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Deadspin | De’Aaron Fox’s big fourth quarter helps Spurs close out Blazers Apr 28, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) dunks ahead of Portland Trail Blazers forward Sidy Cissoko (91) during the first half of game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images De’Aaron Fox scored 13 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter as the host San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 114-95 on Tuesday to close out a 4-1 victory in the teams’ first-round Western Conference playoff series. Victor Wembanyama racked up 17 points, 14 rebounds and six blocked shots as the second-seeded Spurs secured a berth in the conference semifinals vs. either third-seeded Denver Nuggets or sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves. It is San Antonio’s first trip to the second round of the playoffs since the 2016-17 season. San Antonio was in cruise control from the opening minutes and led by 28 points in the first half, by 20 at halftime and by 21 points after three quarters. The Trail Blazers pulled within 97-88 on a three-point play by Jrue Holiday with 5:46 to play but never made a serious run the rest of the way as Fox made big play after big play to help San Antonio close out the victory. Julian Champagnie added 19 points for the Spurs, with Dylan Harper scoring 17, Stephon Castle hitting for 15 before fouling out with 4:36 remaining and Devin Vassell tallying 10 points. Fox dished out a game-high nine assists. Deni Avdija’s 22 points paced Portland. Jerami Grant added 12, Robert Williams III and Sidy Cissoko scored 11 points each, and Donovan Clingan hit for 10. Champagnie hit three 3-pointers, and had his toe on the line for a fourth, while scoring 11 points in the first quarter and helping the Spurs to a 36-24 advantage after 12 minutes of action. San Antonio poured in on the second period, pushing its lead to 54-28 after a Wembanyama 3-pointer at the 6:45 mark. The Trail Blazers reeled off nine straight points capped by a dunk from Clingan to cull the margin to 17, but San Antonio swung back, with a three-point play by Luke Kornet highlighting a 12-2 run that built the lead to 65-37. The Spurs were up 65-45 at the break even though Wembanyama took just three shots (and made them all) while scoring seven first-half points. Champagnie led the way with 14 points and Fox dished out seven assists in a first half that San Antonio outshot the Trail Blazers 66.7% to 36.5%. Avdija’s 16 points led all scorers before halftime. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #DeAaron #Foxs #big #fourth #quarter #helps #Spurs #close #Blazers

Deadspin | De’Aaron Fox’s big fourth quarter helps Spurs close out Blazers
Deadspin | De’Aaron Fox’s big fourth quarter helps Spurs close out Blazers Apr 28, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) dunks ahead of Portland Trail Blazers forward Sidy Cissoko (91) during the first half of game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images De’Aaron Fox scored 13 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter as the host San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 114-95 on Tuesday to close out a 4-1 victory in the teams’ first-round Western Conference playoff series. Victor Wembanyama racked up 17 points, 14 rebounds and six blocked shots as the second-seeded Spurs secured a berth in the conference semifinals vs. either third-seeded Denver Nuggets or sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves. It is San Antonio’s first trip to the second round of the playoffs since the 2016-17 season. San Antonio was in cruise control from the opening minutes and led by 28 points in the first half, by 20 at halftime and by 21 points after three quarters. The Trail Blazers pulled within 97-88 on a three-point play by Jrue Holiday with 5:46 to play but never made a serious run the rest of the way as Fox made big play after big play to help San Antonio close out the victory. Julian Champagnie added 19 points for the Spurs, with Dylan Harper scoring 17, Stephon Castle hitting for 15 before fouling out with 4:36 remaining and Devin Vassell tallying 10 points. Fox dished out a game-high nine assists. Deni Avdija’s 22 points paced Portland. Jerami Grant added 12, Robert Williams III and Sidy Cissoko scored 11 points each, and Donovan Clingan hit for 10. Champagnie hit three 3-pointers, and had his toe on the line for a fourth, while scoring 11 points in the first quarter and helping the Spurs to a 36-24 advantage after 12 minutes of action. San Antonio poured in on the second period, pushing its lead to 54-28 after a Wembanyama 3-pointer at the 6:45 mark. The Trail Blazers reeled off nine straight points capped by a dunk from Clingan to cull the margin to 17, but San Antonio swung back, with a three-point play by Luke Kornet highlighting a 12-2 run that built the lead to 65-37. The Spurs were up 65-45 at the break even though Wembanyama took just three shots (and made them all) while scoring seven first-half points. Champagnie led the way with 14 points and Fox dished out seven assists in a first half that San Antonio outshot the Trail Blazers 66.7% to 36.5%. Avdija’s 16 points led all scorers before halftime. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #DeAaron #Foxs #big #fourth #quarter #helps #Spurs #close #BlazersApr 28, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) dunks ahead of Portland Trail Blazers forward Sidy Cissoko (91) during the first half of game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

De’Aaron Fox scored 13 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter as the host San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 114-95 on Tuesday to close out a 4-1 victory in the teams’ first-round Western Conference playoff series.

Victor Wembanyama racked up 17 points, 14 rebounds and six blocked shots as the second-seeded Spurs secured a berth in the conference semifinals vs. either third-seeded Denver Nuggets or sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves. It is San Antonio’s first trip to the second round of the playoffs since the 2016-17 season.

San Antonio was in cruise control from the opening minutes and led by 28 points in the first half, by 20 at halftime and by 21 points after three quarters.

The Trail Blazers pulled within 97-88 on a three-point play by Jrue Holiday with 5:46 to play but never made a serious run the rest of the way as Fox made big play after big play to help San Antonio close out the victory.

Julian Champagnie added 19 points for the Spurs, with Dylan Harper scoring 17, Stephon Castle hitting for 15 before fouling out with 4:36 remaining and Devin Vassell tallying 10 points. Fox dished out a game-high nine assists.


Deni Avdija’s 22 points paced Portland. Jerami Grant added 12, Robert Williams III and Sidy Cissoko scored 11 points each, and Donovan Clingan hit for 10.

Champagnie hit three 3-pointers, and had his toe on the line for a fourth, while scoring 11 points in the first quarter and helping the Spurs to a 36-24 advantage after 12 minutes of action.

San Antonio poured in on the second period, pushing its lead to 54-28 after a Wembanyama 3-pointer at the 6:45 mark. The Trail Blazers reeled off nine straight points capped by a dunk from Clingan to cull the margin to 17, but San Antonio swung back, with a three-point play by Luke Kornet highlighting a 12-2 run that built the lead to 65-37.

The Spurs were up 65-45 at the break even though Wembanyama took just three shots (and made them all) while scoring seven first-half points. Champagnie led the way with 14 points and Fox dished out seven assists in a first half that San Antonio outshot the Trail Blazers 66.7% to 36.5%.

Avdija’s 16 points led all scorers before halftime.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #DeAaron #Foxs #big #fourth #quarter #helps #Spurs #close #Blazers

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Apr 28, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) dunks ahead of Portland Trail Blazers forward Sidy Cissoko (91) during the first half of game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

De’Aaron Fox scored 13 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter as the host San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 114-95 on Tuesday to close out a 4-1 victory in the teams’ first-round Western Conference playoff series.

Victor Wembanyama racked up 17 points, 14 rebounds and six blocked shots as the second-seeded Spurs secured a berth in the conference semifinals vs. either third-seeded Denver Nuggets or sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves. It is San Antonio’s first trip to the second round of the playoffs since the 2016-17 season.

San Antonio was in cruise control from the opening minutes and led by 28 points in the first half, by 20 at halftime and by 21 points after three quarters.

The Trail Blazers pulled within 97-88 on a three-point play by Jrue Holiday with 5:46 to play but never made a serious run the rest of the way as Fox made big play after big play to help San Antonio close out the victory.

Julian Champagnie added 19 points for the Spurs, with Dylan Harper scoring 17, Stephon Castle hitting for 15 before fouling out with 4:36 remaining and Devin Vassell tallying 10 points. Fox dished out a game-high nine assists.

Deni Avdija’s 22 points paced Portland. Jerami Grant added 12, Robert Williams III and Sidy Cissoko scored 11 points each, and Donovan Clingan hit for 10.

Champagnie hit three 3-pointers, and had his toe on the line for a fourth, while scoring 11 points in the first quarter and helping the Spurs to a 36-24 advantage after 12 minutes of action.

San Antonio poured in on the second period, pushing its lead to 54-28 after a Wembanyama 3-pointer at the 6:45 mark. The Trail Blazers reeled off nine straight points capped by a dunk from Clingan to cull the margin to 17, but San Antonio swung back, with a three-point play by Luke Kornet highlighting a 12-2 run that built the lead to 65-37.

The Spurs were up 65-45 at the break even though Wembanyama took just three shots (and made them all) while scoring seven first-half points. Champagnie led the way with 14 points and Fox dished out seven assists in a first half that San Antonio outshot the Trail Blazers 66.7% to 36.5%.

Avdija’s 16 points led all scorers before halftime.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | MLB roundup: Phillies trounce Giants after making managerial change <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28834220.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28834220.jpg" alt="MLB: San Francisco Giants at Philadelphia Phillies" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 28, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly (8) in the dugout before start of game against the San Francisco Giants at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Jesus Luzardo allowed just two hits over seven innings as the Philadelphia Phillies topped the visiting San Francisco Giants 7-0 on Tuesday, hours after firing manager Rob Thomson.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>With a 9-19 record entering Tuesday that was tied for the worst mark in the major leagues, the Phillies opted to part ways with Thomson, who had managed the squad for nearly four years. Bench coach Don Mattingly was promoted to interim skipper and enjoyed a victorious debut thanks to Luzardo’s gem and a four-run sixth from the Philadelphia offense.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Trea Turner went 4-for-5 with two runs for the Phillies, while Adolis Garcia drove in two runs. Luzardo (2-3) took care of the rest, striking out eight without a walk to help Philadelphia win for just the second time in its past 13 games.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>San Francisco starter Tyler Mahle (1-4) allowed five runs and six hits in five-plus innings. Matt Chapman accounted for four of the 12 strikeouts by the Giants, who had won seven of their previous 10 games.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Marlins 2, Dodgers 1</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Janson Junk (2-2) pitched six scoreless innings, Otto Lopez had three hits and visiting Miami held on to beat Los Angeles.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Owen Caissie and Kyle Stowers each drove in a run as the Marlins improved to 2-3 on a six-game West Coast road trip. Tyler Phillips pitched a scoreless ninth inning for his second save after closer Pete Fairbanks went on the injured list earlier in the day.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Dodgers starter Shohei Ohtani (2-1) gave up two runs (one earned) on five hits over six innings. Will Smith had three of Los Angeles’ seven hits.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Blue Jays 3, Red Sox 0</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Trey Yesavage pitched 5 1/3 sharp innings in his season debut and Toronto shut out visiting Boston to even a three-game series.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Yesavage (1-0) allowed just four hits. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had two hits and an RBI while Kazuma Okamoto had a two-run single to help the Blue Jays end Boston’s three-game winning streak. Louis Varland struck out the side in the ninth to earn his fourth save.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Boston starter Payton Tolle (0-1) allowed three runs on three hits in 4 2/3 innings.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Rays 1, Guardians 0</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>Jonathan Aranda had an RBI single in the fifth inning and Nick Martinez and three relievers combined on a four-hitter as the visiting Tampa Bay edged Cleveland.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>Martinez (2-1) worked seven-plus innings, lowering his ERA to 1.70. Cole Sulser tossed the ninth for his first save since 2022 with the Miami Marlins. The Rays are a season-best seven games above .500 at 18-11.</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>The first overall pick in the 2024 draft, Travis Bazzana, made his major league debut for Cleveland, and he went 0-for-2 with two walks. Tanner Bibee (0-4) allowed one run on four hits over five innings.</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>Yankees 3, Rangers 2</p> </section><section id="section-18"> <p>Cam Schlittler pitched six shutout innings to best Jacob deGrom, and Aaron Judge homered for the third straight game as New York hung on for a victory in Arlington, Texas.</p> </section><section id="section-19"> <p>The Yankees won for the 10th time in 11 games as Schlittler (4-1) allowed just three hits. Austin Wells added a homer for New York.</p> </section><section id="section-20"> <p>deGrom (2-1) gave up a run on three hits in six innings. Danny Jansen (triple) and Josh Jung (single) had RBI hits in the ninth inning before David Bednar got Corey Seager to bounce into a game-ending double play, sealing his ninth save.</p> </section><section id="section-21"> <p>Reds 7, Rockies 2</p> </section><section id="section-22"> <p>Elly De La Cruz went 3-for-4 and drove in four runs while Spencer Steer belted a two-run homer as Cincinnati beat visiting Colorado.</p> </section><section id="section-23"> <p>With his eighth inning two-run shot, De La Cruz now has 10 homers, tied with three others for the most by any switch hitter before May since 1900. Chase Burns (3-1) allowed just two runs in six innings as the Reds won for the eighth time in 10 games.</p> </section><section id="section-24"> <p>Edouard Julien went 3-for-4 with a solo home run and drove in both runs for the Rockies, who went 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position and had their three-game win streak snapped. Kyle Freeland (1-2) yielded four runs on five hits over five innings.</p> </section><section id="section-25"> <p>Royals 4, Athletics 1 (10 innings)</p> </section><section id="section-26"> <p>Bobby Witt Jr. smacked a tiebreaking three-run homer in the top of the 10th inning and Kansas City stretched its winning streak to a season-best four games by beating the Athletics in West Sacramento, Calif.</p> </section><section id="section-27"> <p>Salvador Perez also homered for the Royals. Nick Mears (2-1) worked a perfect ninth, and Lucas Erceg escaped a jam in the bottom of the 10th for his seventh save.</p> </section><section id="section-28"> <p>Jacob Wilson had an RBI single and Shea Langeliers contributed three hits for the Athletics, who left 14 runners on base. Justin Sterner (1-3) served up Witt’s homer.</p> </section><section id="section-29"> <p>Orioles 5, Astros 3</p> </section><section id="section-30"> <p>Shane Baz earned his first victory with Baltimore and Pete Alonso smacked a two-run homer as the host Orioles handed struggling Houston another loss.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-31"> <p>Baz (1-2) held the Astros to one run on six hits in 5 2/3 innings. Alonso connected with two outs in the fifth inning to stretch the lead to 4-1 as the Orioles ended a two-game skid.</p> </section> <section id="section-32"> <p>Brice Matthews homered among his three hits from the No. 9 spot in the order for the American League-worst Astros. Houston, which is 3-8 across its last 11 games, went 2-for-14 with runners in scoring position.</p> </section><section id="section-33"> <p>Braves 5, Tigers 2</p> </section><section id="section-34"> <p>Martin Perez pitched five scoreless innings and Ozzie Albies homered to help Atlanta defeat visiting Detroit in the opener of a three-series between division-leading clubs.</p> </section><section id="section-35"> <p>Perez (2-1) logged his first win over the Tigers since Aug. 25, 2019. The Braves’ nine-hit attack was led by Mike Yastrzemski, who went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI.</p> </section><section id="section-36"> <p>Detroit starter Casey Mize had to leave the game with right groin tightness, and he was charged with two runs in 2 1/3 innings. Wenceel Perez homered for the Tigers in the ninth inning.</p> </section><section id="section-37"> <p>Cardinals 11, Pirates 7</p> </section><section id="section-38"> <p>Nolan Gorman and Victor Scott II homered and Gorman, Jordan Walker and Alec Burleson each knocked in three runs as visiting St. Louis outslugged Pittsburgh.</p> </section><section id="section-39"> <p>The Cardinals scored multiple runs in four different innings, finishing with 12 hits and a season-high run total. Kyle Leahy (3-3) scattered nine hits and allowed three runs in 5 1/3 innings.</p> </section><section id="section-40"> <p>Oneil Cruz, Ryan O’Hearn and Konnor Griffin went deep for the Pirates, and O’Hearn knocked in three runs. Braxton Ashcraft (1-2) permitted six runs on six hits in 4 1/3 innings.</p> </section><section id="section-41"> <p>Brewers 13, Diamondbacks 2</p> </section><section id="section-42"> <p>Sal Frelick went deep to snap Milwaukee’s seven-game homerless streak and propel the Brewers to a rout of visiting Arizona. The seven-game streak without a homer was the Brewers’ longest since a franchise record 13 games in August 1999.</p> </section><section id="section-43"> <p>Milwaukee starter Chad Patrick (2-1) allowed two runs on one hit in five innings. Tyler Black produced three hits and three RBIs, and four other Brewers had two RBIs apiece.</p> </section><section id="section-44"> <p>Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly (1-2) surrendered five runs on six hits in five innings. James McCann singled in two runs.</p> </section><section id="section-45"> <p>Mets 8, Nationals 0</p> </section><section id="section-46"> <p>Clay Holmes threw six scoreless innings as New York rolled to a victory over visiting Washington.</p> </section><section id="section-47"> <p>Bo Bichette homered leading off the first and Juan Soto’s two-run blast closed out a seven-run fourth-inning outburst for the Mets, who are just 3-15 since April 8.</p> </section><section id="section-48"> <p>Three players had a hit apiece for the Nationals, who have lost seven of 11. Zack Littell (0-4) yielded eight runs (four earned) in 3 2/3 innings.</p> </section><section id="section-49"> <p>White Sox 5, Angels 2</p> </section><section id="section-50"> <p>Drew Romo homered from both sides of the plate, Colson Montgomery also went deep and Davis Martin pitched effectively into the sixth inning as the host Chicago defeated Los Angeles.</p> </section><section id="section-51"> <p>The White Sox have won the first two games of the three-game series against the Angels, who have lost five in a row and nine of 10. Martin (4-1) allowed one run in 5 2/3 innings. Seranthony Dominguez pitched the ninth inning for his seventh save.</p> </section><section id="section-52"> <p>Los Angeles starter Jose Soriano (5-1), who entered with a 0.24 ERA, permitted three runs in five innings. Josh Lowe hit a solo homer.</p> </section><section id="section-53"> <p>Mariners 7, Twins 1</p> </section><section id="section-54"> <p>Josh Naylor went 3-for-5 with a homer and four RBIs, leading Seattle past Minnesota in Minneapolis.</p> </section><section id="section-55"> <p>Julio Rodriguez went 3-for-5 with three doubles and two RBIs for the Mariners, who evened the three-game series at one win apiece. Cole Young finished 3-for-4 with an RBI. Eduard Bazardo (2-1) threw one scoreless inning of relief.</p> </section><section id="section-56"> <p>Twins starter Joe Ryan (2-3) gave up two runs on six hits in six-plus innings. Byron Buxton went 2-for-5 with a home run and a stolen base.</p> </section><section id="section-57"> <p>Cubs 8, Padres 3</p> </section><section id="section-58"> <p>Nico Hoerner’s two-run double snapped a sixth-inning tie and Pete Crow-Armstrong broke open the game with a three-run homer in the seventh as visiting Chicago stopped San Diego.</p> </section><section id="section-59"> <p>Cubs starter Edward Cabrera (3-0) lasted 5 2/3 innings and allowed three runs on six hits. Dansby Swanson hit a two-run double before exiting the game due to a left glute cramp.</p> </section><section id="section-60"> <p>Xander Bogaerts homered for the Padres, who have lost two of three, and Ty France had two hits and an RBI. Kyle Hart (0-1) was charged with two runs in two-thirds of an inning.</p> </section><section id="section-61"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #MLB #roundup #Phillies #trounce #Giants #making #managerial #change

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Deadspin | Big first inning helps Astros salvages doubleheader split vs. Orioles Apr 30, 2026; Baltimore, MD, USA; Houston Astros outfield Yordan Alvarez (44) celebrates his home run in the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles with infielder Christian Walker (8) at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images Cam Smith hit a three-run home run in Houston’s five-run first inning and the Astros salvaged a split of Thursday’s doubleheader by winning 11-5 in the second game against the host Baltimore Orioles. Yordan Alvarez drilled his 12th homer among his three hits and three runs scored, Dustin Harris drove in three runs and Yainer Diaz collected three hits as the Astros avoided being swept in the three-game series. Isaac Paredes had two hits and scored two runs, and Christian Walker tacked on two hits. Houston won for the first time in starter Lance McCullers Jr.’s five April starts. McCullers (2-2) held the Orioles to three runs on two hits with nine strikeouts and four walks across six innings before three relievers finished with one inning apiece. Baltimore won 10-3 in the first game with grand slams from Adley Rutschman and Jeremiah Jackson, but that production wasn’t repeated. They had six hits, including a two-run triple from Leody Taveras and RBI doubles from Pete Alonso and Gunnar Henderson, in Thursday’s second game. After winning his first two starts this season, Orioles right-hander Brandon Young (2-1) was dinged for 10 runs (seven earned) on 10 hits in four innings. Every batter in Houston’s lineup had at least one hit by the fifth inning, finishing with 15 hits. The Astros, who won for only the fourth time in 16 road games, got off to a better start in the second game with Harris’ two-out, two-run single in the first inning followed two batters later by Smith’s three-run blast. It was Smith’s fourth homer of the season. Houston pushed its lead to 6-0 in the second inning on Alvarez’s solo homer with one out. The Orioles closed within 11-4 with a run in the seventh inning but they left the bases loaded on their way to falling to 9-9 in home games this year. They added a run in the ninth on Coby Mayo’s sacrifice fly. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Big #inning #helps #Astros #salvages #doubleheader #split #OriolesApr 30, 2026; Baltimore, MD, USA; Houston Astros outfield Yordan Alvarez (44) celebrates his home run in the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles with infielder Christian Walker (8) at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

Cam Smith hit a three-run home run in Houston’s five-run first inning and the Astros salvaged a split of Thursday’s doubleheader by winning 11-5 in the second game against the host Baltimore Orioles.

Yordan Alvarez drilled his 12th homer among his three hits and three runs scored, Dustin Harris drove in three runs and Yainer Diaz collected three hits as the Astros avoided being swept in the three-game series. Isaac Paredes had two hits and scored two runs, and Christian Walker tacked on two hits.

Houston won for the first time in starter Lance McCullers Jr.’s five April starts. McCullers (2-2) held the Orioles to three runs on two hits with nine strikeouts and four walks across six innings before three relievers finished with one inning apiece.

Baltimore won 10-3 in the first game with grand slams from Adley Rutschman and Jeremiah Jackson, but that production wasn’t repeated. They had six hits, including a two-run triple from Leody Taveras and RBI doubles from Pete Alonso and Gunnar Henderson, in Thursday’s second game.


After winning his first two starts this season, Orioles right-hander Brandon Young (2-1) was dinged for 10 runs (seven earned) on 10 hits in four innings.

Every batter in Houston’s lineup had at least one hit by the fifth inning, finishing with 15 hits.

The Astros, who won for only the fourth time in 16 road games, got off to a better start in the second game with Harris’ two-out, two-run single in the first inning followed two batters later by Smith’s three-run blast. It was Smith’s fourth homer of the season.

Houston pushed its lead to 6-0 in the second inning on Alvarez’s solo homer with one out.

The Orioles closed within 11-4 with a run in the seventh inning but they left the bases loaded on their way to falling to 9-9 in home games this year. They added a run in the ninth on Coby Mayo’s sacrifice fly.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Big #inning #helps #Astros #salvages #doubleheader #split #Orioles">Deadspin | Big first inning helps Astros salvages doubleheader split vs. Orioles Apr 30, 2026; Baltimore, MD, USA; Houston Astros outfield Yordan Alvarez (44) celebrates his home run in the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles with infielder Christian Walker (8) at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images Cam Smith hit a three-run home run in Houston’s five-run first inning and the Astros salvaged a split of Thursday’s doubleheader by winning 11-5 in the second game against the host Baltimore Orioles. Yordan Alvarez drilled his 12th homer among his three hits and three runs scored, Dustin Harris drove in three runs and Yainer Diaz collected three hits as the Astros avoided being swept in the three-game series. Isaac Paredes had two hits and scored two runs, and Christian Walker tacked on two hits. Houston won for the first time in starter Lance McCullers Jr.’s five April starts. McCullers (2-2) held the Orioles to three runs on two hits with nine strikeouts and four walks across six innings before three relievers finished with one inning apiece. Baltimore won 10-3 in the first game with grand slams from Adley Rutschman and Jeremiah Jackson, but that production wasn’t repeated. They had six hits, including a two-run triple from Leody Taveras and RBI doubles from Pete Alonso and Gunnar Henderson, in Thursday’s second game. After winning his first two starts this season, Orioles right-hander Brandon Young (2-1) was dinged for 10 runs (seven earned) on 10 hits in four innings. Every batter in Houston’s lineup had at least one hit by the fifth inning, finishing with 15 hits. The Astros, who won for only the fourth time in 16 road games, got off to a better start in the second game with Harris’ two-out, two-run single in the first inning followed two batters later by Smith’s three-run blast. It was Smith’s fourth homer of the season. Houston pushed its lead to 6-0 in the second inning on Alvarez’s solo homer with one out. The Orioles closed within 11-4 with a run in the seventh inning but they left the bases loaded on their way to falling to 9-9 in home games this year. They added a run in the ninth on Coby Mayo’s sacrifice fly. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Big #inning #helps #Astros #salvages #doubleheader #split #Orioles

Five-time Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah, who missed the Paris Games due to an Achilles tendon tear, said she is using her first season back after a 20-month rehabilitation process as a stepping stone as she looks to return to her best.

The 33-year-old Jamaican, who became ‌the first woman to win back-to-back Olympic sprint doubles when she retained ‌her 100m and 200m titles in ‌Tokyo ⁠in 2021, returned to competition earlier ⁠this year.

“It’s been a rough one, mentally, but I’ve overcome that,” Thompson-Herah told reporters on Friday ahead ​of competing at ‌the World Athletics Relays in Botswana as part of the Jamaican women’s 4x100m team, which she helped to take gold at ‌the Tokyo Olympics.

“It’s nice to be ​back on the track. I ran two 60s, a 100-metre, just to ⁠feel where I’m at. No pain… I don’t think I’m where I want to ‌be yet. I’m being patient with myself.”

ALSO READ | Lowering the marathon mark: Researcher says sub 2-hour record could be reduced by 5 minutes

Thompson-Herah said she was looking forward to defending her titles at the Commonwealth Games in July, having taken gold in 100m and 200m in the previous two editions, ‌as she continues building up to her third Olympic ​appearance.

“I’m just using this season as a stepping stone. A recovery, a ⁠fun one. I’ll just go out there, have ⁠fun, run some races, get some medals… defend my title at Commonwealth ‌Games, of course,” she said.

“Once the pain is gone, Elaine is capable of ​doing anything.”

Published on May 01, 2026

#ThompsonHerah #happy #competition #missing #Paris #due #injury">Thompson-Herah happy to be back in competition after missing Paris 2024 due to injury Five-time Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah, who missed the Paris Games due to an Achilles tendon tear, said she is using her first season back after a 20-month rehabilitation process as a stepping stone as she looks to return to her best.The 33-year-old Jamaican, who became ‌the first woman to win back-to-back Olympic sprint doubles when she retained ‌her 100m and 200m titles in ‌Tokyo ⁠in 2021, returned to competition earlier ⁠this year.“It’s been a rough one, mentally, but I’ve overcome that,” Thompson-Herah told reporters on Friday ahead ​of competing at ‌the World Athletics Relays in Botswana as part of the Jamaican women’s 4x100m team, which she helped to take gold at ‌the Tokyo Olympics.“It’s nice to be ​back on the track. I ran two 60s, a 100-metre, just to ⁠feel where I’m at. No pain… I don’t think I’m where I want to ‌be yet. I’m being patient with myself.”ALSO READ | Lowering the marathon mark: Researcher says sub 2-hour record could be reduced by 5 minutesThompson-Herah said she was looking forward to defending her titles at the Commonwealth Games in July, having taken gold in 100m and 200m in the previous two editions, ‌as she continues building up to her third Olympic ​appearance.“I’m just using this season as a stepping stone. A recovery, a ⁠fun one. I’ll just go out there, have ⁠fun, run some races, get some medals… defend my title at Commonwealth ‌Games, of course,” she said.“Once the pain is gone, Elaine is capable of ​doing anything.”Published on May 01, 2026 #ThompsonHerah #happy #competition #missing #Paris #due #injury

Lowering the marathon mark: Researcher says sub 2-hour record could be reduced by 5 minutes

Thompson-Herah said she was looking forward to defending her titles at the Commonwealth Games in July, having taken gold in 100m and 200m in the previous two editions, ‌as she continues building up to her third Olympic ​appearance.

“I’m just using this season as a stepping stone. A recovery, a ⁠fun one. I’ll just go out there, have ⁠fun, run some races, get some medals… defend my title at Commonwealth ‌Games, of course,” she said.

“Once the pain is gone, Elaine is capable of ​doing anything.”

Published on May 01, 2026

#ThompsonHerah #happy #competition #missing #Paris #due #injury">Thompson-Herah happy to be back in competition after missing Paris 2024 due to injury

Five-time Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah, who missed the Paris Games due to an Achilles tendon tear, said she is using her first season back after a 20-month rehabilitation process as a stepping stone as she looks to return to her best.

The 33-year-old Jamaican, who became ‌the first woman to win back-to-back Olympic sprint doubles when she retained ‌her 100m and 200m titles in ‌Tokyo ⁠in 2021, returned to competition earlier ⁠this year.

“It’s been a rough one, mentally, but I’ve overcome that,” Thompson-Herah told reporters on Friday ahead ​of competing at ‌the World Athletics Relays in Botswana as part of the Jamaican women’s 4x100m team, which she helped to take gold at ‌the Tokyo Olympics.

“It’s nice to be ​back on the track. I ran two 60s, a 100-metre, just to ⁠feel where I’m at. No pain… I don’t think I’m where I want to ‌be yet. I’m being patient with myself.”

ALSO READ | Lowering the marathon mark: Researcher says sub 2-hour record could be reduced by 5 minutes

Thompson-Herah said she was looking forward to defending her titles at the Commonwealth Games in July, having taken gold in 100m and 200m in the previous two editions, ‌as she continues building up to her third Olympic ​appearance.

“I’m just using this season as a stepping stone. A recovery, a ⁠fun one. I’ll just go out there, have ⁠fun, run some races, get some medals… defend my title at Commonwealth ‌Games, of course,” she said.

“Once the pain is gone, Elaine is capable of ​doing anything.”

Published on May 01, 2026

#ThompsonHerah #happy #competition #missing #Paris #due #injury
Deadspin | Mirra Andreeva, Marta Kostyuk to square off in Madrid Open final Mar 23, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Mirra Andreeva serves against Victoria Mboko (CAN) (not pictured) on day 7 of the 2026 Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Mirra Andreeva of Russia will meet Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine in the Madrid Open final after they pulled out semifinal victories Thursday. Andreeva, the ninth seed, fought past No. 30 seed Hailey Baptiste 6-4, 7-6 (8). No. 26 seed Kostyuk needed three sets to vanquish Austria’s Anastasia Potapova 6-2, 1-6, 6-1. In winning the semifinal showdown one day after her 19th birthday, Andreeva became the first teenager to reach three WTA 1000 finals since the format was introduced in 2009. She rose the rankings last season when she won the WTA 1000 titles at Dubai and Indian Wells back-to-back. Andreeva had a difficult challenger in Baptiste, who upset World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in the quarterfinals. Baptiste saved six match points against Sabalenka and saved two more on Friday against Andreeva, one of them during the second-set tiebreaker. First, Andreeva clawed out of a 4-0 hole by winning the next four points in a row. She saved three set points for Baptiste and took an 8-7 lead. Baptiste saved that one with an ace before Andreeva finished the job. “After (the tiebreaker) was 4-0, I just really tried to win one point. And then after one point I said to myself, ‘OK, let’s win another one,'” Andreeva said. “I just tried to play point by point, and I guess that’s how I came back in the tiebreak as well.” Andreeva won a stellar 35 of 43 first-service points (81.4%) and only faced a break point once. Kostyuk, meanwhile, advanced to her first career WTA 1000 final and remained unbeaten on clay to start the season. Kostyuk won the Open Rouen Metropole on the surface earlier this month in France. Kostyuk saved 8 of 12 break points on her serve while converting 6 of 13 opportunities to break Potapova’s serve. She bounced back from a second-set drubbing to win the first four games of the third set and regain control. Andreeva may have the better seed and more experience at the 1000 level, but she said she doesn’t consider herself the favorite in the final. “I’ve learned not to care about the rankings of my opponent or the last name of my opponent as well,” Andreeva said. “I’m just going to try to go on court and do the things that I have to do to really focus on the game plan that we create with (coach Conchita Martinez), and that’s the only thing I can control.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Mirra #Andreeva #Marta #Kostyuk #square #Madrid #Open #finalMar 23, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Mirra Andreeva serves against Victoria Mboko (CAN) (not pictured) on day 7 of the 2026 Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Mirra Andreeva of Russia will meet Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine in the Madrid Open final after they pulled out semifinal victories Thursday.

Andreeva, the ninth seed, fought past No. 30 seed Hailey Baptiste 6-4, 7-6 (8). No. 26 seed Kostyuk needed three sets to vanquish Austria’s Anastasia Potapova 6-2, 1-6, 6-1.

In winning the semifinal showdown one day after her 19th birthday, Andreeva became the first teenager to reach three WTA 1000 finals since the format was introduced in 2009. She rose the rankings last season when she won the WTA 1000 titles at Dubai and Indian Wells back-to-back.

Andreeva had a difficult challenger in Baptiste, who upset World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in the quarterfinals. Baptiste saved six match points against Sabalenka and saved two more on Friday against Andreeva, one of them during the second-set tiebreaker.

First, Andreeva clawed out of a 4-0 hole by winning the next four points in a row. She saved three set points for Baptiste and took an 8-7 lead. Baptiste saved that one with an ace before Andreeva finished the job.


“After (the tiebreaker) was 4-0, I just really tried to win one point. And then after one point I said to myself, ‘OK, let’s win another one,'” Andreeva said. “I just tried to play point by point, and I guess that’s how I came back in the tiebreak as well.”

Andreeva won a stellar 35 of 43 first-service points (81.4%) and only faced a break point once.

Kostyuk, meanwhile, advanced to her first career WTA 1000 final and remained unbeaten on clay to start the season. Kostyuk won the Open Rouen Metropole on the surface earlier this month in France.

Kostyuk saved 8 of 12 break points on her serve while converting 6 of 13 opportunities to break Potapova’s serve. She bounced back from a second-set drubbing to win the first four games of the third set and regain control.

Andreeva may have the better seed and more experience at the 1000 level, but she said she doesn’t consider herself the favorite in the final.

“I’ve learned not to care about the rankings of my opponent or the last name of my opponent as well,” Andreeva said. “I’m just going to try to go on court and do the things that I have to do to really focus on the game plan that we create with (coach Conchita Martinez), and that’s the only thing I can control.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Mirra #Andreeva #Marta #Kostyuk #square #Madrid #Open #final">Deadspin | Mirra Andreeva, Marta Kostyuk to square off in Madrid Open final Mar 23, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Mirra Andreeva serves against Victoria Mboko (CAN) (not pictured) on day 7 of the 2026 Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Mirra Andreeva of Russia will meet Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine in the Madrid Open final after they pulled out semifinal victories Thursday. Andreeva, the ninth seed, fought past No. 30 seed Hailey Baptiste 6-4, 7-6 (8). No. 26 seed Kostyuk needed three sets to vanquish Austria’s Anastasia Potapova 6-2, 1-6, 6-1. In winning the semifinal showdown one day after her 19th birthday, Andreeva became the first teenager to reach three WTA 1000 finals since the format was introduced in 2009. She rose the rankings last season when she won the WTA 1000 titles at Dubai and Indian Wells back-to-back. Andreeva had a difficult challenger in Baptiste, who upset World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in the quarterfinals. Baptiste saved six match points against Sabalenka and saved two more on Friday against Andreeva, one of them during the second-set tiebreaker. First, Andreeva clawed out of a 4-0 hole by winning the next four points in a row. She saved three set points for Baptiste and took an 8-7 lead. Baptiste saved that one with an ace before Andreeva finished the job. “After (the tiebreaker) was 4-0, I just really tried to win one point. And then after one point I said to myself, ‘OK, let’s win another one,'” Andreeva said. “I just tried to play point by point, and I guess that’s how I came back in the tiebreak as well.” Andreeva won a stellar 35 of 43 first-service points (81.4%) and only faced a break point once. Kostyuk, meanwhile, advanced to her first career WTA 1000 final and remained unbeaten on clay to start the season. Kostyuk won the Open Rouen Metropole on the surface earlier this month in France. Kostyuk saved 8 of 12 break points on her serve while converting 6 of 13 opportunities to break Potapova’s serve. She bounced back from a second-set drubbing to win the first four games of the third set and regain control. Andreeva may have the better seed and more experience at the 1000 level, but she said she doesn’t consider herself the favorite in the final. “I’ve learned not to care about the rankings of my opponent or the last name of my opponent as well,” Andreeva said. “I’m just going to try to go on court and do the things that I have to do to really focus on the game plan that we create with (coach Conchita Martinez), and that’s the only thing I can control.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Mirra #Andreeva #Marta #Kostyuk #square #Madrid #Open #final

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