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Deadspin | Tigers’ Tarik Skubal heating up heading into finale vs. Brewers Apr 1, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal reacts against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The weather is getting warmer, and so is two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal. Including the postseason, Skubal racked up double-digit strikeouts in 12 starts last season. The Detroit Tigers left-hander notched a season-high 10 strikeouts in Boston on Saturday during his last start, and he should have pristine weather conditions to employ his formidable arsenal against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday afternoon. Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-70s during the series finale in Detroit. Skubal hasn’t required big strikeout totals to be effective. He’s given up just one run in four of his five starts this season. Skubal (3-2, 2.08 ERA) limited the Red Sox to one run and four hits in six innings despite pitching in 45-degree weather. He cruised through the first four innings but got into jams in the fifth and sixth, which increased his pitch count and prevented him from going deeper into the game, which Detroit won 4-1. “He rarely misses like he did (Saturday) where he fell behind multiple batters in a row,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “I just thought he was in battle-mode. It looked like he was in control. He was missing bats and using his whole arsenal, and he won some big at-bats. That was the key for him. He stayed mentally into the game and didn’t get too frustrated with a few big misses.” A nasty change-up helped him increase his strikeout total. “The change-up performed better (Saturday),” Skubal said. “But I still think there is room for improvement. I need to be able to throw it in the zone and out of the zone when I need to. I need to execute pitches out of the zone early in counts to where those aren’t six- and seven-pitch at-bats and end them in three to four pitches.” Skubal, who has won his past two starts this season, has been dominant in two career outings against the Brewers, holding them to one run in 13 2/3 innings, with 19 strikeouts. Right-hander Brandon Sproat (0-1, 6.88 ERA) will be his mound opponent on Thursday. He’s coming off his best outing of the season, as he held Toronto to one run and four hits in 6 2/3 innings a week ago in Milwaukee’s 2-1 victory. “I think the biggest thing was keep the rhythm up,” Sproat said. “Just get the ball and go. Don’t think about anything else. Just attack, attack, attack, and I think we did a really good job of that (Thursday).” Sproat, 25, still is looking for his first major league victory. He’s made eight appearances over the last two seasons, including six starts. Sproat, who has never faced the Tigers, got a mental boost in his last outing. “Just that I’m capable,” he said. “Capable of going out there and making good pitches, getting a ground ball when needed. Giving it my all. That was the big word (Thursday). (Manager Pat Murphy) told me, ‘You’re more than capable,’ and hearing that from him is definitely a boost in confidence.” The teams have split the first two games of the series. Detroit bounced back from a 12-4 drubbing on Tuesday with a 5-2 win on Wednesday. First baseman Spencer Torkelson, who hit 31 homers last season, broke through with his first long ball this season. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Tigers #Tarik #Skubal #heating #heading #finale #Brewers

Deadspin | Tigers’ Tarik Skubal heating up heading into finale vs. Brewers
Deadspin | Tigers’ Tarik Skubal heating up heading into finale vs. Brewers Apr 1, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal reacts against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The weather is getting warmer, and so is two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal. Including the postseason, Skubal racked up double-digit strikeouts in 12 starts last season. The Detroit Tigers left-hander notched a season-high 10 strikeouts in Boston on Saturday during his last start, and he should have pristine weather conditions to employ his formidable arsenal against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday afternoon. Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-70s during the series finale in Detroit. Skubal hasn’t required big strikeout totals to be effective. He’s given up just one run in four of his five starts this season. Skubal (3-2, 2.08 ERA) limited the Red Sox to one run and four hits in six innings despite pitching in 45-degree weather. He cruised through the first four innings but got into jams in the fifth and sixth, which increased his pitch count and prevented him from going deeper into the game, which Detroit won 4-1. “He rarely misses like he did (Saturday) where he fell behind multiple batters in a row,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “I just thought he was in battle-mode. It looked like he was in control. He was missing bats and using his whole arsenal, and he won some big at-bats. That was the key for him. He stayed mentally into the game and didn’t get too frustrated with a few big misses.” A nasty change-up helped him increase his strikeout total. “The change-up performed better (Saturday),” Skubal said. “But I still think there is room for improvement. I need to be able to throw it in the zone and out of the zone when I need to. I need to execute pitches out of the zone early in counts to where those aren’t six- and seven-pitch at-bats and end them in three to four pitches.” Skubal, who has won his past two starts this season, has been dominant in two career outings against the Brewers, holding them to one run in 13 2/3 innings, with 19 strikeouts. Right-hander Brandon Sproat (0-1, 6.88 ERA) will be his mound opponent on Thursday. He’s coming off his best outing of the season, as he held Toronto to one run and four hits in 6 2/3 innings a week ago in Milwaukee’s 2-1 victory. “I think the biggest thing was keep the rhythm up,” Sproat said. “Just get the ball and go. Don’t think about anything else. Just attack, attack, attack, and I think we did a really good job of that (Thursday).” Sproat, 25, still is looking for his first major league victory. He’s made eight appearances over the last two seasons, including six starts. Sproat, who has never faced the Tigers, got a mental boost in his last outing. “Just that I’m capable,” he said. “Capable of going out there and making good pitches, getting a ground ball when needed. Giving it my all. That was the big word (Thursday). (Manager Pat Murphy) told me, ‘You’re more than capable,’ and hearing that from him is definitely a boost in confidence.” The teams have split the first two games of the series. Detroit bounced back from a 12-4 drubbing on Tuesday with a 5-2 win on Wednesday. First baseman Spencer Torkelson, who hit 31 homers last season, broke through with his first long ball this season. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Tigers #Tarik #Skubal #heating #heading #finale #BrewersApr 1, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal reacts against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The weather is getting warmer, and so is two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal.

Including the postseason, Skubal racked up double-digit strikeouts in 12 starts last season.

The Detroit Tigers left-hander notched a season-high 10 strikeouts in Boston on Saturday during his last start, and he should have pristine weather conditions to employ his formidable arsenal against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday afternoon.

Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-70s during the series finale in Detroit. Skubal hasn’t required big strikeout totals to be effective. He’s given up just one run in four of his five starts this season.

Skubal (3-2, 2.08 ERA) limited the Red Sox to one run and four hits in six innings despite pitching in 45-degree weather. He cruised through the first four innings but got into jams in the fifth and sixth, which increased his pitch count and prevented him from going deeper into the game, which Detroit won 4-1.

“He rarely misses like he did (Saturday) where he fell behind multiple batters in a row,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “I just thought he was in battle-mode. It looked like he was in control. He was missing bats and using his whole arsenal, and he won some big at-bats. That was the key for him. He stayed mentally into the game and didn’t get too frustrated with a few big misses.”

A nasty change-up helped him increase his strikeout total.


“The change-up performed better (Saturday),” Skubal said. “But I still think there is room for improvement. I need to be able to throw it in the zone and out of the zone when I need to. I need to execute pitches out of the zone early in counts to where those aren’t six- and seven-pitch at-bats and end them in three to four pitches.”

Skubal, who has won his past two starts this season, has been dominant in two career outings against the Brewers, holding them to one run in 13 2/3 innings, with 19 strikeouts.

Right-hander Brandon Sproat (0-1, 6.88 ERA) will be his mound opponent on Thursday. He’s coming off his best outing of the season, as he held Toronto to one run and four hits in 6 2/3 innings a week ago in Milwaukee’s 2-1 victory.

“I think the biggest thing was keep the rhythm up,” Sproat said. “Just get the ball and go. Don’t think about anything else. Just attack, attack, attack, and I think we did a really good job of that (Thursday).”

Sproat, 25, still is looking for his first major league victory. He’s made eight appearances over the last two seasons, including six starts. Sproat, who has never faced the Tigers, got a mental boost in his last outing.

“Just that I’m capable,” he said. “Capable of going out there and making good pitches, getting a ground ball when needed. Giving it my all. That was the big word (Thursday). (Manager Pat Murphy) told me, ‘You’re more than capable,’ and hearing that from him is definitely a boost in confidence.”

The teams have split the first two games of the series. Detroit bounced back from a 12-4 drubbing on Tuesday with a 5-2 win on Wednesday. First baseman Spencer Torkelson, who hit 31 homers last season, broke through with his first long ball this season.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Tigers #Tarik #Skubal #heating #heading #finale #Brewers

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Apr 1, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal reacts against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The weather is getting warmer, and so is two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal.

Including the postseason, Skubal racked up double-digit strikeouts in 12 starts last season.

The Detroit Tigers left-hander notched a season-high 10 strikeouts in Boston on Saturday during his last start, and he should have pristine weather conditions to employ his formidable arsenal against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday afternoon.

Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-70s during the series finale in Detroit. Skubal hasn’t required big strikeout totals to be effective. He’s given up just one run in four of his five starts this season.

Skubal (3-2, 2.08 ERA) limited the Red Sox to one run and four hits in six innings despite pitching in 45-degree weather. He cruised through the first four innings but got into jams in the fifth and sixth, which increased his pitch count and prevented him from going deeper into the game, which Detroit won 4-1.

“He rarely misses like he did (Saturday) where he fell behind multiple batters in a row,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “I just thought he was in battle-mode. It looked like he was in control. He was missing bats and using his whole arsenal, and he won some big at-bats. That was the key for him. He stayed mentally into the game and didn’t get too frustrated with a few big misses.”

A nasty change-up helped him increase his strikeout total.

“The change-up performed better (Saturday),” Skubal said. “But I still think there is room for improvement. I need to be able to throw it in the zone and out of the zone when I need to. I need to execute pitches out of the zone early in counts to where those aren’t six- and seven-pitch at-bats and end them in three to four pitches.”

Skubal, who has won his past two starts this season, has been dominant in two career outings against the Brewers, holding them to one run in 13 2/3 innings, with 19 strikeouts.

Right-hander Brandon Sproat (0-1, 6.88 ERA) will be his mound opponent on Thursday. He’s coming off his best outing of the season, as he held Toronto to one run and four hits in 6 2/3 innings a week ago in Milwaukee’s 2-1 victory.

“I think the biggest thing was keep the rhythm up,” Sproat said. “Just get the ball and go. Don’t think about anything else. Just attack, attack, attack, and I think we did a really good job of that (Thursday).”

Sproat, 25, still is looking for his first major league victory. He’s made eight appearances over the last two seasons, including six starts. Sproat, who has never faced the Tigers, got a mental boost in his last outing.

“Just that I’m capable,” he said. “Capable of going out there and making good pitches, getting a ground ball when needed. Giving it my all. That was the big word (Thursday). (Manager Pat Murphy) told me, ‘You’re more than capable,’ and hearing that from him is definitely a boost in confidence.”

The teams have split the first two games of the series. Detroit bounced back from a 12-4 drubbing on Tuesday with a 5-2 win on Wednesday. First baseman Spencer Torkelson, who hit 31 homers last season, broke through with his first long ball this season.

–Field Level Media

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Gennings Dunker will be one of your favorite NFL draft selections <div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">There are a number of players who are going to have their lives changed throughout the course of this weekend and the 2026 NFL Draft and as time goes on the fans of the teams who selected them will come to learn all about their new crop of players.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">There is a fanbase out there who is incredibly lucky as they are going to have Iowa’s Gennings Dunker on their team. Simply put, there is nobody like him in this year’s draft class.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Gennings took some time on the eve of the draft’s beginning to chat with SB Nation and noted that he cannot believe that this week is actually here. So much time, effort, energy, and sacrifice has gone into making Gennings an NFL player and soon enough he is going to have an NFL home.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Something else that Gennings has is a Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza by way of Casey’s. Gennings grew up visiting Casey’s regularly while growing up in Lena, Ill. and while at college in Iowa City, so this is a full-circle situation for him.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">When it comes to the NFL draft there are often players who have known all along that they were going to be a part of it and join the professional ranks of football. Some are destined for it at a young age.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Dunker is different in that respect. He said he is still floating just with knowing that he is going to make it to this level. He noted that he just assumed his life in football would be done after his time as a Hawkeye was complete.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Time will tell who ultimately gets to root for Gennings Dunker on Sundays a few months from now, but they would be best served to have a Casey’s Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza with Crispy Fries while they do so. That’s exactly what Gennings would want.</p></div> #Gennings #Dunker #favorite #NFL #draft #selections

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Mustafizur Rahman out of remaining PSL season after BCB withdraws NOC; Nahid Rana too ruled out <div id="content-body-70898903" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Pacer Mustafizur Rahman will not be available for the rest of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 season after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) withdrew his No Objection Certificate (NOC) due to injury concerns.</p><p>“The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) wishes to inform that, following the conclusion of the 3rd ODI against New Zealand, the team’s medical staff has reviewed the condition of national team pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman,” the Body said on Thursday in a statement.</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/bangladesh-vs-new-zealand-3rd-odi-highlights-series-win-ban-v-nz/article70897905.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bangladesh seals 2-1 ODI series win over New Zealand</a></b></p><p>“It has been decided that the player will undergo an immediate scan to further assess his condition, after which he will commence a rehabilitation programme under the supervision of the BCB Medical Team.”</p><p>“In this regard, the Board has withdrawn the No Objection Certificate (NOC) previously issued to Mustafizur. He will therefore not be available to participate in the remainder of PSL 2026,” it added.</p><p>Mustafizur was playing for Lahore Qalandars and he’d taken six wickets in five matches this season, while Peshawar Zalmi’s Nahid took seven wickets in four matches.</p><p>BCB also announced that fast bowler Nahid Rana will not be released for the PSL “to allow him adequate time to prepare for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan next month”.</p><p>Bangladesh on Thursday clinched a 2-1 ODI series win over New Zealand after securing a 55-run victory over the Kiwis in ‌the third one-day international in Chattogram.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 23, 2026</p></div> #Mustafizur #Rahman #remaining #PSL #season #BCB #withdraws #NOC #Nahid #Rana #ruled

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Asked if Saturday was the best day of his career after his whirlwind 121 off 47 balls against the VIDA Kovai Kings in the TNPL at the NPR College ground here, Madurai Panthers’ N.S. Chaturved did not hesitate.

“Definitely. Without a doubt. I felt like everything struck the sweet spot,” said the 35-year-old, who reached his maiden TNPL hundred in just 40 balls, the fastest century in the league’s history.

He dedicated his Player-of-the-Match award to his family, especially his father. “He would have been proud had he been there today,” he said, after his team chased down 240 with six wickets and three balls to spare.

Chaturved said his approach was uncomplicated. “The plan was simple. I wanted to go all out for every ball.”

He also revealed coach K.B. Arun Karthik’s pep talk before the match. “He said: ‘We have one of the best bowling attacks. So, if they can do it against us, then we can also do it.’ So, we all believed,” said the No. 3 batter.

Chaturved, who captained the side last season, said not having the burden of captaincy had given him greater freedom this year.

“Yes, a little bit. Feel like I’m playing with a bit more freedom. That’s what captain Anirudh Sita Ram and the team management want me to do – play freely. I think I did that today and I hope to carry on,” he said.

Published on Aug 08, 2026

#TNPL #Chaturved #savours #day #record">TNPL 2026 — Chaturved savours ‘best day’ after record hundred Asked if Saturday was the best day of his career after his whirlwind 121 off 47 balls against the VIDA Kovai Kings in the TNPL at the NPR College ground here, Madurai Panthers’ N.S. Chaturved did not hesitate.“Definitely. Without a doubt. I felt like everything struck the sweet spot,” said the 35-year-old, who reached his maiden TNPL hundred in just 40 balls, the fastest century in the league’s history.He dedicated his Player-of-the-Match award to his family, especially his father. “He would have been proud had he been there today,” he said, after his team chased down 240 with six wickets and three balls to spare.Chaturved said his approach was uncomplicated. “The plan was simple. I wanted to go all out for every ball.”He also revealed coach K.B. Arun Karthik’s pep talk before the match. “He said: ‘We have one of the best bowling attacks. So, if they can do it against us, then we can also do it.’ So, we all believed,” said the No. 3 batter.Chaturved, who captained the side last season, said not having the burden of captaincy had given him greater freedom this year.“Yes, a little bit. Feel like I’m playing with a bit more freedom. That’s what captain Anirudh Sita Ram and the team management want me to do – play freely. I think I did that today and I hope to carry on,” he said.Published on Aug 08, 2026 #TNPL #Chaturved #savours #day #record

Deadspin | Red Sox chase 10th straight win, aim to hand A’s 10th straight loss Aug 7, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Raymond Burgos (79) reacts after throwing the final out to beat the Athletics at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images The Boston Red Sox can do no wrong these days. At least that’s the way it seems. The Red Sox will enter their Saturday matchup against the visiting Athletics on a nine-game winning streak after recording a 13-1 victory on Friday in the opening contest of a three-game series. Boston has won 11 of its last 12 games, 27 of its past 30 and 32 of its past 37 — the best streak in franchise history. The Friday victory was the Red Sox’s 12th in their past 14 home games and improved the team’s record to 29-29 at Fenway Park. Boston has scored 25 runs in the past two games. “It’s absolutely amazing,” left fielder Jarren Duran told WEEI following the latest triumph. “I remember at the beginning of the season the feeling was, ‘I hope we score.’ Now it’s gotten to the point of it’s just a matter of when we score and how much are we going to score.” Catcher Jake Rogers and reliever Raymond Burgos, two players who may not be with the Red Sox for very long, made significant contributions on Friday. Boston acquired Rogers when it traded for Adley Rutschman because the Red Sox needed a backup catcher until Rutschman is cleared to play after missing time due to left wrist inflammation. Rogers doubled in each of his first two at-bats on Friday. He also walked once, drove in a run and scored three times. Rutschman hasn’t played since July 18, but following the Friday game, Boston interim manager Chad Tracy said the three-time All-Star is scheduled to catch five innings for Triple-A Worcester on Saturday. Burgos was called up from Worcester on Friday to fortify a depleted bullpen after Boston played a 13-inning game against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. He made his second major league appearance Friday night and tossed three scoreless innings to earn his first save. He retired each of the nine batters he faced. The Athletics were limited to two hits in the defeat, which extended their losing streak to nine games. The A’s also parted ways with general manager David Forst on Friday. Forst had been with the organization for 27 seasons. “For me, (Forst) gave me this opportunity to manage this club,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said. “We’ve faced our certain circumstances, challenges, together. That’s what’s tough about it. Not being able to see it through with him. “My ask of (the players) is that they go out and win as many games as possible from this point forward.” The Athletics will be hoping for a repeat performance when they send rookie Gage Jump (4-7, 4.59 ERA) to the mound on Saturday. The left-hander was the winning pitcher when the Athletics beat the Red Sox 4-3 on July 28 — Boston’s last loss. He tossed six scoreless innings and struck out seven in that win, which is his only career appearance against the Red Sox. Rookie left-hander Jake Bennett (7-4, 2.90) is Boston’s scheduled starter. Bennett was the losing pitcher in that July 28 game against the Athletics, when he allowed three runs on six hits in 6 1/3 innings. That was his only career appearance against the Athletics. Despite that setback, Bennett is 6-1 with a 2.13 ERA in his past eight starts. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Red #Sox #chase #10th #straight #win #aim #hand #10th #straight #lossAug 7, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Raymond Burgos (79) reacts after throwing the final out to beat the Athletics at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

The Boston Red Sox can do no wrong these days. At least that’s the way it seems.

The Red Sox will enter their Saturday matchup against the visiting Athletics on a nine-game winning streak after recording a 13-1 victory on Friday in the opening contest of a three-game series.

Boston has won 11 of its last 12 games, 27 of its past 30 and 32 of its past 37 — the best streak in franchise history. The Friday victory was the Red Sox’s 12th in their past 14 home games and improved the team’s record to 29-29 at Fenway Park.

Boston has scored 25 runs in the past two games.

“It’s absolutely amazing,” left fielder Jarren Duran told WEEI following the latest triumph. “I remember at the beginning of the season the feeling was, ‘I hope we score.’ Now it’s gotten to the point of it’s just a matter of when we score and how much are we going to score.”

Catcher Jake Rogers and reliever Raymond Burgos, two players who may not be with the Red Sox for very long, made significant contributions on Friday.

Boston acquired Rogers when it traded for Adley Rutschman because the Red Sox needed a backup catcher until Rutschman is cleared to play after missing time due to left wrist inflammation. Rogers doubled in each of his first two at-bats on Friday. He also walked once, drove in a run and scored three times.


Rutschman hasn’t played since July 18, but following the Friday game, Boston interim manager Chad Tracy said the three-time All-Star is scheduled to catch five innings for Triple-A Worcester on Saturday.

Burgos was called up from Worcester on Friday to fortify a depleted bullpen after Boston played a 13-inning game against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. He made his second major league appearance Friday night and tossed three scoreless innings to earn his first save. He retired each of the nine batters he faced.

The Athletics were limited to two hits in the defeat, which extended their losing streak to nine games. The A’s also parted ways with general manager David Forst on Friday. Forst had been with the organization for 27 seasons.

“For me, (Forst) gave me this opportunity to manage this club,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said. “We’ve faced our certain circumstances, challenges, together. That’s what’s tough about it. Not being able to see it through with him.

“My ask of (the players) is that they go out and win as many games as possible from this point forward.”

The Athletics will be hoping for a repeat performance when they send rookie Gage Jump (4-7, 4.59 ERA) to the mound on Saturday. The left-hander was the winning pitcher when the Athletics beat the Red Sox 4-3 on July 28 — Boston’s last loss. He tossed six scoreless innings and struck out seven in that win, which is his only career appearance against the Red Sox.

Rookie left-hander Jake Bennett (7-4, 2.90) is Boston’s scheduled starter. Bennett was the losing pitcher in that July 28 game against the Athletics, when he allowed three runs on six hits in 6 1/3 innings. That was his only career appearance against the Athletics.

Despite that setback, Bennett is 6-1 with a 2.13 ERA in his past eight starts.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Red #Sox #chase #10th #straight #win #aim #hand #10th #straight #loss">Deadspin | Red Sox chase 10th straight win, aim to hand A’s 10th straight loss Aug 7, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Raymond Burgos (79) reacts after throwing the final out to beat the Athletics at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images The Boston Red Sox can do no wrong these days. At least that’s the way it seems. The Red Sox will enter their Saturday matchup against the visiting Athletics on a nine-game winning streak after recording a 13-1 victory on Friday in the opening contest of a three-game series. Boston has won 11 of its last 12 games, 27 of its past 30 and 32 of its past 37 — the best streak in franchise history. The Friday victory was the Red Sox’s 12th in their past 14 home games and improved the team’s record to 29-29 at Fenway Park. Boston has scored 25 runs in the past two games. “It’s absolutely amazing,” left fielder Jarren Duran told WEEI following the latest triumph. “I remember at the beginning of the season the feeling was, ‘I hope we score.’ Now it’s gotten to the point of it’s just a matter of when we score and how much are we going to score.” Catcher Jake Rogers and reliever Raymond Burgos, two players who may not be with the Red Sox for very long, made significant contributions on Friday. Boston acquired Rogers when it traded for Adley Rutschman because the Red Sox needed a backup catcher until Rutschman is cleared to play after missing time due to left wrist inflammation. Rogers doubled in each of his first two at-bats on Friday. He also walked once, drove in a run and scored three times. Rutschman hasn’t played since July 18, but following the Friday game, Boston interim manager Chad Tracy said the three-time All-Star is scheduled to catch five innings for Triple-A Worcester on Saturday. Burgos was called up from Worcester on Friday to fortify a depleted bullpen after Boston played a 13-inning game against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. He made his second major league appearance Friday night and tossed three scoreless innings to earn his first save. He retired each of the nine batters he faced. The Athletics were limited to two hits in the defeat, which extended their losing streak to nine games. The A’s also parted ways with general manager David Forst on Friday. Forst had been with the organization for 27 seasons. “For me, (Forst) gave me this opportunity to manage this club,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said. “We’ve faced our certain circumstances, challenges, together. That’s what’s tough about it. Not being able to see it through with him. “My ask of (the players) is that they go out and win as many games as possible from this point forward.” The Athletics will be hoping for a repeat performance when they send rookie Gage Jump (4-7, 4.59 ERA) to the mound on Saturday. The left-hander was the winning pitcher when the Athletics beat the Red Sox 4-3 on July 28 — Boston’s last loss. He tossed six scoreless innings and struck out seven in that win, which is his only career appearance against the Red Sox. Rookie left-hander Jake Bennett (7-4, 2.90) is Boston’s scheduled starter. Bennett was the losing pitcher in that July 28 game against the Athletics, when he allowed three runs on six hits in 6 1/3 innings. That was his only career appearance against the Athletics. Despite that setback, Bennett is 6-1 with a 2.13 ERA in his past eight starts. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Red #Sox #chase #10th #straight #win #aim #hand #10th #straight #loss

Despite a bummer of an ending, it was obviously a wonderful year for the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama morphed into arguably the best player in the world, and proved that he could drive winning at the highest levels by leading his team to an upset victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. Wembanyama turns 23 years old in the middle of next season, and he’ll be the presumptive favorite to win his first MVP. Only the Thunder are ahead of the Spurs in our way-too-early power rankings for the 2026-27 campaign.

The scariest thing about Wembanyama is he still has so much room to get better. To me, the biggest thing that would help him level up again is figuring out a signature shot in the mid-range that he can always lean on when he doesn’t want to chuck a three and can’t get all the way to the rim. In the playoffs, Wemby took a decent amount of mid-range shots, with 28% of his field goal attempts coming on non-rim two-pointers. The problem is he only made 35% of those shots. Wemby obviously has good touch — he’s an 82% career free throw shooter, and 34% career three-point shooter — so I tend to think he can get a lot more accurate from the mid-range in time.

A video circulated from the Spurs’ offseason workouts, and it should terrify the rest of the NBA. Wembanyama might be figuring out his mid-range game in the most unstoppable possible style: by mastering Dirk Nowitzki’s go-to fadeaway.

There’s a world where that shot could be as unstoppable as a skyhook for Wembanyama. It’s going to be impossible to contest, and it gives him enough room to square his shoulders to the basket for a shot. The fact that Wemby is now strong enough to win the positioning battle on the ground against his man only makes this even more enticing. If Wembanyama can hit this with any consistency, it’s going to give him even more scoring versatility for when the game slows down in the playoffs.

Wemby could still be a few years away from his offensive peak. Right now, it feels like he’s about as dominant defensively as anyone has ever been. It’s easy to imagine Wembanyama and Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle reaching the NBA Finals year after year, but the reality is that the NBA hasn’t even had a repeat conference champ since the 2019 Golden State Warriors. Everyone thought LeBron James would be in the Finals every year after he made it for the first time in 2007. It turns out James had to leave Cleveland for the Miami Heat before he made his next trip in 2011 … where he lost to Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks.

Wembanyama should be adding to his offensive arsenal every offseason. Beginning to integrate a Dirk fade into his game would be the best possible start.

#Victor #Wembanyama #working #Dirk #Nowitzkis #fadeaway #NBA">Victor Wembanyama is working on Dirk Nowitzki’s fadeaway, and it might be over for the NBA Despite a bummer of an ending, it was obviously a wonderful year for the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama morphed into arguably the best player in the world, and proved that he could drive winning at the highest levels by leading his team to an upset victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. Wembanyama turns 23 years old in the middle of next season, and he’ll be the presumptive favorite to win his first MVP. Only the Thunder are ahead of the Spurs in our way-too-early power rankings for the 2026-27 campaign.The scariest thing about Wembanyama is he still has so much room to get better. To me, the biggest thing that would help him level up again is figuring out a signature shot in the mid-range that he can always lean on when he doesn’t want to chuck a three and can’t get all the way to the rim. In the playoffs, Wemby took a decent amount of mid-range shots, with 28% of his field goal attempts coming on non-rim two-pointers. The problem is he only made 35% of those shots. Wemby obviously has good touch — he’s an 82% career free throw shooter, and 34% career three-point shooter — so I tend to think he can get a lot more accurate from the mid-range in time.A video circulated from the Spurs’ offseason workouts, and it should terrify the rest of the NBA. Wembanyama might be figuring out his mid-range game in the most unstoppable possible style: by mastering Dirk Nowitzki’s go-to fadeaway.There’s a world where that shot could be as unstoppable as a skyhook for Wembanyama. It’s going to be impossible to contest, and it gives him enough room to square his shoulders to the basket for a shot. The fact that Wemby is now strong enough to win the positioning battle on the ground against his man only makes this even more enticing. If Wembanyama can hit this with any consistency, it’s going to give him even more scoring versatility for when the game slows down in the playoffs.Wemby could still be a few years away from his offensive peak. Right now, it feels like he’s about as dominant defensively as anyone has ever been. It’s easy to imagine Wembanyama and Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle reaching the NBA Finals year after year, but the reality is that the NBA hasn’t even had a repeat conference champ since the 2019 Golden State Warriors. Everyone thought LeBron James would be in the Finals every year after he made it for the first time in 2007. It turns out James had to leave Cleveland for the Miami Heat before he made his next trip in 2011 … where he lost to Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks.Wembanyama should be adding to his offensive arsenal every offseason. Beginning to integrate a Dirk fade into his game would be the best possible start. #Victor #Wembanyama #working #Dirk #Nowitzkis #fadeaway #NBA

Only the Thunder are ahead of the Spurs in our way-too-early power rankings for the 2026-27 campaign.

The scariest thing about Wembanyama is he still has so much room to get better. To me, the biggest thing that would help him level up again is figuring out a signature shot in the mid-range that he can always lean on when he doesn’t want to chuck a three and can’t get all the way to the rim. In the playoffs, Wemby took a decent amount of mid-range shots, with 28% of his field goal attempts coming on non-rim two-pointers. The problem is he only made 35% of those shots. Wemby obviously has good touch — he’s an 82% career free throw shooter, and 34% career three-point shooter — so I tend to think he can get a lot more accurate from the mid-range in time.

A video circulated from the Spurs’ offseason workouts, and it should terrify the rest of the NBA. Wembanyama might be figuring out his mid-range game in the most unstoppable possible style: by mastering Dirk Nowitzki’s go-to fadeaway.

There’s a world where that shot could be as unstoppable as a skyhook for Wembanyama. It’s going to be impossible to contest, and it gives him enough room to square his shoulders to the basket for a shot. The fact that Wemby is now strong enough to win the positioning battle on the ground against his man only makes this even more enticing. If Wembanyama can hit this with any consistency, it’s going to give him even more scoring versatility for when the game slows down in the playoffs.

Wemby could still be a few years away from his offensive peak. Right now, it feels like he’s about as dominant defensively as anyone has ever been. It’s easy to imagine Wembanyama and Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle reaching the NBA Finals year after year, but the reality is that the NBA hasn’t even had a repeat conference champ since the 2019 Golden State Warriors. Everyone thought LeBron James would be in the Finals every year after he made it for the first time in 2007. It turns out James had to leave Cleveland for the Miami Heat before he made his next trip in 2011 … where he lost to Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks.

Wembanyama should be adding to his offensive arsenal every offseason. Beginning to integrate a Dirk fade into his game would be the best possible start.

#Victor #Wembanyama #working #Dirk #Nowitzkis #fadeaway #NBA">Victor Wembanyama is working on Dirk Nowitzki’s fadeaway, and it might be over for the NBA

Despite a bummer of an ending, it was obviously a wonderful year for the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama morphed into arguably the best player in the world, and proved that he could drive winning at the highest levels by leading his team to an upset victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. Wembanyama turns 23 years old in the middle of next season, and he’ll be the presumptive favorite to win his first MVP. Only the Thunder are ahead of the Spurs in our way-too-early power rankings for the 2026-27 campaign.

The scariest thing about Wembanyama is he still has so much room to get better. To me, the biggest thing that would help him level up again is figuring out a signature shot in the mid-range that he can always lean on when he doesn’t want to chuck a three and can’t get all the way to the rim. In the playoffs, Wemby took a decent amount of mid-range shots, with 28% of his field goal attempts coming on non-rim two-pointers. The problem is he only made 35% of those shots. Wemby obviously has good touch — he’s an 82% career free throw shooter, and 34% career three-point shooter — so I tend to think he can get a lot more accurate from the mid-range in time.

A video circulated from the Spurs’ offseason workouts, and it should terrify the rest of the NBA. Wembanyama might be figuring out his mid-range game in the most unstoppable possible style: by mastering Dirk Nowitzki’s go-to fadeaway.

There’s a world where that shot could be as unstoppable as a skyhook for Wembanyama. It’s going to be impossible to contest, and it gives him enough room to square his shoulders to the basket for a shot. The fact that Wemby is now strong enough to win the positioning battle on the ground against his man only makes this even more enticing. If Wembanyama can hit this with any consistency, it’s going to give him even more scoring versatility for when the game slows down in the playoffs.

Wemby could still be a few years away from his offensive peak. Right now, it feels like he’s about as dominant defensively as anyone has ever been. It’s easy to imagine Wembanyama and Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle reaching the NBA Finals year after year, but the reality is that the NBA hasn’t even had a repeat conference champ since the 2019 Golden State Warriors. Everyone thought LeBron James would be in the Finals every year after he made it for the first time in 2007. It turns out James had to leave Cleveland for the Miami Heat before he made his next trip in 2011 … where he lost to Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks.

Wembanyama should be adding to his offensive arsenal every offseason. Beginning to integrate a Dirk fade into his game would be the best possible start.

#Victor #Wembanyama #working #Dirk #Nowitzkis #fadeaway #NBA

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