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

Deadspin | Big first inning helps Astros salvage doubleheader split vs. Orioles
Apr 30, 2026; Baltimore, MD, USA; Houston Astros outfield Yordan Alvarez (44) celebrates his home run in the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles with infielder Christian Walker (8) at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Big #inning #helps #Astros #salvage #doubleheader #split #Orioles

Sports news May 1, 2026

Apr 30, 2026; Baltimore, MD, USA; Houston Astros outfield Yordan Alvarez (44) celebrates his home run in the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles with infielder Christian Walker (8) at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Big #inning #helps #Astros #salvage #doubleheader #split #Orioles

Apple’s Incoming CEO Makes His Earnings Call Debut<img src="https://gizmodo.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Apple-John-Ternus-CEO-MacBook-Neo-2-1280x853.jpg" /> <div> Tim Cook is finally stepping down as Apple’s CEO after 15 years at the helm. On Thursday, his recently named successor, <a href="https://gizmodo.com/what-a-john-ternus-era-means-for-apple-2000748324">John Ternus</a>, made his first earnings call cameo as the incoming CEO and gave a veiled glimpse into what Apple enthusiasts could expect from his tenure. “We have an incredible roadmap ahead, and while you’re not going to get me to talk about the details of that roadmap, suffice it to say, this is the most exciting time in my 25-year career at Apple to be building products and services,” Ternus told investors. When asked about his advice for Ternus, Cook said to “never forget” that Apple users are “the North Star for the company.” “We’re about making the best products in the world that really enrich other people’s lives. And if you keep focusing on that and make your decisions around that, it will produce a great business, and we’ll be able to build more products and do it all over again,” Cook said on the call. “Our roadmap is incredible, and most importantly, we have the right leader ready to step into the role. As I have said, there is no one on this planet I trust more to lead Apple into the future than John Ternus.” Ternus’s term as CEO will begin in September. Though the executives are keeping the product roadmap secret for now, <a href="https://gizmodo.com/apple-is-setting-its-new-ceo-up-to-be-synonymous-with-the-2000-foldable-iphone-report-says-2000750967">a foldable iPhone</a> is expected, and Apple wants Ternus to be the face people associate with it. In his current role, Ternus leads the company’s hardware engineering efforts. The prospect of having a hardware specialist in charge has excited Apple fans who have been unsatisfied with what they claim is a slowdown of innovation in product releases. Cook has been blamed for this lack of revolutionary changes. But while he may not have been as innovative as Steve Jobs, Cook oversaw the company’s transition into a trillion-dollar behemoth four times over. On Thursday’s earnings call, Ternus promised to continue Cook’s style of financial leadership. “One of the hallmarks of Tim’s tenure has been a deep thoughtfulness, deliberateness, and discipline when it comes to the financial decision-making of the company, and I want you to know that is something Kevan and I intend to continue when I transition into the role in September,” Ternus told investors (Kevan being Apple CFO Kevan Parekh). Apple is already promoting Ternus’ hardware engineering prowess as a benefit for the company. On the call, Cook shared that the iPhone 17 family, which was spearheaded by Ternus, is currently the most popular product lineup in Apple’s history. Products aside, Ternus will also have a lot to answer for on the artificial intelligence side. The tech giant has been taking things slow on AI, while peers like Google and Microsoft soar past with AI innovations. The company has long promised a major leap in AI with an enhanced Siri, but had to push back the release at the very last minute in March 2025. The delay disappointed fans, reportedly caused an internal rift at the company, and even led to federal lawsuits accusing Apple of false advertising. The personalized Siri was expected to arrive early this year, but was <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/877494/apple-siri-ai-overhaul-ios-personalized">reportedly delayed yet again</a>. In the call, Cook reiterated that the “more personalized Siri” would still be revealed later this year. </div>#Apples #Incoming #CEO #Earnings #Call #DebutApple,john ternus

Deadspin | Preakness pushes date back to 22 days after Kentucky Derby May 20, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; General view of the winners circle at Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images In an effort to attract more horses who compete in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes is pushing back its date in 2027. The event at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore will be held on May 23, a Sunday, 22 days after the first leg of the Triple Crown is contested at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Over the past five years, 82 out of 95 horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby sat out the Preakness. Bill Knauf, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, said in a statement, “Moving the Preakness to the fourth weekend in May is a historic announcement. We believe the Preakness and the entire Triple Crown series are positioned for growth and great success. This extra week between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness opens the Preakness to potential participants who use modern training methods.” The Preakness also announced a broadcasting extension with NBC and Peacock through 2032. The date change includes moving the Black Eyed Susan Stakes, a top race for 3-year-old fillies, to the fourth Saturday in May. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said, “This agreement now means millions more people will be able to tune in and watch this iconic race weekend. It also means that when they view this race … it means that more people will watch and witness the greatest show in the Mid-Atlantic and continue to see Maryland on the world stage, exactly where Maryland belongs.” While the Preakness’ new date eases the tight window between the first two legs of the sport’s Triple Crown, it tightens the window between the last two. The Belmont Stakes in Elmont, N.Y., is scheduled for June 5, 2027, just 13 days after the Preakness. Knauf said, “Our focus is to preserve the tradition of horses running back in the Preakness and to enhance participation in the Triple Crown races. We acknowledge the great history of the traditional Triple Crown spacing between races, but recognize that change must always be examined. This is common in all professional sports. Now is the time for the Preakness.” The Preakness revealed its new plan in the wake of the formation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series, which will feature the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes but not the Baltimore race. The new six-race venture will feature three races at Churchill Downs, two at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., as well as the Belmont. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Preakness #pushes #date #days #Kentucky #Derby

#Deadspin #Preakness #pushes #date #days #Kentucky #Derby">

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May 20, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; General view of the winners circle at Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

In an effort to attract more horses who compete in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes is pushing back its date in 2027.

The event at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore will be held on May 23, a Sunday, 22 days after the first leg of the Triple Crown is contested at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.

Over the past five years, 82 out of 95 horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby sat out the Preakness.

Bill Knauf, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, said in a statement, “Moving the Preakness to the fourth weekend in May is a historic announcement. We believe the Preakness and the entire Triple Crown series are positioned for growth and great success. This extra week between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness opens the Preakness to potential participants who use modern training methods.”

The Preakness also announced a broadcasting extension with NBC and Peacock through 2032. The date change includes moving the Black Eyed Susan Stakes, a top race for 3-year-old fillies, to the fourth Saturday in May.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said, “This agreement now means millions more people will be able to tune in and watch this iconic race weekend. It also means that when they view this race … it means that more people will watch and witness the greatest show in the Mid-Atlantic and continue to see Maryland on the world stage, exactly where Maryland belongs.”

While the Preakness’ new date eases the tight window between the first two legs of the sport’s Triple Crown, it tightens the window between the last two. The Belmont Stakes in Elmont, N.Y., is scheduled for June 5, 2027, just 13 days after the Preakness.

Knauf said, “Our focus is to preserve the tradition of horses running back in the Preakness and to enhance participation in the Triple Crown races. We acknowledge the great history of the traditional Triple Crown spacing between races, but recognize that change must always be examined. This is common in all professional sports. Now is the time for the Preakness.”

The Preakness revealed its new plan in the wake of the formation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series, which will feature the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes but not the Baltimore race. The new six-race venture will feature three races at Churchill Downs, two at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., as well as the Belmont.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Preakness #pushes #date #days #Kentucky #Derby">Deadspin | Preakness pushes date back to 22 days after Kentucky Derby

May 20, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; General view of the winners circle at Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

In an effort to attract more horses who compete in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes is pushing back its date in 2027.

The event at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore will be held on May 23, a Sunday, 22 days after the first leg of the Triple Crown is contested at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.

Over the past five years, 82 out of 95 horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby sat out the Preakness.

Bill Knauf, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, said in a statement, “Moving the Preakness to the fourth weekend in May is a historic announcement. We believe the Preakness and the entire Triple Crown series are positioned for growth and great success. This extra week between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness opens the Preakness to potential participants who use modern training methods.”

The Preakness also announced a broadcasting extension with NBC and Peacock through 2032. The date change includes moving the Black Eyed Susan Stakes, a top race for 3-year-old fillies, to the fourth Saturday in May.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said, “This agreement now means millions more people will be able to tune in and watch this iconic race weekend. It also means that when they view this race … it means that more people will watch and witness the greatest show in the Mid-Atlantic and continue to see Maryland on the world stage, exactly where Maryland belongs.”

While the Preakness’ new date eases the tight window between the first two legs of the sport’s Triple Crown, it tightens the window between the last two. The Belmont Stakes in Elmont, N.Y., is scheduled for June 5, 2027, just 13 days after the Preakness.

Knauf said, “Our focus is to preserve the tradition of horses running back in the Preakness and to enhance participation in the Triple Crown races. We acknowledge the great history of the traditional Triple Crown spacing between races, but recognize that change must always be examined. This is common in all professional sports. Now is the time for the Preakness.”

The Preakness revealed its new plan in the wake of the formation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series, which will feature the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes but not the Baltimore race. The new six-race venture will feature three races at Churchill Downs, two at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., as well as the Belmont.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Preakness #pushes #date #days #Kentucky #Derby

Stefon Diggs finally has a home for the 2026 NFL season.

After putting up solid numbers for the New England Patriots last year — more on that in a moment — Diggs has signed with the Washington Commanders for the 2026 campaign. According to multiple sources, the veteran WR inked a one-year deal with the Commanders worth up to $12 million. It is something of a homecoming for Diggs, who played his high school football at Good Counsel in Olney and played his college football at Maryland.

With many readers entering fantasy draft season, the question is simple: What are the fantasy implications of Diggs signing with the Commanders?

After playing in just eight games during the 2024 season, as Diggs suffered a torn ACL in Week 8 while playing for the Houston Texans, he signed a three-year deal with the New England Patriots in May of 2025. Diggs appeared in all 17 regular-season games for New England, catching 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns in Foxborough. Diggs led the Patriots in targets with 102 — he was the only New England receiver with more than 90 targets — and also led the team in both receptions and receiving yardage.

How he was used in New England could be a window into his usage in Washington. According to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Kayshon Boutte saw the most downfield targets on the Patriots a year ago (21) followed by Mack Hollins with 16. (Pro Football Focus defines these targets as coming 20 yards or more downfield).

Where Diggs led the way was in the short and intermediate areas of the field, often on crossing routes. Again, turning to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Diggs led the Patriots with 77 targets in the short area of the field, defined as throws between the line of scrimmage and nine yards downfield. Hollins was second on the Patriots, with only 30 such targets.

Turning now to the Commanders, last year Deebo Samuel led the team in those targets with 26. But with Samuel now in San Francisco, Diggs will be tasked with working that area of the field, allowing Terry McLaurin to continue stretching defenses in the vertical passing game. That is where McLaurin is at his best, and if you look at his 2024 numbers (when playing with a healthy Jayden Daniels) McLaurin saw a staggering 32 deep targets that season, the most on the Commanders by far.

For context, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown tied for second with nine each.

Another factor to consider is this: Washington’s new offensive coordinator. David Blough steps into the role, replacing Kliff Kingsbury. The expectation is that Blough will lean into the under-center, play-action passing game, a schematic tweak that will create opportunities for Diggs on those crossing routes underneath.

McLaurin will be Washington’s WR1, with Diggs slotting nicely into that WR2 role. He’ll see volume in this system — meaning he offers a nice boost in PPR formats — and while McLaurin could siphon the bulk of touchdowns (remember Diggs had only four a season ago) and Daniels could vulture some as well with his legs, there will be production to be gained by drafting Diggs in the later rounds as a WR3 with WR2 upside.

#Stefon #Diggs #fantasy #football #outlook #Commanders #signing #means">

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Stefon Diggs finally has a home for the 2026 NFL season.

With many readers entering fantasy draft season, the question is simple: What are the fantasy implications of Diggs signing with the Commanders?

For context, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown tied for second with nine each.

#Stefon #Diggs #fantasy #football #outlook #Commanders #signing #means">Stefon Diggs fantasy football outlook: What Commanders signing means for 2026

Stefon Diggs finally has a home for the 2026 NFL season.

With many readers entering fantasy draft season, the question is simple: What are the fantasy implications of Diggs signing with the Commanders?

For context, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown tied for second with nine each.

#Stefon #Diggs #fantasy #football #outlook #Commanders #signing #means

Two former Iranian women footballers said Thursday they were “proud” to have been granted Australian citizenship after being branded traitors at home for refusing to sing the national anthem before a game.

Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh were members of a group of seven from Iran’s delegation who asked for Australia’s protection following the high-profile protest during the women’s Asian Cup in March.

With their demands for protection an embarrassment for Iran’s leaders but lauded by US President Donald Trump, five later changed their minds and returned home.

Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh stayed, however, and were granted Australian citizenship at a ceremony on Wednesday overseen by interior minister Tony Burke.

“Yesterday was a truly special and unforgettable day for me. I feel proud and deeply grateful to become an Australian citizen,” Ramezanisadeh said in a statement.

“After everything we’ve been through and all the challenges we faced, this moment means more than words can express,” Pasandideh added.

A week after seeking asylum, the pair was pictured smiling and training with Australian club Brisbane Roar, which on Wednesday congratulated the pair.

“What they have been through since February is more than most people deal with in a lifetime,” a spokesman for the club said.

“To see them arrive at this point is something everyone here at Brisbane Roar is glad to have had a small part in,” they added.

“Queensland is their home now. If they ever want to pull on a training top and come back out with us, the door will always stay open.”

ALSO READ: Iran women football players thank Australian government for protection

The plight of the rest of the team remains unclear since their return to Iran.

AFP reporters saw them cross into their homeland from Turkey on a bus wearing the national team tracksuits and with their hair covered.

Soon after, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on X that the players and their support team were “children of the homeland and the people of Iran embrace them”.

By returning, they had “disappointed the enemies (of Iran) and did not surrender to deception and intimidation by anti-Iran elements”, he added.

Published on Aug 06, 2026

#Iranian #women #footballers #granted #Australian #citizenship">

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Two former Iranian women footballers said Thursday they were “proud” to have been granted Australian citizenship after being branded traitors at home for refusing to sing the national anthem before a game.
Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh were members of a group of seven from Iran’s delegation who asked for Australia’s protection following the high-profile protest during the women’s Asian Cup in March.
With their demands for protection an embarrassment for Iran’s leaders but lauded by US President Donald Trump, five later changed their minds and returned home.
Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh stayed, however, and were granted Australian citizenship at a ceremony on Wednesday overseen by interior minister Tony Burke.
“Yesterday was a truly special and unforgettable day for me. I feel proud and deeply grateful to become an Australian citizen,” Ramezanisadeh said in a statement.
“After everything we’ve been through and all the challenges we faced, this moment means more than words can express,” Pasandideh added.
A week after seeking asylum, the pair was pictured smiling and training with Australian club Brisbane Roar, which on Wednesday congratulated the pair.
“What they have been through since February is more than most people deal with in a lifetime,” a spokesman for the club said.
“To see them arrive at this point is something everyone here at Brisbane Roar is glad to have had a small part in,” they added.
“Queensland is their home now. If they ever want to pull on a training top and come back out with us, the door will always stay open.”
ALSO READ: Iran women football players thank Australian government for protection
The plight of the rest of the team remains unclear since their return to Iran.
AFP reporters saw them cross into their homeland from Turkey on a bus wearing the national team tracksuits and with their hair covered.
Soon after, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on X that the players and their support team were “children of the homeland and the people of Iran embrace them”.
By returning, they had “disappointed the enemies (of Iran) and did not surrender to deception and intimidation by anti-Iran elements”, he added.
Published on Aug 06, 2026

#Iranian #women #footballers #granted #Australian #citizenship">Former Iranian women footballers granted Australian citizenship