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Deadspin | Padres, after rare loss, aim to start new win streak against Rockies  Apr 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies left fielder Jordan Beck (27) hits a single in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images   The San Diego Padres probably almost forgot just what a loss felt like.  Their 8-3 loss at the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday was their third in the past 17 games and the first in six games against Colorado. The Padres will look to flip back into the win column in the finale of a three-game series at the Rockies on Thursday.   The Padres will send Matt Waldron (0-1, 14.73 ERA) to the mound while Colorado counters with Ryan Feltner (1-1, 6.00).  San Diego entered the night’s action on a three-game winning streak and having won 11 of their past 12 games.  This is the second time this season that Feltner will face San Diego. He took the loss in the Padres’ 9-5 home win on April 11 when he allowed six runs on seven hits over four innings. In six career starts against San Diego, he has an 0-1 record with a 5.20 ERA.  If the Rockies beat the Padres, they will win the series and finish the homestand 4-3 against two of the top teams in the majors. Colorado split a four-game series with the Los Angeles Dodgers before hosting San Diego.  The Rockies, who had the worst record in the majors last season, are 10-15 on the season. They did not win their 10th game on 2025 until June 2.  The two wins over Los Angeles were a confidence boost for the young team, and Jordan Beck’s 3-for-4 night Monday was needed for the struggling outfielder. He started slowly last season, hitting .150 before being optioned to the minors for 13 days, and he was batting .122 before Monday night.  “I feel like I’ve had some balls I should have hit better, and I’ve had some stuff I probably shouldn’t have swung at, too,” Beck said. “Part of that is just baseball, and part of it is a lack of being productive.”   San Diego hasn’t been scoring a lot of runs, ranking 19th in the majors in that category with 100 runs through 25 games. But the pitching has been stingy, with an ERA of 3.43 — seventh in the majors.  The wins have piled up despite a slew of injuries to the rotation, along with several ineffective starts. Waldron had one of those tough outings when he allowed six runs on eight hits over 3 2/3 innings in an 8-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels in his season debut last Friday.  Waldron was on the injured list while recovering from hemorrhoid surgery, then tossed 12 scoreless innings in three minor league starts.  “I couldn’t have been more prepared. I couldn’t have been in a better mindset,” Waldron said after the loss. “I couldn’t have done anything except for make fewer mistakes.”  Waldron is 2-1 with a 4.67 ERA in three career starts against the Rockies.  San Diego bolstered its rotation before the Wednesday game when it signed free agent Lucas Giolito to a one-year deal. With Joe Musgrove and Nick Pivetta expected to remain out a few more weeks or longer, the Padres needed more arms.  “We’ve got a young starting pitcher that we’ve brought into the fold, hopefully in his prime,” manager Craig Stammen said of Giolioto, 31. “We’ll get him built up and get him back out here, and hopefully he can help us win.”  -Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Padres #rare #loss #aim #start #win #streak #Rockies

Deadspin | Padres, after rare loss, aim to start new win streak against Rockies
Deadspin | Padres, after rare loss, aim to start new win streak against Rockies  Apr 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies left fielder Jordan Beck (27) hits a single in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images   The San Diego Padres probably almost forgot just what a loss felt like.  Their 8-3 loss at the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday was their third in the past 17 games and the first in six games against Colorado. The Padres will look to flip back into the win column in the finale of a three-game series at the Rockies on Thursday.   The Padres will send Matt Waldron (0-1, 14.73 ERA) to the mound while Colorado counters with Ryan Feltner (1-1, 6.00).  San Diego entered the night’s action on a three-game winning streak and having won 11 of their past 12 games.  This is the second time this season that Feltner will face San Diego. He took the loss in the Padres’ 9-5 home win on April 11 when he allowed six runs on seven hits over four innings. In six career starts against San Diego, he has an 0-1 record with a 5.20 ERA.  If the Rockies beat the Padres, they will win the series and finish the homestand 4-3 against two of the top teams in the majors. Colorado split a four-game series with the Los Angeles Dodgers before hosting San Diego.  The Rockies, who had the worst record in the majors last season, are 10-15 on the season. They did not win their 10th game on 2025 until June 2.  The two wins over Los Angeles were a confidence boost for the young team, and Jordan Beck’s 3-for-4 night Monday was needed for the struggling outfielder. He started slowly last season, hitting .150 before being optioned to the minors for 13 days, and he was batting .122 before Monday night.  “I feel like I’ve had some balls I should have hit better, and I’ve had some stuff I probably shouldn’t have swung at, too,” Beck said. “Part of that is just baseball, and part of it is a lack of being productive.”   San Diego hasn’t been scoring a lot of runs, ranking 19th in the majors in that category with 100 runs through 25 games. But the pitching has been stingy, with an ERA of 3.43 — seventh in the majors.  The wins have piled up despite a slew of injuries to the rotation, along with several ineffective starts. Waldron had one of those tough outings when he allowed six runs on eight hits over 3 2/3 innings in an 8-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels in his season debut last Friday.  Waldron was on the injured list while recovering from hemorrhoid surgery, then tossed 12 scoreless innings in three minor league starts.  “I couldn’t have been more prepared. I couldn’t have been in a better mindset,” Waldron said after the loss. “I couldn’t have done anything except for make fewer mistakes.”  Waldron is 2-1 with a 4.67 ERA in three career starts against the Rockies.  San Diego bolstered its rotation before the Wednesday game when it signed free agent Lucas Giolito to a one-year deal. With Joe Musgrove and Nick Pivetta expected to remain out a few more weeks or longer, the Padres needed more arms.  “We’ve got a young starting pitcher that we’ve brought into the fold, hopefully in his prime,” manager Craig Stammen said of Giolioto, 31. “We’ll get him built up and get him back out here, and hopefully he can help us win.”  -Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Padres #rare #loss #aim #start #win #streak #RockiesApr 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies left fielder Jordan Beck (27) hits a single in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The San Diego Padres probably almost forgot just what a loss felt like.

Their 8-3 loss at the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday was their third in the past 17 games and the first in six games against Colorado. The Padres will look to flip back into the win column in the finale of a three-game series at the Rockies on Thursday.

The Padres will send Matt Waldron (0-1, 14.73 ERA) to the mound while Colorado counters with Ryan Feltner (1-1, 6.00).

San Diego entered the night’s action on a three-game winning streak and having won 11 of their past 12 games.

This is the second time this season that Feltner will face San Diego. He took the loss in the Padres’ 9-5 home win on April 11 when he allowed six runs on seven hits over four innings. In six career starts against San Diego, he has an 0-1 record with a 5.20 ERA.

If the Rockies beat the Padres, they will win the series and finish the homestand 4-3 against two of the top teams in the majors. Colorado split a four-game series with the Los Angeles Dodgers before hosting San Diego.

The Rockies, who had the worst record in the majors last season, are 10-15 on the season. They did not win their 10th game on 2025 until June 2.

The two wins over Los Angeles were a confidence boost for the young team, and Jordan Beck’s 3-for-4 night Monday was needed for the struggling outfielder. He started slowly last season, hitting .150 before being optioned to the minors for 13 days, and he was batting .122 before Monday night.


“I feel like I’ve had some balls I should have hit better, and I’ve had some stuff I probably shouldn’t have swung at, too,” Beck said. “Part of that is just baseball, and part of it is a lack of being productive.”

San Diego hasn’t been scoring a lot of runs, ranking 19th in the majors in that category with 100 runs through 25 games. But the pitching has been stingy, with an ERA of 3.43 — seventh in the majors.

The wins have piled up despite a slew of injuries to the rotation, along with several ineffective starts. Waldron had one of those tough outings when he allowed six runs on eight hits over 3 2/3 innings in an 8-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels in his season debut last Friday.

Waldron was on the injured list while recovering from hemorrhoid surgery, then tossed 12 scoreless innings in three minor league starts.

“I couldn’t have been more prepared. I couldn’t have been in a better mindset,” Waldron said after the loss. “I couldn’t have done anything except for make fewer mistakes.”

Waldron is 2-1 with a 4.67 ERA in three career starts against the Rockies.

San Diego bolstered its rotation before the Wednesday game when it signed free agent Lucas Giolito to a one-year deal. With Joe Musgrove and Nick Pivetta expected to remain out a few more weeks or longer, the Padres needed more arms.

“We’ve got a young starting pitcher that we’ve brought into the fold, hopefully in his prime,” manager Craig Stammen said of Giolioto, 31. “We’ll get him built up and get him back out here, and hopefully he can help us win.”

-Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Padres #rare #loss #aim #start #win #streak #Rockies

Apr 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies left fielder Jordan Beck (27) hits a single in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The San Diego Padres probably almost forgot just what a loss felt like.

Their 8-3 loss at the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday was their third in the past 17 games and the first in six games against Colorado. The Padres will look to flip back into the win column in the finale of a three-game series at the Rockies on Thursday.

The Padres will send Matt Waldron (0-1, 14.73 ERA) to the mound while Colorado counters with Ryan Feltner (1-1, 6.00).

San Diego entered the night’s action on a three-game winning streak and having won 11 of their past 12 games.

This is the second time this season that Feltner will face San Diego. He took the loss in the Padres’ 9-5 home win on April 11 when he allowed six runs on seven hits over four innings. In six career starts against San Diego, he has an 0-1 record with a 5.20 ERA.

If the Rockies beat the Padres, they will win the series and finish the homestand 4-3 against two of the top teams in the majors. Colorado split a four-game series with the Los Angeles Dodgers before hosting San Diego.

The Rockies, who had the worst record in the majors last season, are 10-15 on the season. They did not win their 10th game on 2025 until June 2.

The two wins over Los Angeles were a confidence boost for the young team, and Jordan Beck’s 3-for-4 night Monday was needed for the struggling outfielder. He started slowly last season, hitting .150 before being optioned to the minors for 13 days, and he was batting .122 before Monday night.

“I feel like I’ve had some balls I should have hit better, and I’ve had some stuff I probably shouldn’t have swung at, too,” Beck said. “Part of that is just baseball, and part of it is a lack of being productive.”

San Diego hasn’t been scoring a lot of runs, ranking 19th in the majors in that category with 100 runs through 25 games. But the pitching has been stingy, with an ERA of 3.43 — seventh in the majors.

The wins have piled up despite a slew of injuries to the rotation, along with several ineffective starts. Waldron had one of those tough outings when he allowed six runs on eight hits over 3 2/3 innings in an 8-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels in his season debut last Friday.

Waldron was on the injured list while recovering from hemorrhoid surgery, then tossed 12 scoreless innings in three minor league starts.

“I couldn’t have been more prepared. I couldn’t have been in a better mindset,” Waldron said after the loss. “I couldn’t have done anything except for make fewer mistakes.”

Waldron is 2-1 with a 4.67 ERA in three career starts against the Rockies.

San Diego bolstered its rotation before the Wednesday game when it signed free agent Lucas Giolito to a one-year deal. With Joe Musgrove and Nick Pivetta expected to remain out a few more weeks or longer, the Padres needed more arms.

“We’ve got a young starting pitcher that we’ve brought into the fold, hopefully in his prime,” manager Craig Stammen said of Giolioto, 31. “We’ll get him built up and get him back out here, and hopefully he can help us win.”

-Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Padres #rare #loss #aim #start #win #streak #Rockies

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VIDEO | India’s mistakes exposed at right time before T20 World Cup: Harmanpreet Kaur <div id="content-body-70897833" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Indian women’s team captain Harmanpreet Kaur believes her side’s below-par performance against South Africa has come at the right time, allowing the management sufficient time to address their shortcomings and “come back strong” for the T20 World Cup in June.</p><p>The ‘Women in Blue’ slumped to their first T20I series defeat since their group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup in October 2024, conceding a five-match rubber 0-3 to South Africa on Wednesday, with two matches still to be played.</p><p>Since that early exit at the ICC showpiece, Harmanpreet’s side had enjoyed a strong run, winning series against West Indies, England, Sri Lanka and Australia.</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/laura-wolvaardt-sune-luus-record-opening-partnership-south-africa-vs-india-wt20i/article70896094.ece" target="_blank">Laura Wolvaardt, Sune Luus shine for South Africa with record partnership</a></b></p><p>“After the last T20 WC, we have won the maximum T20 series, this is the only one we didn’t execute the way we were in the last series,” Harmanpreet said at the press conference after the team’s nine-wicket loss in the third WT20I on Wednesday.</p><p>“I think it’s good that whatever mistakes we are making are now and not in the World Cup. This is the right time where we can learn and come back strong.</p><p>“As a captain I take everything in a positive way. We still have two matches and we can still put up a decent show,” she added.</p><p>With the T20 World Cup in England and Wales less than two months away, India’s struggles, particularly with the ball, will be a concern.</p><p>While South Africa have claimed 21 Indian wickets in three matches, India have managed just seven scalps, with the visitors failing to make early inroads throughout the series.</p><p>In the third T20I, that inability proved costly as South Africa chased down India’s 192 for 4 with remarkable ease in just 16.3 overs, registering a nine-wicket win.</p><p>“The score was decent but unfortunately we were not able to get a breakthrough in the powerplay. No matter what match you are playing, taking wickets in powerplay always helps and we were not able to do that and it really cost us.</p><p>“On top of that we gave away too many runs. After that we didn’t get anything with the help of which we could make a comeback in the game.</p><p>“We were eyeing a breakthrough in the powerplay, it could have turned the game for us. We weren’t able to stick to our plans and execute well and they batted very well,” Harmanpreet said.</p><p>After modest totals of 157 for 7 and 147 all out in the first two games, India’s batting showed improvement in the third match, posting 192 for 4, courtesy half-centuries from Harmanpreet (66) and Shafali Verma (64).</p><p>“As a batting unit we were able to put up a decent total. but in the second innings there was dew and the ball was not gripping well and on top of that they were batting really well and while bowling nothing really worked for us,” Harmanpreet added.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 23, 2026</p></div> #VIDEO #Indias #mistakes #exposed #time #T20 #World #Cup #Harmanpreet #Kaur

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Kerala Blasters vs Odisha FC LIVE score: KBFC 1-0 OFC; Bertomeu scores to take the lead KBFC vs OFC LIVE: Catch the real-time updates from the Kerala Blasters vs Odisha FC Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 match being played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. #Kerala #Blasters #Odisha #LIVE #score #KBFC #OFC #Bertomeu #scores #lead

Every pacer dreams of scooping up a wicket in the first over they bowl. Few actually get to do it. Fewer still get to do it thrice, and that too on the biggest stage in the format – the Indian Premier League. Vidarbha quick Praful Hinge had a debut to savour with Sunrisers Hyderabad recently, removing the Rajasthan Royals top order in his opening over.

“I played a Under-23 game against Vaibhav Sooryavanshi,” Praful said during a Jiostar Press Room interaction on Thursday. “I got him out on the same bouncer. I thought that if I bowl the same ball, he would hit it, because he was hitting everyone on the first ball.”

The 15-year-old, we now know, took the bait.

Praful has an envious battalion of big hitters to train with in the nets, so Sooryavanshi was not entirely out of syllabus.

“Their style of playing is like that. They hit every ball. Their approach in the nets is like that (too). When we bowl to them, we think of it as a match.”

Funnily, the 24-year-old relies on a tried and tested red-ball approach to succeed in the fast-paced life in T20s.

ALSO READ | From MRF Pace Foundation to IPL spotlight—Charting Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain’s meteoric rise

“With the new ball, we should test the batters as much as possible. We play red ball cricket with patience. We should follow that. And we did that with success.”

Praful’s ambitions were born from the hard work of his father, Prakash, who was employed by the Maharashtra State Electricity Board in Nagpur. He also credits his elder sister as his inspiration.

“My father used to leave the house at 8am, and my sister would study well into the night. I would wake up at 4am, and she was still up. I, too, wanted to achieve something and make my family feel good. They are huge sources of motivation for me.

“I trained as a 13-year-old with my father. He would get tired, but I’d still want to keep going. I was stubborn. At that time, all I knew was I wanted to play for India. I didn’t know what domestic or club cricket was.”

He eventually climbed the ladder of age-group cricket, played the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and got SRH’s attention. That helped him link up with his idol Pat Cummins, who is currently making his way back to the XI after a long injury layoff. Praful was admiringly starstruck, he remembered.

“When I met him for the first time, I told him I am his biggest fan and that I’ve been watching all his bowling videos and following everything he does. He was warm and said he’d be there to help me out.”

Cummins had a simple funda for Praful.

“During training sessions, he would say, ‘Do whatever you’re doing with your heart. Everyone knows T20 is a batter’s game. Enjoy the game, smile and win.’”

Published on Apr 23, 2026

#Cummins #funda #family #support #redball #lessons #Praful #Hinges #rise #SRHs #pace #ace">Cummins’ funda, family support, red-ball lessons: Into Praful Hinge’s rise as SRH’s pace ace  Every pacer dreams of scooping up a wicket in the first over they bowl. Few actually get to do it. Fewer still get to do it thrice, and that too on the biggest stage in the format – the Indian Premier League. Vidarbha quick Praful Hinge had a debut to savour with Sunrisers Hyderabad recently, removing the Rajasthan Royals top order in his opening over.“I played a Under-23 game against Vaibhav Sooryavanshi,” Praful said during a        Jiostar Press Room interaction on Thursday. “I got him out on the same bouncer. I thought that if I bowl the same ball, he would hit it, because he was hitting everyone on the first ball.”The 15-year-old, we now know, took the bait.Praful has an envious battalion of big hitters to train with in the nets, so Sooryavanshi was not entirely out of syllabus.“Their style of playing is like that. They hit every ball. Their approach in the nets is like that (too). When we bowl to them, we think of it as a match.”Funnily, the 24-year-old relies on a tried and tested red-ball approach to succeed in the fast-paced life in T20s.ALSO READ | From MRF Pace Foundation to IPL spotlight—Charting Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain’s meteoric rise“With the new ball, we should test the batters as much as possible. We play red ball cricket with patience. We should follow that. And we did that with success.”Praful’s ambitions were born from the hard work of his father, Prakash, who was employed by the Maharashtra State Electricity Board in Nagpur. He also credits his elder sister as his inspiration.“My father used to leave the house at 8am, and my sister would study well into the night. I would wake up at 4am, and she was still up. I, too, wanted to achieve something and make my family feel good. They are huge sources of motivation for me.“I trained as a 13-year-old with my father. He would get tired, but I’d still want to keep going. I was stubborn. At that time, all I knew was I wanted to play for India. I didn’t know what domestic or club cricket was.”He eventually climbed the ladder of age-group cricket, played the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and got SRH’s attention. That helped him link up with his idol Pat Cummins, who is currently making his way back to the XI after a long injury layoff. Praful was admiringly starstruck, he remembered.“When I met him for the first time, I told him I am his biggest fan and that I’ve been watching all his bowling videos and following everything he does. He was warm and said he’d be there to help me out.”Cummins had a simple        funda for Praful.“During training sessions, he would say, ‘Do whatever you’re doing with your heart. Everyone knows T20 is a batter’s game. Enjoy the game, smile and win.’”Published on Apr 23, 2026  #Cummins #funda #family #support #redball #lessons #Praful #Hinges #rise #SRHs #pace #ace

From MRF Pace Foundation to IPL spotlight—Charting Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain’s meteoric rise

“With the new ball, we should test the batters as much as possible. We play red ball cricket with patience. We should follow that. And we did that with success.”

Praful’s ambitions were born from the hard work of his father, Prakash, who was employed by the Maharashtra State Electricity Board in Nagpur. He also credits his elder sister as his inspiration.

“My father used to leave the house at 8am, and my sister would study well into the night. I would wake up at 4am, and she was still up. I, too, wanted to achieve something and make my family feel good. They are huge sources of motivation for me.

“I trained as a 13-year-old with my father. He would get tired, but I’d still want to keep going. I was stubborn. At that time, all I knew was I wanted to play for India. I didn’t know what domestic or club cricket was.”

He eventually climbed the ladder of age-group cricket, played the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and got SRH’s attention. That helped him link up with his idol Pat Cummins, who is currently making his way back to the XI after a long injury layoff. Praful was admiringly starstruck, he remembered.

“When I met him for the first time, I told him I am his biggest fan and that I’ve been watching all his bowling videos and following everything he does. He was warm and said he’d be there to help me out.”

Cummins had a simple funda for Praful.

“During training sessions, he would say, ‘Do whatever you’re doing with your heart. Everyone knows T20 is a batter’s game. Enjoy the game, smile and win.’”

Published on Apr 23, 2026

#Cummins #funda #family #support #redball #lessons #Praful #Hinges #rise #SRHs #pace #ace">Cummins’ funda, family support, red-ball lessons: Into Praful Hinge’s rise as SRH’s pace ace

Every pacer dreams of scooping up a wicket in the first over they bowl. Few actually get to do it. Fewer still get to do it thrice, and that too on the biggest stage in the format – the Indian Premier League. Vidarbha quick Praful Hinge had a debut to savour with Sunrisers Hyderabad recently, removing the Rajasthan Royals top order in his opening over.

“I played a Under-23 game against Vaibhav Sooryavanshi,” Praful said during a Jiostar Press Room interaction on Thursday. “I got him out on the same bouncer. I thought that if I bowl the same ball, he would hit it, because he was hitting everyone on the first ball.”

The 15-year-old, we now know, took the bait.

Praful has an envious battalion of big hitters to train with in the nets, so Sooryavanshi was not entirely out of syllabus.

“Their style of playing is like that. They hit every ball. Their approach in the nets is like that (too). When we bowl to them, we think of it as a match.”

Funnily, the 24-year-old relies on a tried and tested red-ball approach to succeed in the fast-paced life in T20s.

ALSO READ | From MRF Pace Foundation to IPL spotlight—Charting Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain’s meteoric rise

“With the new ball, we should test the batters as much as possible. We play red ball cricket with patience. We should follow that. And we did that with success.”

Praful’s ambitions were born from the hard work of his father, Prakash, who was employed by the Maharashtra State Electricity Board in Nagpur. He also credits his elder sister as his inspiration.

“My father used to leave the house at 8am, and my sister would study well into the night. I would wake up at 4am, and she was still up. I, too, wanted to achieve something and make my family feel good. They are huge sources of motivation for me.

“I trained as a 13-year-old with my father. He would get tired, but I’d still want to keep going. I was stubborn. At that time, all I knew was I wanted to play for India. I didn’t know what domestic or club cricket was.”

He eventually climbed the ladder of age-group cricket, played the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and got SRH’s attention. That helped him link up with his idol Pat Cummins, who is currently making his way back to the XI after a long injury layoff. Praful was admiringly starstruck, he remembered.

“When I met him for the first time, I told him I am his biggest fan and that I’ve been watching all his bowling videos and following everything he does. He was warm and said he’d be there to help me out.”

Cummins had a simple funda for Praful.

“During training sessions, he would say, ‘Do whatever you’re doing with your heart. Everyone knows T20 is a batter’s game. Enjoy the game, smile and win.’”

Published on Apr 23, 2026

#Cummins #funda #family #support #redball #lessons #Praful #Hinges #rise #SRHs #pace #ace
Deadspin | As Pirates visit Rangers, it’s rookie vs. Cy Young winner on mound  Apr 6, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Bubba Chandler (36) delivers a pitch against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images   Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly wants rookie starting pitcher Bubba Chandler to be authentic when he takes the mound against the Texas Rangers on Thursday in Arlington, Texas.   “I want Bubba to be Bubba and sometimes that means him showing emotion,” Kelly said. “I think it’s a fine line for him to learn what that is and how he can control that as he goes through a start.”  After the Pirates rallied for an 8-4 win on Wednesday, highlighted by Oneil Cruz’s prodigious three-run home run off the top of the right field foul pole in the ninth inning, they’ll turn to Chandler in the rubber game of the three-game series.   In his most recent start, Chandler (1-1, 3.15 ERA) earned the 5-1 win against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays last Friday as he gave up one run on three hits and struck out three in six innings.  Opponents are hitting .183 off Chandler in four starts this season. It will mark Chandler’s first career appearance against the Rangers.   As the rookie right-hander works his way through his first full major-league season, Kelly said Chandler will learn how to make in-game adjustments. In Kelly’s nine-year career as a utility man, he made note of the things former teammate Justin Verlander did to get back on track during a game.   “I look at pitchers in general,” Kelly said. “I played behind Verlander. When he would lose his fastball command, it was the curveball he would go to and re-establish his release point. That helped him get his fastball back in the zone.   “I think sometimes throughout a start, if you are feeling off, there may be something you can do. Sometimes that’s with a pitch, sometimes that’s with a slide step to speed yourself up to get back in the zone and find a way to re-establish that release point. Bubba is an extreme athlete and is very competitive.”   Texas is scheduled to start right-hander Jacob deGrom (1-0, 2.29 ERA). In nine career starts against the Pirates, the two-time Cy Young Award winner is 3-3 with a 2.45 ERA and 69 strikeouts.  In his most recent start, deGrom didn’t factor into the decision but pitched four scoreless innings. He racked up 88 pitches, gave up four hits, walked two and struck out three in the Rangers’ 5-0 road win over the Seattle Mariners last Friday.   Josh Jung launched his third home run of the season on Wednesday. The third baseman has three hits, two runs and three RBIs in the series. Jung leads the Rangers in batting average (.303), doubles (eight), slugging percentage (.526) and OPS (.883).    Consistency is what Jung said has allowed him to get into a groove on offense.   “Coming in we create an approach and a plan and stick to it no matter what,” Jung said. “I think that’s what’s helping me right now. Everyday we come in and put a game plan together and execute no matter what.”  The Rangers will be without Wyatt Langford, who was placed on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday with a Grade 1 flexor strain. In 20 games this season, Langford has a .238 batting average, three doubles, two triples, one home run and four RBIs.   –Field Level Media  -Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Pirates #visit #Rangers #rookie #Young #winner #moundApr 6, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Bubba Chandler (36) delivers a pitch against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly wants rookie starting pitcher Bubba Chandler to be authentic when he takes the mound against the Texas Rangers on Thursday in Arlington, Texas.

“I want Bubba to be Bubba and sometimes that means him showing emotion,” Kelly said. “I think it’s a fine line for him to learn what that is and how he can control that as he goes through a start.”

After the Pirates rallied for an 8-4 win on Wednesday, highlighted by Oneil Cruz’s prodigious three-run home run off the top of the right field foul pole in the ninth inning, they’ll turn to Chandler in the rubber game of the three-game series.

In his most recent start, Chandler (1-1, 3.15 ERA) earned the 5-1 win against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays last Friday as he gave up one run on three hits and struck out three in six innings.

Opponents are hitting .183 off Chandler in four starts this season. It will mark Chandler’s first career appearance against the Rangers.

As the rookie right-hander works his way through his first full major-league season, Kelly said Chandler will learn how to make in-game adjustments. In Kelly’s nine-year career as a utility man, he made note of the things former teammate Justin Verlander did to get back on track during a game.

“I look at pitchers in general,” Kelly said. “I played behind Verlander. When he would lose his fastball command, it was the curveball he would go to and re-establish his release point. That helped him get his fastball back in the zone.


“I think sometimes throughout a start, if you are feeling off, there may be something you can do. Sometimes that’s with a pitch, sometimes that’s with a slide step to speed yourself up to get back in the zone and find a way to re-establish that release point. Bubba is an extreme athlete and is very competitive.”

Texas is scheduled to start right-hander Jacob deGrom (1-0, 2.29 ERA). In nine career starts against the Pirates, the two-time Cy Young Award winner is 3-3 with a 2.45 ERA and 69 strikeouts.

In his most recent start, deGrom didn’t factor into the decision but pitched four scoreless innings. He racked up 88 pitches, gave up four hits, walked two and struck out three in the Rangers’ 5-0 road win over the Seattle Mariners last Friday.

Josh Jung launched his third home run of the season on Wednesday. The third baseman has three hits, two runs and three RBIs in the series. Jung leads the Rangers in batting average (.303), doubles (eight), slugging percentage (.526) and OPS (.883).

Consistency is what Jung said has allowed him to get into a groove on offense.

“Coming in we create an approach and a plan and stick to it no matter what,” Jung said. “I think that’s what’s helping me right now. Everyday we come in and put a game plan together and execute no matter what.”

The Rangers will be without Wyatt Langford, who was placed on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday with a Grade 1 flexor strain. In 20 games this season, Langford has a .238 batting average, three doubles, two triples, one home run and four RBIs.

–Field Level Media


-Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Pirates #visit #Rangers #rookie #Young #winner #mound">Deadspin | As Pirates visit Rangers, it’s rookie vs. Cy Young winner on mound  Apr 6, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Bubba Chandler (36) delivers a pitch against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images   Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly wants rookie starting pitcher Bubba Chandler to be authentic when he takes the mound against the Texas Rangers on Thursday in Arlington, Texas.   “I want Bubba to be Bubba and sometimes that means him showing emotion,” Kelly said. “I think it’s a fine line for him to learn what that is and how he can control that as he goes through a start.”  After the Pirates rallied for an 8-4 win on Wednesday, highlighted by Oneil Cruz’s prodigious three-run home run off the top of the right field foul pole in the ninth inning, they’ll turn to Chandler in the rubber game of the three-game series.   In his most recent start, Chandler (1-1, 3.15 ERA) earned the 5-1 win against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays last Friday as he gave up one run on three hits and struck out three in six innings.  Opponents are hitting .183 off Chandler in four starts this season. It will mark Chandler’s first career appearance against the Rangers.   As the rookie right-hander works his way through his first full major-league season, Kelly said Chandler will learn how to make in-game adjustments. In Kelly’s nine-year career as a utility man, he made note of the things former teammate Justin Verlander did to get back on track during a game.   “I look at pitchers in general,” Kelly said. “I played behind Verlander. When he would lose his fastball command, it was the curveball he would go to and re-establish his release point. That helped him get his fastball back in the zone.   “I think sometimes throughout a start, if you are feeling off, there may be something you can do. Sometimes that’s with a pitch, sometimes that’s with a slide step to speed yourself up to get back in the zone and find a way to re-establish that release point. Bubba is an extreme athlete and is very competitive.”   Texas is scheduled to start right-hander Jacob deGrom (1-0, 2.29 ERA). In nine career starts against the Pirates, the two-time Cy Young Award winner is 3-3 with a 2.45 ERA and 69 strikeouts.  In his most recent start, deGrom didn’t factor into the decision but pitched four scoreless innings. He racked up 88 pitches, gave up four hits, walked two and struck out three in the Rangers’ 5-0 road win over the Seattle Mariners last Friday.   Josh Jung launched his third home run of the season on Wednesday. The third baseman has three hits, two runs and three RBIs in the series. Jung leads the Rangers in batting average (.303), doubles (eight), slugging percentage (.526) and OPS (.883).    Consistency is what Jung said has allowed him to get into a groove on offense.   “Coming in we create an approach and a plan and stick to it no matter what,” Jung said. “I think that’s what’s helping me right now. Everyday we come in and put a game plan together and execute no matter what.”  The Rangers will be without Wyatt Langford, who was placed on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday with a Grade 1 flexor strain. In 20 games this season, Langford has a .238 batting average, three doubles, two triples, one home run and four RBIs.   –Field Level Media  -Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Pirates #visit #Rangers #rookie #Young #winner #mound

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