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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

–Field Level Media


-Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Pirates #visit #Rangers #rookie #Young #winner #mound

Apr 6, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Bubba Chandler (36) delivers a pitch against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

–Field Level Media

-Field Level Media

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Cummins’ funda, family support, red-ball lessons: Into Praful Hinge’s rise as SRH’s pace ace <div id="content-body-70898566" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Every pacer dreams of scooping up a wicket in the first over they bowl. Few actually get to do it. Fewer still get to do it thrice, and that too on the biggest stage in the format – the Indian Premier League. Vidarbha quick Praful Hinge had a debut to savour with Sunrisers Hyderabad recently, removing the Rajasthan Royals top order in his opening over.</p><p>“I played a Under-23 game against Vaibhav Sooryavanshi,” Praful said during a <i>Jiostar</i> Press Room interaction on Thursday. “I got him out on the same bouncer. I thought that if I bowl the same ball, he would hit it, because he was hitting everyone on the first ball.”</p><p>The 15-year-old, we now know, took the bait.</p><p>Praful has an envious battalion of big hitters to train with in the nets, so Sooryavanshi was not entirely out of syllabus.</p><p>“Their style of playing is like that. They hit every ball. Their approach in the nets is like that (too). When we bowl to them, we think of it as a match.”</p><p>Funnily, the 24-year-old relies on a tried and tested red-ball approach to succeed in the fast-paced life in T20s.</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/ipl-news/praful-hinge-sakib-hussain-ipl-2026-debut-mrf-pace-foundation-glenn-mcgrath-chennai-journey-srh-vs-rr/article70867956.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">From MRF Pace Foundation to IPL spotlight—Charting Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain’s meteoric rise</a></b></p><p>“With the new ball, we should test the batters as much as possible. We play red ball cricket with patience. We should follow that. And we did that with success.”</p><p>Praful’s ambitions were born from the hard work of his father, Prakash, who was employed by the Maharashtra State Electricity Board in Nagpur. He also credits his elder sister as his inspiration.</p><p>“My father used to leave the house at 8am, and my sister would study well into the night. I would wake up at 4am, and she was still up. I, too, wanted to achieve something and make my family feel good. They are huge sources of motivation for me.</p><p>“I trained as a 13-year-old with my father. He would get tired, but I’d still want to keep going. I was stubborn. At that time, all I knew was I wanted to play for India. I didn’t know what domestic or club cricket was.”</p><p>He eventually climbed the ladder of age-group cricket, played the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and got SRH’s attention. That helped him link up with his idol Pat Cummins, who is currently making his way back to the XI after a long injury layoff. Praful was admiringly starstruck, he remembered.</p><p>“When I met him for the first time, I told him I am his biggest fan and that I’ve been watching all his bowling videos and following everything he does. He was warm and said he’d be there to help me out.”</p><p>Cummins had a simple <i>funda</i> for Praful.</p><p>“During training sessions, he would say, ‘Do whatever you’re doing with your heart. Everyone knows T20 is a batter’s game. Enjoy the game, smile and win.’”</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 23, 2026</p></div> #Cummins #funda #family #support #redball #lessons #Praful #Hinges #rise #SRHs #pace #ace

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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