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Sinner wants to use Madrid Masters to boost career Grand Slam chances ahead of French Open World number one Jannik Sinner said on Tuesday his principal aim as he prepares for the Madrid Open is to be in the “best possible shape” for Roland Garros next month as he seeks to complete a career Grand Slam.The 24-year-old won his first major title on clay earlier this month as he downed rival Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets in the Monte Carlo Masters final.Next he turns his attentions to the 1000-level event in Madrid as the clay-court season ramps up towards the only Grand Slam tournament Sinner has not yet won — Roland Garros, which will run from May 24 to June 7.“I never played very well here, so let’s see how it goes this year,” Sinner, who has never got past the quarterfinal stage in the Spanish capital, told reporters the day before the Madrid Open begins.“I’m trying to improve as a player and here might be one of the most challenging ones because of certain things (altitude and wind).”ALSO READ | Alcaraz may skip Roland Garros rather than rush injury comebackDespite being heavily favoured to pick up a fifth consecutive Masters title, Sinner revealed that for him “the most important is Roland Garros”.“We try to maximise to be in the best possible shape there, but I’m here trying to do my best and then we’ll see how it goes,” he added.Sinner lost an all-time classic Roland Garros final last year to Alcaraz, despite holding three championship points.But the Italian said he regretted the upcoming absences of the world number two, due to Alcaraz suffering a wrist injury, and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in Madrid.“It’s a very big pity to not have (Alcaraz) here and also Novak, the two biggest stars in tennis,” Sinner said. “We have shared since last year a lot of tournaments, but again, in my mind I also know if I want to play against Carlos it’s in the final and the way to the final is very long.”Top seed Sinner will start his Madrid Open campaign in the second round against a yet to be determined opponent.Published on Apr 21, 2026 #Sinner #Madrid #Masters #boost #career #Grand #Slam #chances #ahead #French #Open

Sinner wants to use Madrid Masters to boost career Grand Slam chances ahead of French Open

World number one Jannik Sinner said on Tuesday his principal aim as he prepares for the Madrid Open is to be in the “best possible shape” for Roland Garros next month as he seeks to complete a career Grand Slam.

The 24-year-old won his first major title on clay earlier this month as he downed rival Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets in the Monte Carlo Masters final.

Next he turns his attentions to the 1000-level event in Madrid as the clay-court season ramps up towards the only Grand Slam tournament Sinner has not yet won — Roland Garros, which will run from May 24 to June 7.

“I never played very well here, so let’s see how it goes this year,” Sinner, who has never got past the quarterfinal stage in the Spanish capital, told reporters the day before the Madrid Open begins.

“I’m trying to improve as a player and here might be one of the most challenging ones because of certain things (altitude and wind).”

ALSO READ | Alcaraz may skip Roland Garros rather than rush injury comeback

Despite being heavily favoured to pick up a fifth consecutive Masters title, Sinner revealed that for him “the most important is Roland Garros”.

“We try to maximise to be in the best possible shape there, but I’m here trying to do my best and then we’ll see how it goes,” he added.

Sinner lost an all-time classic Roland Garros final last year to Alcaraz, despite holding three championship points.

But the Italian said he regretted the upcoming absences of the world number two, due to Alcaraz suffering a wrist injury, and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in Madrid.

“It’s a very big pity to not have (Alcaraz) here and also Novak, the two biggest stars in tennis,” Sinner said. “We have shared since last year a lot of tournaments, but again, in my mind I also know if I want to play against Carlos it’s in the final and the way to the final is very long.”

Top seed Sinner will start his Madrid Open campaign in the second round against a yet to be determined opponent.

Published on Apr 21, 2026

#Sinner #Madrid #Masters #boost #career #Grand #Slam #chances #ahead #French #Open

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World number one Jannik Sinner said on Tuesday his principal aim as he prepares for the Madrid Open is to be in the “best possible shape” for Roland Garros next month as he seeks to complete a career Grand Slam.

The 24-year-old won his first major title on clay earlier this month as he downed rival Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets in the Monte Carlo Masters final.

Next he turns his attentions to the 1000-level event in Madrid as the clay-court season ramps up towards the only Grand Slam tournament Sinner has not yet won — Roland Garros, which will run from May 24 to June 7.

“I never played very well here, so let’s see how it goes this year,” Sinner, who has never got past the quarterfinal stage in the Spanish capital, told reporters the day before the Madrid Open begins.

“I’m trying to improve as a player and here might be one of the most challenging ones because of certain things (altitude and wind).”

ALSO READ | Alcaraz may skip Roland Garros rather than rush injury comeback

Despite being heavily favoured to pick up a fifth consecutive Masters title, Sinner revealed that for him “the most important is Roland Garros”.

“We try to maximise to be in the best possible shape there, but I’m here trying to do my best and then we’ll see how it goes,” he added.

Sinner lost an all-time classic Roland Garros final last year to Alcaraz, despite holding three championship points.

But the Italian said he regretted the upcoming absences of the world number two, due to Alcaraz suffering a wrist injury, and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in Madrid.

“It’s a very big pity to not have (Alcaraz) here and also Novak, the two biggest stars in tennis,” Sinner said. “We have shared since last year a lot of tournaments, but again, in my mind I also know if I want to play against Carlos it’s in the final and the way to the final is very long.”

Top seed Sinner will start his Madrid Open campaign in the second round against a yet to be determined opponent.

Published on Apr 21, 2026

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Deadspin | Mariners call up Will Wilson to face Athletics, not Cole Emerson <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28746759.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28746759.jpg" alt="MLB: Seattle Mariners at San Diego Padres" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 16, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan (33) hits a single during the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Seattle Mariners fans hoping for the beginning of the Cole Emerson era will have to wait.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>With third baseman Brendan Donovan placed on the injured list Monday with a left groin strain, many in Seattle hoped it would be Emerson who got the call when the Mariners opened a three-game series at home against the Athletics.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>But with the 20-year-old dealing with a sore wrist at Triple-A Tacoma, infielder Will Wilson instead got promoted from the Rainiers.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>“It just didn’t feel like this was the right time for that,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson said of promoting Emerson. </p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Dan Wilson said Donovan’s injury likely is related to the sports hernia on which the veteran had offseason surgery.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>“This is just something that we’re going to take as cautiously as we can,” the manager said. “It’s early and we want to give him the best chance to get back and be 100%.”</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Will Wilson, Cleveland’s first-round pick in 2019, could make his Mariners debut Tuesday when they go against A’s left-hander Jacob Lopez. Will Wilson appeared in 34 games with the Guardians last year, hitting .192 in 78 at-bats while playing second and third base.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-8"> <p>The A’s rallied from an early three-run deficit Monday for a 6-4 victory, getting solo homers from Carlos Cortes, Nick Kurtz and Shea Langeliers to tie the score. Max Muncy’s sacrifice fly with the bases loaded in the eighth plated the go-ahead run and Lawrence Butler followed with a two-run single, moving the A’s a half-game ahead of idle Texas for first place in the American League West.</p> </section> <section id="section-9"> <p>“This is a good team and we have to play good baseball to be in games with them,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said of playing the Mariners, the defending division champions who took Toronto to Game 7 in the American League Championship Series last fall. “This series last year was a battle and tonight was the start of another grind against this team this year.”</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>The Mariners got solo homers from Cal Raleigh and Dominic Canzone in the first two innings but allowed six unanswered runs before getting one back in the ninth.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>“I thought we came out of the gate really strong,” Dan Wilson said. “After that, we were able to get some traffic, just not able to get them in until a couple more hits in the ninth. That’s tough when you’re not able to add on. </p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>“… We’re giving ourselves a chance, just not able to convert. The at-bats have been better, just not able to turn those into runs tonight.”</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Lopez (1-1, 6.38 ERA) will be making his fifth start of the season. He took a no-decision in a 9-6 loss to visiting Texas on Thursday despite giving up just two runs on three hits over five innings. Lopez is 0-1 with a 40.50 ERA in one previous start against Seattle.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>The Mariners are set to counter with right-hander Luis Castillo (0-1, 5.40). Castillo took a 5-2 loss Thursday at San Diego despite giving up just one earned run – four overall – on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. Castillo is 4-3 with a 3.02 ERA in nine career starts versus the A’s.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>-Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Mariners #call #Wilson #face #Athletics #Cole #Emerson

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Deadspin | Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto looks for first win vs. rival Giants <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28729967.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28729967.jpg" alt="MLB: New York Mets at Los Angeles Dodgers" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 14, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) runs off the mound after pitching against the New York Mets during the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Yoshinobu Yamamoto will be aiming for his first career win against the San Francisco Giants when the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers take on their rivals for the first time this season Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game series.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The Giants are expected to counter with their hottest pitcher, right-hander Landen Roupp (3-1, 2.38 ERA), who, like Yamamoto, enters the series in fine form but never has beaten his Tuesday opponent.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>While the Giants enjoyed a day off Monday following a 4-5 trip through Baltimore, Cincinnati and Washington, the Dodgers salvaged a 2-2 split at Colorado with a five-home run barrage that produced a 12-3 romp over the Rockies.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Yamamoto (2-1, 2.10) hasn’t allowed more than five hits or two runs in any of his four starts and has walked a total of just three batters all season.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>The right-hander was so impressive in his last outing on April 14 — a 2-1 home win over the New York Mets in which he gave up just four hits and one run with seven strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings — that Dodgers manager Dave Roberts all but labeled Yamamoto the best pitcher in the game.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>“We don’t have to look any further than October to see what he’s done,” Roberts told reporters, alluding to Yamamoto’s record (7-1, 2.25 ERA) over 10 career postseason games. “The huge velocity of (Tarik) Skubal and (Paul) Skenes and what they’ve done, and rightfully so, but our guy has done it in the biggest of moments.”</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Yamamoto will be making his fourth career start at Oracle Park, his most at any road site. He hasn’t gotten a decision in any of his three previous visits despite a 2.29 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 19 2/3 innings.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Overall, the 27-year-old is 0-1 with a 3.03 ERA in five career starts against the Giants.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-9"> <p>Roupp accounted for two of the four wins on the Giants’ just-completed trip, limiting the Orioles and Reds to a total of six hits and one run over 12 innings.</p> </section> <section id="section-10"> <p>His most recent outing — he threw the first six innings of a 3-0 win at Cincinnati on Thursday — helped convince new Giants manager Tony Vitello to push Tyler Mahle back a day in the team rotation, moving Roupp into the No. 3 slot behind Logan Webb and Robbie Ray.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Mahle has been rescheduled to start Wednesday’s rematch, opposed by Shohei Ohtani.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>As in his last start, Roupp will be pitching the game following a loss. He acknowledged in Cincinnati the responsibility of getting the ball in that situation.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>“I just wanted to go out there and stop the bleeding, and get us back on the right track,” he told reporters after the win. “I just wanted to go out there and just give the team the best chance to win.”</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>Roupp has not fared well against the Dodgers in four previous duels, including two starts, going 0-2 with a 7.30 ERA.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>Interestingly, the 27-year-old has never allowed a hit to Max Muncy or Dalton Rushing in a combined four previous head-to-heads, two of which resulted in strikeouts.</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>Muncy and Rushing combined for six hits, including two homers apiece, and five RBIs on Tuesday at Colorado.</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Dodgers #Yoshinobu #Yamamoto #win #rival #Giants

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Rajasthan Royals wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, who effected a stunning stumping of Kolkata Knight Riders batter Cameron Green in the IPL on Sunday, said he was grateful to be working with the legendary Sri Lankan stumper Kumar Sangakkara.

“I am very grateful to be playing under Sangakkara (head coach); he is a legend of the game. I am very hardworking and consistent with my wicketkeeping. I want to be consistent rather than doing something magical,” Jurel said.

The 25-year-old’s stumping also earned him plaudits from Sachin Tendulkar, who termed Jurel’s exploits behind the stumps ‘simply magnificent’.

“It is a dream come true. Such a big legend saw my match and made a special tweet for my stumping. It feels good when such a big cricketer praises you,” Jurel gushed.

ALSO READ | Spotlight on pacers as Lucknow Super Giants and Rajasthan Royals aim to move on from defeats

The Uttar Pradesh-born cricketer is hoping to make the most of home comforts at the Ekana Cricket Ground when his team faces Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on Wednesday.

“This is my home ground, so I will be able to help my teammates. I have played cricket here since childhood. I am very excited to be playing my home game.”

Aiden Markram hoped the Super Giants could turn their home ground into a fortress after they suffered back-to-back defeats here this season.

The Super Giants’ batting unit has misfired this season, and their management sought to address it in their last game by pushing Ayush Badoni to open instead of Markram.

“Ayush played really nicely the other night against Punjab, and Mitch [Mitchell Marsh] got us off to a pretty good start in the PowerPlay. It is just to free him [Badoni] up. He is a huge talent, and the world has seen that over the last couple of years. I can be that guy in the middle-order and just control things,” Markram said, explaining his role.

Published on Apr 21, 2026

#Jurel #basks #Tendulkars #compliment #eyes #wicketkeeping #consistency #Sangakkara">Jurel basks in Tendulkar’s compliment, eyes wicketkeeping consistency under Sangakkara Rajasthan Royals wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, who effected a stunning stumping of Kolkata Knight Riders batter Cameron Green in the IPL on Sunday, said he was grateful to be working with the legendary Sri Lankan stumper Kumar Sangakkara.“I am very grateful to be playing under Sangakkara (head coach); he is a legend of the game. I am very hardworking and consistent with my wicketkeeping. I want to be consistent rather than doing something magical,” Jurel said.The 25-year-old’s stumping also earned him plaudits from Sachin Tendulkar, who termed Jurel’s exploits behind the stumps ‘simply magnificent’.“It is a dream come true. Such a big legend saw my match and made a special tweet for my stumping. It feels good when such a big cricketer praises you,” Jurel gushed.ALSO READ | Spotlight on pacers as Lucknow Super Giants and Rajasthan Royals aim to move on from defeatsThe Uttar Pradesh-born cricketer is hoping to make the most of home comforts at the Ekana Cricket Ground when his team faces Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on Wednesday.“This is my home ground, so I will be able to help my teammates. I have played cricket here since childhood. I am very excited to be playing my home game.”Aiden Markram hoped the Super Giants could turn their home ground into a fortress after they suffered back-to-back defeats here this season.The Super Giants’ batting unit has misfired this season, and their management sought to address it in their last game by pushing Ayush Badoni to open instead of Markram.“Ayush played really nicely the other night against Punjab, and Mitch [Mitchell Marsh] got us off to a pretty good start in the PowerPlay. It is just to free him [Badoni] up. He is a huge talent, and the world has seen that over the last couple of years. I can be that guy in the middle-order and just control things,” Markram said, explaining his role.Published on Apr 21, 2026 #Jurel #basks #Tendulkars #compliment #eyes #wicketkeeping #consistency #Sangakkara

Spotlight on pacers as Lucknow Super Giants and Rajasthan Royals aim to move on from defeats

The Uttar Pradesh-born cricketer is hoping to make the most of home comforts at the Ekana Cricket Ground when his team faces Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on Wednesday.

“This is my home ground, so I will be able to help my teammates. I have played cricket here since childhood. I am very excited to be playing my home game.”

Aiden Markram hoped the Super Giants could turn their home ground into a fortress after they suffered back-to-back defeats here this season.

The Super Giants’ batting unit has misfired this season, and their management sought to address it in their last game by pushing Ayush Badoni to open instead of Markram.

“Ayush played really nicely the other night against Punjab, and Mitch [Mitchell Marsh] got us off to a pretty good start in the PowerPlay. It is just to free him [Badoni] up. He is a huge talent, and the world has seen that over the last couple of years. I can be that guy in the middle-order and just control things,” Markram said, explaining his role.

Published on Apr 21, 2026

#Jurel #basks #Tendulkars #compliment #eyes #wicketkeeping #consistency #Sangakkara">Jurel basks in Tendulkar’s compliment, eyes wicketkeeping consistency under Sangakkara

Rajasthan Royals wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, who effected a stunning stumping of Kolkata Knight Riders batter Cameron Green in the IPL on Sunday, said he was grateful to be working with the legendary Sri Lankan stumper Kumar Sangakkara.

“I am very grateful to be playing under Sangakkara (head coach); he is a legend of the game. I am very hardworking and consistent with my wicketkeeping. I want to be consistent rather than doing something magical,” Jurel said.

The 25-year-old’s stumping also earned him plaudits from Sachin Tendulkar, who termed Jurel’s exploits behind the stumps ‘simply magnificent’.

“It is a dream come true. Such a big legend saw my match and made a special tweet for my stumping. It feels good when such a big cricketer praises you,” Jurel gushed.

ALSO READ | Spotlight on pacers as Lucknow Super Giants and Rajasthan Royals aim to move on from defeats

The Uttar Pradesh-born cricketer is hoping to make the most of home comforts at the Ekana Cricket Ground when his team faces Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on Wednesday.

“This is my home ground, so I will be able to help my teammates. I have played cricket here since childhood. I am very excited to be playing my home game.”

Aiden Markram hoped the Super Giants could turn their home ground into a fortress after they suffered back-to-back defeats here this season.

The Super Giants’ batting unit has misfired this season, and their management sought to address it in their last game by pushing Ayush Badoni to open instead of Markram.

“Ayush played really nicely the other night against Punjab, and Mitch [Mitchell Marsh] got us off to a pretty good start in the PowerPlay. It is just to free him [Badoni] up. He is a huge talent, and the world has seen that over the last couple of years. I can be that guy in the middle-order and just control things,” Markram said, explaining his role.

Published on Apr 21, 2026

#Jurel #basks #Tendulkars #compliment #eyes #wicketkeeping #consistency #Sangakkara
Deadspin | Ascending Cubs tap Shota Imanaga to face free-falling Phillies Apr 10, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images Trending in opposite directions, the Chicago Cubs host the reeling Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday in the second contest of a four-game series. After Chicago’s 5-1 victory in the opener on Monday, the Cubs extended their winning streak to six — matching the Atlanta Braves for the longest in the majors. Chicago lowered its team ERA to 3.47 on Monday, as the pitching staff has allowed an average of 2.2 runs during the active winning streak. “We’ve talked about it in this stretch we’re in right now, the starting pitching is the story for me,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “The starting pitching is getting us to a place that makes the relievers’ jobs easier and lets us put the game in order in a good way. So credit to what our starters have done.” Looking to follow up on Colin Rea’s 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball, left-hander Shota Imanaga (1-1, 2.45 ERA) gets the start on Tuesday. The third-year pitcher has allowed just two runs in 17 innings in April, including a one-run, 11-strikeout performance over six frames an 11-2 win over the Phillies on Wednesday. Chicago starting pitching surrender just one run in each of the last three victories. “I think it’s a new good spot right now,” Imanaga said of his confidence ahead of his fourth start of the year. “On the mound, if I do give up a hit, I can break it down right away, see what I did wrong and make those adjustments.” In two career starts against Philadelphia, Imanaga, 32, is 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA. As uninspiring as the Phillies’ offense looks right now, a second series against the Cubs over the last week is the last thing they needed. Philadelphia’s six-game losing streak is the third longest in baseball (Kansas City has lost eight in a row and the New York Mets have dropped 11 straight contests). Over that span, the Phillies are averaging just 1.7 runs per contest. Manager Rob Thomson insists his team hasn’t given in to its early-season struggles, despite a 7 1/2-game deficit in the National League East standings. “The energy has been pretty good. They’re fighting,” Thomson said. “They’re cheering each other on and the energy level has been high. I think there’s a lot of hope in there and there’s a lot of pride.” Hoping to serve as the club’s stopper, left-hander Jesus Luzardo (1-3, 7.94 ERA) will vie to end a woeful personal stretch in the process. After finishing seventh in NL Cy Young voting a year ago, Luzardo has given up at least five runs in three of his first four starts in his second season in Philadelphia. Last time out, Luzardo allowed nine runs (eight earned) on 12 hits against Chicago. The 28-year-old’s 12 hits surrendered tied the most he’s given up in 141 appearances as a major leaguer. Luzardo will make his ninth career start against the Cubs; he’s 4-1 with a 3.54 ERA in this matchup. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Ascending #Cubs #tap #Shota #Imanaga #face #freefalling #PhilliesApr 10, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Trending in opposite directions, the Chicago Cubs host the reeling Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday in the second contest of a four-game series.

After Chicago’s 5-1 victory in the opener on Monday, the Cubs extended their winning streak to six — matching the Atlanta Braves for the longest in the majors. Chicago lowered its team ERA to 3.47 on Monday, as the pitching staff has allowed an average of 2.2 runs during the active winning streak.

“We’ve talked about it in this stretch we’re in right now, the starting pitching is the story for me,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “The starting pitching is getting us to a place that makes the relievers’ jobs easier and lets us put the game in order in a good way. So credit to what our starters have done.”

Looking to follow up on Colin Rea’s 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball, left-hander Shota Imanaga (1-1, 2.45 ERA) gets the start on Tuesday. The third-year pitcher has allowed just two runs in 17 innings in April, including a one-run, 11-strikeout performance over six frames an 11-2 win over the Phillies on Wednesday.

Chicago starting pitching surrender just one run in each of the last three victories.

“I think it’s a new good spot right now,” Imanaga said of his confidence ahead of his fourth start of the year. “On the mound, if I do give up a hit, I can break it down right away, see what I did wrong and make those adjustments.”


In two career starts against Philadelphia, Imanaga, 32, is 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA.

As uninspiring as the Phillies’ offense looks right now, a second series against the Cubs over the last week is the last thing they needed. Philadelphia’s six-game losing streak is the third longest in baseball (Kansas City has lost eight in a row and the New York Mets have dropped 11 straight contests).

Over that span, the Phillies are averaging just 1.7 runs per contest. Manager Rob Thomson insists his team hasn’t given in to its early-season struggles, despite a 7 1/2-game deficit in the National League East standings.

“The energy has been pretty good. They’re fighting,” Thomson said. “They’re cheering each other on and the energy level has been high. I think there’s a lot of hope in there and there’s a lot of pride.”

Hoping to serve as the club’s stopper, left-hander Jesus Luzardo (1-3, 7.94 ERA) will vie to end a woeful personal stretch in the process. After finishing seventh in NL Cy Young voting a year ago, Luzardo has given up at least five runs in three of his first four starts in his second season in Philadelphia.

Last time out, Luzardo allowed nine runs (eight earned) on 12 hits against Chicago. The 28-year-old’s 12 hits surrendered tied the most he’s given up in 141 appearances as a major leaguer.

Luzardo will make his ninth career start against the Cubs; he’s 4-1 with a 3.54 ERA in this matchup.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Ascending #Cubs #tap #Shota #Imanaga #face #freefalling #Phillies">Deadspin | Ascending Cubs tap Shota Imanaga to face free-falling Phillies Apr 10, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images Trending in opposite directions, the Chicago Cubs host the reeling Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday in the second contest of a four-game series. After Chicago’s 5-1 victory in the opener on Monday, the Cubs extended their winning streak to six — matching the Atlanta Braves for the longest in the majors. Chicago lowered its team ERA to 3.47 on Monday, as the pitching staff has allowed an average of 2.2 runs during the active winning streak. “We’ve talked about it in this stretch we’re in right now, the starting pitching is the story for me,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “The starting pitching is getting us to a place that makes the relievers’ jobs easier and lets us put the game in order in a good way. So credit to what our starters have done.” Looking to follow up on Colin Rea’s 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball, left-hander Shota Imanaga (1-1, 2.45 ERA) gets the start on Tuesday. The third-year pitcher has allowed just two runs in 17 innings in April, including a one-run, 11-strikeout performance over six frames an 11-2 win over the Phillies on Wednesday. Chicago starting pitching surrender just one run in each of the last three victories. “I think it’s a new good spot right now,” Imanaga said of his confidence ahead of his fourth start of the year. “On the mound, if I do give up a hit, I can break it down right away, see what I did wrong and make those adjustments.” In two career starts against Philadelphia, Imanaga, 32, is 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA. As uninspiring as the Phillies’ offense looks right now, a second series against the Cubs over the last week is the last thing they needed. Philadelphia’s six-game losing streak is the third longest in baseball (Kansas City has lost eight in a row and the New York Mets have dropped 11 straight contests). Over that span, the Phillies are averaging just 1.7 runs per contest. Manager Rob Thomson insists his team hasn’t given in to its early-season struggles, despite a 7 1/2-game deficit in the National League East standings. “The energy has been pretty good. They’re fighting,” Thomson said. “They’re cheering each other on and the energy level has been high. I think there’s a lot of hope in there and there’s a lot of pride.” Hoping to serve as the club’s stopper, left-hander Jesus Luzardo (1-3, 7.94 ERA) will vie to end a woeful personal stretch in the process. After finishing seventh in NL Cy Young voting a year ago, Luzardo has given up at least five runs in three of his first four starts in his second season in Philadelphia. Last time out, Luzardo allowed nine runs (eight earned) on 12 hits against Chicago. The 28-year-old’s 12 hits surrendered tied the most he’s given up in 141 appearances as a major leaguer. Luzardo will make his ninth career start against the Cubs; he’s 4-1 with a 3.54 ERA in this matchup. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Ascending #Cubs #tap #Shota #Imanaga #face #freefalling #Phillies

SRH opener Abhishek Sharma slammed his second IPL century against Delhi Capitals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old, who has been in good form this season scoring two half centuries already, brought up his century off 47 balls with a maximum over deep square leg.

Interestingly, not only did Abhishek score his first IPL century at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium like he did today, he also did so on the same pitch that was used in the match against Punjab Kings last year- Pitch No. 2.

It’s been a sensational innings from Abhishek so far, smashing eight fours and ten sixes to help his side gain complete control of the game.

The opener has showed no mercy to any of the bowlers, striking boundaries at will and taking them to all parts of the ground in front of a full house home crowd.

Published on Apr 21, 2026

#SRH #IPL #Abhishek #Sharma #slams #IPL #century">SRH vs DC IPL 2026: Abhishek Sharma slams second IPL century SRH opener Abhishek Sharma slammed his second IPL century against Delhi Capitals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Tuesday.The 25-year-old, who has been in good form this season scoring two half centuries already, brought up his century off 47 balls with a maximum over deep square leg.Interestingly, not only did Abhishek score his first IPL century at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium like he did today, he also did so on the same pitch that was used in the match against Punjab Kings last year- Pitch No. 2.It’s been a sensational innings from Abhishek so far, smashing eight fours and ten sixes to help his side gain complete control of the game.The opener has showed no mercy to any of the bowlers, striking boundaries at will and taking them to all parts of the ground in front of a full house home crowd.Published on Apr 21, 2026 #SRH #IPL #Abhishek #Sharma #slams #IPL #century

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