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Deadspin | Cardinals, in decisive game vs. Marlins, chase 3rd straight series win  Apr 21, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA;  St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Nathan Church, center fielder Victor Scott II and right fielder Jordan Walker celebrate a win against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images   The St. Louis Cardinals, who have won six of their past seven games, may be off to a surprising start to some, but not to manager Oliver Marmol.  “It’s exactly what I would’ve anticipated this group to do,” Marmol said on Tuesday prior to a 5-3 Cardinals’ win over the host Miami Marlins.  On Wednesday afternoon, both teams will try to take the three-game series. St. Louis has won back-to-back series while Miami hasn’t taken a series since winning two of three against the Chicago White Sox from March 30-April 1.  The pitching matchup features a pair of right-handers, Miami’s Janson Junk (0-2, 4.50 ERA) against St. Louis’ Kyle Leahy (2-2, 5.21).  Junk has never faced the Cardinals, and the Marlins are just 1-3 when he starts this season. Junk has just one quality start out of those four, on April 6 against the Cincinnati Reds. Since then, he has allowed nine earned runs, seven earned, on 11 hits in 10 1/3 innings (6.10 ERA).  He relies on a four-seam fastball that sits 94-96 mph and off-speed stuff that includes a sweeper, a changeup and a curve.  Leahy has never started against the Marlins, but he has made four scoreless relief appearances versus them, striking out four in 4 2/3 innings.  He relies on a two-seam, sinking fastball that is used to get ground balls and a slider that is often his “out pitch,” especially against right-handers. He also uses a split-finger fastball, especially against lefties.  This year, Leahy has been strictly a starter — although he has yet to record an out in the sixth inning. The Cardinals are 2-2 in his appearances.  As for the Cardinals’ offense, right fielder Jordan Walker went 0-for-4 on Tuesday, snapping his 15-game hitting streak. He has been St. Louis’ best hitter this season, leading the team in homers (eight) and OPS (.964).   That’s a major improvement from last season when he had just six homers in 111 games and a .584 OPS.  “I think we’d all be lying if we thought Walker would have this type of start,” Marmol said. “The consistency of what he’s done has been impressive.”  Consistency isn’t at the top of the agenda for Marlins manager Clayton McCullough this week. He continues to fill out unconventional lineups, such as placing speedy second baseman Xavier Edwards in the cleanup role the past two games.  Edwards is no slugger: He has just five homers in 993 career at-bats. Yet he has produced a .915 OPS so far this season, and he still has the dynamic speed that he led him to 65 steals in 77 career attempts since making his big-league debut in 2023.  “The lineup is going to be fluid, maybe not day to day but series to series depending on who we’re playing,” McCullough said. “I think with (Edwards’) skill set, it makes it easy for me. I feel like I can put him anywhere.”  Another speedy Marlins hitter, center fielder Jakob Marsee has eight stolen bases, tied for fifth in the majors.  Marsee went 3-for-4 with a homer on Tuesday.  The long ball came on his first pitch with a new bat. On his previous swing, the bat slipped out of his hands and landed in the netting above the first base dugout. Marsee then grabbed a new bat and pulled the next pitch for a dinger down the right field line.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Cardinals #decisive #game #Marlins #chase #3rd #straight #series #win

Deadspin | Cardinals, in decisive game vs. Marlins, chase 3rd straight series win
Deadspin | Cardinals, in decisive game vs. Marlins, chase 3rd straight series win  Apr 21, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA;  St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Nathan Church, center fielder Victor Scott II and right fielder Jordan Walker celebrate a win against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images   The St. Louis Cardinals, who have won six of their past seven games, may be off to a surprising start to some, but not to manager Oliver Marmol.  “It’s exactly what I would’ve anticipated this group to do,” Marmol said on Tuesday prior to a 5-3 Cardinals’ win over the host Miami Marlins.  On Wednesday afternoon, both teams will try to take the three-game series. St. Louis has won back-to-back series while Miami hasn’t taken a series since winning two of three against the Chicago White Sox from March 30-April 1.  The pitching matchup features a pair of right-handers, Miami’s Janson Junk (0-2, 4.50 ERA) against St. Louis’ Kyle Leahy (2-2, 5.21).  Junk has never faced the Cardinals, and the Marlins are just 1-3 when he starts this season. Junk has just one quality start out of those four, on April 6 against the Cincinnati Reds. Since then, he has allowed nine earned runs, seven earned, on 11 hits in 10 1/3 innings (6.10 ERA).  He relies on a four-seam fastball that sits 94-96 mph and off-speed stuff that includes a sweeper, a changeup and a curve.  Leahy has never started against the Marlins, but he has made four scoreless relief appearances versus them, striking out four in 4 2/3 innings.  He relies on a two-seam, sinking fastball that is used to get ground balls and a slider that is often his “out pitch,” especially against right-handers. He also uses a split-finger fastball, especially against lefties.  This year, Leahy has been strictly a starter — although he has yet to record an out in the sixth inning. The Cardinals are 2-2 in his appearances.  As for the Cardinals’ offense, right fielder Jordan Walker went 0-for-4 on Tuesday, snapping his 15-game hitting streak. He has been St. Louis’ best hitter this season, leading the team in homers (eight) and OPS (.964).   That’s a major improvement from last season when he had just six homers in 111 games and a .584 OPS.  “I think we’d all be lying if we thought Walker would have this type of start,” Marmol said. “The consistency of what he’s done has been impressive.”  Consistency isn’t at the top of the agenda for Marlins manager Clayton McCullough this week. He continues to fill out unconventional lineups, such as placing speedy second baseman Xavier Edwards in the cleanup role the past two games.  Edwards is no slugger: He has just five homers in 993 career at-bats. Yet he has produced a .915 OPS so far this season, and he still has the dynamic speed that he led him to 65 steals in 77 career attempts since making his big-league debut in 2023.  “The lineup is going to be fluid, maybe not day to day but series to series depending on who we’re playing,” McCullough said. “I think with (Edwards’) skill set, it makes it easy for me. I feel like I can put him anywhere.”  Another speedy Marlins hitter, center fielder Jakob Marsee has eight stolen bases, tied for fifth in the majors.  Marsee went 3-for-4 with a homer on Tuesday.  The long ball came on his first pitch with a new bat. On his previous swing, the bat slipped out of his hands and landed in the netting above the first base dugout. Marsee then grabbed a new bat and pulled the next pitch for a dinger down the right field line.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Cardinals #decisive #game #Marlins #chase #3rd #straight #series #winApr 21, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Nathan Church, center fielder Victor Scott II and right fielder Jordan Walker celebrate a win against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

The St. Louis Cardinals, who have won six of their past seven games, may be off to a surprising start to some, but not to manager Oliver Marmol.

“It’s exactly what I would’ve anticipated this group to do,” Marmol said on Tuesday prior to a 5-3 Cardinals’ win over the host Miami Marlins.

On Wednesday afternoon, both teams will try to take the three-game series. St. Louis has won back-to-back series while Miami hasn’t taken a series since winning two of three against the Chicago White Sox from March 30-April 1.

The pitching matchup features a pair of right-handers, Miami’s Janson Junk (0-2, 4.50 ERA) against St. Louis’ Kyle Leahy (2-2, 5.21).

Junk has never faced the Cardinals, and the Marlins are just 1-3 when he starts this season. Junk has just one quality start out of those four, on April 6 against the Cincinnati Reds. Since then, he has allowed nine earned runs, seven earned, on 11 hits in 10 1/3 innings (6.10 ERA).

He relies on a four-seam fastball that sits 94-96 mph and off-speed stuff that includes a sweeper, a changeup and a curve.

Leahy has never started against the Marlins, but he has made four scoreless relief appearances versus them, striking out four in 4 2/3 innings.

He relies on a two-seam, sinking fastball that is used to get ground balls and a slider that is often his “out pitch,” especially against right-handers. He also uses a split-finger fastball, especially against lefties.

This year, Leahy has been strictly a starter — although he has yet to record an out in the sixth inning. The Cardinals are 2-2 in his appearances.


As for the Cardinals’ offense, right fielder Jordan Walker went 0-for-4 on Tuesday, snapping his 15-game hitting streak. He has been St. Louis’ best hitter this season, leading the team in homers (eight) and OPS (.964).

That’s a major improvement from last season when he had just six homers in 111 games and a .584 OPS.

“I think we’d all be lying if we thought Walker would have this type of start,” Marmol said. “The consistency of what he’s done has been impressive.”

Consistency isn’t at the top of the agenda for Marlins manager Clayton McCullough this week. He continues to fill out unconventional lineups, such as placing speedy second baseman Xavier Edwards in the cleanup role the past two games.

Edwards is no slugger: He has just five homers in 993 career at-bats. Yet he has produced a .915 OPS so far this season, and he still has the dynamic speed that he led him to 65 steals in 77 career attempts since making his big-league debut in 2023.

“The lineup is going to be fluid, maybe not day to day but series to series depending on who we’re playing,” McCullough said. “I think with (Edwards’) skill set, it makes it easy for me. I feel like I can put him anywhere.”

Another speedy Marlins hitter, center fielder Jakob Marsee has eight stolen bases, tied for fifth in the majors.

Marsee went 3-for-4 with a homer on Tuesday.

The long ball came on his first pitch with a new bat. On his previous swing, the bat slipped out of his hands and landed in the netting above the first base dugout. Marsee then grabbed a new bat and pulled the next pitch for a dinger down the right field line.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Cardinals #decisive #game #Marlins #chase #3rd #straight #series #win

Apr 21, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Nathan Church, center fielder Victor Scott II and right fielder Jordan Walker celebrate a win against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

The St. Louis Cardinals, who have won six of their past seven games, may be off to a surprising start to some, but not to manager Oliver Marmol.

“It’s exactly what I would’ve anticipated this group to do,” Marmol said on Tuesday prior to a 5-3 Cardinals’ win over the host Miami Marlins.

On Wednesday afternoon, both teams will try to take the three-game series. St. Louis has won back-to-back series while Miami hasn’t taken a series since winning two of three against the Chicago White Sox from March 30-April 1.

The pitching matchup features a pair of right-handers, Miami’s Janson Junk (0-2, 4.50 ERA) against St. Louis’ Kyle Leahy (2-2, 5.21).

Junk has never faced the Cardinals, and the Marlins are just 1-3 when he starts this season. Junk has just one quality start out of those four, on April 6 against the Cincinnati Reds. Since then, he has allowed nine earned runs, seven earned, on 11 hits in 10 1/3 innings (6.10 ERA).

He relies on a four-seam fastball that sits 94-96 mph and off-speed stuff that includes a sweeper, a changeup and a curve.

Leahy has never started against the Marlins, but he has made four scoreless relief appearances versus them, striking out four in 4 2/3 innings.

He relies on a two-seam, sinking fastball that is used to get ground balls and a slider that is often his “out pitch,” especially against right-handers. He also uses a split-finger fastball, especially against lefties.

This year, Leahy has been strictly a starter — although he has yet to record an out in the sixth inning. The Cardinals are 2-2 in his appearances.

As for the Cardinals’ offense, right fielder Jordan Walker went 0-for-4 on Tuesday, snapping his 15-game hitting streak. He has been St. Louis’ best hitter this season, leading the team in homers (eight) and OPS (.964).

That’s a major improvement from last season when he had just six homers in 111 games and a .584 OPS.

“I think we’d all be lying if we thought Walker would have this type of start,” Marmol said. “The consistency of what he’s done has been impressive.”

Consistency isn’t at the top of the agenda for Marlins manager Clayton McCullough this week. He continues to fill out unconventional lineups, such as placing speedy second baseman Xavier Edwards in the cleanup role the past two games.

Edwards is no slugger: He has just five homers in 993 career at-bats. Yet he has produced a .915 OPS so far this season, and he still has the dynamic speed that he led him to 65 steals in 77 career attempts since making his big-league debut in 2023.

“The lineup is going to be fluid, maybe not day to day but series to series depending on who we’re playing,” McCullough said. “I think with (Edwards’) skill set, it makes it easy for me. I feel like I can put him anywhere.”

Another speedy Marlins hitter, center fielder Jakob Marsee has eight stolen bases, tied for fifth in the majors.

Marsee went 3-for-4 with a homer on Tuesday.

The long ball came on his first pitch with a new bat. On his previous swing, the bat slipped out of his hands and landed in the netting above the first base dugout. Marsee then grabbed a new bat and pulled the next pitch for a dinger down the right field line.

–Field Level Media

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Samsung’s Next Pair of Galaxy Buds Look Like a Huge Departure<img src="https://gizmodo.com/app/uploads/2026/02/Samsung-Galaxy-Buds-4-Pro-12-1280x853.jpg" /><br><div> <p>Open-style wireless earbuds are all the rage these days, but not all the major brands are on board yet. Samsung, for example, still has its <a href="https://gizmodo.com/samsungs-galaxy-buds-4-and-4-pro-change-up-the-look-big-time-2000725986">semi-open-ear Galaxy Buds 4</a>, but nothing quite as open as the <a href="https://gizmodo.com/bose-ultra-open-earbuds-review-sound-price-design-1851251915">Bose Ultra Open Earbuds</a> or <a href="https://gizmodo.com/nothing-ear-open-review-2000512798">Nothing’s Ear Open</a>. I should say Samsung doesn’t have anything fully open <em>yet.</em></p> <p>According to a leak from <a href="https://sammyguru.com/galaxy-buds-able-design/">SammyGuru</a>, Samsung is working on a new pair of Galaxy Buds called the Galaxy Buds Able, and it looks like that unreleased pair might opt for an open-style clip design if illustrations found in recent One UI firmware are anything to go by.</p> <p>In addition to the open-style design, SammyGuru is also reporting that the Galaxy Buds Able will use bone conduction, which is suited for delivering sound without needing to plug up your ears with silicone ear tips. Another benefit of bone conduction is that it’s not prone to sound leakage, which is often a downside of most pairs of open wireless earbuds. Bone conduction is also often used in more fitness-focused wireless earbuds, so there’s a chance the Galaxy Buds Able might lean into running and other exercise applications.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Buds Able, spotted in One UI firmware, feature a unique clip-on bone conduction design that keeps your ears open while delivering sound in a whole new way. </p> <p>Would you trade premium sound quality for more awareness and comfort in your daily listening?…</p> <p>— SammyGuru (@sammygurus) <a href="https://twitter.com/sammygurus/status/2046286788063330570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2026</a></p></blockquote> <p>While clip-style open wireless earbuds aren’t novel—<a href="https://gizmodo.com/sony-linkbuds-clip-ditch-the-donut-design-for-a-clip-2000712461">Sony</a>, <a href="https://gizmodo.com/soundpeats-clip1-review-affordable-open-wireless-earbuds-beat-bose-ultra-open-2000684284">SoundPeats</a>, and <a href="https://global.jbl.com/earbuds/SOUNDGEAR-CLIPS.html">JBL</a> all have their own pairs now—it’d be a departure for Samsung and a big indicator that open wireless earbuds are <a href="https://gizmodo.com/open-ear-audio-is-having-a-huge-moment-right-now-2000709804">having a huge moment right now</a>. If the leaks pan out, one of the things I’m most interested to see is whether Samsung endeavors to provide any kind of noise reduction. Though full-on active noise cancellation (ANC) isn’t possible without ear tips, brands like Shokz have managed to provide a surprisingly effective level of noise <em>reduction </em>that scratches a similar itch. <a href="https://gizmodo.com/shokz-openfit-pro-review-open-earbuds-with-the-one-thing-youve-always-wanted-2000727232">Shokz’s OpenFit Pro</a>, for example, are its only pair with noise reduction, but they do have a bulkier design. They’re not exactly clip-style; instead, they loop around the back of your ears with a sound module that nestles into the outer ear.</p> <p>Since the Galaxy Buds Able aren’t official yet, there’s no word on price or release date, but there’s a chance they could end up being unveiled this summer at Samsung’s next Unpacked event.</p> </div><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>#Samsungs #Pair #Galaxy #Buds #Huge #Departureaudio,Galaxy Buds Pro,wireless earbuds

When I arrived to cover the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 2000, it was clear I was dealing with a star-studded roster.

The team boasted future Pro Football Hall of Famers; wide receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss and defensive tackle John Randle. Plus, there were a ton of other stars including quarterback Daunte Culpepper, center Matt Birk and running back Robert Smith. The Vikings were loaded with star power.

The talent around the team wasn’t relegated simply to the roster, however.

That summer I first laid my eyes on a 16-year-old high school junior named Larry Fitzgerald Jr. The son of a local media member and close friend of Vikings’ head coach Dennis Green, Little Fitzy was a ball boy during training camp and on game days. It turns out, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is very likely the most famous former NFL ball boy in history.

On reporting date, fellow reporter Kevin Seifert pointed out Fitzgerald to me and said “that’s a bad man.” Seifert didn’t say that about any of the actual Vikings that day.

Fitzgerald was already known as the best Minnesota high school prospect in years and he was considered one of the best high school players in the country. Seifert told me the buzz was that the kid was, no doubt, headed to the NFL in a half decade or so. Seifert was on the money. I’m not sure the Hall of Fame was mentioned or not.

But this weekend of course, that’s exactly where Little Fitzy is headed. He will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Fitzgerald will be remembered as one of the best and most productive wide receivers in league history after an incredible 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals.

I have a ton of memories of being around Fitzgerald, but there’s one that stands out among them all.

One day after training camp, a nameless Vikings’ wide receiver camp body was getting extra work on a JUGS machine, catching balls. He was being tutored by Fitzgerald, who was showing this player how to properly approach the incoming ball. This was a child instructing a grown man an NFL team deemed good enough to attend training camp.

Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.

In addition to his incredible natural football ability, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. stood out for his politeness and good nature. You could tell he was a good kid from the first time you met him.

There was no I’m-going-to-be-a-star attitude. He was genuine and he worked his tail off with the rest of the ball boys. There was no entitlement. It was as if he was using his time around an NFL camp as an internship for his future. He passed with flying colors.

I’ve always cherished following his career from his days at Pittsburgh in college to his days of dominating the NFL and I’ve enjoyed running into him over the years now and again.

Enjoy Canton, Little Fitzy, you’ve earned it.

#Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making">Larry Fitzgerald’s Hall of Fame induction is 25 years in the making  When I arrived to cover the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 2000, it was clear I was dealing with a star-studded roster.The team boasted future Pro Football Hall of Famers; wide receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss and defensive tackle John Randle. Plus, there were a ton of other stars including quarterback Daunte Culpepper, center Matt Birk and running back Robert Smith. The Vikings were loaded with star power.The talent around the team wasn’t relegated simply to the roster, however.That summer I first laid my eyes on a 16-year-old high school junior named Larry Fitzgerald Jr. The son of a local media member and close friend of Vikings’ head coach Dennis Green, Little Fitzy was a ball boy during training camp and on game days. It turns out, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is very likely the most famous former NFL ball boy in history.On reporting date, fellow reporter Kevin Seifert pointed out Fitzgerald to me and said “that’s a bad man.” Seifert didn’t say that about any of the actual Vikings that day.Fitzgerald was already known as the best Minnesota high school prospect in years and he was considered one of the best high school players in the country. Seifert told me the buzz was that the kid was, no doubt, headed to the NFL in a half decade or so. Seifert was on the money. I’m not sure the Hall of Fame was mentioned or not.But this weekend of course, that’s exactly where Little Fitzy is headed. He will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.Fitzgerald will be remembered as one of the best and most productive wide receivers in league history after an incredible 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals.I have a ton of memories of being around Fitzgerald, but there’s one that stands out among them all.One day after training camp, a nameless Vikings’ wide receiver camp body was getting extra work on a JUGS machine, catching balls. He was being tutored by Fitzgerald, who was showing this player how to properly approach the incoming ball. This was a child instructing a grown man an NFL team deemed good enough to attend training camp.Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.In addition to his incredible natural football ability, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. stood out for his politeness and good nature. You could tell he was a good kid from the first time you met him.There was no I’m-going-to-be-a-star attitude. He was genuine and he worked his tail off with the rest of the ball boys. There was no entitlement. It was as if he was using his time around an NFL camp as an internship for his future. He passed with flying colors.I’ve always cherished following his career from his days at Pittsburgh in college to his days of dominating the NFL and I’ve enjoyed running into him over the years now and again.Enjoy Canton, Little Fitzy, you’ve earned it.  #Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making

Follow Sportstar for extensive coverage of the tenth edition of the TNPL, from live scores and match reports to exclusive analysis and features.

TOSS

Tiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.

PLAYING XIs

Nellai Royal Kings: Athish SR(w), D Santhosh Kumar, Ajitesh Guruswamy, U Mukilesh, Rithik Easwaran, Sonu Yadav(c), Muhammed Adnan Khan, Ramalingam Rohit, Emmanuel Cherian, NS Harish, Rocky Bhasker

Tiruppur Tamizhans: Tushar Raheja(w), Amit Sathvik, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Mohamed Ali, Uthirasamy Sasidev, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore(c), M Mathivannan, S Mohan Prasath, R Silambarasan, Esakkimuthu A, T Natarajan

Published on Aug 09, 2026

#TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings">TNPL 2026 Live: All-round batting display propels Nellai Royal Kings to 206/8  Follow Sportstar for extensive coverage of the tenth edition of the TNPL, from live scores and match reports to exclusive analysis and features.TOSSTiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.PLAYING XIsNellai Royal Kings: Athish SR(w), D Santhosh Kumar, Ajitesh Guruswamy, U Mukilesh, Rithik Easwaran, Sonu Yadav(c), Muhammed Adnan Khan, Ramalingam Rohit, Emmanuel Cherian, NS Harish, Rocky BhaskerTiruppur Tamizhans: Tushar Raheja(w), Amit Sathvik, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Mohamed Ali, Uthirasamy Sasidev, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore(c), M Mathivannan, S Mohan Prasath, R Silambarasan, Esakkimuthu A, T NatarajanPublished on Aug 09, 2026  #TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings

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