Alex Albon: New F1 regulations lacks the pureness of the sport The 2026 Formula One regulations have come under criticism by drivers for taking the fun out of the racing. The bone of contention has centred on the new hybrid Power Unit, which is 50% electric, irritating drivers, as the cars are energy-starved and can’t be driven at full speed at all times.In light of this, the FIA and F1 have decided to make tweaks ahead of the next race in Miami in May, and Williams F1 driver Alexander Albon has welcomed the change.“Positive, definitely towards the right direction. Is it going to fix everything? Likely not, but how much can we actually fix? I think we’ve gone the right way to address a lot of the purity of the sport,” said Albon during an interaction organised by FanCode on Wednesday.At the same time, the British-born Thai racer echoed the prevalent view in the paddock that these cars are fundamentally different to what F1 used to be and lack the purity of racing.READ | FIA hails ‘invaluable input’ from drivers ahead of F1 rules meeting“Yeah, so basically the biggest thing I think is when you think about karting, when you think about everything we’ve done until this year, to go faster, you just drive as fast as you can. It’s as simple as that. This year, the game has changed, where there are many situations where, by driving slower, you can go faster, and so it lacks the pureness of the sport in many ways,” he added.The 30-year-old also felt that adapting is part and parcel of the sport and hoped things would get better over time.“It depends. What do people think is the essence of motorsport or racing? Is it to be purely the fastest car around the lap, or the fastest driver around the lap? We cannot forget that motorsport and racing are also about adapting. Every year we have a new regulation, and every year the best teams adapt better than everyone else. So, in terms of the purity of the sport in driving, I would say yes, I agree that’s been taken away. But in terms of the sport and the focus of performance, it’s still about adapting. Maybe the dials of the regulations are not quite there yet, but it’s getting there,” Albon responded to a question of whether the new tech was veering the sport away from its soul.“We still need a bit more work. I still think after Miami, there’s still going to be a couple of extra final tune-ups before the drivers and the teams are happy.”Regarding the driving challenge, Albon believed drivers had to rewire their minds, even though the cars aren’t physically taxing.“It is not physically more difficult; if anything, it’s physically easier, just because the tracks are slower. But then the mental side is very different.“I think part of that is because it’s not as natural to do. Like I told you before, about how driving slower goes faster. I think a Formula 1 driver is not built to think that way. I think maybe in Formula E, yes, but in Formula 1, no. And so kind of rewiring your brain and getting into a habit of changing these kinds of things is very different. I was quite surprised by it, and I think every race feels easier and easier, as it should. But for sure, it’s mentally a lot more of a challenge.”In a year where Mercedes has established itself as the best team so far, Williams, running a Mercedes Power Unit, has had a harder time languishing at ninth in the standings after the first three races. The team missed the Barcelona tests and, so far, has only two points, courtesy of Carlos Sainz’s ninth-place finish at the Chinese GP.On the team’s target, Albon hoped the team could get close to the midfield by the year-end, which would be a realistic ambition.“I mean, it’s no secret. Look at the results. We are on the back foot.“We’re not where we want to be. We have an aggressive upgrade plan. I would say Miami isn’t the biggest upgrade compared to what we’re planning for the rest of the season. I still feel like the midfield fight is going to be tough. It’s all relative today. We know we have performance.”“Clearly, now everyone knows our car is heavy. We know the more we can take the weight out, the better position we’ll be in. I believe by the middle of the season to the end of the season, we’re going to catch up to the midfield. That’s a target for us. The main thing for us is that every race and every upgrade package needs to work. We need to make sure that we’re efficient. Obviously, we have a big gap to close down,” remarked Albon.The former Red Bull driver himself has had a tough time adapting to the new regulations, having yet to score a point, and has revealed that a lot of it also has to do with software.“I think I’ve been a little bit on the back foot with these regulation changes. I recognise my driving style isn’t as efficient as I would like. The focus is on adapting and changing. As I said, it’s a different way to drive these cars nowadays. It’s kind of one of these things, as you learn throughout the year,” Albon candidly admitted to his struggles.“Mercedes and HPP (High Performance Powertrains) need to learn how you drive, and you also need to learn how to drive their software. A lot of it is software-based. Much of it comes down to algorithms and sensitivities. So that’s been a bit of a challenge. I think, as a driver, the main thing you can do is help develop bespoke software for your car,” he added.READ | F1 technical heads to meet, discuss new engine rulesDuring qualifying for the Japanese GP, Albon expressed frustration at being slower than his teammate Sainz, attributing the gap to his driving style.“Most of that is just down to trying to understand the system, honestly. I think we realised at the start of the season that I’m doing okay in the corners and I’m struggling a bit on the straights. As a group, that’s Williams, me, and Mercedes, trying to understand where these differences come from between drivers.”“It’s amazing when you actually look at the details; it all adds up. If a driver has a different driving style, it can affect how the system works. We actually spent a lot of these five weeks trying to understand it. Spending a lot of time with Mercedes as well, trying to understand where these differences come from,” said Albon.Fans Can Watch Formula 1 on FanCodePublished on Apr 22, 2026 #Alex #Albon #regulations #lacks #pureness #sport

Alex Albon: New F1 regulations lacks the pureness of the sport
The 2026 Formula One regulations have come under criticism by drivers for taking the fun out of the racing. The bone of contention has centred on the new hybrid Power Unit, which is 50% electric, irritating drivers, as the cars are energy-starved and can’t be driven at full speed at all times.
In light of this, the FIA and F1 have decided to make tweaks ahead of the next race in Miami in May, and Williams F1 driver Alexander Albon has welcomed the change.
“Positive, definitely towards the right direction. Is it going to fix everything? Likely not, but how much can we actually fix? I think we’ve gone the right way to address a lot of the purity of the sport,” said Albon during an interaction organised by FanCode on Wednesday.
At the same time, the British-born Thai racer echoed the prevalent view in the paddock that these cars are fundamentally different to what F1 used to be and lack the purity of racing.
READ | FIA hails ‘invaluable input’ from drivers ahead of F1 rules meeting
“Yeah, so basically the biggest thing I think is when you think about karting, when you think about everything we’ve done until this year, to go faster, you just drive as fast as you can. It’s as simple as that. This year, the game has changed, where there are many situations where, by driving slower, you can go faster, and so it lacks the pureness of the sport in many ways,” he added.
The 30-year-old also felt that adapting is part and parcel of the sport and hoped things would get better over time.
“It depends. What do people think is the essence of motorsport or racing? Is it to be purely the fastest car around the lap, or the fastest driver around the lap? We cannot forget that motorsport and racing are also about adapting. Every year we have a new regulation, and every year the best teams adapt better than everyone else. So, in terms of the purity of the sport in driving, I would say yes, I agree that’s been taken away. But in terms of the sport and the focus of performance, it’s still about adapting. Maybe the dials of the regulations are not quite there yet, but it’s getting there,” Albon responded to a question of whether the new tech was veering the sport away from its soul.
“We still need a bit more work. I still think after Miami, there’s still going to be a couple of extra final tune-ups before the drivers and the teams are happy.”
Regarding the driving challenge, Albon believed drivers had to rewire their minds, even though the cars aren’t physically taxing.
“It is not physically more difficult; if anything, it’s physically easier, just because the tracks are slower. But then the mental side is very different.
“I think part of that is because it’s not as natural to do. Like I told you before, about how driving slower goes faster. I think a Formula 1 driver is not built to think that way. I think maybe in Formula E, yes, but in Formula 1, no. And so kind of rewiring your brain and getting into a habit of changing these kinds of things is very different. I was quite surprised by it, and I think every race feels easier and easier, as it should. But for sure, it’s mentally a lot more of a challenge.”
In a year where Mercedes has established itself as the best team so far, Williams, running a Mercedes Power Unit, has had a harder time languishing at ninth in the standings after the first three races. The team missed the Barcelona tests and, so far, has only two points, courtesy of Carlos Sainz’s ninth-place finish at the Chinese GP.
On the team’s target, Albon hoped the team could get close to the midfield by the year-end, which would be a realistic ambition.
“I mean, it’s no secret. Look at the results. We are on the back foot.
“We’re not where we want to be. We have an aggressive upgrade plan. I would say Miami isn’t the biggest upgrade compared to what we’re planning for the rest of the season. I still feel like the midfield fight is going to be tough. It’s all relative today. We know we have performance.”
“Clearly, now everyone knows our car is heavy. We know the more we can take the weight out, the better position we’ll be in. I believe by the middle of the season to the end of the season, we’re going to catch up to the midfield. That’s a target for us. The main thing for us is that every race and every upgrade package needs to work. We need to make sure that we’re efficient. Obviously, we have a big gap to close down,” remarked Albon.
The former Red Bull driver himself has had a tough time adapting to the new regulations, having yet to score a point, and has revealed that a lot of it also has to do with software.
“I think I’ve been a little bit on the back foot with these regulation changes. I recognise my driving style isn’t as efficient as I would like. The focus is on adapting and changing. As I said, it’s a different way to drive these cars nowadays. It’s kind of one of these things, as you learn throughout the year,” Albon candidly admitted to his struggles.
“Mercedes and HPP (High Performance Powertrains) need to learn how you drive, and you also need to learn how to drive their software. A lot of it is software-based. Much of it comes down to algorithms and sensitivities. So that’s been a bit of a challenge. I think, as a driver, the main thing you can do is help develop bespoke software for your car,” he added.
READ | F1 technical heads to meet, discuss new engine rules
During qualifying for the Japanese GP, Albon expressed frustration at being slower than his teammate Sainz, attributing the gap to his driving style.
“Most of that is just down to trying to understand the system, honestly. I think we realised at the start of the season that I’m doing okay in the corners and I’m struggling a bit on the straights. As a group, that’s Williams, me, and Mercedes, trying to understand where these differences come from between drivers.”
“It’s amazing when you actually look at the details; it all adds up. If a driver has a different driving style, it can affect how the system works. We actually spent a lot of these five weeks trying to understand it. Spending a lot of time with Mercedes as well, trying to understand where these differences come from,” said Albon.
Fans Can Watch Formula 1 on FanCode
Published on Apr 22, 2026
#Alex #Albon #regulations #lacks #pureness #sport

Sports news alex albon, alex albon interview, alex albon news, alex albon williams, f1 new rules, f1 news, formula 1 2026, new f1 regulations April 22, 2026

The 2026 Formula One regulations have come under criticism by drivers for taking the fun out of the racing. The bone of contention has centred on the new hybrid Power Unit, which is 50% electric, irritating drivers, as the cars are energy-starved and can’t be driven at full speed at all times.

In light of this, the FIA and F1 have decided to make tweaks ahead of the next race in Miami in May, and Williams F1 driver Alexander Albon has welcomed the change.

“Positive, definitely towards the right direction. Is it going to fix everything? Likely not, but how much can we actually fix? I think we’ve gone the right way to address a lot of the purity of the sport,” said Albon during an interaction organised by FanCode on Wednesday.

At the same time, the British-born Thai racer echoed the prevalent view in the paddock that these cars are fundamentally different to what F1 used to be and lack the purity of racing.

READ | FIA hails ‘invaluable input’ from drivers ahead of F1 rules meeting

“Yeah, so basically the biggest thing I think is when you think about karting, when you think about everything we’ve done until this year, to go faster, you just drive as fast as you can. It’s as simple as that. This year, the game has changed, where there are many situations where, by driving slower, you can go faster, and so it lacks the pureness of the sport in many ways,” he added.

The 30-year-old also felt that adapting is part and parcel of the sport and hoped things would get better over time.

“It depends. What do people think is the essence of motorsport or racing? Is it to be purely the fastest car around the lap, or the fastest driver around the lap? We cannot forget that motorsport and racing are also about adapting. Every year we have a new regulation, and every year the best teams adapt better than everyone else. So, in terms of the purity of the sport in driving, I would say yes, I agree that’s been taken away. But in terms of the sport and the focus of performance, it’s still about adapting. Maybe the dials of the regulations are not quite there yet, but it’s getting there,” Albon responded to a question of whether the new tech was veering the sport away from its soul.

“We still need a bit more work. I still think after Miami, there’s still going to be a couple of extra final tune-ups before the drivers and the teams are happy.”

Regarding the driving challenge, Albon believed drivers had to rewire their minds, even though the cars aren’t physically taxing.

“It is not physically more difficult; if anything, it’s physically easier, just because the tracks are slower. But then the mental side is very different.

“I think part of that is because it’s not as natural to do. Like I told you before, about how driving slower goes faster. I think a Formula 1 driver is not built to think that way. I think maybe in Formula E, yes, but in Formula 1, no. And so kind of rewiring your brain and getting into a habit of changing these kinds of things is very different. I was quite surprised by it, and I think every race feels easier and easier, as it should. But for sure, it’s mentally a lot more of a challenge.”

In a year where Mercedes has established itself as the best team so far, Williams, running a Mercedes Power Unit, has had a harder time languishing at ninth in the standings after the first three races. The team missed the Barcelona tests and, so far, has only two points, courtesy of Carlos Sainz’s ninth-place finish at the Chinese GP.

On the team’s target, Albon hoped the team could get close to the midfield by the year-end, which would be a realistic ambition.

“I mean, it’s no secret. Look at the results. We are on the back foot.

“We’re not where we want to be. We have an aggressive upgrade plan. I would say Miami isn’t the biggest upgrade compared to what we’re planning for the rest of the season. I still feel like the midfield fight is going to be tough. It’s all relative today. We know we have performance.”

“Clearly, now everyone knows our car is heavy. We know the more we can take the weight out, the better position we’ll be in. I believe by the middle of the season to the end of the season, we’re going to catch up to the midfield. That’s a target for us. The main thing for us is that every race and every upgrade package needs to work. We need to make sure that we’re efficient. Obviously, we have a big gap to close down,” remarked Albon.

The former Red Bull driver himself has had a tough time adapting to the new regulations, having yet to score a point, and has revealed that a lot of it also has to do with software.

“I think I’ve been a little bit on the back foot with these regulation changes. I recognise my driving style isn’t as efficient as I would like. The focus is on adapting and changing. As I said, it’s a different way to drive these cars nowadays. It’s kind of one of these things, as you learn throughout the year,” Albon candidly admitted to his struggles.

“Mercedes and HPP (High Performance Powertrains) need to learn how you drive, and you also need to learn how to drive their software. A lot of it is software-based. Much of it comes down to algorithms and sensitivities. So that’s been a bit of a challenge. I think, as a driver, the main thing you can do is help develop bespoke software for your car,” he added.

READ | F1 technical heads to meet, discuss new engine rules

During qualifying for the Japanese GP, Albon expressed frustration at being slower than his teammate Sainz, attributing the gap to his driving style.

“Most of that is just down to trying to understand the system, honestly. I think we realised at the start of the season that I’m doing okay in the corners and I’m struggling a bit on the straights. As a group, that’s Williams, me, and Mercedes, trying to understand where these differences come from between drivers.”

“It’s amazing when you actually look at the details; it all adds up. If a driver has a different driving style, it can affect how the system works. We actually spent a lot of these five weeks trying to understand it. Spending a lot of time with Mercedes as well, trying to understand where these differences come from,” said Albon.

Fans Can Watch Formula 1 on FanCode

Published on Apr 22, 2026

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At 41, LeBron James Is Still Dominating the NBA Playoffs | Deadspin.com <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-0 py-0 pb-4 undefined"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1776861082516" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1776861082516" alt="Feb 1, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the second quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Feb 1, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the second quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images  </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>LeBron James proved during Game 2 that he could still unlock the height of his powers when required.</p><p><a href="https://deadspin.com/lebron-james-needs-one-more-miracle-to-carry-lakers-without-doncic-reaves/" target="_blank">Without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves</a>, the Lakers are the talk of the NBA Playoffs. Los Angeles has taken a commanding 2-0 lead over the Houston Rockets after a narrow win on Tuesday night.</p><p>James has been stellar in this series. But in Game 2, his 28 points in 39 minutes helped power the Lakers over the Rockets, who had returned Kevin Durant from injury.</p><p>Durant hasn’t beaten James in an NBA Playoff game without Stephen Curry since 2011. When James takes a 2-0 lead in an NBA Playoff series, his teams are 32-0. This spells real trouble for the Rockets, who will return home for Game 3 on Friday evening.</p><p>James was spectacular in Game 2. Even though his son, Bronny, stole some of the attention in Game 1 for throwing his dad a few entry passes in the NBA Playoffs, the 41-year-old has been phenomenal without Doncic and Reaves, the top two scorers on the Lakers.</p><p>The Rockets came into this series <a href="https://deadspin.com/three-nba-playoff-teams-likely-to-be-eliminated-early/" target="_blank">as heavy favorites</a>, priced at -600 to -750 on most major sportsbooks. Now, the popular prediction market, Kalshi, gives the Rockets just 46% probability of winning this series.</p> </section><p><span class="inline-block mr-3 uppercase shrink-0 font-bold">Our Current Best Offers</span></p><p>Channel debug: <span class="font-semibold text-gray-700">basketball</span></p> <section id="section-3"> <p>Of course, when this thing flips back to Texas, and Durant gets his legs back under him, the Rockets could still turn this thing around. Without Doncic and Reaves, the Lakers have been leaning almost completely on James to lead them to victory. For two games, it worked. There’s no guarantee that it can hold up.</p><p>Regardless of that, what James has done in these first two games is remarkable. He has 80 25/5/5 statlines in the NBA Playoffs since he turned 30. He had 75 of those games before he turned 30. Michael Jordan had 73 of those games in his entire career.</p><p>James has completely lapped his peers. Carmelo Anthony was celebrated earlier this year for an induction into the basketball hall of fame. Chris Paul was somewhat abruptly forced into retirement.</p><p>Other aging NBA stars, including Curry and Kawhi Leonard, are already enjoying the NBA Playoffs from home. It’s supposed to be a young man’s league dominated by teams like the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.</p><p>But old man James might have something to say about that. In just two nights, the Lakers have flipped from +10000 to win the Western Conference to +2500.</p><p>If James can keep this up for two more victories and eliminate Durant’s Rockets, it’ll be one of the coolest stories that the NBA Playoffs have ever seen. Sure, it’s just the first round. But James handling business without Doncic and Reaves, at his advanced age, is insane.</p><p>On Tuesday night, James threw down a reverse windmill dunk. He was moving around like a player in their early 30s – not early 40s. Prior to this series, there was a report that indicated that <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/lebron-james-reportedly-no-interest-192334559.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAANrdCvw8OURgRHdY3zM7yx204IFvWbXRG8YTHY3qllqw0NyyMKufBXNSPIWZ3bQaf1ug4PQj4-xUQSzmVPEH9tNGmBBOOUuEDebO7tBWuebFf7cO7kPXQgTwnVYTUNUBvDmLw47yXwl1r8gy0xQdKeLSj9wvYfLaa7oNvj1Bk-xf" target="_blank">James doesn’t want a farewell tour</a> and the pressure that comes with it. But this display in the postseason will only make fans want one more season, as it’ll feel like James would be stepping away from the game with plenty of gas in the tank if he decides to retire.</p><p>He’s an NBA legend that has nothing to prove. He has all of the records. He has all of the accolades. But enjoy what he’s doing right now. No 41-year-old has ever done this, and it likely will never happen again.</p> </section></div> #LeBron #James #Dominating #NBA #Playoffs #Deadspin.com

Deadspin | Brewers open division play vs. Paul Skenes, Pirates Apr 18, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) delivers a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images The Milwaukee Brewers will turn to veteran Brandon Woodruff as they finally face a National League Central opponent when they host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series. Woodruff (2-0, 3.42 ERA) will oppose fellow right-hander Paul Skenes (3-1, 3.27), the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner. Milwaukee lost 5-4 at Detroit on Thursday on Spencer Torkelson’s walk-off solo homer in the ninth inning off Abner Uribe. The Brewers dropped back-to-back games to finish their road trip at 3-3. The Pirates lost at Texas 6-1 on Thursday, with their only run on Oneil Cruz’s team-leading eighth homer of the season. Pittsburgh starter Bubba Chandler allowed a season-high six runs in four innings. The Brewers, the three-time defending NL Central champions, will play a division rival for the first time after 24 games, including 18 against American League opponents. Each team in the NL Central is above .500. Woodruff, still returning to form after a late-September injury that kept him out of the playoffs, went a season-high seven innings in his last start. He allowed one run on three hits in a 5-2 victory Saturday at Miami, striking out four and walking one in an efficient 92-pitch outing. “Woody was tremendous,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said afterward. “It just goes to show you, old-school command and keeping them off-balance. Woodruff is 8-3 with a 3.05 ERA in 19 career games (17 starts) against the Pirates. He was 1-0 in two starts last season vs. them and did not give up a run in 10 innings. Milwaukee, without injured regulars Jackson Chourio, Andrew Vaughn and Christian Yelich, are tied for 25th in the majors with just 19 homers. The Brewers, however, lead in stolen bases with 35. Jake Bauers and Gary Sanchez, with five homers each, and Brice Turang with four, have accounted for 14 of Milwaukee’s 19 long balls. Milwaukee has won eight straight games against the Pirates, who have not lost consecutive games this season since falling in their first two games. Skenes has a 1.27 ERA over his last four starts, allowing just three runs in 21 1/3 innings. In his most recent outing, he allowed three hits over four scoreless innings against Tampa Bay but did not return after a lengthy rain delay. Pittsburgh lost 8-7 in 13 innings. “Short outing, but you know, felt like the execution was pretty good,” Skenes said afterward. Skenes is 1-2 with a 3.86 ERA in four career starts vs. the Brewers. He was 0-2 with a 5.79 ERA in three starts against them last season, allowing nine runs in 14 innings. Two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal started for Detroit against Milwaukee on Thursday. With the Brewers scheduled to face Skenes on Friday, they will go against Cy Young Award winners in consecutive games, a rarity. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Brewers #open #division #play #Paul #Skenes #Pirates

#Deadspin #Brewers #open #division #play #Paul #Skenes #Pirates">

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Apr 18, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) delivers a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Milwaukee Brewers will turn to veteran Brandon Woodruff as they finally face a National League Central opponent when they host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series.

Woodruff (2-0, 3.42 ERA) will oppose fellow right-hander Paul Skenes (3-1, 3.27), the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner.

Milwaukee lost 5-4 at Detroit on Thursday on Spencer Torkelson’s walk-off solo homer in the ninth inning off Abner Uribe. The Brewers dropped back-to-back games to finish their road trip at 3-3.

The Pirates lost at Texas 6-1 on Thursday, with their only run on Oneil Cruz’s team-leading eighth homer of the season. Pittsburgh starter Bubba Chandler allowed a season-high six runs in four innings.

The Brewers, the three-time defending NL Central champions, will play a division rival for the first time after 24 games, including 18 against American League opponents. Each team in the NL Central is above .500.

Woodruff, still returning to form after a late-September injury that kept him out of the playoffs, went a season-high seven innings in his last start. He allowed one run on three hits in a 5-2 victory Saturday at Miami, striking out four and walking one in an efficient 92-pitch outing.

“Woody was tremendous,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said afterward. “It just goes to show you, old-school command and keeping them off-balance.

Woodruff is 8-3 with a 3.05 ERA in 19 career games (17 starts) against the Pirates. He was 1-0 in two starts last season vs. them and did not give up a run in 10 innings.

Milwaukee, without injured regulars Jackson Chourio, Andrew Vaughn and Christian Yelich, are tied for 25th in the majors with just 19 homers. The Brewers, however, lead in stolen bases with 35.

Jake Bauers and Gary Sanchez, with five homers each, and Brice Turang with four, have accounted for 14 of Milwaukee’s 19 long balls.

Milwaukee has won eight straight games against the Pirates, who have not lost consecutive games this season since falling in their first two games.

Skenes has a 1.27 ERA over his last four starts, allowing just three runs in 21 1/3 innings. In his most recent outing, he allowed three hits over four scoreless innings against Tampa Bay but did not return after a lengthy rain delay. Pittsburgh lost 8-7 in 13 innings.

“Short outing, but you know, felt like the execution was pretty good,” Skenes said afterward.

Skenes is 1-2 with a 3.86 ERA in four career starts vs. the Brewers. He was 0-2 with a 5.79 ERA in three starts against them last season, allowing nine runs in 14 innings.

Two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal started for Detroit against Milwaukee on Thursday. With the Brewers scheduled to face Skenes on Friday, they will go against Cy Young Award winners in consecutive games, a rarity.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Brewers #open #division #play #Paul #Skenes #Pirates">Deadspin | Brewers open division play vs. Paul Skenes, Pirates

Apr 18, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) delivers a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Milwaukee Brewers will turn to veteran Brandon Woodruff as they finally face a National League Central opponent when they host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series.

Woodruff (2-0, 3.42 ERA) will oppose fellow right-hander Paul Skenes (3-1, 3.27), the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner.

Milwaukee lost 5-4 at Detroit on Thursday on Spencer Torkelson’s walk-off solo homer in the ninth inning off Abner Uribe. The Brewers dropped back-to-back games to finish their road trip at 3-3.

The Pirates lost at Texas 6-1 on Thursday, with their only run on Oneil Cruz’s team-leading eighth homer of the season. Pittsburgh starter Bubba Chandler allowed a season-high six runs in four innings.

The Brewers, the three-time defending NL Central champions, will play a division rival for the first time after 24 games, including 18 against American League opponents. Each team in the NL Central is above .500.

Woodruff, still returning to form after a late-September injury that kept him out of the playoffs, went a season-high seven innings in his last start. He allowed one run on three hits in a 5-2 victory Saturday at Miami, striking out four and walking one in an efficient 92-pitch outing.

“Woody was tremendous,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said afterward. “It just goes to show you, old-school command and keeping them off-balance.

Woodruff is 8-3 with a 3.05 ERA in 19 career games (17 starts) against the Pirates. He was 1-0 in two starts last season vs. them and did not give up a run in 10 innings.

Milwaukee, without injured regulars Jackson Chourio, Andrew Vaughn and Christian Yelich, are tied for 25th in the majors with just 19 homers. The Brewers, however, lead in stolen bases with 35.

Jake Bauers and Gary Sanchez, with five homers each, and Brice Turang with four, have accounted for 14 of Milwaukee’s 19 long balls.

Milwaukee has won eight straight games against the Pirates, who have not lost consecutive games this season since falling in their first two games.

Skenes has a 1.27 ERA over his last four starts, allowing just three runs in 21 1/3 innings. In his most recent outing, he allowed three hits over four scoreless innings against Tampa Bay but did not return after a lengthy rain delay. Pittsburgh lost 8-7 in 13 innings.

“Short outing, but you know, felt like the execution was pretty good,” Skenes said afterward.

Skenes is 1-2 with a 3.86 ERA in four career starts vs. the Brewers. He was 0-2 with a 5.79 ERA in three starts against them last season, allowing nine runs in 14 innings.

Two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal started for Detroit against Milwaukee on Thursday. With the Brewers scheduled to face Skenes on Friday, they will go against Cy Young Award winners in consecutive games, a rarity.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Brewers #open #division #play #Paul #Skenes #Pirates

The Pittsburgh Steelers were on the receiving end of the most embarrassing, soul-crushing moment of the NFL Draft’s first round on Thursday night — and it came courtesy of their in-state rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, just to rub salt in the wound.

GM Omar Khan was on the phone with USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, telling the prospect that he was going to be picked at No. 21 and become a Steeler. Then all the oxygen got sucked from Pittsburgh’s war room when Lemon told Khan, “Why is Philly calling?”

The Steelers jumped the gun in making the call. They reached out to Lemon when the Cowboys were on the clock, assuming there was no way that Dallas was going to take a wide receiver — and also likely assuming that they wouldn’t trade in-division with the Eagles, who were the most-likely team to take a receiver at that point.

It led to a bit of a mess. Pittsburgh ended up making a decent choice in offensive tackle Max Iheanachor, but he was definitely more of a reach based on consensus big boards, whereas Lemon would have been a steal. It’s also unclear how Iheanachor makes the Steelers immediately better, seeming more like Broderick Jones insurance than a home run in his own right. Find every pick of the 2026 NFL Draft with our tracker.

Meanwhile, the Eagles got absolutely bailed out of their WR mess by their in-division rival. Philadelphia were staring down the barrel of either needing to reach for a pass catcher, or take a different position, potentially be forced to trade AJ Brown, and get left with an incomplete offense. Now with DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon they’re set — and both players came to the Eagles via trades with the Cowboys.

Time will tell how all this shakes out. Maybe Iheanachor will turn into a stud, Lemon will be a bust and everything will play out … or this could be a moment that haunts the Steelers forever.

#exact #moment #Steelers #Eagles #ruined #draft #plans">

This was the exact moment the Steelers found out the Eagles ruined their draft plans The Pittsburgh Steelers were on the receiving end of the most embarrassing, soul-crushing moment of the NFL Draft’s first round on Thursday night — and it came courtesy of their in-state rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, just to rub salt in the wound.GM Omar Khan was on the phone with USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, telling the prospect that he was going to be picked at No. 21 and become a Steeler. Then all the oxygen got sucked from Pittsburgh’s war room when Lemon told Khan, “Why is Philly calling?”The Steelers jumped the gun in making the call. They reached out to Lemon when the Cowboys were on the clock, assuming there was no way that Dallas was going to take a wide receiver — and also likely assuming that they wouldn’t trade in-division with the Eagles, who were the most-likely team to take a receiver at that point.It led to a bit of a mess. Pittsburgh ended up making a decent choice in offensive tackle Max Iheanachor, but he was definitely more of a reach based on consensus big boards, whereas Lemon would have been a steal. It’s also unclear how Iheanachor makes the Steelers immediately better, seeming more like Broderick Jones insurance than a home run in his own right. Find every pick of the 2026 NFL Draft with our tracker.Meanwhile, the Eagles got absolutely bailed out of their WR mess by their in-division rival. Philadelphia were staring down the barrel of either needing to reach for a pass catcher, or take a different position, potentially be forced to trade AJ Brown, and get left with an incomplete offense. Now with DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon they’re set — and both players came to the Eagles via trades with the Cowboys.Time will tell how all this shakes out. Maybe Iheanachor will turn into a stud, Lemon will be a bust and everything will play out … or this could be a moment that haunts the Steelers forever. #exact #moment #Steelers #Eagles #ruined #draft #plans

mwasimuddin125 0

The Pittsburgh Steelers were on the receiving end of the most embarrassing, soul-crushing moment of the NFL Draft’s first round on Thursday night — and it came courtesy of their in-state rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, just to rub salt in the wound.

Time will tell how all this shakes out. Maybe Iheanachor will turn into a stud, Lemon will be a bust and everything will play out … or this could be a moment that haunts the Steelers forever.

#exact #moment #Steelers #Eagles #ruined #draft #plans">This was the exact moment the Steelers found out the Eagles ruined their draft plans

Time will tell how all this shakes out. Maybe Iheanachor will turn into a stud, Lemon will be a bust and everything will play out … or this could be a moment that haunts the Steelers forever.

#exact #moment #Steelers #Eagles #ruined #draft #plans

RCB bowler Rasikh Salam walked off the field due to cramps against Gujarat Titans at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday night.

Rasikh was set to bowl the last over of the first innings but mid way through his run up on the first ball, he slowed down, stopped, and went down, holding his feet.

The 26-year-old faced a similar issue during RCB’s match against Mumbai Indians a week ago, when the bowler had to be treated multiple times by the physios and the match was interrupted on more than one occasion.

While Rasikh managed to carry on against MI, he was unable to continue against GT and after an assessment by the physios, the team management decided to take him off the field.

Krunal Pandya bowled the last over in place of Rasikh as GT ended with 205 on the board. Rasikh registered figures of 0/28 off his three overs tonight before he was forced to walk off the field.

Published on Apr 24, 2026

#RCB #IPL #Rasikh #Salam #walks #field #cramps #Gujarat #Titans">

RCB vs GT IPL 2026: Rasikh Salam walks off the field with cramps against Gujarat Titans RCB bowler Rasikh Salam walked off the field due to cramps against Gujarat Titans at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday night.Rasikh was set to bowl the last over of the first innings but mid way through his run up on the first ball, he slowed down, stopped, and went down, holding his feet.The 26-year-old faced a similar issue during RCB’s match against Mumbai Indians a week ago, when the bowler had to be treated multiple times by the physios and the match was interrupted on more than one occasion.While Rasikh managed to carry on against MI, he was unable to continue against GT and after an assessment by the physios, the team management decided to take him off the field.Krunal Pandya bowled the last over in place of Rasikh as GT ended with 205 on the board. Rasikh registered figures of 0/28 off his three overs tonight before he was forced to walk off the field.Published on Apr 24, 2026 #RCB #IPL #Rasikh #Salam #walks #field #cramps #Gujarat #Titans

mwasimuddin125 0

RCB bowler Rasikh Salam walked off the field due to cramps against Gujarat Titans at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday night.
Rasikh was set to bowl the last over of the first innings but mid way through his run up on the first ball, he slowed down, stopped, and went down, holding his feet.
The 26-year-old faced a similar issue during RCB’s match against Mumbai Indians a week ago, when the bowler had to be treated multiple times by the physios and the match was interrupted on more than one occasion.
While Rasikh managed to carry on against MI, he was unable to continue against GT and after an assessment by the physios, the team management decided to take him off the field.
Krunal Pandya bowled the last over in place of Rasikh as GT ended with 205 on the board. Rasikh registered figures of 0/28 off his three overs tonight before he was forced to walk off the field.
Published on Apr 24, 2026

#RCB #IPL #Rasikh #Salam #walks #field #cramps #Gujarat #Titans">RCB vs GT IPL 2026: Rasikh Salam walks off the field with cramps against Gujarat Titans

RCB bowler Rasikh Salam walked off the field due to cramps against Gujarat Titans at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday night.

Rasikh was set to bowl the last over of the first innings but mid way through his run up on the first ball, he slowed down, stopped, and went down, holding his feet.

While Rasikh managed to carry on against MI, he was unable to continue against GT and after an assessment by the physios, the team management decided to take him off the field.

Krunal Pandya bowled the last over in place of Rasikh as GT ended with 205 on the board. Rasikh registered figures of 0/28 off his three overs tonight before he was forced to walk off the field.

Published on Apr 24, 2026

#RCB #IPL #Rasikh #Salam #walks #field #cramps #Gujarat #Titans

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