Deadspin | Cavaliers conclude regular season vs. last-place Wizards Feb 11, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin (35) dunks in the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images The playoff-bound Cleveland Cavaliers and last-place Washington Wizards are locked into their spots in the standings, leaving nothing tangible for either team to play for — except pride — in their regular season finale Sunday. Host Cleveland (51-30) is assured of finishing fourth in the Eastern Conference and will have home-court advantage against either the Atlanta Hawks or Toronto Raptors in the first round. The Cavaliers have won 10 of their last 13 games and are 34-14 since Dec. 29. It would not be surprising to see Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen granted the evening off. “We’re really just locking in on all the key details and focused on making a run in the playoffs,” Cavaliers forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin said. “I feel like we have a little bit of momentum going in. We’re feeling good.” Second-year pro Tomlin, who did not play high school basketball, has made the most of his opportunities as injuries have forced Cleveland to use 40 different starting lineups. A 41st is assured when it takes the opening tip against the Wizards. Tomlin is averaging 5.5 points in 63 games, shooting 61.8 percent on his 191 field goal attempts inside the 3-point arc. The 6-foot-8, 210-pounder has been unstoppable in transition and had his two-way contract converted to a multi-year NBA deal on Feb. 11. “I want them to know, if Nae’Qwan’s playing, Nae’Qwan’s playing hard,” said Tomlin, whose white headband and pogo-stick like jumping ability stand out on the court. “That’s always been my thing, just going out there and playing hard. Being that spark, whether it’s off the bench or if I’m starting.” It’s been a lost season for Washington (17-64), which clinched the worst record in the league Friday with a 140-117 home defeat to the Miami Heat. The Wizards have lost nine in a row and 25 of their last 26 games, only beating the Utah Jazz on March 25. Future hopes are high as Washington will add an impact rookie to a roster that includes former All-Stars Anthony Davis and Trae Young, both trade deadline acquisitions who are out with injuries. But the present has been brutal: The Wizards’ three worst seasons in their 65-year franchise history have been the last three. “We still have one more game,” said Washington coach Brian Keefe, who is 43-159 at the helm. “That’s one thing about our team. We don’t skip steps and we stay in the moment.” No one has been more reliable throughout the turmoil than point guard Bub Carrington, who has played in all 163 Wizards games since debuting on Oct. 24, 2024. The University of Pittsburgh product is one of 18 players not to miss a game this NBA season. Carrington, who was a second-team All-Rookie honoree, has upped his averages as a sophomore to 10.6 points and 4.6 assists. He is shooting 40.4 percent on 3-pointers and went 6-of-7 from long distance with 30 points two nights ago against Miami. “I’m working to be an elite shooter, but I’ve been blessed enough to play in every game,” said Carrington, whose given first name is Carlton. “And I’ve been blessed to actually ‘play’ in every game.” There will be an adjustment in sharing the backcourt with Young next season, but Keefe is already laying the foundation by moving Carrington off the ball more. He said he welcomes the challenge of adapting his game. “I prided myself on being able to do that when I came into the league,” Carrington said of being a shooting guard. “Comparing the two roles is like ships in the night for me.” The Cavaliers have won 15 straight over the Wizards, their second-longest run in franchise history. Cleveland beat the Orlando Magic 17 consecutive times from 2013-2017. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Cavaliers #conclude #regular #season #lastplace #Wizards

Deadspin | Cavaliers conclude regular season vs. last-place Wizards
Feb 11, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin (35) dunks in the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

The playoff-bound Cleveland Cavaliers and last-place Washington Wizards are locked into their spots in the standings, leaving nothing tangible for either team to play for — except pride — in their regular season finale Sunday.

Host Cleveland (51-30) is assured of finishing fourth in the Eastern Conference and will have home-court advantage against either the Atlanta Hawks or Toronto Raptors in the first round. The Cavaliers have won 10 of their last 13 games and are 34-14 since Dec. 29.

It would not be surprising to see Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen granted the evening off.

“We’re really just locking in on all the key details and focused on making a run in the playoffs,” Cavaliers forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin said. “I feel like we have a little bit of momentum going in. We’re feeling good.”

Second-year pro Tomlin, who did not play high school basketball, has made the most of his opportunities as injuries have forced Cleveland to use 40 different starting lineups. A 41st is assured when it takes the opening tip against the Wizards.

Tomlin is averaging 5.5 points in 63 games, shooting 61.8 percent on his 191 field goal attempts inside the 3-point arc. The 6-foot-8, 210-pounder has been unstoppable in transition and had his two-way contract converted to a multi-year NBA deal on Feb. 11.

“I want them to know, if Nae’Qwan’s playing, Nae’Qwan’s playing hard,” said Tomlin, whose white headband and pogo-stick like jumping ability stand out on the court.

“That’s always been my thing, just going out there and playing hard. Being that spark, whether it’s off the bench or if I’m starting.”

It’s been a lost season for Washington (17-64), which clinched the worst record in the league Friday with a 140-117 home defeat to the Miami Heat. The Wizards have lost nine in a row and 25 of their last 26 games, only beating the Utah Jazz on March 25.

Future hopes are high as Washington will add an impact rookie to a roster that includes former All-Stars Anthony Davis and Trae Young, both trade deadline acquisitions who are out with injuries.

But the present has been brutal: The Wizards’ three worst seasons in their 65-year franchise history have been the last three.

“We still have one more game,” said Washington coach Brian Keefe, who is 43-159 at the helm. “That’s one thing about our team. We don’t skip steps and we stay in the moment.”

No one has been more reliable throughout the turmoil than point guard Bub Carrington, who has played in all 163 Wizards games since debuting on Oct. 24, 2024. The University of Pittsburgh product is one of 18 players not to miss a game this NBA season.

Carrington, who was a second-team All-Rookie honoree, has upped his averages as a sophomore to 10.6 points and 4.6 assists. He is shooting 40.4 percent on 3-pointers and went 6-of-7 from long distance with 30 points two nights ago against Miami.

“I’m working to be an elite shooter, but I’ve been blessed enough to play in every game,” said Carrington, whose given first name is Carlton. “And I’ve been blessed to actually ‘play’ in every game.”

There will be an adjustment in sharing the backcourt with Young next season, but Keefe is already laying the foundation by moving Carrington off the ball more. He said he welcomes the challenge of adapting his game.

“I prided myself on being able to do that when I came into the league,” Carrington said of being a shooting guard. “Comparing the two roles is like ships in the night for me.”

The Cavaliers have won 15 straight over the Wizards, their second-longest run in franchise history. Cleveland beat the Orlando Magic 17 consecutive times from 2013-2017.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Cavaliers #conclude #regular #season #lastplace #Wizards

Sports news April 12, 2026

Feb 11, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin (35) dunks in the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

The playoff-bound Cleveland Cavaliers and last-place Washington Wizards are locked into their spots in the standings, leaving nothing tangible for either team to play for — except pride — in their regular season finale Sunday.

Host Cleveland (51-30) is assured of finishing fourth in the Eastern Conference and will have home-court advantage against either the Atlanta Hawks or Toronto Raptors in the first round. The Cavaliers have won 10 of their last 13 games and are 34-14 since Dec. 29.

It would not be surprising to see Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen granted the evening off.

“We’re really just locking in on all the key details and focused on making a run in the playoffs,” Cavaliers forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin said. “I feel like we have a little bit of momentum going in. We’re feeling good.”

Second-year pro Tomlin, who did not play high school basketball, has made the most of his opportunities as injuries have forced Cleveland to use 40 different starting lineups. A 41st is assured when it takes the opening tip against the Wizards.

Tomlin is averaging 5.5 points in 63 games, shooting 61.8 percent on his 191 field goal attempts inside the 3-point arc. The 6-foot-8, 210-pounder has been unstoppable in transition and had his two-way contract converted to a multi-year NBA deal on Feb. 11.

“I want them to know, if Nae’Qwan’s playing, Nae’Qwan’s playing hard,” said Tomlin, whose white headband and pogo-stick like jumping ability stand out on the court.

“That’s always been my thing, just going out there and playing hard. Being that spark, whether it’s off the bench or if I’m starting.”

It’s been a lost season for Washington (17-64), which clinched the worst record in the league Friday with a 140-117 home defeat to the Miami Heat. The Wizards have lost nine in a row and 25 of their last 26 games, only beating the Utah Jazz on March 25.

Future hopes are high as Washington will add an impact rookie to a roster that includes former All-Stars Anthony Davis and Trae Young, both trade deadline acquisitions who are out with injuries.

But the present has been brutal: The Wizards’ three worst seasons in their 65-year franchise history have been the last three.

“We still have one more game,” said Washington coach Brian Keefe, who is 43-159 at the helm. “That’s one thing about our team. We don’t skip steps and we stay in the moment.”

No one has been more reliable throughout the turmoil than point guard Bub Carrington, who has played in all 163 Wizards games since debuting on Oct. 24, 2024. The University of Pittsburgh product is one of 18 players not to miss a game this NBA season.

Carrington, who was a second-team All-Rookie honoree, has upped his averages as a sophomore to 10.6 points and 4.6 assists. He is shooting 40.4 percent on 3-pointers and went 6-of-7 from long distance with 30 points two nights ago against Miami.

“I’m working to be an elite shooter, but I’ve been blessed enough to play in every game,” said Carrington, whose given first name is Carlton. “And I’ve been blessed to actually ‘play’ in every game.”

There will be an adjustment in sharing the backcourt with Young next season, but Keefe is already laying the foundation by moving Carrington off the ball more. He said he welcomes the challenge of adapting his game.

“I prided myself on being able to do that when I came into the league,” Carrington said of being a shooting guard. “Comparing the two roles is like ships in the night for me.”

The Cavaliers have won 15 straight over the Wizards, their second-longest run in franchise history. Cleveland beat the Orlando Magic 17 consecutive times from 2013-2017.

–Field Level Media

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CSK vs DC, IPL 2026: ‘Losing four wickets in four overs was the turning point,’ says Delhi Capitals Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao <div id="content-body-70853250" itemprop="articleBody">After starting the tournament with two wins in two, Delhi Capitals has been pegged back with consecutive losses against Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings. The team’s Director of Cricket, Venugopal Rao, suggested that losing a flurry of wickets together dented its chances to chase down the target of 212 at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium.After Pathum Nissanka’s opening blitz helped the team past 50 runs in no time, the CSK pacers reduced the side to 76 for four. Tristan Stubbs’ 30-ball 68 went in vain as the team failed to recover from the slide to mount a serious challenge.“I felt losing four wickets in four overs was the turning point. In this format, losing back-to-back wickets always causes harm to the team. I think it is a game of momentum. If we had restricted them to 15-20 fewer, psychologically we have a better chance of chasing down a total below 200,” he opined.DC also squandered multiple chances on the field, including a botched run-out and a catch dropped of Sanju Samson, who went on to score an unbeaten hundred.“It happens. It’s a long tournament, we will have one or two bad games,” Rao said. “In the first three games, we fielded well. One-off game; after the strategic timeout, we missed a run-out and gave a life to Sanju in the same over,” he added. Rao also said that the team will have an update about pacer Mitchell Starc’s return in a week. He also refused to divulge any further information on Australian spinner Nikhil Chaudhary, who has been training with the team despite not being added to the squad officially. Published on Apr 12, 2026</div> #CSK #IPL #Losing #wickets #overs #turning #point #Delhi #Capitals #Director #Cricket #Venugopal #Rao

CWG 2026 Boxing: World No. 3 Preeti storms into medal rounds with commanding win over Nicole World No. 3 Preeti secured India another boxing medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 after producing a commanding performance against Northern Ireland’s Nicole Clyde in the women’s 54kg quarterfinal on Tuesday.The Indian advanced to the semifinals with a unanimous 5-0 points victory, guaranteeing herself at least a bronze medal.Preeti established control from the opening bell, using crisp straight punches and intelligent movement to keep Clyde at bay. The Northern Irish boxer attempted to apply pressure by coming forward, but Preeti repeatedly disrupted her advances with a sharp lead hand and quick one-two combinations.Her accuracy soon brought the first standing eight-count of the contest. Preeti also found success at close range, slipping inside Clyde’s guard and landing an uppercut as she took the opening round on all five judges’ scorecards.Preeti’s lead hand continued to work effectively in the second round. She remained solid in defence and repeatedly caught Clyde with straight punches before following up with combinations.Another sustained attack resulted in Clyde receiving a second standing eight-count, leaving Preeti firmly in control heading into the final round.The Indian maintained her composure in the third, picking her moments rather than being drawn into an untidy exchange. Her clean punching forced a third standing eight-count for Clyde as Preeti completed a dominant performance.The judges scored the contest 30-25, 30-25, 30-26, 30-26 and 30-27 in Preeti’s favour, sealing a comprehensive victory and a place on the Commonwealth Games medal podium.Preeti is slated to face Zambia’s Catherine Mwape in the semifinal at 3:15 p.m. IST on Friday.Priya Ghanghas overturns slow start to secure medalWorld No. 4 Priya Ghanghas recovered from a difficult opening round to defeat Scotland’s Niamh Mitchell by a 4-1 split decision in the women’s 60kg quarterfinal, securing at least a bronze medal at the ongoing Games.The 19-year-old Mitchell began strongly and claimed the first round on four of the five judges’ cards, with Priya struggling initially to impose herself against the home boxer.However, the Indian responded with greater urgency in the second round, turning the contest around by taking the frame on four cards. Both boxers were also handed one-point deductions during the round, leaving the bout finely balanced ahead of the final three minutes.Priya then produced her most decisive boxing in the third round, which all five judges awarded to the Indian. Her strong finish proved crucial as she earned winning totals of 28-27 from three judges and 29-26 from another. The fifth judge scored the contest 28-27 in Mitchell’s favour.The victory sent Priya into the semifinal and assured India of another boxing medal in Glasgow.Parveen’s late charge falls short against HickeyParveen Hooda produced a strong final-round fightback but suffered a narrow 3-2 split-decision defeat to England’s Sacha Hickey in the women’s 65kg quarterfinal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 on Tuesday.Hickey, the 2024 European Under-23 champion and current world No. 6, established an early advantage by taking the opening round on four of the five judges’ cards. A long straight caught Parveen cleanly in the closing seconds and helped the English boxer edge the round. Parveen Hooda suffered a narrow 3-2 split-decision defeat to Sacha Hickey in the quarterfinal round.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

Parveen Hooda suffered a narrow 3-2 split-decision defeat to Sacha Hickey in the quarterfinal round.
| Photo Credit:
PTI
The second followed a similar pattern, with Hickey landing a corkscrew right near the bell and again earning a 4-1 split. However, the scores remained close, with four judges having the contest level at 19-19 entering the final round.Parveen responded impressively, scoring with a left cross, right hand and repeated jabs while making Hickey miss with her corkscrew right. All five judges awarded the third round to the Indian, but Hickey’s early lead proved decisive.Hickey won 29-28 on three cards, while Parveen took the other two 29-28.More to follow…Published on Jul 28, 2026 #CWG #Boxing #World #Preeti #storms #medal #rounds #commanding #win #Nicole — Parveen Hooda suffered a narrow 3-2 split-decision defeat to Sacha Hickey in the quarterfinal round. | Photo Credit: PTI

#CWG #Boxing #World #Preeti #storms #medal #rounds #commanding #win #Nicole">

mwasimuddin125 0

World No. 3 Preeti secured India another boxing medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 after producing a commanding performance against Northern Ireland’s Nicole Clyde in the women’s 54kg quarterfinal on Tuesday.
The Indian advanced to the semifinals with a unanimous 5-0 points victory, guaranteeing herself at least a bronze medal.
Preeti established control from the opening bell, using crisp straight punches and intelligent movement to keep Clyde at bay. The Northern Irish boxer attempted to apply pressure by coming forward, but Preeti repeatedly disrupted her advances with a sharp lead hand and quick one-two combinations.
Her accuracy soon brought the first standing eight-count of the contest. Preeti also found success at close range, slipping inside Clyde’s guard and landing an uppercut as she took the opening round on all five judges’ scorecards.
Preeti’s lead hand continued to work effectively in the second round. She remained solid in defence and repeatedly caught Clyde with straight punches before following up with combinations.
Another sustained attack resulted in Clyde receiving a second standing eight-count, leaving Preeti firmly in control heading into the final round.
The Indian maintained her composure in the third, picking her moments rather than being drawn into an untidy exchange. Her clean punching forced a third standing eight-count for Clyde as Preeti completed a dominant performance.
The judges scored the contest 30-25, 30-25, 30-26, 30-26 and 30-27 in Preeti’s favour, sealing a comprehensive victory and a place on the Commonwealth Games medal podium.
Preeti is slated to face Zambia’s Catherine Mwape in the semifinal at 3:15 p.m. IST on Friday.
Priya Ghanghas overturns slow start to secure medal
World No. 4 Priya Ghanghas recovered from a difficult opening round to defeat Scotland’s Niamh Mitchell by a 4-1 split decision in the women’s 60kg quarterfinal, securing at least a bronze medal at the ongoing Games.
The 19-year-old Mitchell began strongly and claimed the first round on four of the five judges’ cards, with Priya struggling initially to impose herself against the home boxer.
However, the Indian responded with greater urgency in the second round, turning the contest around by taking the frame on four cards. Both boxers were also handed one-point deductions during the round, leaving the bout finely balanced ahead of the final three minutes.
Priya then produced her most decisive boxing in the third round, which all five judges awarded to the Indian. Her strong finish proved crucial as she earned winning totals of 28-27 from three judges and 29-26 from another. The fifth judge scored the contest 28-27 in Mitchell’s favour.
The victory sent Priya into the semifinal and assured India of another boxing medal in Glasgow.
Parveen’s late charge falls short against Hickey
Parveen Hooda produced a strong final-round fightback but suffered a narrow 3-2 split-decision defeat to England’s Sacha Hickey in the women’s 65kg quarterfinal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 on Tuesday.
Hickey, the 2024 European Under-23 champion and current world No. 6, established an early advantage by taking the opening round on four of the five judges’ cards. A long straight caught Parveen cleanly in the closing seconds and helped the English boxer edge the round.
Parveen Hooda suffered a narrow 3-2 split-decision defeat to Sacha Hickey in the quarterfinal round. | Photo Credit: PTI
Parveen Hooda suffered a narrow 3-2 split-decision defeat to Sacha Hickey in the quarterfinal round. | Photo Credit: PTI
The second followed a similar pattern, with Hickey landing a corkscrew right near the bell and again earning a 4-1 split. However, the scores remained close, with four judges having the contest level at 19-19 entering the final round.
Parveen responded impressively, scoring with a left cross, right hand and repeated jabs while making Hickey miss with her corkscrew right. All five judges awarded the third round to the Indian, but Hickey’s early lead proved decisive.
Hickey won 29-28 on three cards, while Parveen took the other two 29-28.
More to follow…
Published on Jul 28, 2026

#CWG #Boxing #World #Preeti #storms #medal #rounds #commanding #win #Nicole">CWG 2026 Boxing: World No. 3 Preeti storms into medal rounds with commanding win over Nicole

World No. 3 Preeti secured India another boxing medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 after producing a commanding performance against Northern Ireland’s Nicole Clyde in the women’s 54kg quarterfinal on Tuesday.

The Indian advanced to the semifinals with a unanimous 5-0 points victory, guaranteeing herself at least a bronze medal.

Preeti established control from the opening bell, using crisp straight punches and intelligent movement to keep Clyde at bay. The Northern Irish boxer attempted to apply pressure by coming forward, but Preeti repeatedly disrupted her advances with a sharp lead hand and quick one-two combinations.

Her accuracy soon brought the first standing eight-count of the contest. Preeti also found success at close range, slipping inside Clyde’s guard and landing an uppercut as she took the opening round on all five judges’ scorecards.

Preeti’s lead hand continued to work effectively in the second round. She remained solid in defence and repeatedly caught Clyde with straight punches before following up with combinations.

Another sustained attack resulted in Clyde receiving a second standing eight-count, leaving Preeti firmly in control heading into the final round.

The Indian maintained her composure in the third, picking her moments rather than being drawn into an untidy exchange. Her clean punching forced a third standing eight-count for Clyde as Preeti completed a dominant performance.

The judges scored the contest 30-25, 30-25, 30-26, 30-26 and 30-27 in Preeti’s favour, sealing a comprehensive victory and a place on the Commonwealth Games medal podium.

Preeti is slated to face Zambia’s Catherine Mwape in the semifinal at 3:15 p.m. IST on Friday.

Priya Ghanghas overturns slow start to secure medal

World No. 4 Priya Ghanghas recovered from a difficult opening round to defeat Scotland’s Niamh Mitchell by a 4-1 split decision in the women’s 60kg quarterfinal, securing at least a bronze medal at the ongoing Games.

The 19-year-old Mitchell began strongly and claimed the first round on four of the five judges’ cards, with Priya struggling initially to impose herself against the home boxer.

However, the Indian responded with greater urgency in the second round, turning the contest around by taking the frame on four cards. Both boxers were also handed one-point deductions during the round, leaving the bout finely balanced ahead of the final three minutes.

Priya then produced her most decisive boxing in the third round, which all five judges awarded to the Indian. Her strong finish proved crucial as she earned winning totals of 28-27 from three judges and 29-26 from another. The fifth judge scored the contest 28-27 in Mitchell’s favour.

The victory sent Priya into the semifinal and assured India of another boxing medal in Glasgow.

Parveen’s late charge falls short against Hickey

Parveen Hooda produced a strong final-round fightback but suffered a narrow 3-2 split-decision defeat to England’s Sacha Hickey in the women’s 65kg quarterfinal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 on Tuesday.

Hickey, the 2024 European Under-23 champion and current world No. 6, established an early advantage by taking the opening round on four of the five judges’ cards. A long straight caught Parveen cleanly in the closing seconds and helped the English boxer edge the round.

Parveen Hooda suffered a narrow 3-2 split-decision defeat to Sacha Hickey in the quarterfinal round. | Photo Credit: PTI

Parveen Hooda suffered a narrow 3-2 split-decision defeat to Sacha Hickey in the quarterfinal round. | Photo Credit: PTI

The second followed a similar pattern, with Hickey landing a corkscrew right near the bell and again earning a 4-1 split. However, the scores remained close, with four judges having the contest level at 19-19 entering the final round.

Parveen responded impressively, scoring with a left cross, right hand and repeated jabs while making Hickey miss with her corkscrew right. All five judges awarded the third round to the Indian, but Hickey’s early lead proved decisive.

Hickey won 29-28 on three cards, while Parveen took the other two 29-28.

More to follow…

Published on Jul 28, 2026

#CWG #Boxing #World #Preeti #storms #medal #rounds #commanding #win #Nicole

Deadspin | Red Sox eager to continue road success in matchup vs. A’s Jul 27, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela (3) celebrates with team mates after hitting a grand slam during the sixth inning of the game against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images Ceddanne Rafaela’s first career grand slam narrowly made it over the wall, but those few inches continued the winning ways of the Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox will look to defeat the Athletics for the second straight night when the teams square off on Tuesday at West Sacramento, Calif. Rafaela’s homer, which went off the glove of leaping Athletics left fielder Colby Thomas in the sixth inning, accounted for all of his team’s runs in Boston’s 4-2 victory in Monday’s opener of a four-game set. After hitting the ball, Rafaela slammed his bat to the ground in disgust. “I thought it was an out,” he said afterward. “I didn’t hit it the way I wanted to, but I hit it enough to go out.” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay took note of Rafaela’s discontent. “I’d never seen someone toss the bat to the ground (in that frustrated manner) and be rewarded in that way,” Kotsay said of the grand slam. The blow was all Boston needed to post its 18th victory in the past 20 games. Equally impressive is that it was the 10th straight road win for the Red Sox. “I think we have fun playing in front of the crowds that don’t want us to win,” Rafaela said. Meanwhile, the Athletics have lost 24 of their past 30 games. Tyler Soderstrom and Jonah Heim each hit a solo homer to account for their scoring on Monday. Heim now will be the Athletics’ primary catcher with All-Star starter Shea Langeliers set to undergo season-ending surgery Tuesday to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. The injury ranks as a huge blow for the Athletics, who lost two-time All-Star designated hitter Brent Rooker (left knee) for the season in early June. “This is another one of our leaders and another middle-of-the-order bat that is done for the season,” Kotsay said. “This is a season that continues to challenge us in different ways. We’ve been challenged before, especially from a depth perspective in the position player group.” Veteran right-hander Mark Leiter Jr. (right hip impingement) also will undergo surgery on Tuesday. Infielder Curtis Mead made his Boston debut on Monday but had to exit after 4 1/2 innings with a left wrist contusion. He was hit by a pitch from A’s right-hander Jack Perkins in the fourth. Red Sox manager Chad Tracy said X-rays were negative on Mead’s wrist. “He’s sore, and we’re going to take it day-by-day and see how he feels,” Tracy said. “Right now, it looks like we dodged a bullet, maybe.” Said Mead: “I wanted to come here and help the team. So it was frustrating.” Mead was acquired from the Washington Nationals for left-hander Connelly Early late Saturday night. Mead hit a career-best 17 homers in 87 games for the Nationals. “I’ve tried to be super consistent with what I do every day in the cage to prepare, so that when I step in the box, I’m feeling good about myself and can just put all my focus on the ball,” Mead said. Boston’s Jake Bennett (6-3, 2.58 ERA) will match up against Gage Jump (3-6, 4.42) of the A’s in a battle of rookie left-handers on Tuesday. Bennett, 25, has won five straight starts and has a 1.40 ERA over his past six turns. He has walked just nine batters in 59 1/3 innings over 10 starts. Bennett defeated the Baltimore Orioles last Wednesday when he gave up three runs and nine hits over 5 2/3 innings in a 6-3 victory. Jump has lost five straight starts — with a 9.65 ERA during the stretch — and is winless over his last six turns. He was roughed by the Arizona Diamondbacks last Wednesday when he gave up six runs and eight hits over 4 2/3 innings in a 15-5 defeat. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Red #Sox #eager #continue #road #success #matchup

#Deadspin #Red #Sox #eager #continue #road #success #matchup">

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Jul 27, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela (3) celebrates with team mates after hitting a grand slam during the sixth inning of the game against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

Ceddanne Rafaela’s first career grand slam narrowly made it over the wall, but those few inches continued the winning ways of the Boston Red Sox.

The Red Sox will look to defeat the Athletics for the second straight night when the teams square off on Tuesday at West Sacramento, Calif.

Rafaela’s homer, which went off the glove of leaping Athletics left fielder Colby Thomas in the sixth inning, accounted for all of his team’s runs in Boston’s 4-2 victory in Monday’s opener of a four-game set.

After hitting the ball, Rafaela slammed his bat to the ground in disgust.

“I thought it was an out,” he said afterward. “I didn’t hit it the way I wanted to, but I hit it enough to go out.”

Athletics manager Mark Kotsay took note of Rafaela’s discontent.

“I’d never seen someone toss the bat to the ground (in that frustrated manner) and be rewarded in that way,” Kotsay said of the grand slam.

The blow was all Boston needed to post its 18th victory in the past 20 games. Equally impressive is that it was the 10th straight road win for the Red Sox.

“I think we have fun playing in front of the crowds that don’t want us to win,” Rafaela said.

Meanwhile, the Athletics have lost 24 of their past 30 games.

Tyler Soderstrom and Jonah Heim each hit a solo homer to account for their scoring on Monday. Heim now will be the Athletics’ primary catcher with All-Star starter Shea Langeliers set to undergo season-ending surgery Tuesday to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee.

The injury ranks as a huge blow for the Athletics, who lost two-time All-Star designated hitter Brent Rooker (left knee) for the season in early June.

“This is another one of our leaders and another middle-of-the-order bat that is done for the season,” Kotsay said. “This is a season that continues to challenge us in different ways. We’ve been challenged before, especially from a depth perspective in the position player group.”

Veteran right-hander Mark Leiter Jr. (right hip impingement) also will undergo surgery on Tuesday.

Infielder Curtis Mead made his Boston debut on Monday but had to exit after 4 1/2 innings with a left wrist contusion. He was hit by a pitch from A’s right-hander Jack Perkins in the fourth.

Red Sox manager Chad Tracy said X-rays were negative on Mead’s wrist.

“He’s sore, and we’re going to take it day-by-day and see how he feels,” Tracy said. “Right now, it looks like we dodged a bullet, maybe.”

Said Mead: “I wanted to come here and help the team. So it was frustrating.”

Mead was acquired from the Washington Nationals for left-hander Connelly Early late Saturday night. Mead hit a career-best 17 homers in 87 games for the Nationals.

“I’ve tried to be super consistent with what I do every day in the cage to prepare, so that when I step in the box, I’m feeling good about myself and can just put all my focus on the ball,” Mead said.

Boston’s Jake Bennett (6-3, 2.58 ERA) will match up against Gage Jump (3-6, 4.42) of the A’s in a battle of rookie left-handers on Tuesday.

Bennett, 25, has won five straight starts and has a 1.40 ERA over his past six turns. He has walked just nine batters in 59 1/3 innings over 10 starts.

Bennett defeated the Baltimore Orioles last Wednesday when he gave up three runs and nine hits over 5 2/3 innings in a 6-3 victory.

Jump has lost five straight starts — with a 9.65 ERA during the stretch — and is winless over his last six turns. He was roughed by the Arizona Diamondbacks last Wednesday when he gave up six runs and eight hits over 4 2/3 innings in a 15-5 defeat.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Red #Sox #eager #continue #road #success #matchup">Deadspin | Red Sox eager to continue road success in matchup vs. A’s

Jul 27, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela (3) celebrates with team mates after hitting a grand slam during the sixth inning of the game against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

Ceddanne Rafaela’s first career grand slam narrowly made it over the wall, but those few inches continued the winning ways of the Boston Red Sox.

The Red Sox will look to defeat the Athletics for the second straight night when the teams square off on Tuesday at West Sacramento, Calif.

Rafaela’s homer, which went off the glove of leaping Athletics left fielder Colby Thomas in the sixth inning, accounted for all of his team’s runs in Boston’s 4-2 victory in Monday’s opener of a four-game set.

After hitting the ball, Rafaela slammed his bat to the ground in disgust.

“I thought it was an out,” he said afterward. “I didn’t hit it the way I wanted to, but I hit it enough to go out.”

Athletics manager Mark Kotsay took note of Rafaela’s discontent.

“I’d never seen someone toss the bat to the ground (in that frustrated manner) and be rewarded in that way,” Kotsay said of the grand slam.

The blow was all Boston needed to post its 18th victory in the past 20 games. Equally impressive is that it was the 10th straight road win for the Red Sox.

“I think we have fun playing in front of the crowds that don’t want us to win,” Rafaela said.

Meanwhile, the Athletics have lost 24 of their past 30 games.

Tyler Soderstrom and Jonah Heim each hit a solo homer to account for their scoring on Monday. Heim now will be the Athletics’ primary catcher with All-Star starter Shea Langeliers set to undergo season-ending surgery Tuesday to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee.

The injury ranks as a huge blow for the Athletics, who lost two-time All-Star designated hitter Brent Rooker (left knee) for the season in early June.

“This is another one of our leaders and another middle-of-the-order bat that is done for the season,” Kotsay said. “This is a season that continues to challenge us in different ways. We’ve been challenged before, especially from a depth perspective in the position player group.”

Veteran right-hander Mark Leiter Jr. (right hip impingement) also will undergo surgery on Tuesday.

Infielder Curtis Mead made his Boston debut on Monday but had to exit after 4 1/2 innings with a left wrist contusion. He was hit by a pitch from A’s right-hander Jack Perkins in the fourth.

Red Sox manager Chad Tracy said X-rays were negative on Mead’s wrist.

“He’s sore, and we’re going to take it day-by-day and see how he feels,” Tracy said. “Right now, it looks like we dodged a bullet, maybe.”

Said Mead: “I wanted to come here and help the team. So it was frustrating.”

Mead was acquired from the Washington Nationals for left-hander Connelly Early late Saturday night. Mead hit a career-best 17 homers in 87 games for the Nationals.

“I’ve tried to be super consistent with what I do every day in the cage to prepare, so that when I step in the box, I’m feeling good about myself and can just put all my focus on the ball,” Mead said.

Boston’s Jake Bennett (6-3, 2.58 ERA) will match up against Gage Jump (3-6, 4.42) of the A’s in a battle of rookie left-handers on Tuesday.

Bennett, 25, has won five straight starts and has a 1.40 ERA over his past six turns. He has walked just nine batters in 59 1/3 innings over 10 starts.

Bennett defeated the Baltimore Orioles last Wednesday when he gave up three runs and nine hits over 5 2/3 innings in a 6-3 victory.

Jump has lost five straight starts — with a 9.65 ERA during the stretch — and is winless over his last six turns. He was roughed by the Arizona Diamondbacks last Wednesday when he gave up six runs and eight hits over 4 2/3 innings in a 15-5 defeat.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Red #Sox #eager #continue #road #success #matchup