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Deadspin | Cardinals set season high in runs, blow past Pirates Apr 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Ivan Herrera (48) steals second base as Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (6) looks on during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Nolan Gorman and Victor Scott II homered Tuesday night, while Jordan Walker and Alec Burleson each knocked in three runs as the visiting St. Louis Cardinals outslugged the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-7. St. Louis scored multiple runs in four different innings, finishing with 12 hits. The Cards were efficient, going 5 of 16 with runners in scoring position and stranding only seven runners. The Cardinals collected six extra-base hits and reached double figures in runs for the first time this year. Kyle Leahy (3-3) garnered the win, scattering nine hits and allowing three runs in 5 1/3 innings. He walked none and fanned seven. Braxton Ashcraft (1-2) absorbed the loss, permitting six runs on six hits and three walks while whiffing seven. Ashcraft and reliever Hunter Barco combined to issue five walks and Pittsburgh chipped in two errors. Gorman got the onslaught started in the second with his fourth homer of the year, jumping on a first-pitch fastball and walloping it over the seats in right field. Scott led off the third with his first homer, belting it an estimated 415 feet to right. Walker tacked on an RBI single later in the inning for a 3-0 lead. St. Louis doubled its lead in the fifth, getting a run-scoring double from Burleson plus sacrifice flies from Walker and Gorman. Leahy cruised into the sixth inning before the Pirates got back into the game briefly. Oneil Cruz launched a leadoff homer to center, his ninth of the year, and Ryan O’Hearn drilled his fifth homer, a two-run shot with Bryan Reynolds aboard to cut the margin to 6-3. But the Cardinals responded in their half of the seventh with three more runs. Walker’s second RBI single, an infield out from Gorman and Masyn Winn’s run-scoring single restored a six-run lead. St. Louis made it 11-3 in the eighth when Burleson laced a two-run double to right-center. Pittsburgh scored three runs in its half of the eighth on O’Hearn’s RBI single and a two-run single by Nick Gonzales. Rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin homered to lead off the bottom of the ninth for the Pirates, his second. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Cardinals #set #season #high #runs #blow #Pirates

Deadspin | Cardinals set season high in runs, blow past Pirates
Deadspin | Cardinals set season high in runs, blow past Pirates Apr 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Ivan Herrera (48) steals second base as Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (6) looks on during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Nolan Gorman and Victor Scott II homered Tuesday night, while Jordan Walker and Alec Burleson each knocked in three runs as the visiting St. Louis Cardinals outslugged the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-7. St. Louis scored multiple runs in four different innings, finishing with 12 hits. The Cards were efficient, going 5 of 16 with runners in scoring position and stranding only seven runners. The Cardinals collected six extra-base hits and reached double figures in runs for the first time this year. Kyle Leahy (3-3) garnered the win, scattering nine hits and allowing three runs in 5 1/3 innings. He walked none and fanned seven. Braxton Ashcraft (1-2) absorbed the loss, permitting six runs on six hits and three walks while whiffing seven. Ashcraft and reliever Hunter Barco combined to issue five walks and Pittsburgh chipped in two errors. Gorman got the onslaught started in the second with his fourth homer of the year, jumping on a first-pitch fastball and walloping it over the seats in right field. Scott led off the third with his first homer, belting it an estimated 415 feet to right. Walker tacked on an RBI single later in the inning for a 3-0 lead. St. Louis doubled its lead in the fifth, getting a run-scoring double from Burleson plus sacrifice flies from Walker and Gorman. Leahy cruised into the sixth inning before the Pirates got back into the game briefly. Oneil Cruz launched a leadoff homer to center, his ninth of the year, and Ryan O’Hearn drilled his fifth homer, a two-run shot with Bryan Reynolds aboard to cut the margin to 6-3. But the Cardinals responded in their half of the seventh with three more runs. Walker’s second RBI single, an infield out from Gorman and Masyn Winn’s run-scoring single restored a six-run lead. St. Louis made it 11-3 in the eighth when Burleson laced a two-run double to right-center. Pittsburgh scored three runs in its half of the eighth on O’Hearn’s RBI single and a two-run single by Nick Gonzales. Rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin homered to lead off the bottom of the ninth for the Pirates, his second. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Cardinals #set #season #high #runs #blow #PiratesApr 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Ivan Herrera (48) steals second base as Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (6) looks on during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Nolan Gorman and Victor Scott II homered Tuesday night, while Jordan Walker and Alec Burleson each knocked in three runs as the visiting St. Louis Cardinals outslugged the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-7.

St. Louis scored multiple runs in four different innings, finishing with 12 hits. The Cards were efficient, going 5 of 16 with runners in scoring position and stranding only seven runners. The Cardinals collected six extra-base hits and reached double figures in runs for the first time this year.

Kyle Leahy (3-3) garnered the win, scattering nine hits and allowing three runs in 5 1/3 innings. He walked none and fanned seven.

Braxton Ashcraft (1-2) absorbed the loss, permitting six runs on six hits and three walks while whiffing seven. Ashcraft and reliever Hunter Barco combined to issue five walks and Pittsburgh chipped in two errors.

Gorman got the onslaught started in the second with his fourth homer of the year, jumping on a first-pitch fastball and walloping it over the seats in right field. Scott led off the third with his first homer, belting it an estimated 415 feet to right.


Walker tacked on an RBI single later in the inning for a 3-0 lead. St. Louis doubled its lead in the fifth, getting a run-scoring double from Burleson plus sacrifice flies from Walker and Gorman.

Leahy cruised into the sixth inning before the Pirates got back into the game briefly. Oneil Cruz launched a leadoff homer to center, his ninth of the year, and Ryan O’Hearn drilled his fifth homer, a two-run shot with Bryan Reynolds aboard to cut the margin to 6-3.

But the Cardinals responded in their half of the seventh with three more runs. Walker’s second RBI single, an infield out from Gorman and Masyn Winn’s run-scoring single restored a six-run lead.

St. Louis made it 11-3 in the eighth when Burleson laced a two-run double to right-center. Pittsburgh scored three runs in its half of the eighth on O’Hearn’s RBI single and a two-run single by Nick Gonzales.

Rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin homered to lead off the bottom of the ninth for the Pirates, his second.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Cardinals #set #season #high #runs #blow #Pirates

Sports news

Apr 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Ivan Herrera (48) steals second base as Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (6) looks on during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Nolan Gorman and Victor Scott II homered Tuesday night, while Jordan Walker and Alec Burleson each knocked in three runs as the visiting St. Louis Cardinals outslugged the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-7.

St. Louis scored multiple runs in four different innings, finishing with 12 hits. The Cards were efficient, going 5 of 16 with runners in scoring position and stranding only seven runners. The Cardinals collected six extra-base hits and reached double figures in runs for the first time this year.

Kyle Leahy (3-3) garnered the win, scattering nine hits and allowing three runs in 5 1/3 innings. He walked none and fanned seven.

Braxton Ashcraft (1-2) absorbed the loss, permitting six runs on six hits and three walks while whiffing seven. Ashcraft and reliever Hunter Barco combined to issue five walks and Pittsburgh chipped in two errors.

Gorman got the onslaught started in the second with his fourth homer of the year, jumping on a first-pitch fastball and walloping it over the seats in right field. Scott led off the third with his first homer, belting it an estimated 415 feet to right.

Walker tacked on an RBI single later in the inning for a 3-0 lead. St. Louis doubled its lead in the fifth, getting a run-scoring double from Burleson plus sacrifice flies from Walker and Gorman.

Leahy cruised into the sixth inning before the Pirates got back into the game briefly. Oneil Cruz launched a leadoff homer to center, his ninth of the year, and Ryan O’Hearn drilled his fifth homer, a two-run shot with Bryan Reynolds aboard to cut the margin to 6-3.

But the Cardinals responded in their half of the seventh with three more runs. Walker’s second RBI single, an infield out from Gorman and Masyn Winn’s run-scoring single restored a six-run lead.

St. Louis made it 11-3 in the eighth when Burleson laced a two-run double to right-center. Pittsburgh scored three runs in its half of the eighth on O’Hearn’s RBI single and a two-run single by Nick Gonzales.

Rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin homered to lead off the bottom of the ninth for the Pirates, his second.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Cardinals #set #season #high #runs #blow #Pirates

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How FIFA turned the World Cup into the biggest grift in sports <div id="zephr-anchor"><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The FIFA World Cup is the world’s richest clown show. Recently run by people <a href="https://abcnews.com/Sports/fifa-investigation/story?id=31332200">investigated for international criminal conspiracy,</a> now run by people <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/gianni-infantino-wanted-canada-treat-111927180.html">who ask to be treated like the Pope on a visit to Canada</a>. Bought and paid for <a href="https://www.axios.com/2021/03/30/china-fifa-corruption-human-rights-world-cup">by dictators for decades</a>, sustained by those who see its mandate over the world’s most popular sport as the ultimate source of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/27/world-cup-bonanza-of-sportswashing-donald-trump-ice-human-rights">power and sportswashing.</a> Yet it has managed to be completely unfunny even in its incompetent, institutional idiocy, always dipping its disgusting toes into matters that defy even the realm of comedy. You find yourself laughing at it out of delirious shock, before realizing what horrific realities lie beneath the face paint and red noses.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">I can’t really “criticize FIFA” as I would, say, <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/24481208/las-vegas-raiders-losers-worst-franchise-other-than-jets-history-coaches-millions-waste">the Las Vegas Raiders</a>, because FIFA’s misdeeds exist on such a galactic scale that I can’t actually do them any justice. There are a billion reasons to boycott the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but I’m not asking you to do that. I am even tempted to say I won’t enjoy it, but I know I will.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The World Cup is entertainment genius; it’s the world’s prodding, calculating, beautiful game distilled into a single chaotic flow, national pride and eternal glory for the victors. It is the greatest spectacle on earth, the peak of every player’s career. And it is being stepped on like a cockroach. Yes, we will enjoy the World Cup, but we will enjoy it in spite of everything I am about to tell you. And it is within that dissonance, our enjoyment leeched upon by subsurface repulsion, that we find suffering instead of celebration.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">It seemed impossible that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar could be topped in terms of pre-tournament issues — it spawned a standalone Wikipedia article titled: “<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_2022_FIFA_World_Cup_controversies">List of 2022 FIFA World Cup Controversies</a>.” But the 2026 World Cup in North America has not even begun, and yet it is a mortal lock to be categorically insane. Whereas the Qatar contest was the result of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/may/16/sepp-blatter-qatar-2022-world-cup-mistake">documented corruption, graft and secrecy</a>, 2026 is the out-in-the-open sequel.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">For instance, President Donald Trump, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7234444/2026/04/27/fifa-peace-prize-trump-infantino-klaveness/">the winner of the spectacularly not-illustrious FIFA Peace Prize</a>, will surely be the event’s main character given <a href="https://english.elpais.com/sports/2025-12-01/how-infantino-and-trumps-unlikely-friendship-is-bringing-soccer-to-the-maga-world.html">his cozy association with the much-maligned FIFA president Gianni Infantino</a> and their perfectly matched egomania. And he will be the mascot of the event even despite the depravity of his immigration crackdown <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/27/world-cup-bonanza-of-sportswashing-donald-trump-ice-human-rights">that will threaten the security and human rights of soccer fans</a> who travel to the United States; Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have already issued a public warning. He will glow in the light of his Not-The-Nobel Peace Prize while prosecuting an aggressive war with Iran, who qualified for the World Cup, as Trump’s representatives <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/22/trump-envoy-seeks-to-replace-iran-with-italy-at-world-cup-says-report">attempt to replace them with Italy, who did not</a>.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Infantino has repeatedly made a mockery of his position and authority, called a “nowhere man in this bonfire of greed, vanity and despotic power” (I can’t do any better than that) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/nov/28/gianni-infantino-fifa-world-cup-2022-qatar">by The Guardian’s Barney Ronay in 2022</a>. The FIFA President is seen by many observers as an over-promoted megalomaniac who has marshalled global soccer to serve himself above all others. And lately, FIFA’s utterly guaranteed profit-margin has come at the direct expense of its consumers.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">FIFA has treated their ticket sales like we live in a post-apocalyptic Mad Max hellscape, and their tickets are gasoline; feel scammed? That’s just the way of the world. The Athletic’s Henry Bushnell has been <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7175652/2026/04/08/world-cup-tickets-fans-stadium-seating-map/?unlocked_article_code=1.ZVA.paHZ.e5Bd5V1Q0_qz&source=athletic_user_shared_gift_article_copylink&smid=url-share-ta">relentlessly reporting</a> on the changing seat maps and lack of transparency despite stratospheric price hikes, and it’s really something to behold. FIFA has treated their fans, and the greatest sporting event the world has to offer, like a cash cow they can repeatedly bludgeon with impunity.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">And they can. What began as a regulatory body for European soccer between seven continental countries is now an essentially <a href="https://home.fau.edu/cboudreaux/web/FIFA%20Corruption%20final%20draft%20for%20online%20version.pdf">unaccountable superstructure of graft and corporate overreach</a>. I often joke that while American sports can sometimes feel chaotic and corrupt, with <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nba/1104918/fanatics-exclusive-licensing-deals-need-to-end-for-sports-fans-to-get-a-fair-shake">monopolistic leagues</a> organized financially like drug cartels, international soccer makes American leagues look like a kindergarten papier-mâché project.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">2015 saw FIFA investigated for multinational racketeering; we’ve had<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/10/nyregion/soccer-corruption-charges-fox-employee.html"> broadcast rights bribery,</a> investigations about how in the world <em>Qatar</em> was awarded the 2022 World Cup, <a href="https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/nine-fifa-officials-and-five-corporate-executives-indicted-racketeering-conspiracy-and">lines of financial criminality</a> that penetrate local administration, you name it. FIFA, which is supposed to be an administrative and regulatory body, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jun/21/america-is-showing-us-football-in-its-final-dictator-form-we-cant-afford-to-look-away">has behaved like the dictator of international soccer</a> and has placed itself above the game; they have become a distraction rather than a unifier. If there’s one silver lining, though, it’s that their culture of greed and corruption is hitting the United States at the perfect time, as it will have ample opportunity to mix and mingle with our own special brand of greed and corruption that is presently ascendant in American politics and business.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The World Cup should be the <em>coolest thing ever</em> when it comes around, and it’s still amazing every time. But why must it come with a persistent circus of financial crimes, authoritarian-curious actors with egos the size of Jupiter and human rights violations at every turn? It is the epitome of a sporting event being too big to fail, too popular to boycott and too powerful to fight.</p></div></div> #FIFA #turned #World #Cup #biggest #grift #sports

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World Boxing follows IOC approach, permits Russian and Belarusian boxers to take part as neutral athletes <div id="content-body-70920703" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Boxers from Russia and Belarus will be allowed to compete as neutral athletes by World Boxing, the new governing body recently put in charge of Olympic boxing competitions.</p><p>World Boxing announced on Tuesday that it would treat Russian and Belarusian boxers as neutral athletes, following the approach generally taken by the International Olympic Committe since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.</p><p>Fighters and support personnel from Russia and Belarus will not be allowed to take part in World Boxing events with flags, uniforms or national anthems. They must also be cleared through a vetting process to ensure they have not supported the war in Ukraine or have links to the Russian military.</p><p>World Boxing was formed in 2023 as an alternative to the International Boxing Association, which was permanently banned from the Olympic movement that year. The IOC had lost patience with the IBA after years of governance issues and financial misconduct, compounded by the organisation’s ties to Russia following the election of Umar Kremlev as president in 2020.</p><p>The IBA largely ignored restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes across sport in recent years, allowing them to compete with national flags and symbols from 2023.</p><p><b>ALSO READ: <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/white-house-response-on-us-president-donald-trump-winning-fifa-peace-prize-world-cup-2026/article70919100.ece#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">None more deserving of FIFA Peace Prize than Donald Trump: White House</a></b></p><p>World Boxing was given provisional recognition by the IOC in February 2025. The IOC had run the Olympic boxing tournaments in Tokyo and Paris after the IBA was excluded.</p><p>A month later, boxing was formally confirmed as part of the programme for the Los Angeles Olympics after months of uncertainty over the sport’s governance.</p><p>World Boxing has gradually expanded its membership to include federations from almost every nation. It also added federations from Russia and Belarus last month. Ukraine’s federation joined the organisation last year.</p><p>Gennadiy Golovkin, the former middleweight world champion who won an Olympic silver medal for Kazakhstan in 2004, was elected World Boxing president last year.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 29, 2026</p></div> #World #Boxing #IOC #approach #permits #Russian #Belarusian #boxers #part #neutral #athletes

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Gujarat Titans will have a second crack at Royal Challengers Bengaluru in less than a week, at the Narendra Modi Stadium here on Thursday.

And this time, the Titans will hope for a reversal in fortunes after having lost the previous encounter by five wickets as RCB chased 206 with ease.

Shubman Gill & Co. come into the contest after a thumping eight-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings that averted a third straight loss. It was fashioned by a fine bowling effort, led by Kagiso Rabada (three for 25), and some solid batting.

It is however a fact that GT is heavily dependent on its top-three of B. Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler, who bat a lion’s share of the overs.

There is no mistaking their quality, but they have so far proved to be more accumulators than ransackers. The line-up is like a simmering volcano that threatens to erupt but doesn’t follow through on the promise. GT’s highest total this season is 210; every other side, apart from Lucknow Super Giants, has scored more.

Against RCB, a team that pursues totals in the vicinity of 200 like it’s child’s play, GT can ill-afford to bide its time. Even without Phil Salt, who missed the last two games, the defending champion strikes the same fear, for it has the equally marauding Jacob Bethell.

And versus Delhi Capitals most recently, the RCB bowlers showed what devastation they can cause, dismissing Axar Patel’s men for a paltry 75.

READ | Pitch perfect Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar show how to restore IPL’s bat-ball balance

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, 36 and 35 respectively, scalped seven wickets between them and gave away just 17 runs. Ageing – in sporting terms – is generally associated with physical decline and a slight dulling of the senses, but not for these two.

GT vs RCB, IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans looks for reversal in fortunes vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Gujarat Titans will have a second crack at Royal Challengers Bengaluru in less than a week, at the Narendra Modi Stadium here on Thursday.And this time, the Titans will hope for a reversal in fortunes after having lost the previous encounter by five wickets as RCB chased 206 with ease.Shubman Gill & Co. come into the contest after a thumping eight-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings that averted a third straight loss. It was fashioned by a fine bowling effort, led by Kagiso Rabada (three for 25), and some solid batting.It is however a fact that GT is heavily dependent on its top-three of B. Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler, who bat a lion’s share of the overs.There is no mistaking their quality, but they have so far proved to be more accumulators than ransackers. The line-up is like a simmering volcano that threatens to erupt but doesn’t follow through on the promise. GT’s highest total this season is 210; every other side, apart from Lucknow Super Giants, has scored more.Against RCB, a team that pursues totals in the vicinity of 200 like it’s child’s play, GT can ill-afford to bide its time. Even without Phil Salt, who missed the last two games, the defending champion strikes the same fear, for it has the equally marauding Jacob Bethell.And versus Delhi Capitals most recently, the RCB bowlers showed what devastation they can cause, dismissing Axar Patel’s men for a paltry 75.READ | Pitch perfect Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar show how to restore IPL’s bat-ball balanceBhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, 36 and 35 respectively, scalped seven wickets between them and gave away just 17 runs. Ageing – in sporting terms – is generally associated with physical decline and a slight dulling of the senses, but not for these two. On a lively surface at the Arun ‌Jaitley Stadium, Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar claimed seven wickets ​between them and bundled out Delhi Capitals for 75. | Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR On a lively surface at the Arun ‌Jaitley Stadium, Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar claimed seven wickets ​between them and bundled out Delhi Capitals for 75. | Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR However, as the table-topping Punjab Kings found out in its six-wicket reverse to Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday, momentum has limited currency in T20 cricket. Can RCB prove otherwise?Published on Apr 29, 2026 #RCB #IPL #Gujarat #Titans #reversal #fortunes #Royal #Challengers #Bengaluru

On a lively surface at the Arun ‌Jaitley Stadium, Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar claimed seven wickets ​between them and bundled out Delhi Capitals for 75. | Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR

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On a lively surface at the Arun ‌Jaitley Stadium, Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar claimed seven wickets ​between them and bundled out Delhi Capitals for 75. | Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR

However, as the table-topping Punjab Kings found out in its six-wicket reverse to Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday, momentum has limited currency in T20 cricket. Can RCB prove otherwise?

Published on Apr 29, 2026

#RCB #IPL #Gujarat #Titans #reversal #fortunes #Royal #Challengers #Bengaluru">GT vs RCB, IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans looks for reversal in fortunes vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Gujarat Titans will have a second crack at Royal Challengers Bengaluru in less than a week, at the Narendra Modi Stadium here on Thursday.And this time, the Titans will hope for a reversal in fortunes after having lost the previous encounter by five wickets as RCB chased 206 with ease.Shubman Gill & Co. come into the contest after a thumping eight-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings that averted a third straight loss. It was fashioned by a fine bowling effort, led by Kagiso Rabada (three for 25), and some solid batting.It is however a fact that GT is heavily dependent on its top-three of B. Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler, who bat a lion’s share of the overs.There is no mistaking their quality, but they have so far proved to be more accumulators than ransackers. The line-up is like a simmering volcano that threatens to erupt but doesn’t follow through on the promise. GT’s highest total this season is 210; every other side, apart from Lucknow Super Giants, has scored more.Against RCB, a team that pursues totals in the vicinity of 200 like it’s child’s play, GT can ill-afford to bide its time. Even without Phil Salt, who missed the last two games, the defending champion strikes the same fear, for it has the equally marauding Jacob Bethell.And versus Delhi Capitals most recently, the RCB bowlers showed what devastation they can cause, dismissing Axar Patel’s men for a paltry 75.READ | Pitch perfect Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar show how to restore IPL’s bat-ball balanceBhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, 36 and 35 respectively, scalped seven wickets between them and gave away just 17 runs. Ageing – in sporting terms – is generally associated with physical decline and a slight dulling of the senses, but not for these two. On a lively surface at the Arun ‌Jaitley Stadium, Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar claimed seven wickets ​between them and bundled out Delhi Capitals for 75. | Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR On a lively surface at the Arun ‌Jaitley Stadium, Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar claimed seven wickets ​between them and bundled out Delhi Capitals for 75. | Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR However, as the table-topping Punjab Kings found out in its six-wicket reverse to Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday, momentum has limited currency in T20 cricket. Can RCB prove otherwise?Published on Apr 29, 2026 #RCB #IPL #Gujarat #Titans #reversal #fortunes #Royal #Challengers #Bengaluru

Pitch perfect Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar show how to restore IPL’s bat-ball balance

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, 36 and 35 respectively, scalped seven wickets between them and gave away just 17 runs. Ageing – in sporting terms – is generally associated with physical decline and a slight dulling of the senses, but not for these two.

GT vs RCB, IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans looks for reversal in fortunes vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Gujarat Titans will have a second crack at Royal Challengers Bengaluru in less than a week, at the Narendra Modi Stadium here on Thursday.And this time, the Titans will hope for a reversal in fortunes after having lost the previous encounter by five wickets as RCB chased 206 with ease.Shubman Gill & Co. come into the contest after a thumping eight-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings that averted a third straight loss. It was fashioned by a fine bowling effort, led by Kagiso Rabada (three for 25), and some solid batting.It is however a fact that GT is heavily dependent on its top-three of B. Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler, who bat a lion’s share of the overs.There is no mistaking their quality, but they have so far proved to be more accumulators than ransackers. The line-up is like a simmering volcano that threatens to erupt but doesn’t follow through on the promise. GT’s highest total this season is 210; every other side, apart from Lucknow Super Giants, has scored more.Against RCB, a team that pursues totals in the vicinity of 200 like it’s child’s play, GT can ill-afford to bide its time. Even without Phil Salt, who missed the last two games, the defending champion strikes the same fear, for it has the equally marauding Jacob Bethell.And versus Delhi Capitals most recently, the RCB bowlers showed what devastation they can cause, dismissing Axar Patel’s men for a paltry 75.READ | Pitch perfect Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar show how to restore IPL’s bat-ball balanceBhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, 36 and 35 respectively, scalped seven wickets between them and gave away just 17 runs. Ageing – in sporting terms – is generally associated with physical decline and a slight dulling of the senses, but not for these two. On a lively surface at the Arun ‌Jaitley Stadium, Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar claimed seven wickets ​between them and bundled out Delhi Capitals for 75. | Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR On a lively surface at the Arun ‌Jaitley Stadium, Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar claimed seven wickets ​between them and bundled out Delhi Capitals for 75. | Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR However, as the table-topping Punjab Kings found out in its six-wicket reverse to Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday, momentum has limited currency in T20 cricket. Can RCB prove otherwise?Published on Apr 29, 2026 #RCB #IPL #Gujarat #Titans #reversal #fortunes #Royal #Challengers #Bengaluru

On a lively surface at the Arun ‌Jaitley Stadium, Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar claimed seven wickets ​between them and bundled out Delhi Capitals for 75. | Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR

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On a lively surface at the Arun ‌Jaitley Stadium, Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar claimed seven wickets ​between them and bundled out Delhi Capitals for 75. | Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR

However, as the table-topping Punjab Kings found out in its six-wicket reverse to Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday, momentum has limited currency in T20 cricket. Can RCB prove otherwise?

Published on Apr 29, 2026

#RCB #IPL #Gujarat #Titans #reversal #fortunes #Royal #Challengers #Bengaluru">GT vs RCB, IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans looks for reversal in fortunes vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Gujarat Titans will have a second crack at Royal Challengers Bengaluru in less than a week, at the Narendra Modi Stadium here on Thursday.

And this time, the Titans will hope for a reversal in fortunes after having lost the previous encounter by five wickets as RCB chased 206 with ease.

Shubman Gill & Co. come into the contest after a thumping eight-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings that averted a third straight loss. It was fashioned by a fine bowling effort, led by Kagiso Rabada (three for 25), and some solid batting.

It is however a fact that GT is heavily dependent on its top-three of B. Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler, who bat a lion’s share of the overs.

There is no mistaking their quality, but they have so far proved to be more accumulators than ransackers. The line-up is like a simmering volcano that threatens to erupt but doesn’t follow through on the promise. GT’s highest total this season is 210; every other side, apart from Lucknow Super Giants, has scored more.

Against RCB, a team that pursues totals in the vicinity of 200 like it’s child’s play, GT can ill-afford to bide its time. Even without Phil Salt, who missed the last two games, the defending champion strikes the same fear, for it has the equally marauding Jacob Bethell.

And versus Delhi Capitals most recently, the RCB bowlers showed what devastation they can cause, dismissing Axar Patel’s men for a paltry 75.

READ | Pitch perfect Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar show how to restore IPL’s bat-ball balance

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, 36 and 35 respectively, scalped seven wickets between them and gave away just 17 runs. Ageing – in sporting terms – is generally associated with physical decline and a slight dulling of the senses, but not for these two.

GT vs RCB, IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans looks for reversal in fortunes vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Gujarat Titans will have a second crack at Royal Challengers Bengaluru in less than a week, at the Narendra Modi Stadium here on Thursday.And this time, the Titans will hope for a reversal in fortunes after having lost the previous encounter by five wickets as RCB chased 206 with ease.Shubman Gill & Co. come into the contest after a thumping eight-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings that averted a third straight loss. It was fashioned by a fine bowling effort, led by Kagiso Rabada (three for 25), and some solid batting.It is however a fact that GT is heavily dependent on its top-three of B. Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler, who bat a lion’s share of the overs.There is no mistaking their quality, but they have so far proved to be more accumulators than ransackers. The line-up is like a simmering volcano that threatens to erupt but doesn’t follow through on the promise. GT’s highest total this season is 210; every other side, apart from Lucknow Super Giants, has scored more.Against RCB, a team that pursues totals in the vicinity of 200 like it’s child’s play, GT can ill-afford to bide its time. Even without Phil Salt, who missed the last two games, the defending champion strikes the same fear, for it has the equally marauding Jacob Bethell.And versus Delhi Capitals most recently, the RCB bowlers showed what devastation they can cause, dismissing Axar Patel’s men for a paltry 75.READ | Pitch perfect Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar show how to restore IPL’s bat-ball balanceBhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, 36 and 35 respectively, scalped seven wickets between them and gave away just 17 runs. Ageing – in sporting terms – is generally associated with physical decline and a slight dulling of the senses, but not for these two. On a lively surface at the Arun ‌Jaitley Stadium, Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar claimed seven wickets ​between them and bundled out Delhi Capitals for 75. | Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR On a lively surface at the Arun ‌Jaitley Stadium, Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar claimed seven wickets ​between them and bundled out Delhi Capitals for 75. | Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR However, as the table-topping Punjab Kings found out in its six-wicket reverse to Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday, momentum has limited currency in T20 cricket. Can RCB prove otherwise?Published on Apr 29, 2026 #RCB #IPL #Gujarat #Titans #reversal #fortunes #Royal #Challengers #Bengaluru

On a lively surface at the Arun ‌Jaitley Stadium, Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar claimed seven wickets ​between them and bundled out Delhi Capitals for 75. | Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR

lightbox-info

On a lively surface at the Arun ‌Jaitley Stadium, Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar claimed seven wickets ​between them and bundled out Delhi Capitals for 75. | Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR

However, as the table-topping Punjab Kings found out in its six-wicket reverse to Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday, momentum has limited currency in T20 cricket. Can RCB prove otherwise?

Published on Apr 29, 2026

#RCB #IPL #Gujarat #Titans #reversal #fortunes #Royal #Challengers #Bengaluru
MLB Picks Today: Astros vs Orioles and Dodgers vs Marlins Best Bets | Deadspin.com Apr 1, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara (22) pitches against the Chicago White Sox in the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images How about a little East Coast-West Coast combo for our MLB picks today?Season Record 14-12-1, -0.42 UnitsAstros at OriolesAstros F5 (+102 BetRivers)It’s been quite the mess for Houston so far in 2025.Expected to compete for the AL West as always, they have instead fallen on hard times amid a raft of pitcher injuries. But this is an organization with an excellent record of developing arms, and they may have found one in today’s starter, Peter Lambert. You might recognize the name as he pitched parts of four seasons in Colorado from 2019 to 2024, never logging more than 89.1 IP in the majors and never finishing a season with an ERA under 5.36.Well, he took his talents (or at that point, lack thereof) to Japan last year and well, was just okay there too with a 4.26 ERA and 20.1% K%. The Astros brought him back and appeared to have unlocked something in the minors as he had a 1.84 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in three minor league starts, and now a 3.27 ERA in 11 IP with a whopping 33.3% K% and 17.7% SwSwr% over two starts in MLB. His fastball has gone up about 2 MPH over where he typically sat in his Rockies days, and he’s now added a cutter to his arsenal. Are his improvements for real? Well, the results look promising very early on.His Stuff+ is 94 if you’re into that sort of thing, which indicates he’s a shade below average.He does appear to have the upper hand tonight as he faces off against the Orioles Chris Bassitt. The well-traveled vet has gotten off to a brutal start in Baltimore, with a super ugly 6.75 ERA and 2.08 WHIP. His -2.70% K-BB% is the worst in MLB among starters who have logged at least 10 IP.The best I can say is he keeps the ball on the ground and his EV allowed is low so there’s always a chance all the contact he induces will go to his fielders. The Astros have one of the best offenses in the league though and they have a 120 wRC+ on the road this year and an identical 120 wRC+ vs. righties. The Orioles for their part have a 119 wRC+ at home, so it’s a pretty even battle at the plate. Give me the Astros as I’d rather take the unknown SP who looks great right now vs. the aging vet who looks absolutely cooked right now. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting Marlins at DodgersSandy Alcantara Over 17.5 Outs Recorded (-107 DraftKings)The Marlins ace looked back to his Cy Young form through his first three starts as he logged 24.1 IP and the only two runs he allowed were in the 9th inning of the third start.He was just two outs away from a second straight complete game shutout, which makes him a regular Old Hoss Radbourne in today’s game. The last three outings have not gone so great, 17 IP, 6.35 ERA and 1.88 WHIP and he’s at the Dodgers tonight. But innings are what Sandy does. He induces a lot of grounders (48%) and has low whiff and walk and barrel rates.So in games where he’s not getting BABIP-ed around he’s extremely efficient. Let’s back on another Sandy Special today. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting #MLB #Picks #Today #Astros #Orioles #Dodgers #Marlins #Bets #Deadspin.comApr 1, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara (22) pitches against the Chicago White Sox in the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

How about a little East Coast-West Coast combo for our MLB picks today?

Season Record 14-12-1, -0.42 Units

Astros at Orioles

Astros F5 (+102 BetRivers)

It’s been quite the mess for Houston so far in 2025.

Expected to compete for the AL West as always, they have instead fallen on hard times amid a raft of pitcher injuries. But this is an organization with an excellent record of developing arms, and they may have found one in today’s starter, Peter Lambert. You might recognize the name as he pitched parts of four seasons in Colorado from 2019 to 2024, never logging more than 89.1 IP in the majors and never finishing a season with an ERA under 5.36.

Well, he took his talents (or at that point, lack thereof) to Japan last year and well, was just okay there too with a 4.26 ERA and 20.1% K%. The Astros brought him back and appeared to have unlocked something in the minors as he had a 1.84 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in three minor league starts, and now a 3.27 ERA in 11 IP with a whopping 33.3% K% and 17.7% SwSwr% over two starts in MLB. His fastball has gone up about 2 MPH over where he typically sat in his Rockies days, and he’s now added a cutter to his arsenal. Are his improvements for real? Well, the results look promising very early on.

His Stuff+ is 94 if you’re into that sort of thing, which indicates he’s a shade below average.

He does appear to have the upper hand tonight as he faces off against the Orioles Chris Bassitt. The well-traveled vet has gotten off to a brutal start in Baltimore, with a super ugly 6.75 ERA and 2.08 WHIP. His -2.70% K-BB% is the worst in MLB among starters who have logged at least 10 IP.

The best I can say is he keeps the ball on the ground and his EV allowed is low so there’s always a chance all the contact he induces will go to his fielders. The Astros have one of the best offenses in the league though and they have a 120 wRC+ on the road this year and an identical 120 wRC+ vs. righties. The Orioles for their part have a 119 wRC+ at home, so it’s a pretty even battle at the plate. Give me the Astros as I’d rather take the unknown SP who looks great right now vs. the aging vet who looks absolutely cooked right now.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

Marlins at Dodgers

Sandy Alcantara Over 17.5 Outs Recorded (-107 DraftKings)

The Marlins ace looked back to his Cy Young form through his first three starts as he logged 24.1 IP and the only two runs he allowed were in the 9th inning of the third start.

He was just two outs away from a second straight complete game shutout, which makes him a regular Old Hoss Radbourne in today’s game. The last three outings have not gone so great, 17 IP, 6.35 ERA and 1.88 WHIP and he’s at the Dodgers tonight. But innings are what Sandy does. He induces a lot of grounders (48%) and has low whiff and walk and barrel rates.

So in games where he’s not getting BABIP-ed around he’s extremely efficient. Let’s back on another Sandy Special today.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

#MLB #Picks #Today #Astros #Orioles #Dodgers #Marlins #Bets #Deadspin.com">MLB Picks Today: Astros vs Orioles and Dodgers vs Marlins Best Bets | Deadspin.com Apr 1, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara (22) pitches against the Chicago White Sox in the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images How about a little East Coast-West Coast combo for our MLB picks today?Season Record 14-12-1, -0.42 UnitsAstros at OriolesAstros F5 (+102 BetRivers)It’s been quite the mess for Houston so far in 2025.Expected to compete for the AL West as always, they have instead fallen on hard times amid a raft of pitcher injuries. But this is an organization with an excellent record of developing arms, and they may have found one in today’s starter, Peter Lambert. You might recognize the name as he pitched parts of four seasons in Colorado from 2019 to 2024, never logging more than 89.1 IP in the majors and never finishing a season with an ERA under 5.36.Well, he took his talents (or at that point, lack thereof) to Japan last year and well, was just okay there too with a 4.26 ERA and 20.1% K%. The Astros brought him back and appeared to have unlocked something in the minors as he had a 1.84 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in three minor league starts, and now a 3.27 ERA in 11 IP with a whopping 33.3% K% and 17.7% SwSwr% over two starts in MLB. His fastball has gone up about 2 MPH over where he typically sat in his Rockies days, and he’s now added a cutter to his arsenal. Are his improvements for real? Well, the results look promising very early on.His Stuff+ is 94 if you’re into that sort of thing, which indicates he’s a shade below average.He does appear to have the upper hand tonight as he faces off against the Orioles Chris Bassitt. The well-traveled vet has gotten off to a brutal start in Baltimore, with a super ugly 6.75 ERA and 2.08 WHIP. His -2.70% K-BB% is the worst in MLB among starters who have logged at least 10 IP.The best I can say is he keeps the ball on the ground and his EV allowed is low so there’s always a chance all the contact he induces will go to his fielders. The Astros have one of the best offenses in the league though and they have a 120 wRC+ on the road this year and an identical 120 wRC+ vs. righties. The Orioles for their part have a 119 wRC+ at home, so it’s a pretty even battle at the plate. Give me the Astros as I’d rather take the unknown SP who looks great right now vs. the aging vet who looks absolutely cooked right now. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting Marlins at DodgersSandy Alcantara Over 17.5 Outs Recorded (-107 DraftKings)The Marlins ace looked back to his Cy Young form through his first three starts as he logged 24.1 IP and the only two runs he allowed were in the 9th inning of the third start.He was just two outs away from a second straight complete game shutout, which makes him a regular Old Hoss Radbourne in today’s game. The last three outings have not gone so great, 17 IP, 6.35 ERA and 1.88 WHIP and he’s at the Dodgers tonight. But innings are what Sandy does. He induces a lot of grounders (48%) and has low whiff and walk and barrel rates.So in games where he’s not getting BABIP-ed around he’s extremely efficient. Let’s back on another Sandy Special today. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting #MLB #Picks #Today #Astros #Orioles #Dodgers #Marlins #Bets #Deadspin.com

for the AL West as always, they have instead fallen on hard times amid a raft of pitcher injuries. But this is an organization with an excellent record of developing arms, and they may have found one in today’s starter, Peter Lambert. You might recognize the name as he pitched parts of four seasons in Colorado from 2019 to 2024, never logging more than 89.1 IP in the majors and never finishing a season with an ERA under 5.36.

Well, he took his talents (or at that point, lack thereof) to Japan last year and well, was just okay there too with a 4.26 ERA and 20.1% K%. The Astros brought him back and appeared to have unlocked something in the minors as he had a 1.84 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in three minor league starts, and now a 3.27 ERA in 11 IP with a whopping 33.3% K% and 17.7% SwSwr% over two starts in MLB. His fastball has gone up about 2 MPH over where he typically sat in his Rockies days, and he’s now added a cutter to his arsenal. Are his improvements for real? Well, the results look promising very early on.

His Stuff+ is 94 if you’re into that sort of thing, which indicates he’s a shade below average.

He does appear to have the upper hand tonight as he faces off against the Orioles Chris Bassitt. The well-traveled vet has gotten off to a brutal start in Baltimore, with a super ugly 6.75 ERA and 2.08 WHIP. His -2.70% K-BB% is the worst in MLB among starters who have logged at least 10 IP.

The best I can say is he keeps the ball on the ground and his EV allowed is low so there’s always a chance all the contact he induces will go to his fielders. The Astros have one of the best offenses in the league though and they have a 120 wRC+ on the road this year and an identical 120 wRC+ vs. righties. The Orioles for their part have a 119 wRC+ at home, so it’s a pretty even battle at the plate. Give me the Astros as I’d rather take the unknown SP who looks great right now vs. the aging vet who looks absolutely cooked right now.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

Marlins at Dodgers

Sandy Alcantara Over 17.5 Outs Recorded (-107 DraftKings)

The Marlins ace looked back to his Cy Young form through his first three starts as he logged 24.1 IP and the only two runs he allowed were in the 9th inning of the third start.

He was just two outs away from a second straight complete game shutout, which makes him a regular Old Hoss Radbourne in today’s game. The last three outings have not gone so great, 17 IP, 6.35 ERA and 1.88 WHIP and he’s at the Dodgers tonight. But innings are what Sandy does. He induces a lot of grounders (48%) and has low whiff and walk and barrel rates.

So in games where he’s not getting BABIP-ed around he’s extremely efficient. Let’s back on another Sandy Special today.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

#MLB #Picks #Today #Astros #Orioles #Dodgers #Marlins #Bets #Deadspin.com">MLB Picks Today: Astros vs Orioles and Dodgers vs Marlins Best Bets | Deadspin.com
MLB Picks Today: Astros vs Orioles and Dodgers vs Marlins Best Bets | Deadspin.com Apr 1, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara (22) pitches against the Chicago White Sox in the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images How about a little East Coast-West Coast combo for our MLB picks today?Season Record 14-12-1, -0.42 UnitsAstros at OriolesAstros F5 (+102 BetRivers)It’s been quite the mess for Houston so far in 2025.Expected to compete for the AL West as always, they have instead fallen on hard times amid a raft of pitcher injuries. But this is an organization with an excellent record of developing arms, and they may have found one in today’s starter, Peter Lambert. You might recognize the name as he pitched parts of four seasons in Colorado from 2019 to 2024, never logging more than 89.1 IP in the majors and never finishing a season with an ERA under 5.36.Well, he took his talents (or at that point, lack thereof) to Japan last year and well, was just okay there too with a 4.26 ERA and 20.1% K%. The Astros brought him back and appeared to have unlocked something in the minors as he had a 1.84 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in three minor league starts, and now a 3.27 ERA in 11 IP with a whopping 33.3% K% and 17.7% SwSwr% over two starts in MLB. His fastball has gone up about 2 MPH over where he typically sat in his Rockies days, and he’s now added a cutter to his arsenal. Are his improvements for real? Well, the results look promising very early on.His Stuff+ is 94 if you’re into that sort of thing, which indicates he’s a shade below average.He does appear to have the upper hand tonight as he faces off against the Orioles Chris Bassitt. The well-traveled vet has gotten off to a brutal start in Baltimore, with a super ugly 6.75 ERA and 2.08 WHIP. His -2.70% K-BB% is the worst in MLB among starters who have logged at least 10 IP.The best I can say is he keeps the ball on the ground and his EV allowed is low so there’s always a chance all the contact he induces will go to his fielders. The Astros have one of the best offenses in the league though and they have a 120 wRC+ on the road this year and an identical 120 wRC+ vs. righties. The Orioles for their part have a 119 wRC+ at home, so it’s a pretty even battle at the plate. Give me the Astros as I’d rather take the unknown SP who looks great right now vs. the aging vet who looks absolutely cooked right now. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting Marlins at DodgersSandy Alcantara Over 17.5 Outs Recorded (-107 DraftKings)The Marlins ace looked back to his Cy Young form through his first three starts as he logged 24.1 IP and the only two runs he allowed were in the 9th inning of the third start.He was just two outs away from a second straight complete game shutout, which makes him a regular Old Hoss Radbourne in today’s game. The last three outings have not gone so great, 17 IP, 6.35 ERA and 1.88 WHIP and he’s at the Dodgers tonight. But innings are what Sandy does. He induces a lot of grounders (48%) and has low whiff and walk and barrel rates.So in games where he’s not getting BABIP-ed around he’s extremely efficient. Let’s back on another Sandy Special today. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting #MLB #Picks #Today #Astros #Orioles #Dodgers #Marlins #Bets #Deadspin.comApr 1, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara (22) pitches against the Chicago White Sox in the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

How about a little East Coast-West Coast combo for our MLB picks today?

Season Record 14-12-1, -0.42 Units

Astros at Orioles

Astros F5 (+102 BetRivers)

It’s been quite the mess for Houston so far in 2025.

Expected to compete for the AL West as always, they have instead fallen on hard times amid a raft of pitcher injuries. But this is an organization with an excellent record of developing arms, and they may have found one in today’s starter, Peter Lambert. You might recognize the name as he pitched parts of four seasons in Colorado from 2019 to 2024, never logging more than 89.1 IP in the majors and never finishing a season with an ERA under 5.36.

Well, he took his talents (or at that point, lack thereof) to Japan last year and well, was just okay there too with a 4.26 ERA and 20.1% K%. The Astros brought him back and appeared to have unlocked something in the minors as he had a 1.84 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in three minor league starts, and now a 3.27 ERA in 11 IP with a whopping 33.3% K% and 17.7% SwSwr% over two starts in MLB. His fastball has gone up about 2 MPH over where he typically sat in his Rockies days, and he’s now added a cutter to his arsenal. Are his improvements for real? Well, the results look promising very early on.

His Stuff+ is 94 if you’re into that sort of thing, which indicates he’s a shade below average.

He does appear to have the upper hand tonight as he faces off against the Orioles Chris Bassitt. The well-traveled vet has gotten off to a brutal start in Baltimore, with a super ugly 6.75 ERA and 2.08 WHIP. His -2.70% K-BB% is the worst in MLB among starters who have logged at least 10 IP.

The best I can say is he keeps the ball on the ground and his EV allowed is low so there’s always a chance all the contact he induces will go to his fielders. The Astros have one of the best offenses in the league though and they have a 120 wRC+ on the road this year and an identical 120 wRC+ vs. righties. The Orioles for their part have a 119 wRC+ at home, so it’s a pretty even battle at the plate. Give me the Astros as I’d rather take the unknown SP who looks great right now vs. the aging vet who looks absolutely cooked right now.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

Marlins at Dodgers

Sandy Alcantara Over 17.5 Outs Recorded (-107 DraftKings)

The Marlins ace looked back to his Cy Young form through his first three starts as he logged 24.1 IP and the only two runs he allowed were in the 9th inning of the third start.

He was just two outs away from a second straight complete game shutout, which makes him a regular Old Hoss Radbourne in today’s game. The last three outings have not gone so great, 17 IP, 6.35 ERA and 1.88 WHIP and he’s at the Dodgers tonight. But innings are what Sandy does. He induces a lot of grounders (48%) and has low whiff and walk and barrel rates.

So in games where he’s not getting BABIP-ed around he’s extremely efficient. Let’s back on another Sandy Special today.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

#MLB #Picks #Today #Astros #Orioles #Dodgers #Marlins #Bets #Deadspin.com

The Spanish football federation banned Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada for 13 matches on Wednesday after he punched Huesca player Jorge Pulido in the face.

The federation’s disciplinary committee said in a statement that the Argentina international and his club would also be fined. Andrada was sent off before he “attacked” Pulido during the second-tier derby last Sunday.

Andrada was handed a 12-match ban for the punch, while his initial red card carried an automatic one-match suspension. The punishment rules him out for the rest of the season and deals a blow to Zaragoza’s hopes in its battle to avoid relegation.

The 35-year-old, on loan from Mexican side Monterrey, shoved Pulido and was shown a second yellow card for the incident.

ALSO READ: FIFA opens talks on rule requiring clubs to field one homegrown young player during matches

Andrada then became enraged, running towards Pulido and hitting him, sparking a brawl on the pitch in stoppage time.

“The truth is I’m very, very sorry for what happened,” Andrada said afterwards.

“It’s not a good image for the club, for the fans, and especially not for a professional like myself. So, I’m very sorry.”

Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jimenez and Zaragoza’s Dani Tasende were also sent off after the brawl, with host Huesca holding on for a 1-0 win. Jimenez was banned for four matches and Tasende for two.

“We witnessed scenes unbecoming of this sport and which should never have occurred,” Zaragoza said in a statement on Sunday.

Published on Apr 29, 2026

#Real #Zaragoza #keeper #Esteban #banned #games #punching #Huesca #player #Jorge">Real Zaragoza keeper Esteban banned for 13 games after punching Huesca player Jorge The Spanish football federation banned Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada for 13 matches on Wednesday after he punched Huesca player Jorge Pulido in the face.The federation’s disciplinary committee said in a statement that the Argentina international and his club would also be fined. Andrada was sent off before he “attacked” Pulido during the second-tier derby last Sunday.Andrada was handed a 12-match ban for the punch, while his initial red card carried an automatic one-match suspension. The punishment rules him out for the rest of the season and deals a blow to Zaragoza’s hopes in its battle to avoid relegation.The 35-year-old, on loan from Mexican side Monterrey, shoved Pulido and was shown a second yellow card for the incident.ALSO READ: FIFA opens talks on rule requiring clubs to field one homegrown young player during matchesAndrada then became enraged, running towards Pulido and hitting him, sparking a brawl on the pitch in stoppage time.“The truth is I’m very, very sorry for what happened,” Andrada said afterwards.“It’s not a good image for the club, for the fans, and especially not for a professional like myself. So, I’m very sorry.”Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jimenez and Zaragoza’s Dani Tasende were also sent off after the brawl, with host Huesca holding on for a 1-0 win. Jimenez was banned for four matches and Tasende for two.“We witnessed scenes unbecoming of this sport and which should never have occurred,” Zaragoza said in a statement on Sunday.Published on Apr 29, 2026 #Real #Zaragoza #keeper #Esteban #banned #games #punching #Huesca #player #Jorge

FIFA opens talks on rule requiring clubs to field one homegrown young player during matches

Andrada then became enraged, running towards Pulido and hitting him, sparking a brawl on the pitch in stoppage time.

“The truth is I’m very, very sorry for what happened,” Andrada said afterwards.

“It’s not a good image for the club, for the fans, and especially not for a professional like myself. So, I’m very sorry.”

Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jimenez and Zaragoza’s Dani Tasende were also sent off after the brawl, with host Huesca holding on for a 1-0 win. Jimenez was banned for four matches and Tasende for two.

“We witnessed scenes unbecoming of this sport and which should never have occurred,” Zaragoza said in a statement on Sunday.

Published on Apr 29, 2026

#Real #Zaragoza #keeper #Esteban #banned #games #punching #Huesca #player #Jorge">Real Zaragoza keeper Esteban banned for 13 games after punching Huesca player Jorge

The Spanish football federation banned Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada for 13 matches on Wednesday after he punched Huesca player Jorge Pulido in the face.

The federation’s disciplinary committee said in a statement that the Argentina international and his club would also be fined. Andrada was sent off before he “attacked” Pulido during the second-tier derby last Sunday.

Andrada was handed a 12-match ban for the punch, while his initial red card carried an automatic one-match suspension. The punishment rules him out for the rest of the season and deals a blow to Zaragoza’s hopes in its battle to avoid relegation.

The 35-year-old, on loan from Mexican side Monterrey, shoved Pulido and was shown a second yellow card for the incident.

ALSO READ: FIFA opens talks on rule requiring clubs to field one homegrown young player during matches

Andrada then became enraged, running towards Pulido and hitting him, sparking a brawl on the pitch in stoppage time.

“The truth is I’m very, very sorry for what happened,” Andrada said afterwards.

“It’s not a good image for the club, for the fans, and especially not for a professional like myself. So, I’m very sorry.”

Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jimenez and Zaragoza’s Dani Tasende were also sent off after the brawl, with host Huesca holding on for a 1-0 win. Jimenez was banned for four matches and Tasende for two.

“We witnessed scenes unbecoming of this sport and which should never have occurred,” Zaragoza said in a statement on Sunday.

Published on Apr 29, 2026

#Real #Zaragoza #keeper #Esteban #banned #games #punching #Huesca #player #Jorge

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