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Deadspin | Sean Johnson sharp as D.C. United draw with Union Apr 18, 2026; Chester, Pennsylvania, USA; DC United forward Tai Baribo (9) and Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya (29) jump for a header in the first half at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images Sean Johnson made four saves to keep his third clean sheet and D.C. United held on for a 0-0 draw at the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night. Rookie defender Nikola Markovic blocked three shots and was a consistent disruptor of Union attacks in his first start for D.C. (2-4-2, 8 points), which snapped a two-match league losing run but is now winless in its last four in MLS and last five overall. The Black-and-Red, the last-place finishers in MLS in 2025, remain above a Philadelphia (1-6-1, 4 points) side that won the 2025 Supporters’ Shield in the 2026 Eastern Conference standings. Andre Blake kept his first clean sheet without having to make a single save for the Union, who outshot D.C. 17-6 overall. Philadelphia also led D.C. 13-1 in corner kicks, and failed to score for a second consecutive match against D.C. following a 1-0 away loss to open the season. Former Philadelphia Union striker Tai Baribo started for D.C. in his first return to his former club after he was questionable with a thigh injury coming into the match. But he had scant opportunities as the home side dominated the task of creating chances, particularly before halftime. Jesus Bueno’s long-range effort from outside the box struck the near left post in the 12th minute. In the 40th, Bueno connected well on a tricky volley inside the box, but Markovic sprawled to block it before it could test Johnson. Then in the 42nd, Johnson reacted excellently to deny Bruno Damiani’s low, first-time effort off Milan Iloski’s feed from the right. The hosts still enjoyed most of the ball after the break but were less threatening with it. Iloski’s 76th-minute effort from long range nearly found the net, but only because Johnson mis-timed his dive and played it into a more difficult save. Jovan Lukic and Damiani each missed the target in the 82nd minute. But otherwise, Johnson was comfortable during the dying stages. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Sean #Johnson #sharp #D.C #United #draw #Union

Deadspin | Sean Johnson sharp as D.C. United draw with Union
Deadspin | Sean Johnson sharp as D.C. United draw with Union Apr 18, 2026; Chester, Pennsylvania, USA; DC United forward Tai Baribo (9) and Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya (29) jump for a header in the first half at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images Sean Johnson made four saves to keep his third clean sheet and D.C. United held on for a 0-0 draw at the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night. Rookie defender Nikola Markovic blocked three shots and was a consistent disruptor of Union attacks in his first start for D.C. (2-4-2, 8 points), which snapped a two-match league losing run but is now winless in its last four in MLS and last five overall. The Black-and-Red, the last-place finishers in MLS in 2025, remain above a Philadelphia (1-6-1, 4 points) side that won the 2025 Supporters’ Shield in the 2026 Eastern Conference standings. Andre Blake kept his first clean sheet without having to make a single save for the Union, who outshot D.C. 17-6 overall. Philadelphia also led D.C. 13-1 in corner kicks, and failed to score for a second consecutive match against D.C. following a 1-0 away loss to open the season. Former Philadelphia Union striker Tai Baribo started for D.C. in his first return to his former club after he was questionable with a thigh injury coming into the match. But he had scant opportunities as the home side dominated the task of creating chances, particularly before halftime. Jesus Bueno’s long-range effort from outside the box struck the near left post in the 12th minute. In the 40th, Bueno connected well on a tricky volley inside the box, but Markovic sprawled to block it before it could test Johnson. Then in the 42nd, Johnson reacted excellently to deny Bruno Damiani’s low, first-time effort off Milan Iloski’s feed from the right. The hosts still enjoyed most of the ball after the break but were less threatening with it. Iloski’s 76th-minute effort from long range nearly found the net, but only because Johnson mis-timed his dive and played it into a more difficult save. Jovan Lukic and Damiani each missed the target in the 82nd minute. But otherwise, Johnson was comfortable during the dying stages. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Sean #Johnson #sharp #D.C #United #draw #UnionApr 18, 2026; Chester, Pennsylvania, USA; DC United forward Tai Baribo (9) and Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya (29) jump for a header in the first half at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Sean Johnson made four saves to keep his third clean sheet and D.C. United held on for a 0-0 draw at the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night.

Rookie defender Nikola Markovic blocked three shots and was a consistent disruptor of Union attacks in his first start for D.C. (2-4-2, 8 points), which snapped a two-match league losing run but is now winless in its last four in MLS and last five overall.

The Black-and-Red, the last-place finishers in MLS in 2025, remain above a Philadelphia (1-6-1, 4 points) side that won the 2025 Supporters’ Shield in the 2026 Eastern Conference standings.

Andre Blake kept his first clean sheet without having to make a single save for the Union, who outshot D.C. 17-6 overall.

Philadelphia also led D.C. 13-1 in corner kicks, and failed to score for a second consecutive match against D.C. following a 1-0 away loss to open the season.

Former Philadelphia Union striker Tai Baribo started for D.C. in his first return to his former club after he was questionable with a thigh injury coming into the match.


But he had scant opportunities as the home side dominated the task of creating chances, particularly before halftime.

Jesus Bueno’s long-range effort from outside the box struck the near left post in the 12th minute.

In the 40th, Bueno connected well on a tricky volley inside the box, but Markovic sprawled to block it before it could test Johnson.

Then in the 42nd, Johnson reacted excellently to deny Bruno Damiani’s low, first-time effort off Milan Iloski’s feed from the right.

The hosts still enjoyed most of the ball after the break but were less threatening with it.

Iloski’s 76th-minute effort from long range nearly found the net, but only because Johnson mis-timed his dive and played it into a more difficult save.

Jovan Lukic and Damiani each missed the target in the 82nd minute. But otherwise, Johnson was comfortable during the dying stages.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Sean #Johnson #sharp #D.C #United #draw #Union

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Apr 18, 2026; Chester, Pennsylvania, USA; DC United forward Tai Baribo (9) and Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya (29) jump for a header in the first half at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Sean Johnson made four saves to keep his third clean sheet and D.C. United held on for a 0-0 draw at the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night.

Rookie defender Nikola Markovic blocked three shots and was a consistent disruptor of Union attacks in his first start for D.C. (2-4-2, 8 points), which snapped a two-match league losing run but is now winless in its last four in MLS and last five overall.

The Black-and-Red, the last-place finishers in MLS in 2025, remain above a Philadelphia (1-6-1, 4 points) side that won the 2025 Supporters’ Shield in the 2026 Eastern Conference standings.

Andre Blake kept his first clean sheet without having to make a single save for the Union, who outshot D.C. 17-6 overall.

Philadelphia also led D.C. 13-1 in corner kicks, and failed to score for a second consecutive match against D.C. following a 1-0 away loss to open the season.

Former Philadelphia Union striker Tai Baribo started for D.C. in his first return to his former club after he was questionable with a thigh injury coming into the match.

But he had scant opportunities as the home side dominated the task of creating chances, particularly before halftime.

Jesus Bueno’s long-range effort from outside the box struck the near left post in the 12th minute.

In the 40th, Bueno connected well on a tricky volley inside the box, but Markovic sprawled to block it before it could test Johnson.

Then in the 42nd, Johnson reacted excellently to deny Bruno Damiani’s low, first-time effort off Milan Iloski’s feed from the right.

The hosts still enjoyed most of the ball after the break but were less threatening with it.

Iloski’s 76th-minute effort from long range nearly found the net, but only because Johnson mis-timed his dive and played it into a more difficult save.

Jovan Lukic and Damiani each missed the target in the 82nd minute. But otherwise, Johnson was comfortable during the dying stages.

–Field Level Media

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Premier League title race: Who are Manchester City and Arsenal playing next? <div id="content-body-70883144" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Manchester City edged closer to the top of the Premier League, reigniting the title race as it beat Arsenal on home turf, riding on Erling Haaland’s winner on Sunday.</p><p>The Gunners still stay top, with 70 points from 33 matches, while Man City is at 67 from 32 games. If City wins its next match, it will have a chance to go top of the Premier League for the first time this year.</p><h4 class="sub_head">Who is Manchester City playing next?</h4><ul class="article-body article-bullet-list"><li> April 22 — Burnley vs Manchester City </li><li> May ‌4 — Everton vs Manchester City </li><li> May ​9 — Manchester City vs Brentford </li><li> May 17 — Bournemouth vs Manchester City </li><li> May ⁠22 — Manchester City vs Crystal Palace </li><li> ⁠May 24 — Manchester City vs Aston Villa </li></ul><h4 class="sub_head">Who is Arsenal playing next?</h4><ul class="article-body article-bullet-list"><li> ‌April 25 — Arsenal vs Newcastle United </li><li> May 2 — Arsenal vs Fulham </li><li> May 10 — West ‌Ham United vs Arsenal </li><li> ​May 17 — Arsenal vs Burnley </li><li> May ⁠24 — Crystal Palace vs Arsenal </li></ul><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 20, 2026</p></div> #Premier #League #title #race #Manchester #City #Arsenal #playing

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Deadspin | Deep lineup has Cards confident going into series against Marlins Apr 12, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker (18) reacts after hitting a single against the Boston Red Sox during the sixth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images The St. Louis Cardinals are having success — a season-best five-game win streak — and a big reason why is their offense. The Cardinals entered Sunday ranked third in the National League in homers and seventh in runs. They have scored at least five runs in five straight games. St. Louis, which is set to open a three-game series at the Miami Marlins on Monday night, believes in its balance. “From one to nine, nobody is an easy out,” Cardinals catcher/designated hitter Ivan Herrera said. “Everybody is putting together great at-bats, and we’re putting pressure on (opponents).” The biggest bat in the Cardinals lineup belongs to Jordan Walker, a 23-year-old who is off to a great start — eight homers, 16 RBIs, a .305 batting average and 1.013 OPS in 21 games. The Cardinals selected Walker in the first round (21st overall) of the 2020 MLB Draft out of Decatur High School in Georgia. He has struggled to meet expectations. Last year, for example, he played 111 games and produced just six homers and a .584 OPS. Listed at 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds, Walker has finally tapped into his power and is hitting fewer ground balls. Due in part to a more upright batting stance, Walker has improved his launch angle from 10.3 degrees to 15.7 degrees. Aside from the St. Louis offense, the Cardinals also have a solid defense, led by rocket-armed shortstop Masyn Winn, who won a Gold Glove award last year. Other Cardinals defensive standouts are catcher Pedro Pages and center fielder Victor Scott II. Of course, run prevention starts with pitching, and the Cardinals on Monday will start right-hander Michael McGreevy (1-1, 2.49 ERA). For his brief career, McGreevy, 25, is 12-5 with a 3.72 ERA in 25 games (23 starts) since 2024. He has faced Miami only once, and that was last August, emerging from start with a win after tossing six innings of two-run ball. Miami will counter with right-hander Max Meyer (1-0, 4.12). The Marlins drafted Meyer in the first round (third overall) in 2020, but he has yet to live up to that hype. The former University of Minnesota star made his MLB debut in 2022, and in 29 career starts, the 27-year-old is 7-11 with a 5.13 ERA. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022 and missed the 2023 season. In his only appearance against the Cardinals, which came in 2024, Meyer allowed one run over six innings in a 6-1 victory. Meyer might not have made Miami’s rotation this year except that the team traded Edward Cabrera to the Cubs and Ryan Weathers to the Yankees. In addition, Braxton Garrett — who missed last season due to injuries — was sent to the minors for more rehab work. This season, the Marlins are 2-2 when starting Meyer, who has yet to last more than five innings in those appearances. The Marlins — who have lost seven of their past nine games — got good news on Sunday when left fielder Kyle Stowers was activated from the injury list after missing the first 21 games due to a hamstring injury. In his first plate appearance on Sunday, Stowers was hit on the right hand by a 102-mph fastball from Milwaukee starter Jacob Misiorowski. “First at-bat, 100 off the hand, I was certainly worried in the moment,” Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said of Stowers, who made his first All-Star Game last year, when he hit 25 homers in just 117 games. “But he was fine. “Great to have Kyle back. He lengthens our lineup.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Deep #lineup #Cards #confident #series #MarlinsApr 12, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker (18) reacts after hitting a single against the Boston Red Sox during the sixth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

The St. Louis Cardinals are having success — a season-best five-game win streak — and a big reason why is their offense.

The Cardinals entered Sunday ranked third in the National League in homers and seventh in runs. They have scored at least five runs in five straight games.

St. Louis, which is set to open a three-game series at the Miami Marlins on Monday night, believes in its balance.

“From one to nine, nobody is an easy out,” Cardinals catcher/designated hitter Ivan Herrera said. “Everybody is putting together great at-bats, and we’re putting pressure on (opponents).”

The biggest bat in the Cardinals lineup belongs to Jordan Walker, a 23-year-old who is off to a great start — eight homers, 16 RBIs, a .305 batting average and 1.013 OPS in 21 games.

The Cardinals selected Walker in the first round (21st overall) of the 2020 MLB Draft out of Decatur High School in Georgia.

He has struggled to meet expectations. Last year, for example, he played 111 games and produced just six homers and a .584 OPS.

Listed at 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds, Walker has finally tapped into his power and is hitting fewer ground balls. Due in part to a more upright batting stance, Walker has improved his launch angle from 10.3 degrees to 15.7 degrees.

Aside from the St. Louis offense, the Cardinals also have a solid defense, led by rocket-armed shortstop Masyn Winn, who won a Gold Glove award last year. Other Cardinals defensive standouts are catcher Pedro Pages and center fielder Victor Scott II.

Of course, run prevention starts with pitching, and the Cardinals on Monday will start right-hander Michael McGreevy (1-1, 2.49 ERA).


For his brief career, McGreevy, 25, is 12-5 with a 3.72 ERA in 25 games (23 starts) since 2024. He has faced Miami only once, and that was last August, emerging from start with a win after tossing six innings of two-run ball.

Miami will counter with right-hander Max Meyer (1-0, 4.12).

The Marlins drafted Meyer in the first round (third overall) in 2020, but he has yet to live up to that hype. The former University of Minnesota star made his MLB debut in 2022, and in 29 career starts, the 27-year-old is 7-11 with a 5.13 ERA. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022 and missed the 2023 season.

In his only appearance against the Cardinals, which came in 2024, Meyer allowed one run over six innings in a 6-1 victory.

Meyer might not have made Miami’s rotation this year except that the team traded Edward Cabrera to the Cubs and Ryan Weathers to the Yankees. In addition, Braxton Garrett — who missed last season due to injuries — was sent to the minors for more rehab work.

This season, the Marlins are 2-2 when starting Meyer, who has yet to last more than five innings in those appearances.

The Marlins — who have lost seven of their past nine games — got good news on Sunday when left fielder Kyle Stowers was activated from the injury list after missing the first 21 games due to a hamstring injury.

In his first plate appearance on Sunday, Stowers was hit on the right hand by a 102-mph fastball from Milwaukee starter Jacob Misiorowski.

“First at-bat, 100 off the hand, I was certainly worried in the moment,” Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said of Stowers, who made his first All-Star Game last year, when he hit 25 homers in just 117 games. “But he was fine.

“Great to have Kyle back. He lengthens our lineup.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Deep #lineup #Cards #confident #series #Marlins">Deadspin | Deep lineup has Cards confident going into series against Marlins Apr 12, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker (18) reacts after hitting a single against the Boston Red Sox during the sixth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images The St. Louis Cardinals are having success — a season-best five-game win streak — and a big reason why is their offense. The Cardinals entered Sunday ranked third in the National League in homers and seventh in runs. They have scored at least five runs in five straight games. St. Louis, which is set to open a three-game series at the Miami Marlins on Monday night, believes in its balance. “From one to nine, nobody is an easy out,” Cardinals catcher/designated hitter Ivan Herrera said. “Everybody is putting together great at-bats, and we’re putting pressure on (opponents).” The biggest bat in the Cardinals lineup belongs to Jordan Walker, a 23-year-old who is off to a great start — eight homers, 16 RBIs, a .305 batting average and 1.013 OPS in 21 games. The Cardinals selected Walker in the first round (21st overall) of the 2020 MLB Draft out of Decatur High School in Georgia. He has struggled to meet expectations. Last year, for example, he played 111 games and produced just six homers and a .584 OPS. Listed at 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds, Walker has finally tapped into his power and is hitting fewer ground balls. Due in part to a more upright batting stance, Walker has improved his launch angle from 10.3 degrees to 15.7 degrees. Aside from the St. Louis offense, the Cardinals also have a solid defense, led by rocket-armed shortstop Masyn Winn, who won a Gold Glove award last year. Other Cardinals defensive standouts are catcher Pedro Pages and center fielder Victor Scott II. Of course, run prevention starts with pitching, and the Cardinals on Monday will start right-hander Michael McGreevy (1-1, 2.49 ERA). For his brief career, McGreevy, 25, is 12-5 with a 3.72 ERA in 25 games (23 starts) since 2024. He has faced Miami only once, and that was last August, emerging from start with a win after tossing six innings of two-run ball. Miami will counter with right-hander Max Meyer (1-0, 4.12). The Marlins drafted Meyer in the first round (third overall) in 2020, but he has yet to live up to that hype. The former University of Minnesota star made his MLB debut in 2022, and in 29 career starts, the 27-year-old is 7-11 with a 5.13 ERA. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022 and missed the 2023 season. In his only appearance against the Cardinals, which came in 2024, Meyer allowed one run over six innings in a 6-1 victory. Meyer might not have made Miami’s rotation this year except that the team traded Edward Cabrera to the Cubs and Ryan Weathers to the Yankees. In addition, Braxton Garrett — who missed last season due to injuries — was sent to the minors for more rehab work. This season, the Marlins are 2-2 when starting Meyer, who has yet to last more than five innings in those appearances. The Marlins — who have lost seven of their past nine games — got good news on Sunday when left fielder Kyle Stowers was activated from the injury list after missing the first 21 games due to a hamstring injury. In his first plate appearance on Sunday, Stowers was hit on the right hand by a 102-mph fastball from Milwaukee starter Jacob Misiorowski. “First at-bat, 100 off the hand, I was certainly worried in the moment,” Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said of Stowers, who made his first All-Star Game last year, when he hit 25 homers in just 117 games. “But he was fine. “Great to have Kyle back. He lengthens our lineup.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Deep #lineup #Cards #confident #series #Marlins

Gujarat Titans take on Mumbai Indians on Monday at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. Gujarat has won three of it five games whereas Mumbai has only managed to win one out of the five games it has played.

These two teams faced each other three times in the 2025 season with GT winning the first two instances by 36 runs and three wickets whereas MI defeated GT by 20 runs in the Eliminator.

Here are the head-to-head records between the two teams in IPL:

GT vs MI head-to-head record

Matches played: 8

GT won: 5

MI won: 3

MOST RUNS IN GT vs MI IPL MATCHES

Batter Innings Runs Average Strike Rate HS
Shubman Gill 8 356 44.5 150.84 129
Suryakumar Yadav 7 316 52.66 173.62 103*
B. Sai Sudharsan 6 250 41.66 142.04 80
Rohit Sharma 8 221 27.62 145.39 81
Tilak Varma 7 162 23.14 152.83 43

MOST WICKETS IN GT vs MI IPL MATCHES

Bowler Innings Wickets Economy Average BBI
Rashid Khan 8 11 6.63 18.09 4/30
Mohit Sharma 4 10 8.58 12.30 5/10
Jasprit Bumrah 4 6 6.75 18 3/14
Piyush Chawla 4 6 10.42 24.33 2/34
Sai Kishore 4 6 8.56 22.83 2/34

Published on Apr 20, 2026

#headtohead #record #IPL #Gujarat #Titans #Mumbai #Indians #stats #runs #wickets">GT vs MI head-to-head record, IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians overall stats; most runs, wickets Gujarat Titans take on Mumbai Indians on Monday at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. Gujarat has won three of it five games whereas Mumbai has only managed to win one out of the five games it has played.These two teams faced each other three times in the 2025 season with GT winning the first two instances by 36 runs and three wickets whereas MI defeated GT by 20 runs in the Eliminator.Here are the head-to-head records between the two teams in IPL: GT vs MI head-to-head record Matches played: 8 GT won: 5 MI won: 3 MOST RUNS IN GT vs MI IPL MATCHES Batter Innings Runs Average Strike Rate HS Shubman Gill 8 356 44.5 150.84 129 Suryakumar Yadav 7 316 52.66 173.62 103* B. Sai Sudharsan 6 250 41.66 142.04 80 Rohit Sharma 8 221 27.62 145.39 81 Tilak Varma 7 162 23.14 152.83 43MOST WICKETS IN GT vs MI IPL MATCHES Bowler Innings Wickets Economy Average BBI Rashid Khan 8 11 6.63 18.09 4/30 Mohit Sharma 4 10 8.58 12.30 5/10 Jasprit Bumrah 4 6 6.75 18 3/14 Piyush Chawla 4 6 10.42 24.33 2/34 Sai Kishore 4 6 8.56 22.83 2/34Published on Apr 20, 2026 #headtohead #record #IPL #Gujarat #Titans #Mumbai #Indians #stats #runs #wickets

Deadspin | Reds, Rays clash in matchup of teams riding strong starts Apr 9, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Rhett Lowder (25) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images The Cincinnati Reds and Tampa Bay Rays will open a three-game set Monday night in St. Petersburg, Fla., and look to keep moving forward with their early winning ways. The National League Central’s first-place club, Cincinnati will start the second half of a six-game road swing. The first portion of it ended Sunday as the Reds swept the Minnesota Twins 7-4 with a rally in 10 innings, scoring six times in the final two frames to stay perfect on the trip. “I just like the life and the enthusiasm and the competitiveness,” Reds skipper Terry Francona said after Saturday’s 5-4 win from a two-run deficit, perhaps a prelude to Sunday’s comeback. “I love the will to keep playing.” Cincinnati’s Monday starter Rhett Lowder (2-1, 3.52 ERA) will try to rediscover the success he had over the first two starts instead of the most recent pair. In outings against the Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers at the season’s beginning, the right-hander allowed two runs on six hits in 11 innings, earning the win over Texas with six scoreless frames. Francona finds the former Wake Forest hurler a throwback: A battler who tops out at 94 mph and uses his command to work the ball around the plate to keep hitters guessing. “In an era where you kind of grip it and rip it, he can go to different quadrants and he doesn’t have to throw 95, 96,” said Francona. “Even (behind in the count), he doesn’t have to come in with a fastball. He can throw something that changes eye levels. He can spin it down low, below their barrel.” However, Lowder is 1-1 with a 5.25 ERA in recent starts against the Miami Marlins and San Francisco Giants. The right-hander will make his first career start against the Rays, who return home following a successful week of winning four of six at the Chicago White Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates. On Sunday in Pittsburgh, the Rays lost the three-game series as starter Shane McClanahan made what he and manager Kevin Cash said was the left-hander’s best start of 2026 in a 6-3 setback. Yet, the strangest game in the 4-2 week occurred Saturday in the Steel City in a matchup whose first pitch was at 3:34 p.m. and whose final offering occurred well after 10 p.m. following a 2 1/2-hour rain delay — more than 6 1/2 hours after it started. The delay was most crucial. Behind NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh built a 4-0 lead, but the lengthy stoppage took the 23-year-old superstar out of the game. The Rays rallied to a 8-6 lead in the top of the 13th, then sent out Yoendrys Gomez to protect a two-run lead. “(The key was) probably Skenes coming out of the game, if we’re going to be honest,” Cash said. “But I mean, you’ve got to take opportunities when you get them.” Previously announced as unavailable after throwing 44 pitches the night before, Gomez entered and allowed an RBI single and stolen base to Pirates rookie sensation Konnor Griffin, but whiffed Joey Bart with Griffin on second representing the potential winning run. Said winning pitcher Griffin Jax: “It’s just the type of win that can carry a team deep into the season.” The Rays did not announce a starter for Monday, but right-hander Jesse Scholtens (1-0, 0.00) made the start Wednesday in Chicago after McClanahan. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Reds #Rays #clash #matchup #teams #riding #strong #startsApr 9, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Rhett Lowder (25) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Reds and Tampa Bay Rays will open a three-game set Monday night in St. Petersburg, Fla., and look to keep moving forward with their early winning ways.

The National League Central’s first-place club, Cincinnati will start the second half of a six-game road swing.

The first portion of it ended Sunday as the Reds swept the Minnesota Twins 7-4 with a rally in 10 innings, scoring six times in the final two frames to stay perfect on the trip.

“I just like the life and the enthusiasm and the competitiveness,” Reds skipper Terry Francona said after Saturday’s 5-4 win from a two-run deficit, perhaps a prelude to Sunday’s comeback. “I love the will to keep playing.”

Cincinnati’s Monday starter Rhett Lowder (2-1, 3.52 ERA) will try to rediscover the success he had over the first two starts instead of the most recent pair.

In outings against the Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers at the season’s beginning, the right-hander allowed two runs on six hits in 11 innings, earning the win over Texas with six scoreless frames.

Francona finds the former Wake Forest hurler a throwback: A battler who tops out at 94 mph and uses his command to work the ball around the plate to keep hitters guessing.

“In an era where you kind of grip it and rip it, he can go to different quadrants and he doesn’t have to throw 95, 96,” said Francona. “Even (behind in the count), he doesn’t have to come in with a fastball. He can throw something that changes eye levels. He can spin it down low, below their barrel.”

However, Lowder is 1-1 with a 5.25 ERA in recent starts against the Miami Marlins and San Francisco Giants.


The right-hander will make his first career start against the Rays, who return home following a successful week of winning four of six at the Chicago White Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates.

On Sunday in Pittsburgh, the Rays lost the three-game series as starter Shane McClanahan made what he and manager Kevin Cash said was the left-hander’s best start of 2026 in a 6-3 setback.

Yet, the strangest game in the 4-2 week occurred Saturday in the Steel City in a matchup whose first pitch was at 3:34 p.m. and whose final offering occurred well after 10 p.m. following a 2 1/2-hour rain delay — more than 6 1/2 hours after it started.

The delay was most crucial.

Behind NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh built a 4-0 lead, but the lengthy stoppage took the 23-year-old superstar out of the game.

The Rays rallied to a 8-6 lead in the top of the 13th, then sent out Yoendrys Gomez to protect a two-run lead.

“(The key was) probably Skenes coming out of the game, if we’re going to be honest,” Cash said. “But I mean, you’ve got to take opportunities when you get them.”

Previously announced as unavailable after throwing 44 pitches the night before, Gomez entered and allowed an RBI single and stolen base to Pirates rookie sensation Konnor Griffin, but whiffed Joey Bart with Griffin on second representing the potential winning run.

Said winning pitcher Griffin Jax: “It’s just the type of win that can carry a team deep into the season.”

The Rays did not announce a starter for Monday, but right-hander Jesse Scholtens (1-0, 0.00) made the start Wednesday in Chicago after McClanahan.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Reds #Rays #clash #matchup #teams #riding #strong #starts">Deadspin | Reds, Rays clash in matchup of teams riding strong starts Apr 9, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Rhett Lowder (25) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images The Cincinnati Reds and Tampa Bay Rays will open a three-game set Monday night in St. Petersburg, Fla., and look to keep moving forward with their early winning ways. The National League Central’s first-place club, Cincinnati will start the second half of a six-game road swing. The first portion of it ended Sunday as the Reds swept the Minnesota Twins 7-4 with a rally in 10 innings, scoring six times in the final two frames to stay perfect on the trip. “I just like the life and the enthusiasm and the competitiveness,” Reds skipper Terry Francona said after Saturday’s 5-4 win from a two-run deficit, perhaps a prelude to Sunday’s comeback. “I love the will to keep playing.” Cincinnati’s Monday starter Rhett Lowder (2-1, 3.52 ERA) will try to rediscover the success he had over the first two starts instead of the most recent pair. In outings against the Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers at the season’s beginning, the right-hander allowed two runs on six hits in 11 innings, earning the win over Texas with six scoreless frames. Francona finds the former Wake Forest hurler a throwback: A battler who tops out at 94 mph and uses his command to work the ball around the plate to keep hitters guessing. “In an era where you kind of grip it and rip it, he can go to different quadrants and he doesn’t have to throw 95, 96,” said Francona. “Even (behind in the count), he doesn’t have to come in with a fastball. He can throw something that changes eye levels. He can spin it down low, below their barrel.” However, Lowder is 1-1 with a 5.25 ERA in recent starts against the Miami Marlins and San Francisco Giants. The right-hander will make his first career start against the Rays, who return home following a successful week of winning four of six at the Chicago White Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates. On Sunday in Pittsburgh, the Rays lost the three-game series as starter Shane McClanahan made what he and manager Kevin Cash said was the left-hander’s best start of 2026 in a 6-3 setback. Yet, the strangest game in the 4-2 week occurred Saturday in the Steel City in a matchup whose first pitch was at 3:34 p.m. and whose final offering occurred well after 10 p.m. following a 2 1/2-hour rain delay — more than 6 1/2 hours after it started. The delay was most crucial. Behind NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh built a 4-0 lead, but the lengthy stoppage took the 23-year-old superstar out of the game. The Rays rallied to a 8-6 lead in the top of the 13th, then sent out Yoendrys Gomez to protect a two-run lead. “(The key was) probably Skenes coming out of the game, if we’re going to be honest,” Cash said. “But I mean, you’ve got to take opportunities when you get them.” Previously announced as unavailable after throwing 44 pitches the night before, Gomez entered and allowed an RBI single and stolen base to Pirates rookie sensation Konnor Griffin, but whiffed Joey Bart with Griffin on second representing the potential winning run. Said winning pitcher Griffin Jax: “It’s just the type of win that can carry a team deep into the season.” The Rays did not announce a starter for Monday, but right-hander Jesse Scholtens (1-0, 0.00) made the start Wednesday in Chicago after McClanahan. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Reds #Rays #clash #matchup #teams #riding #strong #starts

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