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Deadspin | Chris Paddack, opposing Cardinals, tries again for first Marlins win  Apr 19, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA;  Miami Marlins starting pitcher Chris Paddack (33) warms up during batting practice against the Milwaukee Brewers at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images   JJ Wetherholt, off to a solid start to his rookie season, and the St. Louis Cardinals will look to bounce back on Tuesday after dropping the opener of a three-game series against the host Miami Marlins.  The 23-year-old second baseman, who went 0-for-3 in a 5-3 loss on Monday, is hitting .228 with three homers, 11 RBIs, four steals and a .730 OPS in 22 games.  The Cardinals’ first-round pick, seventh overall, in 2024, Wetherholt mostly played shortstop in the minor leagues but moved to second base because the Cardinals have a Gold Glove winner at his position, Masyn Winn.  Still, Wetherholt has above-average tools in terms of his speed, arm, power and hitting, and he has earned the trust of Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol.  “He’s been very steady, regardless of what the night before looked like,” Marmol said. “Positive or negative, he’s the same guy every day.”  On Tuesday, Wetherholt will try to support Cardinals starting pitcher Dustin May (2-2, 6.98 ERA).  May, a 28-year-old right-hander, is 2-1 with a 2.05 ERA in four career starts against Miami.  The Cardinals signed as a free agent May in December, giving him a one-year, .5 million contract. St. Louis is 2-2 when starting May, but that includes wins in his past two appearances, when he allowed just four runs, three earned, in 12 innings. His first two outings for his new club were forgettable, as he permitted 13 runs on 17 hits in 7 1/3 innings.  Miami will counter with right-hander Chris Paddack (0-3, 5.59 ERA). Paddack is 1-0 with a 1.32 ERA in three career starts against St. Louis, but he has only totaled 13 2/3 innings in those games. He hasn’t faced the Cardinals since 2021.   Last season, Paddack pitched for the Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers, posting a 5-12 record and a 5.35 ERA, and he is off to another slow start.  As Miami’s only starting pitcher with an ERA over 4.50, he could be in danger of losing his spot in the rotation unless he can turn things around. Miami’s top two prospects, minor league left-handers Thomas White and Robby Snelling, are only a phone call away.  In the meantime, Paddack on Tuesday will try to stop Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker, who is on a 15-game hitting streak, two shy of his career high of 17 set as a rookie in 2023.  Despite Walker’s hit, walk and two runs on Monday, the Marlins prevailed to end the Cardinals’ five-game winning streak.  Miami manager Clayton McCullough praised shortstop Otto Lopez and designated hitter Liam Hicks following the game. Lopez hit a go-ahead double in the sixth inning and scored twice, and Hicks finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs.  “Otto continues to come through,” McCullough said. “Liam continues to come through. We’re getting offensive contributions from a lot of guys.”  Lopez has a .945 OPS, and Hicks’ OPS is .929. Second baseman Xavier Edwards also is doing well, posting a .905 OPS.  “X driving the ball the other way is a very good sign,” McCullough said of Edwards. “He’s giving us a high level of professional at-bats.”  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Chris #Paddack #opposing #Cardinals #Marlins #win

Deadspin | Chris Paddack, opposing Cardinals, tries again for first Marlins win
Deadspin | Chris Paddack, opposing Cardinals, tries again for first Marlins win  Apr 19, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA;  Miami Marlins starting pitcher Chris Paddack (33) warms up during batting practice against the Milwaukee Brewers at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images   JJ Wetherholt, off to a solid start to his rookie season, and the St. Louis Cardinals will look to bounce back on Tuesday after dropping the opener of a three-game series against the host Miami Marlins.  The 23-year-old second baseman, who went 0-for-3 in a 5-3 loss on Monday, is hitting .228 with three homers, 11 RBIs, four steals and a .730 OPS in 22 games.  The Cardinals’ first-round pick, seventh overall, in 2024, Wetherholt mostly played shortstop in the minor leagues but moved to second base because the Cardinals have a Gold Glove winner at his position, Masyn Winn.  Still, Wetherholt has above-average tools in terms of his speed, arm, power and hitting, and he has earned the trust of Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol.  “He’s been very steady, regardless of what the night before looked like,” Marmol said. “Positive or negative, he’s the same guy every day.”  On Tuesday, Wetherholt will try to support Cardinals starting pitcher Dustin May (2-2, 6.98 ERA).  May, a 28-year-old right-hander, is 2-1 with a 2.05 ERA in four career starts against Miami.  The Cardinals signed as a free agent May in December, giving him a one-year, .5 million contract. St. Louis is 2-2 when starting May, but that includes wins in his past two appearances, when he allowed just four runs, three earned, in 12 innings. His first two outings for his new club were forgettable, as he permitted 13 runs on 17 hits in 7 1/3 innings.  Miami will counter with right-hander Chris Paddack (0-3, 5.59 ERA). Paddack is 1-0 with a 1.32 ERA in three career starts against St. Louis, but he has only totaled 13 2/3 innings in those games. He hasn’t faced the Cardinals since 2021.   Last season, Paddack pitched for the Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers, posting a 5-12 record and a 5.35 ERA, and he is off to another slow start.  As Miami’s only starting pitcher with an ERA over 4.50, he could be in danger of losing his spot in the rotation unless he can turn things around. Miami’s top two prospects, minor league left-handers Thomas White and Robby Snelling, are only a phone call away.  In the meantime, Paddack on Tuesday will try to stop Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker, who is on a 15-game hitting streak, two shy of his career high of 17 set as a rookie in 2023.  Despite Walker’s hit, walk and two runs on Monday, the Marlins prevailed to end the Cardinals’ five-game winning streak.  Miami manager Clayton McCullough praised shortstop Otto Lopez and designated hitter Liam Hicks following the game. Lopez hit a go-ahead double in the sixth inning and scored twice, and Hicks finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs.  “Otto continues to come through,” McCullough said. “Liam continues to come through. We’re getting offensive contributions from a lot of guys.”  Lopez has a .945 OPS, and Hicks’ OPS is .929. Second baseman Xavier Edwards also is doing well, posting a .905 OPS.  “X driving the ball the other way is a very good sign,” McCullough said of Edwards. “He’s giving us a high level of professional at-bats.”  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Chris #Paddack #opposing #Cardinals #Marlins #winApr 19, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Chris Paddack (33) warms up during batting practice against the Milwaukee Brewers at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

JJ Wetherholt, off to a solid start to his rookie season, and the St. Louis Cardinals will look to bounce back on Tuesday after dropping the opener of a three-game series against the host Miami Marlins.

The 23-year-old second baseman, who went 0-for-3 in a 5-3 loss on Monday, is hitting .228 with three homers, 11 RBIs, four steals and a .730 OPS in 22 games.

The Cardinals’ first-round pick, seventh overall, in 2024, Wetherholt mostly played shortstop in the minor leagues but moved to second base because the Cardinals have a Gold Glove winner at his position, Masyn Winn.

Still, Wetherholt has above-average tools in terms of his speed, arm, power and hitting, and he has earned the trust of Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol.

“He’s been very steady, regardless of what the night before looked like,” Marmol said. “Positive or negative, he’s the same guy every day.”

On Tuesday, Wetherholt will try to support Cardinals starting pitcher Dustin May (2-2, 6.98 ERA).

May, a 28-year-old right-hander, is 2-1 with a 2.05 ERA in four career starts against Miami.

The Cardinals signed as a free agent May in December, giving him a one-year, $12.5 million contract. St. Louis is 2-2 when starting May, but that includes wins in his past two appearances, when he allowed just four runs, three earned, in 12 innings. His first two outings for his new club were forgettable, as he permitted 13 runs on 17 hits in 7 1/3 innings.


Miami will counter with right-hander Chris Paddack (0-3, 5.59 ERA). Paddack is 1-0 with a 1.32 ERA in three career starts against St. Louis, but he has only totaled 13 2/3 innings in those games. He hasn’t faced the Cardinals since 2021.

Last season, Paddack pitched for the Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers, posting a 5-12 record and a 5.35 ERA, and he is off to another slow start.

As Miami’s only starting pitcher with an ERA over 4.50, he could be in danger of losing his spot in the rotation unless he can turn things around. Miami’s top two prospects, minor league left-handers Thomas White and Robby Snelling, are only a phone call away.

In the meantime, Paddack on Tuesday will try to stop Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker, who is on a 15-game hitting streak, two shy of his career high of 17 set as a rookie in 2023.

Despite Walker’s hit, walk and two runs on Monday, the Marlins prevailed to end the Cardinals’ five-game winning streak.

Miami manager Clayton McCullough praised shortstop Otto Lopez and designated hitter Liam Hicks following the game. Lopez hit a go-ahead double in the sixth inning and scored twice, and Hicks finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs.

“Otto continues to come through,” McCullough said. “Liam continues to come through. We’re getting offensive contributions from a lot of guys.”

Lopez has a .945 OPS, and Hicks’ OPS is .929. Second baseman Xavier Edwards also is doing well, posting a .905 OPS.

“X driving the ball the other way is a very good sign,” McCullough said of Edwards. “He’s giving us a high level of professional at-bats.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Chris #Paddack #opposing #Cardinals #Marlins #win

Apr 19, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Chris Paddack (33) warms up during batting practice against the Milwaukee Brewers at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

JJ Wetherholt, off to a solid start to his rookie season, and the St. Louis Cardinals will look to bounce back on Tuesday after dropping the opener of a three-game series against the host Miami Marlins.

The 23-year-old second baseman, who went 0-for-3 in a 5-3 loss on Monday, is hitting .228 with three homers, 11 RBIs, four steals and a .730 OPS in 22 games.

The Cardinals’ first-round pick, seventh overall, in 2024, Wetherholt mostly played shortstop in the minor leagues but moved to second base because the Cardinals have a Gold Glove winner at his position, Masyn Winn.

Still, Wetherholt has above-average tools in terms of his speed, arm, power and hitting, and he has earned the trust of Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol.

“He’s been very steady, regardless of what the night before looked like,” Marmol said. “Positive or negative, he’s the same guy every day.”

On Tuesday, Wetherholt will try to support Cardinals starting pitcher Dustin May (2-2, 6.98 ERA).

May, a 28-year-old right-hander, is 2-1 with a 2.05 ERA in four career starts against Miami.

The Cardinals signed as a free agent May in December, giving him a one-year, $12.5 million contract. St. Louis is 2-2 when starting May, but that includes wins in his past two appearances, when he allowed just four runs, three earned, in 12 innings. His first two outings for his new club were forgettable, as he permitted 13 runs on 17 hits in 7 1/3 innings.

Miami will counter with right-hander Chris Paddack (0-3, 5.59 ERA). Paddack is 1-0 with a 1.32 ERA in three career starts against St. Louis, but he has only totaled 13 2/3 innings in those games. He hasn’t faced the Cardinals since 2021.

Last season, Paddack pitched for the Minnesota Twins and Detroit Tigers, posting a 5-12 record and a 5.35 ERA, and he is off to another slow start.

As Miami’s only starting pitcher with an ERA over 4.50, he could be in danger of losing his spot in the rotation unless he can turn things around. Miami’s top two prospects, minor league left-handers Thomas White and Robby Snelling, are only a phone call away.

In the meantime, Paddack on Tuesday will try to stop Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker, who is on a 15-game hitting streak, two shy of his career high of 17 set as a rookie in 2023.

Despite Walker’s hit, walk and two runs on Monday, the Marlins prevailed to end the Cardinals’ five-game winning streak.

Miami manager Clayton McCullough praised shortstop Otto Lopez and designated hitter Liam Hicks following the game. Lopez hit a go-ahead double in the sixth inning and scored twice, and Hicks finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs.

“Otto continues to come through,” McCullough said. “Liam continues to come through. We’re getting offensive contributions from a lot of guys.”

Lopez has a .945 OPS, and Hicks’ OPS is .929. Second baseman Xavier Edwards also is doing well, posting a .905 OPS.

“X driving the ball the other way is a very good sign,” McCullough said of Edwards. “He’s giving us a high level of professional at-bats.”

–Field Level Media

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The familiar script played out yet again in this edition of the IPL as Gujarat Titans’ brittle middle-order caved in without a fight against the Mumbai Indians.

On a day when Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler failed to fire, none of the remaining Titans batters showed the resilience required in a demanding chase. The collective failure prompted batting coach Matthew Hayden to label it a “horrible day” for his side.

The most worrying aspect wasn’t just the defeat, but the manner of it. The Titans couldn’t even bat out their 20 overs, as their innings rapidly unravelled.

The result also dealt a blow to their Net Run Rate and reignited concerns over an under-performing middle-order comprising Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan.

Only Washington managed to score at a brisk rate, while Phillips and Tewatia struggled to get going and their strike rates were well below the demands of modern T20 cricket. “The middle order was undoubtedly exposed,” Hayden admitted, pointing to the early damage in the PowerPlay.

“The thing about the PowerPlays is that you can’t win from there, especially in a run chase, but you can definitely lose it. And we lost it in the PowerPlay,” Hayden said.

The early dismissals of Sai Sudharsan, Buttler and Gill left the middle order with too much to do — a scenario Hayden believes the side must avoid. He stressed that players like Tewatia and Shahrukh are built for impact, not accumulation, and sending them in too early only adds pressure.

So far, Shahrukh has scored 35 runs, while Tewatia has chipped in with just 49 runs. “We are putting a lot of pressure on the middle-order. When you look at how the middle-order operates, it’s vastly different from how the top three handle those preparations. They are batting for impact,” Hayden said.

Published on Apr 21, 2026

#IPL #familiar #middleorder #collapse #hurts #Gujarat #Titans">IPL 2026: A familiar middle-order collapse hurts Gujarat Titans yet again  The familiar script played out yet again in this edition of the IPL as Gujarat Titans’ brittle middle-order caved in without a fight against the Mumbai Indians.On a day when Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler failed to fire, none of the remaining Titans batters showed the resilience required in a demanding chase. The collective failure prompted batting coach Matthew Hayden to label it a “horrible day” for his side.The most worrying aspect wasn’t just the defeat, but the manner of it. The Titans couldn’t even bat out their 20 overs, as their innings rapidly unravelled.The result also dealt a blow to their Net Run Rate and reignited concerns over an under-performing middle-order comprising Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan.Only Washington managed to score at a brisk rate, while Phillips and Tewatia struggled to get going and their strike rates were well below the demands of modern T20 cricket. “The middle order was undoubtedly exposed,” Hayden admitted, pointing to the early damage in the PowerPlay.“The thing about the PowerPlays is that you can’t win from there, especially in a run chase, but you can definitely lose it. And we lost it in the PowerPlay,” Hayden said.The early dismissals of Sai Sudharsan, Buttler and Gill left the middle order with too much to do — a scenario Hayden believes the side must avoid. He stressed that players like Tewatia and Shahrukh are built for impact, not accumulation, and sending them in too early only adds pressure.So far, Shahrukh has scored 35 runs, while Tewatia has chipped in with just 49 runs. “We are putting a lot of pressure on the middle-order. When you look at how the middle-order operates, it’s vastly different from how the top three handle those preparations. They are batting for impact,” Hayden said.Published on Apr 21, 2026  #IPL #familiar #middleorder #collapse #hurts #Gujarat #Titans

Deadspin | Anthony Edwards, Wolves escape 19-point hole, level set vs. Nuggets  Apr 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) finishes off a basket in the first half against the Denver Nuggets during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images   Anthony Edwards posted 30 points and 10 rebounds, Donte DiVincenzo hit a clutch 3-pointer with 1:05 left, and the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves rallied from a 19-point deficit to beat the Denver Nuggets 119-114 in Game 2 to level their playoff series on Monday.  Julius Randle had 24 points and nine rebounds and hit two free throws with 18.8 seconds left to help Minnesota even the Western Conference quarterfinal matchup.  Game 3 of the best-of-seven series is Thursday night in Minneapolis.  DiVincenzo finished with 16 points, Jaden McDaniels had 14 points, Bones Hyland contributed 13 and Naz Reid 11 for the Timberwolves.  Jamal Murray had 30 points for the second straight game and Nikola Jokic added 24 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists, but both struggled in the fourth quarter, combining to shoot 2-for-12.  Christian Braun and Tim Hardaway Jr. had 16 points apiece and Cameron Johnson scored 13 for Denver, which lost for the first time since March 18. The Nuggets won their last 12 regular-season game and their postseason opener.   Bruce Brown hit two 3-pointers to give the Nuggets a five-point lead early in the fourth. Randle’s two free throws cut it to 105-104 in the middle of the period, but Braun answered with a running dunk to force a Timberwolves timeout. Minnesota scored the next three buckets to go ahead 110-107 with 4:06 left.  Braun split a pair of free throws before Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert had a putback slam. Gordon hit a 3-pointer to slice Denver’s deficit to one, but DiVincenzo answered from deep. Jokic made a driving dunk to bring the Nuggets within two, and Edwards traveled with 30.6 seconds remaining.  Braun went 1-for-2 from the line to cut it to 115-114 with 19.1 seconds left. Randle hit two free throws, Murray missed a jumper and DiVincenzo sealed it with a dunk.  Denver led 44-25 early in the second quarter, but the Timberwolves went on a long surge to lead 64-56. The Nuggets scored the final eight points of the half, the last on Murray’s 51-foot heave at the horn, to tie it at intermission.  Jokic went 4-for-7 from the field in the third quarter while hitting all seven of his free-throw attempts, with his 16 points giving the Nuggets a 93-90 lead heading into the fourth.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Anthony #Edwards #Wolves #escape #19point #hole #level #set #NuggetsApr 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) finishes off a basket in the first half against the Denver Nuggets during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Anthony Edwards posted 30 points and 10 rebounds, Donte DiVincenzo hit a clutch 3-pointer with 1:05 left, and the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves rallied from a 19-point deficit to beat the Denver Nuggets 119-114 in Game 2 to level their playoff series on Monday.

Julius Randle had 24 points and nine rebounds and hit two free throws with 18.8 seconds left to help Minnesota even the Western Conference quarterfinal matchup.

Game 3 of the best-of-seven series is Thursday night in Minneapolis.

DiVincenzo finished with 16 points, Jaden McDaniels had 14 points, Bones Hyland contributed 13 and Naz Reid 11 for the Timberwolves.

Jamal Murray had 30 points for the second straight game and Nikola Jokic added 24 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists, but both struggled in the fourth quarter, combining to shoot 2-for-12.


Christian Braun and Tim Hardaway Jr. had 16 points apiece and Cameron Johnson scored 13 for Denver, which lost for the first time since March 18. The Nuggets won their last 12 regular-season game and their postseason opener.

Bruce Brown hit two 3-pointers to give the Nuggets a five-point lead early in the fourth. Randle’s two free throws cut it to 105-104 in the middle of the period, but Braun answered with a running dunk to force a Timberwolves timeout. Minnesota scored the next three buckets to go ahead 110-107 with 4:06 left.

Braun split a pair of free throws before Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert had a putback slam. Gordon hit a 3-pointer to slice Denver’s deficit to one, but DiVincenzo answered from deep. Jokic made a driving dunk to bring the Nuggets within two, and Edwards traveled with 30.6 seconds remaining.

Braun went 1-for-2 from the line to cut it to 115-114 with 19.1 seconds left. Randle hit two free throws, Murray missed a jumper and DiVincenzo sealed it with a dunk.

Denver led 44-25 early in the second quarter, but the Timberwolves went on a long surge to lead 64-56. The Nuggets scored the final eight points of the half, the last on Murray’s 51-foot heave at the horn, to tie it at intermission.

Jokic went 4-for-7 from the field in the third quarter while hitting all seven of his free-throw attempts, with his 16 points giving the Nuggets a 93-90 lead heading into the fourth.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Anthony #Edwards #Wolves #escape #19point #hole #level #set #Nuggets">Deadspin | Anthony Edwards, Wolves escape 19-point hole, level set vs. Nuggets  Apr 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) finishes off a basket in the first half against the Denver Nuggets during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images   Anthony Edwards posted 30 points and 10 rebounds, Donte DiVincenzo hit a clutch 3-pointer with 1:05 left, and the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves rallied from a 19-point deficit to beat the Denver Nuggets 119-114 in Game 2 to level their playoff series on Monday.  Julius Randle had 24 points and nine rebounds and hit two free throws with 18.8 seconds left to help Minnesota even the Western Conference quarterfinal matchup.  Game 3 of the best-of-seven series is Thursday night in Minneapolis.  DiVincenzo finished with 16 points, Jaden McDaniels had 14 points, Bones Hyland contributed 13 and Naz Reid 11 for the Timberwolves.  Jamal Murray had 30 points for the second straight game and Nikola Jokic added 24 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists, but both struggled in the fourth quarter, combining to shoot 2-for-12.  Christian Braun and Tim Hardaway Jr. had 16 points apiece and Cameron Johnson scored 13 for Denver, which lost for the first time since March 18. The Nuggets won their last 12 regular-season game and their postseason opener.   Bruce Brown hit two 3-pointers to give the Nuggets a five-point lead early in the fourth. Randle’s two free throws cut it to 105-104 in the middle of the period, but Braun answered with a running dunk to force a Timberwolves timeout. Minnesota scored the next three buckets to go ahead 110-107 with 4:06 left.  Braun split a pair of free throws before Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert had a putback slam. Gordon hit a 3-pointer to slice Denver’s deficit to one, but DiVincenzo answered from deep. Jokic made a driving dunk to bring the Nuggets within two, and Edwards traveled with 30.6 seconds remaining.  Braun went 1-for-2 from the line to cut it to 115-114 with 19.1 seconds left. Randle hit two free throws, Murray missed a jumper and DiVincenzo sealed it with a dunk.  Denver led 44-25 early in the second quarter, but the Timberwolves went on a long surge to lead 64-56. The Nuggets scored the final eight points of the half, the last on Murray’s 51-foot heave at the horn, to tie it at intermission.  Jokic went 4-for-7 from the field in the third quarter while hitting all seven of his free-throw attempts, with his 16 points giving the Nuggets a 93-90 lead heading into the fourth.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Anthony #Edwards #Wolves #escape #19point #hole #level #set #Nuggets

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