Deadspin | Clippers throttle Kings to move into 8th in Western Conference Apr 5, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; LA Clippers guard Darius Garland (center right) shoots against Sacramento Kings guard Devin Carter (22) during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images Kawhi Leonard scored 26 points and John Collins added 25 as the Los Angeles Clippers moved into eighth place in the Western Conference standings with a 138-109 road victory over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday. Darius Garland and Kobe Sanders each scored 17 points, while Kris Dunn and Jordan Miller added 13 each as the Clippers (40-38) ended a two-game losing streak while winning their fourth consecutive road game. Los Angeles has the same record as the Portland Trail Blazers but now owns the eighth spot in the standings via tiebreaker by winning two of the three games between the teams. Los Angeles will visit Portland on Friday. The No. 7 and No. 8 teams in the standings meet in the play-in tournament for a chance to advance directly into the playoff field while the ninth and 10th teams have to win two play-in games. Devin Carter scored 21 points and Nique Clifford added 18 as the Kings saw a two-game winning streak come to an end. Maxime Raynaud scored 11 points with 15 rebounds for Sacramento (21-58), which has struggled with injury issues this season but has managed to go 7-8 since March 8. The Clippers opened the game with a 42-point first quarter and took a 71-59 lead at halftime by shooting 56.5% over the first two quarters. After leading by as many as 19 points in the first half, Los Angeles took its first 20-point lead with 7:53 remaining in the third. The Clippers went into the fourth quarter with a 107-79 lead and were never threatened the rest of the way. Collins came off the bench for Los Angeles after starting the previous nine games, while Dunn was effective in his first start over the last eight games. Leonard increased his franchise-record streak of consecutive 20-point games to 54. The Clippers finished 53.3% from the floor and 20-of-41 (48.8%) from 3-point range while the Kings shot 52.9% overall, 28.1% from outside the arc and committed 20 turnovers. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Clippers #throttle #Kings #move #8th #Western #Conference

Deadspin | Clippers throttle Kings to move into 8th in Western Conference
Apr 5, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; LA Clippers guard Darius Garland (center right) shoots against Sacramento Kings guard Devin Carter (22) during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Kawhi Leonard scored 26 points and John Collins added 25 as the Los Angeles Clippers moved into eighth place in the Western Conference standings with a 138-109 road victory over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday.

Darius Garland and Kobe Sanders each scored 17 points, while Kris Dunn and Jordan Miller added 13 each as the Clippers (40-38) ended a two-game losing streak while winning their fourth consecutive road game.

Los Angeles has the same record as the Portland Trail Blazers but now owns the eighth spot in the standings via tiebreaker by winning two of the three games between the teams. Los Angeles will visit Portland on Friday.

The No. 7 and No. 8 teams in the standings meet in the play-in tournament for a chance to advance directly into the playoff field while the ninth and 10th teams have to win two play-in games.

Devin Carter scored 21 points and Nique Clifford added 18 as the Kings saw a two-game winning streak come to an end. Maxime Raynaud scored 11 points with 15 rebounds for Sacramento (21-58), which has struggled with injury issues this season but has managed to go 7-8 since March 8.

The Clippers opened the game with a 42-point first quarter and took a 71-59 lead at halftime by shooting 56.5% over the first two quarters. After leading by as many as 19 points in the first half, Los Angeles took its first 20-point lead with 7:53 remaining in the third.

The Clippers went into the fourth quarter with a 107-79 lead and were never threatened the rest of the way.

Collins came off the bench for Los Angeles after starting the previous nine games, while Dunn was effective in his first start over the last eight games.

Leonard increased his franchise-record streak of consecutive 20-point games to 54.

The Clippers finished 53.3% from the floor and 20-of-41 (48.8%) from 3-point range while the Kings shot 52.9% overall, 28.1% from outside the arc and committed 20 turnovers.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Clippers #throttle #Kings #move #8th #Western #Conference

Sports news April 6, 2026

Apr 5, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; LA Clippers guard Darius Garland (center right) shoots against Sacramento Kings guard Devin Carter (22) during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Kawhi Leonard scored 26 points and John Collins added 25 as the Los Angeles Clippers moved into eighth place in the Western Conference standings with a 138-109 road victory over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday.

Darius Garland and Kobe Sanders each scored 17 points, while Kris Dunn and Jordan Miller added 13 each as the Clippers (40-38) ended a two-game losing streak while winning their fourth consecutive road game.

Los Angeles has the same record as the Portland Trail Blazers but now owns the eighth spot in the standings via tiebreaker by winning two of the three games between the teams. Los Angeles will visit Portland on Friday.

The No. 7 and No. 8 teams in the standings meet in the play-in tournament for a chance to advance directly into the playoff field while the ninth and 10th teams have to win two play-in games.

Devin Carter scored 21 points and Nique Clifford added 18 as the Kings saw a two-game winning streak come to an end. Maxime Raynaud scored 11 points with 15 rebounds for Sacramento (21-58), which has struggled with injury issues this season but has managed to go 7-8 since March 8.

The Clippers opened the game with a 42-point first quarter and took a 71-59 lead at halftime by shooting 56.5% over the first two quarters. After leading by as many as 19 points in the first half, Los Angeles took its first 20-point lead with 7:53 remaining in the third.

The Clippers went into the fourth quarter with a 107-79 lead and were never threatened the rest of the way.

Collins came off the bench for Los Angeles after starting the previous nine games, while Dunn was effective in his first start over the last eight games.

Leonard increased his franchise-record streak of consecutive 20-point games to 54.

The Clippers finished 53.3% from the floor and 20-of-41 (48.8%) from 3-point range while the Kings shot 52.9% overall, 28.1% from outside the arc and committed 20 turnovers.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Clippers #throttle #Kings #move #8th #Western #Conference

‘Faces of Death’ Review: A ’70s-Style B-Horror Movie Taps into the Growing Appetite for Horror That’s ‘Real’

Serie A — Lautaro Martinez marks return in style with brace in 5-2 win for Inter Milan <div id="content-body-70828757" itemprop="articleBody">Inter Milan delivered a ruthless attacking masterclass to dismantle AS Roma 5-2 at home on Sunday, tightening its grip on the Serie A title as Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez spearheaded the rout.The victory gave Inter ‌a nine-point cushion at the top of the table with 72 points as it awaits Monday’s clash between second-placed AC Milan and ⁠third-placed Napoli in Naples, with only seven rounds of the season remaining following that fixture. Roma sits sixth with 54 points.Inter took a 59-second lead when Thuram squared for Martinez ‌to fire home, and though Gianluca Mancini’s header briefly drew Roma level, Hakan Calhanoglu restored the advantage for the host in first-half stoppage ‌time with a long-distance strike.Thuram and Martinez combined again early in the ‌second ⁠half, with the Frenchman threading a pass for Martinez to sweep ⁠in his second before Thuram headed home a corner minutes later. Nicolo Barella added a fifth for the host just after the hour mark, while Lorenzo Pellegrini pulled one back for the visitor.<h4 class="sub_head">MARTINEZ RETURNS</h4>Inter captain Martinez marked his return ‌from a muscle injury with a goal on his first league appearance since February as the host made a fast start.Thuram broke down the right inside the opening minute and squared for Martinez, who slipped away from his ‌marker to guide a first-time finish into the roof of the net.Inter dominated the early stages in search of a second goal, but Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar produced a series of saves to frustrate ⁠the home side.Roma gradually grew into the game as Inter’s intensity dropped and went close to levelling but Yann Sommer made a fine reflex save to tip away ‌Donyell Malen’s looping header. The visitor was rewarded five minutes before half-time when Devyne Rensch’s lofted cross was headed in by an unmarked Gianluca Mancini to make it 1-1.Inter regained the lead deep into first-half stoppage time through an outstanding strike from Calhanoglu, who drove a long-range effort from around 35 metres that dipped under the crossbar.The host resumed after the break with renewed urgency and restored its two-goal cushion in the 55th minute, Thuram again the provider after winning possession high up the pitch and slipping a pass through for Martinez to sweep home his second.Roma’s defensive lapses were exposed again three minutes later ⁠as Thuram, left unmarked at the near post, headed in from a corner to ⁠make it 4-1.Defender Alessandro Bastoni was applauded by the home supporters when substituted just before the hour mark in a show of support following ‌intense media criticism after his red card in Italy’s World Cup playoff defeat by Bosnia-Herzegovina.With the contest effectively settled, Barella added Inter’s fifth goal in the 63rd minute before Pellegrini replied seven minutes later.Published on Apr 06, 2026</div> #Serie #Lautaro #Martinez #marks #return #style #brace #win #Inter #Milan

Paul addressed James’ free agency on his Game Over Podcast with Max Kellerman, saying “outside of one organization, maybe two. I’ve heard from every team in the entire league.” What teams is James realistically considering? It’s all on this whiteboard:

It’s fascinating to see it all laid out like this. James’ first option is the Philadelphia 76ers, where he would fit in between Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, and Joel Embiid. His next option is the Miami Heat, where he would start alongside Davion Mitchell, Andrew Wiggins, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Bam Adebayo. The Cavs are there of course, too, which would put James in a lineup with Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. Finally, there’s the Denver Nuggets, with Jamal Murray, Cam Johnson, Aaron Gordon, and Nikola Jokic.

Here’s a clip of Paul talking about the 76ers, and saying “everything changed” after the Jaylen Brown trade:

The Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs, and New York Knicks are also on the board. On the Knicks, Paul said: “If the Knick hadn’t won, there would be no board. He’d be going to the Knicks.”

The Warriors still feel like the frontrunner to me. Golden State’s plan was put in motion when Draymond Green opted out of his player option, and remember, Green’s agent is also Paul. It feels like LeBron would love to play with Stephen Curry, but landing Davis could be the holdup. The Wizards suddenly have a lot of power after their buy-low trade for Davis at the deadline. Washington could leverage Golden State for a bunch of future assets, or watch their LeBron dreams fade away if he doesn’t think the team can actually contend without Davis.

LeBron has indicated that happiness — not money — will be the driving factor in his decision. It feels like that means a lot of teams have a realistic shot at him even if they don’t have cap space.

Where would LeBron have the best chance to win his fifth ring? The Warriors wouldn’t rate too highly by that metric in my opinion with such an old team. I’d probably say Minnesota or Philadelphia. Maybe the Celtics even after trading Jaylen Brown?

LeBron’s decision is coming soon. It’s going to be fascinating to watch whatever team he chooses.

#Rich #Paul #reveals #LeBron #James #free #agency #finalists #whiteboard #podcast">

Rich Paul reveals LeBron James’ free agency finalists on whiteboard during podcast The NBA is hanging on The Decision 4.0 to find out where LeBron James will play for the 2026-27 season. James might turn 42 years old in December, but he still feels like a top-50 player in the world, and there are a ton of contenders who could use his services. James is believed to be choosing between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors for next season, but we now know he’s considering even more teams after his agent Rich Paul leaked a whiteboard detailing his “realistic” options.Paul addressed James’ free agency on his Game Over Podcast with Max Kellerman, saying “outside of one organization, maybe two. I’ve heard from every team in the entire league.” What teams is James realistically considering? It’s all on this whiteboard:It’s fascinating to see it all laid out like this. James’ first option is the Philadelphia 76ers, where he would fit in between Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, and Joel Embiid. His next option is the Miami Heat, where he would start alongside Davion Mitchell, Andrew Wiggins, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Bam Adebayo. The Cavs are there of course, too, which would put James in a lineup with Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. Finally, there’s the Denver Nuggets, with Jamal Murray, Cam Johnson, Aaron Gordon, and Nikola Jokic.Here’s a clip of Paul talking about the 76ers, and saying “everything changed” after the Jaylen Brown trade:The Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs, and New York Knicks are also on the board. On the Knicks, Paul said: “If the Knick hadn’t won, there would be no board. He’d be going to the Knicks.”The Warriors still feel like the frontrunner to me. Golden State’s plan was put in motion when Draymond Green opted out of his player option, and remember, Green’s agent is also Paul. It feels like LeBron would love to play with Stephen Curry, but landing Davis could be the holdup. The Wizards suddenly have a lot of power after their buy-low trade for Davis at the deadline. Washington could leverage Golden State for a bunch of future assets, or watch their LeBron dreams fade away if he doesn’t think the team can actually contend without Davis.LeBron has indicated that happiness — not money — will be the driving factor in his decision. It feels like that means a lot of teams have a realistic shot at him even if they don’t have cap space.Where would LeBron have the best chance to win his fifth ring? The Warriors wouldn’t rate too highly by that metric in my opinion with such an old team. I’d probably say Minnesota or Philadelphia. Maybe the Celtics even after trading Jaylen Brown?LeBron’s decision is coming soon. It’s going to be fascinating to watch whatever team he chooses. #Rich #Paul #reveals #LeBron #James #free #agency #finalists #whiteboard #podcast

mwasimuddin125 0

The NBA is hanging on The Decision 4.0 to find out where LeBron James will play for the 2026-27 season. James might turn 42 years old in December, but he still feels like a top-50 player in the world, and there are a ton of contenders who could use his services. James is believed to be choosing between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors for next season, but we now know he’s considering even more teams after his agent Rich Paul leaked a whiteboard detailing his “realistic” options.

Here’s a clip of Paul talking about the 76ers, and saying “everything changed” after the Jaylen Brown trade:

LeBron’s decision is coming soon. It’s going to be fascinating to watch whatever team he chooses.

#Rich #Paul #reveals #LeBron #James #free #agency #finalists #whiteboard #podcast">Rich Paul reveals LeBron James’ free agency finalists on whiteboard during podcast

The NBA is hanging on The Decision 4.0 to find out where LeBron James will play for the 2026-27 season. James might turn 42 years old in December, but he still feels like a top-50 player in the world, and there are a ton of contenders who could use his services. James is believed to be choosing between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors for next season, but we now know he’s considering even more teams after his agent Rich Paul leaked a whiteboard detailing his “realistic” options.

Here’s a clip of Paul talking about the 76ers, and saying “everything changed” after the Jaylen Brown trade:

LeBron’s decision is coming soon. It’s going to be fascinating to watch whatever team he chooses.

#Rich #Paul #reveals #LeBron #James #free #agency #finalists #whiteboard #podcast

Former Formula One world champion Damon Hill praised Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli as a special talent and backed him for the F1 drivers’ title this year.

“I think the favourite is Kimi because I think that he’s got the equipment. Mercedes has been the most consistent, and he’s got a points advantage, and I think that he’s still on a learning curve. So George (Russell) has got a mountain to climb, I think, to rein him in. I’m not saying he can’t do it, but I think from what I’ve seen this guy is something else. So we’ll see,” said Damon Hill ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix.

Antonelli’s teammate Russell heads into his home race after winning the previous round in Austria last weekend, only his second of the year. Hill felt it should give the local lad a much-needed boost at a time when the crowd would have heightened expectations.

“George having got a win and closed the gap to Kimi, that’s going to be a positive for him and a massive relief because it was, as he said at one point, he didn’t know what to say. He was at a loss for words given the amount of bad luck he had, but he finally got a good victory; a genuine win, he got pole position and so forth. I think that’s going to restore some of his confidence,” the 1996 F1 champion added.

ALSO READ:Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin nightmare: How F1’s super project lost its way

When asked if Russell was a bit unsettled by Antonelli hogging all the attention when he won five races on the bounce, Hill remarked that it was something a driver has to deal with, even if he had been at a place for longer.

“When a driver is in a team, they can’t consider that they are the primary concern of that team. The problem with being a racing driver in our sport is that you’re not really part of the team. For the time you’re there, you’re part of the team, but you still have to prove yourself against the other guy. So you’re in a constant battle to establish your position,” remarked Hill.

(Fans can watch the British GP exclusively on FanCode)

Published on Jul 03, 2026

#Hes #World #Champion #Damon #Hill #backs #Antonelli #win #Drivers #title">

“He’s just something else”: Former World Champion Damon Hill backs Antonelli to win F1 Drivers’ title Former Formula One world champion Damon Hill praised Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli as a special talent and backed him for the F1 drivers’ title this year.“I think the favourite is Kimi because I think that he’s got the equipment. Mercedes has been the most consistent, and he’s got a points advantage, and I think that he’s still on a learning curve. So George (Russell) has got a mountain to climb, I think, to rein him in. I’m not saying he can’t do it, but I think from what I’ve seen this guy is something else. So we’ll see,” said Damon Hill ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix.Antonelli’s teammate Russell heads into his home race after winning the previous round in Austria last weekend, only his second of the year. Hill felt it should give the local lad a much-needed boost at a time when the crowd would have heightened expectations.“George having got a win and closed the gap to Kimi, that’s going to be a positive for him and a massive relief because it was, as he said at one point, he didn’t know what to say. He was at a loss for words given the amount of bad luck he had, but he finally got a good victory; a genuine win, he got pole position and so forth. I think that’s going to restore some of his confidence,” the 1996 F1 champion added.ALSO READ:Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin nightmare: How F1’s super project lost its wayWhen asked if Russell was a bit unsettled by Antonelli hogging all the attention when he won five races on the bounce, Hill remarked that it was something a driver has to deal with, even if he had been at a place for longer.“When a driver is in a team, they can’t consider that they are the primary concern of that team. The problem with being a racing driver in our sport is that you’re not really part of the team. For the time you’re there, you’re part of the team, but you still have to prove yourself against the other guy. So you’re in a constant battle to establish your position,” remarked Hill.(Fans can watch the British GP exclusively on FanCode)Published on Jul 03, 2026 #Hes #World #Champion #Damon #Hill #backs #Antonelli #win #Drivers #title

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Former Formula One world champion Damon Hill praised Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli as a special talent and backed him for the F1 drivers’ title this year.
“I think the favourite is Kimi because I think that he’s got the equipment. Mercedes has been the most consistent, and he’s got a points advantage, and I think that he’s still on a learning curve. So George (Russell) has got a mountain to climb, I think, to rein him in. I’m not saying he can’t do it, but I think from what I’ve seen this guy is something else. So we’ll see,” said Damon Hill ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix.
Antonelli’s teammate Russell heads into his home race after winning the previous round in Austria last weekend, only his second of the year. Hill felt it should give the local lad a much-needed boost at a time when the crowd would have heightened expectations.
“George having got a win and closed the gap to Kimi, that’s going to be a positive for him and a massive relief because it was, as he said at one point, he didn’t know what to say. He was at a loss for words given the amount of bad luck he had, but he finally got a good victory; a genuine win, he got pole position and so forth. I think that’s going to restore some of his confidence,” the 1996 F1 champion added.
ALSO READ:Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin nightmare: How F1’s super project lost its way
When asked if Russell was a bit unsettled by Antonelli hogging all the attention when he won five races on the bounce, Hill remarked that it was something a driver has to deal with, even if he had been at a place for longer.
“When a driver is in a team, they can’t consider that they are the primary concern of that team. The problem with being a racing driver in our sport is that you’re not really part of the team. For the time you’re there, you’re part of the team, but you still have to prove yourself against the other guy. So you’re in a constant battle to establish your position,” remarked Hill.
(Fans can watch the British GP exclusively on FanCode)
Published on Jul 03, 2026

#Hes #World #Champion #Damon #Hill #backs #Antonelli #win #Drivers #title">“He’s just something else”: Former World Champion Damon Hill backs Antonelli to win F1 Drivers’ title

Former Formula One world champion Damon Hill praised Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli as a special talent and backed him for the F1 drivers’ title this year.

ALSO READ:Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin nightmare: How F1’s super project lost its way

(Fans can watch the British GP exclusively on FanCode)

Published on Jul 03, 2026

#Hes #World #Champion #Damon #Hill #backs #Antonelli #win #Drivers #title

Deadspin | Nationals’ Foster Griffin aims to continue recent success vs. Pirates Jun 22, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Foster Griffin (22) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the seventh inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Washington Nationals starting pitcher Foster Griffin no longer has the high-velocity stuff that made him a first-round selection in the 2014 draft. Instead, the 30-year-old left-hander is having a breakout season with a seven-pitch repertoire he will deploy when the Nationals open a three-game home series against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday. A self-described “journeyman, four-A player spending time between Triple-A and the big leagues,” Griffin (8-2, 2.93 ERA) has learned to throttle back his approach and set up hitters. “For me, I am not going for a strikeout from the start of the at-bat, I am letting it develop,” Griffin said. “If I get into an 0-2, 1-2 situation and I want to go for a kill count, and go for a swing and miss, I will. As soon as I get to even or behind, though, I am not really going for a punchout. I don’t want those free passes.” On Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles, Griffin threw 112 pitches, allowing one unearned run on three hits and two walks while matching his career high with nine strikeouts. He didn’t factor into the decision as Washington earned a 4-3, 10-inning victory. Griffin went 2-0 with a 1.15 ERA in five June starts. His only career start against the Pirates came on the road on April 16, a no-decision in which he gave up four runs on eight hits with one walk and seven strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings. Nationals manager Blake Butera has quickly developed belief in Griffin. “I appreciate every time he’s on the mound,” Butera said. “We all have a ton of confidence in Foster. He pitches his tail off for us and leaves it all out there every single time.” Washington had Thursday off after winning two of three games at Boston. The Nationals cruised to a 10-2 victory over the Red Sox on Wednesday behind James Wood’s 22nd home run, a three-run shot in the seventh. Andres Chaparro added a two-run bomb and Nasim Nunez hit a solo shot, the first homers of the season for both players. The Pirates are set to counter with right-hander Mitch Keller (6-5, 4.87 ERA). After going 0-3 with an 8.25 ERA in his previous five starts, Keller earned his lone win of June on Sunday, a 9-4 home decision against the Cincinnati Reds. He allowed five hits and four runs (three earned) with one walk and four strikeouts. Keller made his second straight six-inning start, and he feels things are pointed in the right direction. “I’m starting to feel like I am getting in a little more of a rhythm,” Keller said. “Obviously, there’s still a lot more that I can clean up and just execute a little better.” In eight career starts against Washington, Keller is 1-4 with a 5.31 ERA. He lost 5-4 to the Nationals on April 14 in Pittsburgh after yielding five runs on six hits and four walks with three strikeouts in four innings. The Pirates’ offense is trending in the right direction. Rookie right fielder Esmerlyn Valdez continues to establish his place in the batting order. Pittsburgh split a four-game road series against the Philadelphia Phillies this week, and Valdez was 2-for-4 with a run and three RBIs in a 6-1 win on Thursday. Valdez homered in four consecutive games — including the series opener against the Phillies on Monday after going deep in each game of Pittsburgh’s previous three-game set against the Reds — a stretch that has highlighted his impressive start in the majors. Since his big league debut on May 22, Valdez has a .316 batting average, six homers and 15 RBIs in 19 games. “The staff plays a big role,” Valdez said. “Even when you fail, they are right by your side. They bring the energy and give you the information you need to succeed.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Nationals #Foster #Griffin #aims #continue #success #Pirates

#Deadspin #Nationals #Foster #Griffin #aims #continue #success #Pirates">

mwasimuddin125 0

Jun 22, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Foster Griffin (22) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the seventh inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Foster Griffin no longer has the high-velocity stuff that made him a first-round selection in the 2014 draft.

Instead, the 30-year-old left-hander is having a breakout season with a seven-pitch repertoire he will deploy when the Nationals open a three-game home series against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday.

A self-described “journeyman, four-A player spending time between Triple-A and the big leagues,” Griffin (8-2, 2.93 ERA) has learned to throttle back his approach and set up hitters.

“For me, I am not going for a strikeout from the start of the at-bat, I am letting it develop,” Griffin said. “If I get into an 0-2, 1-2 situation and I want to go for a kill count, and go for a swing and miss, I will. As soon as I get to even or behind, though, I am not really going for a punchout. I don’t want those free passes.”

On Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles, Griffin threw 112 pitches, allowing one unearned run on three hits and two walks while matching his career high with nine strikeouts. He didn’t factor into the decision as Washington earned a 4-3, 10-inning victory.

Griffin went 2-0 with a 1.15 ERA in five June starts. His only career start against the Pirates came on the road on April 16, a no-decision in which he gave up four runs on eight hits with one walk and seven strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings.

Nationals manager Blake Butera has quickly developed belief in Griffin.

“I appreciate every time he’s on the mound,” Butera said. “We all have a ton of confidence in Foster. He pitches his tail off for us and leaves it all out there every single time.”

Washington had Thursday off after winning two of three games at Boston. The Nationals cruised to a 10-2 victory over the Red Sox on Wednesday behind James Wood’s 22nd home run, a three-run shot in the seventh. Andres Chaparro added a two-run bomb and Nasim Nunez hit a solo shot, the first homers of the season for both players.

The Pirates are set to counter with right-hander Mitch Keller (6-5, 4.87 ERA). After going 0-3 with an 8.25 ERA in his previous five starts, Keller earned his lone win of June on Sunday, a 9-4 home decision against the Cincinnati Reds. He allowed five hits and four runs (three earned) with one walk and four strikeouts.

Keller made his second straight six-inning start, and he feels things are pointed in the right direction.

“I’m starting to feel like I am getting in a little more of a rhythm,” Keller said. “Obviously, there’s still a lot more that I can clean up and just execute a little better.”

In eight career starts against Washington, Keller is 1-4 with a 5.31 ERA. He lost 5-4 to the Nationals on April 14 in Pittsburgh after yielding five runs on six hits and four walks with three strikeouts in four innings.

The Pirates’ offense is trending in the right direction. Rookie right fielder Esmerlyn Valdez continues to establish his place in the batting order.

Pittsburgh split a four-game road series against the Philadelphia Phillies this week, and Valdez was 2-for-4 with a run and three RBIs in a 6-1 win on Thursday.

Valdez homered in four consecutive games — including the series opener against the Phillies on Monday after going deep in each game of Pittsburgh’s previous three-game set against the Reds — a stretch that has highlighted his impressive start in the majors. Since his big league debut on May 22, Valdez has a .316 batting average, six homers and 15 RBIs in 19 games.

“The staff plays a big role,” Valdez said. “Even when you fail, they are right by your side. They bring the energy and give you the information you need to succeed.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Nationals #Foster #Griffin #aims #continue #success #Pirates">Deadspin | Nationals’ Foster Griffin aims to continue recent success vs. Pirates

Jun 22, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Foster Griffin (22) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the seventh inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Foster Griffin no longer has the high-velocity stuff that made him a first-round selection in the 2014 draft.

Instead, the 30-year-old left-hander is having a breakout season with a seven-pitch repertoire he will deploy when the Nationals open a three-game home series against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday.

A self-described “journeyman, four-A player spending time between Triple-A and the big leagues,” Griffin (8-2, 2.93 ERA) has learned to throttle back his approach and set up hitters.

“For me, I am not going for a strikeout from the start of the at-bat, I am letting it develop,” Griffin said. “If I get into an 0-2, 1-2 situation and I want to go for a kill count, and go for a swing and miss, I will. As soon as I get to even or behind, though, I am not really going for a punchout. I don’t want those free passes.”

On Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles, Griffin threw 112 pitches, allowing one unearned run on three hits and two walks while matching his career high with nine strikeouts. He didn’t factor into the decision as Washington earned a 4-3, 10-inning victory.

Griffin went 2-0 with a 1.15 ERA in five June starts. His only career start against the Pirates came on the road on April 16, a no-decision in which he gave up four runs on eight hits with one walk and seven strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings.

Nationals manager Blake Butera has quickly developed belief in Griffin.

“I appreciate every time he’s on the mound,” Butera said. “We all have a ton of confidence in Foster. He pitches his tail off for us and leaves it all out there every single time.”

Washington had Thursday off after winning two of three games at Boston. The Nationals cruised to a 10-2 victory over the Red Sox on Wednesday behind James Wood’s 22nd home run, a three-run shot in the seventh. Andres Chaparro added a two-run bomb and Nasim Nunez hit a solo shot, the first homers of the season for both players.

The Pirates are set to counter with right-hander Mitch Keller (6-5, 4.87 ERA). After going 0-3 with an 8.25 ERA in his previous five starts, Keller earned his lone win of June on Sunday, a 9-4 home decision against the Cincinnati Reds. He allowed five hits and four runs (three earned) with one walk and four strikeouts.

Keller made his second straight six-inning start, and he feels things are pointed in the right direction.

“I’m starting to feel like I am getting in a little more of a rhythm,” Keller said. “Obviously, there’s still a lot more that I can clean up and just execute a little better.”

In eight career starts against Washington, Keller is 1-4 with a 5.31 ERA. He lost 5-4 to the Nationals on April 14 in Pittsburgh after yielding five runs on six hits and four walks with three strikeouts in four innings.

The Pirates’ offense is trending in the right direction. Rookie right fielder Esmerlyn Valdez continues to establish his place in the batting order.

Pittsburgh split a four-game road series against the Philadelphia Phillies this week, and Valdez was 2-for-4 with a run and three RBIs in a 6-1 win on Thursday.

Valdez homered in four consecutive games — including the series opener against the Phillies on Monday after going deep in each game of Pittsburgh’s previous three-game set against the Reds — a stretch that has highlighted his impressive start in the majors. Since his big league debut on May 22, Valdez has a .316 batting average, six homers and 15 RBIs in 19 games.

“The staff plays a big role,” Valdez said. “Even when you fail, they are right by your side. They bring the energy and give you the information you need to succeed.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Nationals #Foster #Griffin #aims #continue #success #Pirates

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