals DT Dexter Lawrence signs 1-year, M extension Nov 16, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) scrambles away from New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images Three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence passed his physical and signed a one-year contract extension with the Cincinnati Bengals through the 2028 season on Sunday morning. Financial terms were communicated through Win Sports Group, which informed multiple media outlets that the extension was worth million. Lawrence was acquired by Cincinnati from the New York Giants on Saturday in exchange for the No. 10 pick overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. “We are excited to add Dexter to our team,” Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said. “He has been a dominant player in the league since he was drafted, and he will be a tremendous presence on the field and in our locker room.” Lawrence, 28, requested a trade last week and did not report to the Giants’ offseason program, with reports that discussions over a contract extension had reached an impasse. The Giants have three of the top 37 picks in the 2026 draft. That includes their original first-round pick — No. 5 — and Cincinnati’s selection, No. 10. A 2019 first-round pick (17th overall) out of Clemson, Lawrence has recorded 341 tackles, 30.5 sacks and 103 quarterback hits in 109 games (102 starts) over seven seasons in New York. Lawrence was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2022 through 2024, but not last season when he started 17 games and had 31 tackles, 0.5 sacks, four tackles for loss, eight quarterback hits and one interception. Cincinnati already added to its defensive line with offseason signings of former Seattle Seahawks edge rusher Boye Mafe to a three-year, million contract and former Minnesota Vikings tackle Jonathan Allen to a two-year, million deal. “The opportunity to add a player of Dexter’s ability was too good to pass up,” Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin said. “… Dexter fits the vision we have on our defense and will also elevate others around him. We are confident in Dexter and can’t wait to see the positive effects he and the other players we have acquired this offseason have on our football team. We are excited to turn to the draft and our remaining picks to further enhance our team.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Bengals #Dexter #Lawrence #signs #1year #28M #extension

#Deadspin #Bengals #Dexter #Lawrence #signs #1year #28M #extension">

mwasimuddin125 0

Nov 16, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) scrambles away from New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence passed his physical and signed a one-year contract extension with the Cincinnati Bengals through the 2028 season on Sunday morning.

Financial terms were communicated through Win Sports Group, which informed multiple media outlets that the extension was worth $28 million.

Lawrence was acquired by Cincinnati from the New York Giants on Saturday in exchange for the No. 10 pick overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.

“We are excited to add Dexter to our team,” Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said. “He has been a dominant player in the league since he was drafted, and he will be a tremendous presence on the field and in our locker room.”

Lawrence, 28, requested a trade last week and did not report to the Giants’ offseason program, with reports that discussions over a contract extension had reached an impasse.

The Giants have three of the top 37 picks in the 2026 draft. That includes their original first-round pick — No. 5 — and Cincinnati’s selection, No. 10.

A 2019 first-round pick (17th overall) out of Clemson, Lawrence has recorded 341 tackles, 30.5 sacks and 103 quarterback hits in 109 games (102 starts) over seven seasons in New York.

Lawrence was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2022 through 2024, but not last season when he started 17 games and had 31 tackles, 0.5 sacks, four tackles for loss, eight quarterback hits and one interception.

Cincinnati already added to its defensive line with offseason signings of former Seattle Seahawks edge rusher Boye Mafe to a three-year, $60 million contract and former Minnesota Vikings tackle Jonathan Allen to a two-year, $25 million deal.

“The opportunity to add a player of Dexter’s ability was too good to pass up,” Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin said. “… Dexter fits the vision we have on our defense and will also elevate others around him. We are confident in Dexter and can’t wait to see the positive effects he and the other players we have acquired this offseason have on our football team. We are excited to turn to the draft and our remaining picks to further enhance our team.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Bengals #Dexter #Lawrence #signs #1year #28M #extension">Deadspin | New Bengals DT Dexter Lawrence signs 1-year, $28M extension

Nov 16, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) scrambles away from New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence passed his physical and signed a one-year contract extension with the Cincinnati Bengals through the 2028 season on Sunday morning.

Financial terms were communicated through Win Sports Group, which informed multiple media outlets that the extension was worth $28 million.

Lawrence was acquired by Cincinnati from the New York Giants on Saturday in exchange for the No. 10 pick overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.

“We are excited to add Dexter to our team,” Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said. “He has been a dominant player in the league since he was drafted, and he will be a tremendous presence on the field and in our locker room.”

Lawrence, 28, requested a trade last week and did not report to the Giants’ offseason program, with reports that discussions over a contract extension had reached an impasse.

The Giants have three of the top 37 picks in the 2026 draft. That includes their original first-round pick — No. 5 — and Cincinnati’s selection, No. 10.

A 2019 first-round pick (17th overall) out of Clemson, Lawrence has recorded 341 tackles, 30.5 sacks and 103 quarterback hits in 109 games (102 starts) over seven seasons in New York.

Lawrence was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2022 through 2024, but not last season when he started 17 games and had 31 tackles, 0.5 sacks, four tackles for loss, eight quarterback hits and one interception.

Cincinnati already added to its defensive line with offseason signings of former Seattle Seahawks edge rusher Boye Mafe to a three-year, $60 million contract and former Minnesota Vikings tackle Jonathan Allen to a two-year, $25 million deal.

“The opportunity to add a player of Dexter’s ability was too good to pass up,” Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin said. “… Dexter fits the vision we have on our defense and will also elevate others around him. We are confident in Dexter and can’t wait to see the positive effects he and the other players we have acquired this offseason have on our football team. We are excited to turn to the draft and our remaining picks to further enhance our team.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Bengals #Dexter #Lawrence #signs #1year #28M #extension

Laura Wolvaardt made a free-flowing 54 and Sune Luus complemented her skipper with a well-composed 57 as South Africa crushed India by eight wickets in the second women’s T20I here on Sunday.

The match’s script was written in clear letters once SA bowlers bundled out India for a below-par 147, and it was taken into its logical culmination by Wolvaardt and Luus who added 106 runs for the opening alliance in just 12 overs.

The hosts made 148 for two in 17.1 overs. SA now leads the five-match series 2-0.

Wolvaardt was quite impressive, making runs more through finding gaps rather than going for big hits.

However, the SA skipper freed her hands whenever the opportunity presented, like an inside out six over covers off left-arm spinner Sree Charani.

Wolvaardt soon reached her fifty, 15th in a stellar T20I career so far, off just 30 balls.

At the other end, Luus was more patient, working spinners around for singles and twos with occasional boundaries, such as a maximum off off-spinner Shreyanka Patil.

The Bengaluru cricketer, however, had the last laugh, getting rid of both Wolvaardt and Luus, but the two wickets came too late to alter the course of the match.

Earlier, opener Shafali Verma struck a typically aggressive 57 but rest of the Indian batters struggled against largely accurate South Africa bowlers, settling for a below par 147 all out.

Also read | In hope of stars to turn up, Mumbai Indians visits in-form Gujarat Titans

Shafali was involved in a fine stand of 53 with debutant Anushka Sharma (28) but it was not a smooth stay by any stretch of imagination.

After losing Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues in successive overs of left-arm spinner Chloe Tryon (3/22), India did mount a comeback through Shafali and Anushka.

But taking a cue from their spinners, SA pacers Ayabonga Khaka, Tumi Sekhukhune (3/31) and Nadine de Klerk too mixed cutters and slow balls to keep Indian batters guessing.

The third wicket alliance between Shafali and Anushka, who were given lives respectively on 24 and 11, was a prime example of that.

Shafali, who hammered Sekhukhune for two fours and a six in an over in the PowerPlay, slowed down, whereas Anushka, who began her international career with a four, too found the going tough.

Shafali reached her 15th T20I fifty in 31 balls but fell soon, skying Noku Mlaba to De Klerk in the deep.

A little bit earlier, Tryon had ousted Anushka as India slipped to 109 for 4 in the 14th over from a healthier 99 for two in the 12th over.

Thereafter, India kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma all fell attempting acceleration. Had SA held on to their catches, India would have been bowled out for a much lower total.

In fact, India lost eight wickets for a mere 48 runs in that period of disarray.

Published on Apr 19, 2026

#INDW #Wolvaardt #Luus #fifties #South #Africa #script #8wicket #win #India">

IND-W vs SA-W: Wolvaardt, Luus fifties help South Africa script 8-wicket win over India Laura Wolvaardt made a free-flowing 54 and Sune Luus complemented her skipper with a well-composed 57 as South Africa crushed India by eight wickets in the second women’s T20I here on Sunday.The match’s script was written in clear letters once SA bowlers bundled out India for a below-par 147, and it was taken into its logical culmination by Wolvaardt and Luus who added 106 runs for the opening alliance in just 12 overs.The hosts made 148 for two in 17.1 overs. SA now leads the five-match series 2-0.Wolvaardt was quite impressive, making runs more through finding gaps rather than going for big hits.However, the SA skipper freed her hands whenever the opportunity presented, like an inside out six over covers off left-arm spinner Sree Charani.Wolvaardt soon reached her fifty, 15th in a stellar T20I career so far, off just 30 balls.At the other end, Luus was more patient, working spinners around for singles and twos with occasional boundaries, such as a maximum off off-spinner Shreyanka Patil.The Bengaluru cricketer, however, had the last laugh, getting rid of both Wolvaardt and Luus, but the two wickets came too late to alter the course of the match.Earlier, opener Shafali Verma struck a typically aggressive 57 but rest of the Indian batters struggled against largely accurate South Africa bowlers, settling for a below par 147 all out.Also read | In hope of stars to turn up, Mumbai Indians visits in-form Gujarat TitansShafali was involved in a fine stand of 53 with debutant Anushka Sharma (28) but it was not a smooth stay by any stretch of imagination.After losing Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues in successive overs of left-arm spinner Chloe Tryon (3/22), India did mount a comeback through Shafali and Anushka.But taking a cue from their spinners, SA pacers Ayabonga Khaka, Tumi Sekhukhune (3/31) and Nadine de Klerk too mixed cutters and slow balls to keep Indian batters guessing.The third wicket alliance between Shafali and Anushka, who were given lives respectively on 24 and 11, was a prime example of that.Shafali, who hammered Sekhukhune for two fours and a six in an over in the PowerPlay, slowed down, whereas Anushka, who began her international career with a four, too found the going tough.Shafali reached her 15th T20I fifty in 31 balls but fell soon, skying Noku Mlaba to De Klerk in the deep.A little bit earlier, Tryon had ousted Anushka as India slipped to 109 for 4 in the 14th over from a healthier 99 for two in the 12th over.Thereafter, India kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma all fell attempting acceleration. Had SA held on to their catches, India would have been bowled out for a much lower total.In fact, India lost eight wickets for a mere 48 runs in that period of disarray.Published on Apr 19, 2026 #INDW #Wolvaardt #Luus #fifties #South #Africa #script #8wicket #win #India

mwasimuddin125 0

Laura Wolvaardt made a free-flowing 54 and Sune Luus complemented her skipper with a well-composed 57 as South Africa crushed India by eight wickets in the second women’s T20I here on Sunday.
The match’s script was written in clear letters once SA bowlers bundled out India for a below-par 147, and it was taken into its logical culmination by Wolvaardt and Luus who added 106 runs for the opening alliance in just 12 overs.
The hosts made 148 for two in 17.1 overs. SA now leads the five-match series 2-0.
Wolvaardt was quite impressive, making runs more through finding gaps rather than going for big hits.
However, the SA skipper freed her hands whenever the opportunity presented, like an inside out six over covers off left-arm spinner Sree Charani.
Wolvaardt soon reached her fifty, 15th in a stellar T20I career so far, off just 30 balls.
At the other end, Luus was more patient, working spinners around for singles and twos with occasional boundaries, such as a maximum off off-spinner Shreyanka Patil.
The Bengaluru cricketer, however, had the last laugh, getting rid of both Wolvaardt and Luus, but the two wickets came too late to alter the course of the match.
Earlier, opener Shafali Verma struck a typically aggressive 57 but rest of the Indian batters struggled against largely accurate South Africa bowlers, settling for a below par 147 all out.
Also read | In hope of stars to turn up, Mumbai Indians visits in-form Gujarat Titans
Shafali was involved in a fine stand of 53 with debutant Anushka Sharma (28) but it was not a smooth stay by any stretch of imagination.
After losing Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues in successive overs of left-arm spinner Chloe Tryon (3/22), India did mount a comeback through Shafali and Anushka.
But taking a cue from their spinners, SA pacers Ayabonga Khaka, Tumi Sekhukhune (3/31) and Nadine de Klerk too mixed cutters and slow balls to keep Indian batters guessing.
The third wicket alliance between Shafali and Anushka, who were given lives respectively on 24 and 11, was a prime example of that.
Shafali, who hammered Sekhukhune for two fours and a six in an over in the PowerPlay, slowed down, whereas Anushka, who began her international career with a four, too found the going tough.
Shafali reached her 15th T20I fifty in 31 balls but fell soon, skying Noku Mlaba to De Klerk in the deep.
A little bit earlier, Tryon had ousted Anushka as India slipped to 109 for 4 in the 14th over from a healthier 99 for two in the 12th over.
Thereafter, India kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma all fell attempting acceleration. Had SA held on to their catches, India would have been bowled out for a much lower total.
In fact, India lost eight wickets for a mere 48 runs in that period of disarray.
Published on Apr 19, 2026

#INDW #Wolvaardt #Luus #fifties #South #Africa #script #8wicket #win #India">IND-W vs SA-W: Wolvaardt, Luus fifties help South Africa script 8-wicket win over India