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Potapova turns second chance into history with record Madrid Open semifinal run Anastasia Potapova turned tennis heartbreak into history by becoming the first lucky loser to reach a WTA 1000 semifinal after her 6-1, 6-7(4), 6-3 win over Karolina Pliskova at the Madrid Open on Wednesday.The Russian-born Austrian, who lost in qualifying last week, has made the most of her unexpected entry into the main draw, beating the former World No. 1 in a roller-coaster contest despite squandering three match points.Potapova’s run has included impressive wins over former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko and World No. 2 Elena Rybakina.Asked if she thought she would be in the last four after her qualifying loss, the unseeded Potapova said: “No, I wouldn’t, for any money and anything.“That’s what makes our sport beautiful. I was given a second chance and now I’m here.“I’m super happy. There’s nothing better that could happen to me in my life at the moment.”ALSO READ: Sinner criticises schedule after surging into Madrid quarterfinalsAfter easing through the opening set, Potapova appeared set for a straightforward win when she earned three match points in the second.But Pliskova fought back to force a tiebreak and level the match.Potapova trailed 3-1 in the decider, only to win five consecutive games and seal victory with her 10th ace before dropping to her knees.Potapova will face Marta Kostyuk or Linda Noskova in the semifinals.Published on Apr 29, 2026 #Potapova #turns #chance #history #record #Madrid #Open #semifinal #run

Potapova turns second chance into history with record Madrid Open semifinal run

Anastasia Potapova turned tennis heartbreak into history by becoming the first lucky loser to reach a WTA 1000 semifinal after her 6-1, 6-7(4), 6-3 win over Karolina Pliskova at the Madrid Open on Wednesday.

The Russian-born Austrian, who lost in qualifying last week, has made the most of her unexpected entry into the main draw, beating the former World No. 1 in a roller-coaster contest despite squandering three match points.

Potapova’s run has included impressive wins over former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko and World No. 2 Elena Rybakina.

Asked if she thought she would be in the last four after her qualifying loss, the unseeded Potapova said: “No, I wouldn’t, for any money and anything.

“That’s what makes our sport beautiful. I was given a second chance and now I’m here.

“I’m super happy. There’s nothing better that could happen to me in my life at the moment.”

ALSO READ: Sinner criticises schedule after surging into Madrid quarterfinals

After easing through the opening set, Potapova appeared set for a straightforward win when she earned three match points in the second.

But Pliskova fought back to force a tiebreak and level the match.

Potapova trailed 3-1 in the decider, only to win five consecutive games and seal victory with her 10th ace before dropping to her knees.

Potapova will face Marta Kostyuk or Linda Noskova in the semifinals.

Published on Apr 29, 2026

#Potapova #turns #chance #history #record #Madrid #Open #semifinal #run

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Anastasia Potapova turned tennis heartbreak into history by becoming the first lucky loser to reach a WTA 1000 semifinal after her 6-1, 6-7(4), 6-3 win over Karolina Pliskova at the Madrid Open on Wednesday.

The Russian-born Austrian, who lost in qualifying last week, has made the most of her unexpected entry into the main draw, beating the former World No. 1 in a roller-coaster contest despite squandering three match points.

Potapova’s run has included impressive wins over former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko and World No. 2 Elena Rybakina.

Asked if she thought she would be in the last four after her qualifying loss, the unseeded Potapova said: “No, I wouldn’t, for any money and anything.

“That’s what makes our sport beautiful. I was given a second chance and now I’m here.

“I’m super happy. There’s nothing better that could happen to me in my life at the moment.”

ALSO READ: Sinner criticises schedule after surging into Madrid quarterfinals

After easing through the opening set, Potapova appeared set for a straightforward win when she earned three match points in the second.

But Pliskova fought back to force a tiebreak and level the match.

Potapova trailed 3-1 in the decider, only to win five consecutive games and seal victory with her 10th ace before dropping to her knees.

Potapova will face Marta Kostyuk or Linda Noskova in the semifinals.

Published on Apr 29, 2026

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Deadspin | With manager gone for a game, Padres pursue victory over Cubs <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-900/28835866.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28835866.jpg" alt="MLB: Chicago Cubs at San Diego Padres" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 28, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) celebrates after hitting a three-run home run during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Bench coach Randy Knorr will be at the helm of the San Diego Padres when they host the Chicago Cubs in the finale of the teams’ three-game series on Wednesday afternoon.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Knorr will fill in for manager Craig Stammen, who will be attending an out-of-town funeral. Stammen departed before the start of the eighth inning of San Diego’s 8-3 loss Tuesday to catch a flight.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>“We knew when he was going to leave,” Knorr said. “We’re going to miss him a lot (Wednesday).”</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>All-Star third baseman Manny Machado sat out Tuesday’s game due to an ailing left leg, but the Padres could get him back for Wednesday’s contest.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Knorr said Machado wants to play, and the acting manager would love to have him.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>“It’s still April,” Knorr said, implying there was no reason to take a chance — even on an injury later deemed minor — this early in the season. </p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Knorr also noted that Machado — who doubled twice Monday in a 9-7 win over Chicago before being removed from the game, and then got two homers and five RBIs Sunday during a 12-7 loss to Arizona — is starting to get hot. In his past seven games, Machado is hitting .310 with two homers and six RBIs.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>The same can’t be said of San Diego pitching, which has yielded at least four runs in each of the past six games. The staff ran into control problems Tuesday night as five pitchers combined to walk six, toss three wild pitches and hit two batters. Three walks and a hit batter came around to score.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-9"> <p>“It’s hard to fall behind those guys and give them good pitches to hit,” Knorr said of Chicago’s batters.</p> </section> <section id="section-10"> <p>San Diego’s Matt Waldron (0-1, 12.46 ERA) hopes to turn his fortunes around in his third start since being called up from Triple-A El Paso. He allowed eight hits and six runs Thursday in the team’s 10-8 win at Colorado, walking three and striking out three. This will be the right-hander’s first career outing against the Cubs.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Chicago will counter with right-hander Jameson Taillon (1-1, 4.55 ERA), who last worked on Friday night at the Los Angeles Dodgers. He took a no-decision after giving up four runs on four hits and three walks with four strikeouts in his team’s 6-4 victory. </p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>He’s 2-0 with a 2.40 ERA in five career starts against San Diego.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Cubs manager Craig Counsell said he hopes that shortstop Dansby Swanson, who left the game on Tuesday in the second inning with a left glute cramp, will be able to play on Wednesday.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>“He’s feeling good,” Counsell said of Swanson, who was injured while attempting to steal third base. “His hip and glute got jammed up a little bit. I’m optimistic that it’s nothing serious.”</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>Swanson got the scoring started by swatting a two-run double to left-center, giving him 23 RBIs, second on the team to Nico Hoerner’s 26. Offense has been the calling card for the Cubs, who already have 40 homers after Pete Crow-Armstrong’s three-run blast in the seventh broke Tuesday’s game open.</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>Equally as pleasing for Counsell was his team’s ability to get late outs from a depleted bullpen. After allowing four runs on Monday night, Chicago relievers retired all 10 men they faced on Tuesday to protect Edward Cabrera’s third win, keeping the Padres from using their high-leverage relievers.</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>“Just playing with a lead against this team is enormous,” Counsell said. “It’s something you’ve got to do.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-18"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #manager #game #Padres #pursue #victory #Cubs

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Deadspin | Longtime Broncos S Justin Simmons retiring at 32 <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-900/21770781.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/21770781.jpg" alt="NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Oct 29, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons (31) reacts after the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Former Denver Broncos free safety Justin Simmons is announcing his retirement Wednesday after nine seasons.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The two-time Pro Bowl selection played for Denver from 2016-23 and spent 2024 with the Atlanta Falcons before sitting out the 2025 season.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-3"> <p>The Broncos planned a press conference with Simmons, 32, at noon local time Wednesday in Englewood, Colo.</p> </section> <section id="section-4"> <p>Simmons recorded 32 interceptions — at least two picks in every season — with 71 passes defensed, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, 4.5 sacks and 666 tackles in 134 games (124 starts).</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>He shared the NFL lead with a career-high six interceptions in 2022 and returned an interception for a 65-yard touchdown in Denver’s Week 13 game at Miami in 2017. He is tied for seventh in Broncos history with 30 career interceptions.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-6"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Longtime #Broncos #Justin #Simmons #retiring

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Deadspin | Marlins turn to Sandy Alcantara in bid for series win vs. Dodgers Apr 24, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara (22) delivers a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the sixth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images A pair of early-season workhorses will square off when the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Miami Marlins on Wednesday afternoon in the finale of a three-game series. The Marlins will send National League innings leader Sandy Alcantara (3-2, 3.05 ERA) to the mound, and the Dodgers will counter with fellow right-hander Tyler Glasnow (3-0, 2.45), who has reached 100 pitches in three of his last four starts. In 41 1/3 innings over six starts, Alcantara has averaged an MLB-best 13.69 pitches per inning, as he appears close to finding his Cy Young Award form from 2022. After not pitching in 2024 following Tommy John surgery, he had a 5.36 ERA in 31 starts last season. Alcantara ended a three-start winless streak when he allowed three runs over six innings in a 9-4 victory at San Francisco on Friday. In eight career starts against the Dodgers, he is 2-5 with a 9.57 ERA, allowing 11 home runs over 36 2/3 innings. The pitching staff has kept the Marlins competitive in the series. Five pitchers held the Dodgers to two runs through eight innings of a defeat in the series opener on Monday, while five pitchers combined to give up one run in a 2-1 victory on Tuesday. The concern is at closer with right-hander Pete Fairbanks going on the 15-day injured list Tuesday after experiencing nerve irritation that led to hand numbness during his blown save Monday. Tyler Phillips pitched a scoreless ninth Tuesday for his second save. “We feel like we have a lot of confidence in a number of the pitchers that we have down there,” Miami manager Clayton McCullough said, while suggesting he might close games by committee. Glasnow was in line to start for the Dodgers on Tuesday but swapped spots with right-hander Shohei Ohtani in order to get an extra day of rest after heavy usage of late. In his best outing during an impressive run to start the season, Glasnow gave up one hit over eight scoreless innings in a 3-0 victory at San Francisco on Thursday. He has allowed two earned runs or less in four of his five starts. “I haven’t really had the slider, especially early in the season, and (Thursday) it felt really good,” said Glasnow, who gave up his lone hit in the fourth inning. “I think just showing that early, trying to throw it for strikes and then using it as a put-away option as well was helpful. It was like a mix of everything. I think that’s why I did pretty well.” In four career starts against the Marlins, Glasnow is 1-1 with a 4.03 ERA. He has not faced them since 2023, when he gave up one run over seven innings while earning the win. The Dodgers’ offense continues to be in a lull, with one run or less in three of their past eight games. Los Angeles scored its lone run in the eighth inning Tuesday on a single by Will Smith for one of his three hits. Ohtani is expected to return to the top of the order Wednesday after he did not hit Tuesday for the second time in his five starts on the mound. Freddie Freeman has not homered over his last 18 games. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Marlins #turn #Sandy #Alcantara #bid #series #win #DodgersApr 24, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara (22) delivers a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the sixth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

A pair of early-season workhorses will square off when the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Miami Marlins on Wednesday afternoon in the finale of a three-game series.

The Marlins will send National League innings leader Sandy Alcantara (3-2, 3.05 ERA) to the mound, and the Dodgers will counter with fellow right-hander Tyler Glasnow (3-0, 2.45), who has reached 100 pitches in three of his last four starts.

In 41 1/3 innings over six starts, Alcantara has averaged an MLB-best 13.69 pitches per inning, as he appears close to finding his Cy Young Award form from 2022. After not pitching in 2024 following Tommy John surgery, he had a 5.36 ERA in 31 starts last season.

Alcantara ended a three-start winless streak when he allowed three runs over six innings in a 9-4 victory at San Francisco on Friday. In eight career starts against the Dodgers, he is 2-5 with a 9.57 ERA, allowing 11 home runs over 36 2/3 innings.

The pitching staff has kept the Marlins competitive in the series. Five pitchers held the Dodgers to two runs through eight innings of a defeat in the series opener on Monday, while five pitchers combined to give up one run in a 2-1 victory on Tuesday.

The concern is at closer with right-hander Pete Fairbanks going on the 15-day injured list Tuesday after experiencing nerve irritation that led to hand numbness during his blown save Monday. Tyler Phillips pitched a scoreless ninth Tuesday for his second save.

“We feel like we have a lot of confidence in a number of the pitchers that we have down there,” Miami manager Clayton McCullough said, while suggesting he might close games by committee.


Glasnow was in line to start for the Dodgers on Tuesday but swapped spots with right-hander Shohei Ohtani in order to get an extra day of rest after heavy usage of late.

In his best outing during an impressive run to start the season, Glasnow gave up one hit over eight scoreless innings in a 3-0 victory at San Francisco on Thursday. He has allowed two earned runs or less in four of his five starts.

“I haven’t really had the slider, especially early in the season, and (Thursday) it felt really good,” said Glasnow, who gave up his lone hit in the fourth inning.

“I think just showing that early, trying to throw it for strikes and then using it as a put-away option as well was helpful. It was like a mix of everything. I think that’s why I did pretty well.”

In four career starts against the Marlins, Glasnow is 1-1 with a 4.03 ERA. He has not faced them since 2023, when he gave up one run over seven innings while earning the win.

The Dodgers’ offense continues to be in a lull, with one run or less in three of their past eight games. Los Angeles scored its lone run in the eighth inning Tuesday on a single by Will Smith for one of his three hits.

Ohtani is expected to return to the top of the order Wednesday after he did not hit Tuesday for the second time in his five starts on the mound. Freddie Freeman has not homered over his last 18 games.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Marlins #turn #Sandy #Alcantara #bid #series #win #Dodgers">Deadspin | Marlins turn to Sandy Alcantara in bid for series win vs. Dodgers Apr 24, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara (22) delivers a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the sixth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images A pair of early-season workhorses will square off when the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Miami Marlins on Wednesday afternoon in the finale of a three-game series. The Marlins will send National League innings leader Sandy Alcantara (3-2, 3.05 ERA) to the mound, and the Dodgers will counter with fellow right-hander Tyler Glasnow (3-0, 2.45), who has reached 100 pitches in three of his last four starts. In 41 1/3 innings over six starts, Alcantara has averaged an MLB-best 13.69 pitches per inning, as he appears close to finding his Cy Young Award form from 2022. After not pitching in 2024 following Tommy John surgery, he had a 5.36 ERA in 31 starts last season. Alcantara ended a three-start winless streak when he allowed three runs over six innings in a 9-4 victory at San Francisco on Friday. In eight career starts against the Dodgers, he is 2-5 with a 9.57 ERA, allowing 11 home runs over 36 2/3 innings. The pitching staff has kept the Marlins competitive in the series. Five pitchers held the Dodgers to two runs through eight innings of a defeat in the series opener on Monday, while five pitchers combined to give up one run in a 2-1 victory on Tuesday. The concern is at closer with right-hander Pete Fairbanks going on the 15-day injured list Tuesday after experiencing nerve irritation that led to hand numbness during his blown save Monday. Tyler Phillips pitched a scoreless ninth Tuesday for his second save. “We feel like we have a lot of confidence in a number of the pitchers that we have down there,” Miami manager Clayton McCullough said, while suggesting he might close games by committee. Glasnow was in line to start for the Dodgers on Tuesday but swapped spots with right-hander Shohei Ohtani in order to get an extra day of rest after heavy usage of late. In his best outing during an impressive run to start the season, Glasnow gave up one hit over eight scoreless innings in a 3-0 victory at San Francisco on Thursday. He has allowed two earned runs or less in four of his five starts. “I haven’t really had the slider, especially early in the season, and (Thursday) it felt really good,” said Glasnow, who gave up his lone hit in the fourth inning. “I think just showing that early, trying to throw it for strikes and then using it as a put-away option as well was helpful. It was like a mix of everything. I think that’s why I did pretty well.” In four career starts against the Marlins, Glasnow is 1-1 with a 4.03 ERA. He has not faced them since 2023, when he gave up one run over seven innings while earning the win. The Dodgers’ offense continues to be in a lull, with one run or less in three of their past eight games. Los Angeles scored its lone run in the eighth inning Tuesday on a single by Will Smith for one of his three hits. Ohtani is expected to return to the top of the order Wednesday after he did not hit Tuesday for the second time in his five starts on the mound. Freddie Freeman has not homered over his last 18 games. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Marlins #turn #Sandy #Alcantara #bid #series #win #Dodgers

Chelsea forward Mykhailo Mudryk has approached the Court of Arbitration ​for Sport (CAS) to appeal against a four-year ‌doping ban handed to him by ​England’s Football Association (FA), British ⁠media reported on Wednesday.

The Ukrainian was charged with anti-doping rule violations in June last year ‌after a sample taken in 2024 produced an adverse finding ‌for a prohibited substance, reported ‌to ⁠be meldonium. Mudryk had said that ⁠the adverse finding came as a “complete shock” as he had never knowingly used a banned ​substance.

Having joined ‌Chelsea in January 2023 for an initial fee of €70 million ($81.83 million), Mudryk was provisionally suspended in ‌December 2024 and the 25-year-old has ​not played since.

“CAS confirms it has received an appeal by ⁠Mykhailo Mudryk against the FA, filed on 25 February 2026,” it said in ‌a statement to the BBC and the Times.

“The parties are currently exchanging written submissions, and a hearing is yet to be scheduled.”

The FA said it could not comment because the ‌case is ongoing. Reuters has contacted CAS ​for comment.

Meldonium is the same substance Maria Sharapova tested positive for, ⁠with the Russian tennis player initially being ⁠banned by the International Tennis Federation for two years before an ‌appeal led to her suspension being reduced to 15 months.

Published on Apr 29, 2026

#Chelseas #Mudryk #appeals #CAS #fouryear #doping #ban #Reports">Chelsea’s Mudryk appeals to CAS over four-year doping ban – Reports Chelsea forward Mykhailo Mudryk has approached the Court of Arbitration ​for Sport (CAS) to appeal against a four-year ‌doping ban handed to him by ​England’s Football Association (FA), British ⁠media reported on Wednesday.The Ukrainian was charged with anti-doping rule violations in June last year ‌after a sample taken in 2024 produced an adverse finding ‌for a prohibited substance, reported ‌to ⁠be meldonium. Mudryk had said that ⁠the adverse finding came as a “complete shock” as he had never knowingly used a banned ​substance.Having joined ‌Chelsea in January 2023 for an initial fee of €70 million (.83 million), Mudryk was provisionally suspended in ‌December 2024 and the 25-year-old has ​not played since.“CAS confirms it has received an appeal by ⁠Mykhailo Mudryk against the FA, filed on 25 February 2026,” it said in ‌a statement to the BBC and the Times.“The parties are currently exchanging written submissions, and a hearing is yet to be scheduled.”The FA said it could not comment because the ‌case is ongoing. Reuters has contacted CAS ​for comment.Meldonium is the same substance Maria Sharapova tested positive for, ⁠with the Russian tennis player initially being ⁠banned by the International Tennis Federation for two years before an ‌appeal led to her suspension being reduced to 15 months.Published on Apr 29, 2026 #Chelseas #Mudryk #appeals #CAS #fouryear #doping #ban #Reports

Deadspin | Rockies strive to do the difficult: Stop Reds’ Elly De La Cruz Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) follows through on a two-run home run in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. The Reds won the opening game of the series, 7-2. Cincinnati’s Elly De La Cruz will look to continue his historic start to the season when the Reds host the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday night in the second game of a three-game series. The star shortstop had a pair of clutch defensive plays to go with his 3-for-4 night at the plate on Monday. De La Cruz homered and drove in four runs in Cincinnati’s 7-2 victory. The homer was the 10th for De La Cruz, who became the first major leaguer since 1900 with at least 10 home runs and at least eight stolen bases before May. De La Cruz has stolen his eight bases in 10 attempts. His 10 homers are tied for most by any major league switch-hitter before May since 1900, as he joined Seattle’s Cal Raleigh (2025), Oakland’s Nick Swisher (2006), and Houston’s Lance Berkman in 2002 and 2006. Defensively, De La Cruz made a spectacular throw across his body from deep in the hole to throw out Kyle Karros by a half-step in the second inning Tuesday and started a key double play on a bad-hop grounder hit by Hunter Goodman to end the seventh inning. “The win. That’s the best part. That’s the best part,” De La Cruz said after the game. “You play to win. We come with the same mentality every day. We’re just trying to win.” The Reds have won eight of their past 10 games to remain in first place in the National League Central. Cincinnati will send left-hander Brandon Williamson (2-2, 5.40 ERA) to the mound on Wednesday. He has struggled with command recently, issuing 14 walks in 20 1/3 innings in April. Williamson often has labored to put batters away and failed to pitch deep into games. He has not exceeded 5 1/3 innings in four of his five starts. Williamson will try to improve on his most recent outing, when he allowed five runs on seven hits last Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays in a 6-1 loss. Williamson’s spot in the rotation could be in jeopardy as another left-hander, Nick Lodolo, prepares to make his 2026 season debut. Lodolo has been sidelined since beginning the season with a blister on his left index finger. He has started twice against the Rockies in his career and has a 3.38 ERA and 11 strikeouts with no decisions. Colorado will counter with right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano (2-1, 3.42 ERA), making his sixth start of the season, third on the road and first career start against Cincinnati. Sugano has allowed two or fewer runs in four of his five starts. In his most recent outing against the San Diego Padres last Wednesday, Sugano earned the win after allowing just one run over 5 2/3 innings in an 8-3 victory, marking the first time this season he did not surrender a home run. With Kyle Freeland coming off the injured list and starting on Tuesday, Sugano is pitching on a full week of rest. The Rockies squandered several scoring opportunities on Tuesday, stranding 10 runners and going just 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position as their three-game winning streak ended. “Bunch of runners on base. Situational baseball not good,” Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer lamented. “Runner on third base, less than two outs, 0-for-3. Plenty of chances, boys kept going, but just didn’t get the job done when it was needed.” Mickey Moniak leads the Rockies with eight home runs and is slugging .655, while Edouard Julien was 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs in Tuesday’s loss. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rockies #strive #difficult #Stop #Reds #Elly #CruzCincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) follows through on a two-run home run in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. The Reds won the opening game of the series, 7-2.

Cincinnati’s Elly De La Cruz will look to continue his historic start to the season when the Reds host the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday night in the second game of a three-game series.

The star shortstop had a pair of clutch defensive plays to go with his 3-for-4 night at the plate on Monday. De La Cruz homered and drove in four runs in Cincinnati’s 7-2 victory.

The homer was the 10th for De La Cruz, who became the first major leaguer since 1900 with at least 10 home runs and at least eight stolen bases before May.

De La Cruz has stolen his eight bases in 10 attempts. His 10 homers are tied for most by any major league switch-hitter before May since 1900, as he joined Seattle’s Cal Raleigh (2025), Oakland’s Nick Swisher (2006), and Houston’s Lance Berkman in 2002 and 2006.

Defensively, De La Cruz made a spectacular throw across his body from deep in the hole to throw out Kyle Karros by a half-step in the second inning Tuesday and started a key double play on a bad-hop grounder hit by Hunter Goodman to end the seventh inning.

“The win. That’s the best part. That’s the best part,” De La Cruz said after the game. “You play to win. We come with the same mentality every day. We’re just trying to win.”

The Reds have won eight of their past 10 games to remain in first place in the National League Central.

Cincinnati will send left-hander Brandon Williamson (2-2, 5.40 ERA) to the mound on Wednesday. He has struggled with command recently, issuing 14 walks in 20 1/3 innings in April.


Williamson often has labored to put batters away and failed to pitch deep into games. He has not exceeded 5 1/3 innings in four of his five starts. Williamson will try to improve on his most recent outing, when he allowed five runs on seven hits last Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays in a 6-1 loss.

Williamson’s spot in the rotation could be in jeopardy as another left-hander, Nick Lodolo, prepares to make his 2026 season debut. Lodolo has been sidelined since beginning the season with a blister on his left index finger.

He has started twice against the Rockies in his career and has a 3.38 ERA and 11 strikeouts with no decisions.

Colorado will counter with right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano (2-1, 3.42 ERA), making his sixth start of the season, third on the road and first career start against Cincinnati. Sugano has allowed two or fewer runs in four of his five starts.

In his most recent outing against the San Diego Padres last Wednesday, Sugano earned the win after allowing just one run over 5 2/3 innings in an 8-3 victory, marking the first time this season he did not surrender a home run. With Kyle Freeland coming off the injured list and starting on Tuesday, Sugano is pitching on a full week of rest.

The Rockies squandered several scoring opportunities on Tuesday, stranding 10 runners and going just 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position as their three-game winning streak ended.

“Bunch of runners on base. Situational baseball not good,” Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer lamented. “Runner on third base, less than two outs, 0-for-3. Plenty of chances, boys kept going, but just didn’t get the job done when it was needed.”

Mickey Moniak leads the Rockies with eight home runs and is slugging .655, while Edouard Julien was 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs in Tuesday’s loss.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rockies #strive #difficult #Stop #Reds #Elly #Cruz">Deadspin | Rockies strive to do the difficult: Stop Reds’ Elly De La Cruz Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) follows through on a two-run home run in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. The Reds won the opening game of the series, 7-2. Cincinnati’s Elly De La Cruz will look to continue his historic start to the season when the Reds host the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday night in the second game of a three-game series. The star shortstop had a pair of clutch defensive plays to go with his 3-for-4 night at the plate on Monday. De La Cruz homered and drove in four runs in Cincinnati’s 7-2 victory. The homer was the 10th for De La Cruz, who became the first major leaguer since 1900 with at least 10 home runs and at least eight stolen bases before May. De La Cruz has stolen his eight bases in 10 attempts. His 10 homers are tied for most by any major league switch-hitter before May since 1900, as he joined Seattle’s Cal Raleigh (2025), Oakland’s Nick Swisher (2006), and Houston’s Lance Berkman in 2002 and 2006. Defensively, De La Cruz made a spectacular throw across his body from deep in the hole to throw out Kyle Karros by a half-step in the second inning Tuesday and started a key double play on a bad-hop grounder hit by Hunter Goodman to end the seventh inning. “The win. That’s the best part. That’s the best part,” De La Cruz said after the game. “You play to win. We come with the same mentality every day. We’re just trying to win.” The Reds have won eight of their past 10 games to remain in first place in the National League Central. Cincinnati will send left-hander Brandon Williamson (2-2, 5.40 ERA) to the mound on Wednesday. He has struggled with command recently, issuing 14 walks in 20 1/3 innings in April. Williamson often has labored to put batters away and failed to pitch deep into games. He has not exceeded 5 1/3 innings in four of his five starts. Williamson will try to improve on his most recent outing, when he allowed five runs on seven hits last Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays in a 6-1 loss. Williamson’s spot in the rotation could be in jeopardy as another left-hander, Nick Lodolo, prepares to make his 2026 season debut. Lodolo has been sidelined since beginning the season with a blister on his left index finger. He has started twice against the Rockies in his career and has a 3.38 ERA and 11 strikeouts with no decisions. Colorado will counter with right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano (2-1, 3.42 ERA), making his sixth start of the season, third on the road and first career start against Cincinnati. Sugano has allowed two or fewer runs in four of his five starts. In his most recent outing against the San Diego Padres last Wednesday, Sugano earned the win after allowing just one run over 5 2/3 innings in an 8-3 victory, marking the first time this season he did not surrender a home run. With Kyle Freeland coming off the injured list and starting on Tuesday, Sugano is pitching on a full week of rest. The Rockies squandered several scoring opportunities on Tuesday, stranding 10 runners and going just 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position as their three-game winning streak ended. “Bunch of runners on base. Situational baseball not good,” Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer lamented. “Runner on third base, less than two outs, 0-for-3. Plenty of chances, boys kept going, but just didn’t get the job done when it was needed.” Mickey Moniak leads the Rockies with eight home runs and is slugging .655, while Edouard Julien was 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs in Tuesday’s loss. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rockies #strive #difficult #Stop #Reds #Elly #Cruz

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