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Deadspin | Cole Young’s big hit helps Mariners rally past Twins  Apr 29, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Seattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford (3) turns a double play on a ball hit by Minnesota Twins left fielder Trevor Larnach (9) during the third inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images   Cole Young hit a two-run single in the ninth inning for the Seattle Mariners, who rallied for a 5-3 victory Wednesday over the Minnesota Twins and took two of three in the series at Minneapolis.  The game-winning hit capped a 2-for-4, three RBI game for the Mariners second baseman. He has upped his batting average by 53 points (.233 to .286) by going 11-for-22 since last Friday.  Seattle had just seven hits in the game but also took advantage of five walks while winning for the sixth time in seven games.  Randy Arozarena started the ninth with a four-pitch walk from Eric Orze (0-1).  An out later, Dominic Canzone singled to put runners on the corners. Leo Rivas pinch-ran for the designated hitter and stole second during Young’s at-bat.  With the infield in, Young’s grounder got under a diving Luke Keaschall and rolled into the outfield to make it 4-3. Cal Raleigh’s deep sacrifice fly to center added an insurance run.  Before Young’s heroics, it looked like Twins catcher Victor Caratini would play that role, as his pinch-hit single in the bottom of the eighth off Gabe Speier gave Minnesota a 3-2 lead.  Instead, Minnesota lost for the seventh time in its last eight games.   Cole Criswell (1-0) pitched just a third of an inning, but it was enough for the victory. He got Bryan Buxton to fly out with the bases loaded to end the Twins’ eighth.  Andres Munoz struck out two in the ninth to earn his sixth save of the season.  J.P. Crawford hit his second home run of the season for the Mariners as part of a 2-for-3 game with two walks. Canzone went 2-for-4.  Minnesota racked up 12 hits. Ryan Jeffers went 2-for-4 with a run scored. He also started the eighth with a single that would lead to the Twins taking the lead. Brooks Lee also went 2-for- 4, with his two-run single in the fourth giving the Twins a 2-1 lead.  Trevor Larnach and Kody Clemens went 2-for-3.  Taj Bradley threw seven sharp innings for the Twins, allowing just two runs on four hits and two walks, while striking out seven. Seattle starter George Kirby went 5 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on eight hits and two walks, while striking out five.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Cole #Youngs #big #hit #helps #Mariners #rally #Twins

Deadspin | Cole Young’s big hit helps Mariners rally past Twins
Deadspin | Cole Young’s big hit helps Mariners rally past Twins  Apr 29, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Seattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford (3) turns a double play on a ball hit by Minnesota Twins left fielder Trevor Larnach (9) during the third inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images   Cole Young hit a two-run single in the ninth inning for the Seattle Mariners, who rallied for a 5-3 victory Wednesday over the Minnesota Twins and took two of three in the series at Minneapolis.  The game-winning hit capped a 2-for-4, three RBI game for the Mariners second baseman. He has upped his batting average by 53 points (.233 to .286) by going 11-for-22 since last Friday.  Seattle had just seven hits in the game but also took advantage of five walks while winning for the sixth time in seven games.  Randy Arozarena started the ninth with a four-pitch walk from Eric Orze (0-1).  An out later, Dominic Canzone singled to put runners on the corners. Leo Rivas pinch-ran for the designated hitter and stole second during Young’s at-bat.  With the infield in, Young’s grounder got under a diving Luke Keaschall and rolled into the outfield to make it 4-3. Cal Raleigh’s deep sacrifice fly to center added an insurance run.  Before Young’s heroics, it looked like Twins catcher Victor Caratini would play that role, as his pinch-hit single in the bottom of the eighth off Gabe Speier gave Minnesota a 3-2 lead.  Instead, Minnesota lost for the seventh time in its last eight games.   Cole Criswell (1-0) pitched just a third of an inning, but it was enough for the victory. He got Bryan Buxton to fly out with the bases loaded to end the Twins’ eighth.  Andres Munoz struck out two in the ninth to earn his sixth save of the season.  J.P. Crawford hit his second home run of the season for the Mariners as part of a 2-for-3 game with two walks. Canzone went 2-for-4.  Minnesota racked up 12 hits. Ryan Jeffers went 2-for-4 with a run scored. He also started the eighth with a single that would lead to the Twins taking the lead. Brooks Lee also went 2-for- 4, with his two-run single in the fourth giving the Twins a 2-1 lead.  Trevor Larnach and Kody Clemens went 2-for-3.  Taj Bradley threw seven sharp innings for the Twins, allowing just two runs on four hits and two walks, while striking out seven. Seattle starter George Kirby went 5 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on eight hits and two walks, while striking out five.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Cole #Youngs #big #hit #helps #Mariners #rally #TwinsApr 29, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Seattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford (3) turns a double play on a ball hit by Minnesota Twins left fielder Trevor Larnach (9) during the third inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Cole Young hit a two-run single in the ninth inning for the Seattle Mariners, who rallied for a 5-3 victory Wednesday over the Minnesota Twins and took two of three in the series at Minneapolis.

The game-winning hit capped a 2-for-4, three RBI game for the Mariners second baseman. He has upped his batting average by 53 points (.233 to .286) by going 11-for-22 since last Friday.

Seattle had just seven hits in the game but also took advantage of five walks while winning for the sixth time in seven games.

Randy Arozarena started the ninth with a four-pitch walk from Eric Orze (0-1).

An out later, Dominic Canzone singled to put runners on the corners. Leo Rivas pinch-ran for the designated hitter and stole second during Young’s at-bat.

With the infield in, Young’s grounder got under a diving Luke Keaschall and rolled into the outfield to make it 4-3. Cal Raleigh’s deep sacrifice fly to center added an insurance run.

Before Young’s heroics, it looked like Twins catcher Victor Caratini would play that role, as his pinch-hit single in the bottom of the eighth off Gabe Speier gave Minnesota a 3-2 lead.


Instead, Minnesota lost for the seventh time in its last eight games.

Cole Criswell (1-0) pitched just a third of an inning, but it was enough for the victory. He got Bryan Buxton to fly out with the bases loaded to end the Twins’ eighth.

Andres Munoz struck out two in the ninth to earn his sixth save of the season.

J.P. Crawford hit his second home run of the season for the Mariners as part of a 2-for-3 game with two walks. Canzone went 2-for-4.

Minnesota racked up 12 hits. Ryan Jeffers went 2-for-4 with a run scored. He also started the eighth with a single that would lead to the Twins taking the lead. Brooks Lee also went 2-for- 4, with his two-run single in the fourth giving the Twins a 2-1 lead.

Trevor Larnach and Kody Clemens went 2-for-3.

Taj Bradley threw seven sharp innings for the Twins, allowing just two runs on four hits and two walks, while striking out seven. Seattle starter George Kirby went 5 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on eight hits and two walks, while striking out five.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Cole #Youngs #big #hit #helps #Mariners #rally #Twins

Apr 29, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Seattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford (3) turns a double play on a ball hit by Minnesota Twins left fielder Trevor Larnach (9) during the third inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Cole Young hit a two-run single in the ninth inning for the Seattle Mariners, who rallied for a 5-3 victory Wednesday over the Minnesota Twins and took two of three in the series at Minneapolis.

The game-winning hit capped a 2-for-4, three RBI game for the Mariners second baseman. He has upped his batting average by 53 points (.233 to .286) by going 11-for-22 since last Friday.

Seattle had just seven hits in the game but also took advantage of five walks while winning for the sixth time in seven games.

Randy Arozarena started the ninth with a four-pitch walk from Eric Orze (0-1).

An out later, Dominic Canzone singled to put runners on the corners. Leo Rivas pinch-ran for the designated hitter and stole second during Young’s at-bat.

With the infield in, Young’s grounder got under a diving Luke Keaschall and rolled into the outfield to make it 4-3. Cal Raleigh’s deep sacrifice fly to center added an insurance run.

Before Young’s heroics, it looked like Twins catcher Victor Caratini would play that role, as his pinch-hit single in the bottom of the eighth off Gabe Speier gave Minnesota a 3-2 lead.

Instead, Minnesota lost for the seventh time in its last eight games.

Cole Criswell (1-0) pitched just a third of an inning, but it was enough for the victory. He got Bryan Buxton to fly out with the bases loaded to end the Twins’ eighth.

Andres Munoz struck out two in the ninth to earn his sixth save of the season.

J.P. Crawford hit his second home run of the season for the Mariners as part of a 2-for-3 game with two walks. Canzone went 2-for-4.

Minnesota racked up 12 hits. Ryan Jeffers went 2-for-4 with a run scored. He also started the eighth with a single that would lead to the Twins taking the lead. Brooks Lee also went 2-for- 4, with his two-run single in the fourth giving the Twins a 2-1 lead.

Trevor Larnach and Kody Clemens went 2-for-3.

Taj Bradley threw seven sharp innings for the Twins, allowing just two runs on four hits and two walks, while striking out seven. Seattle starter George Kirby went 5 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on eight hits and two walks, while striking out five.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Cole #Youngs #big #hit #helps #Mariners #rally #Twins

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Deadspin | Gavin Williams nabs 4th straight win as Guardians top Rays <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28839398.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28839398.jpg" alt="MLB: Tampa Bay Rays at Cleveland Guardians" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 29, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Gavin Williams (32) throws a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Gavin Williams tossed 7 2/3 stellar innings and Chase DeLauter drove in a pair of runs on Wednesday afternoon to help the Cleveland Guardians post a 3-1 victory over the visiting Tampa Rays.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Williams (5-1) earned his fourth straight win, allowing one unearned run on five hits, striking out nine and walking none. Brayan Rocchio went 3-for-4 and Daniel Schneemann had two hits for Cleveland, which snapped a four-game losing streak.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Cade Smith worked around Yandy Diaz’s leadoff single in the ninth to secure his seventh save in nine tries.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Drew Rasmussen (2-1) threw five innings of three-run (two earned) ball, yielding six hits, while striking out six and walking one for Tampa Bay, which saw its six-game winning streak come to an end. Chandler Simpson and Diaz each had a pair of hits for the Rays, who struck out 12 times.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-5"> <p>After an 80-minute rain delay, Cleveland scored first in the bottom of the third. Following Rocchio’s leadoff single, DeLauter walked and Jose Ramirez reached on a fielder’s choice to load the bases with one out. Kyle Manzardo then drove in the game’s first run with a sacrifice fly.</p> </section> <section id="section-6"> <p>Rocchio reached on an error to begin the fifth, before Steven Kwan’s double and DeLauter’s two-run single pushed the lead to 3-0.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Diaz singled to lead off the seventh. Looking to begin a double play with Jake Fraley batting, Cleveland second baseman Travis Bazzana’s errant throw into left field allowed the only Rays run to score.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Williams surrendered Simpson and Junior Caminero’s back-to-back two-out singles in the eighth and was replaced by reliever Erik Sabrowski, who struck out Jonathan Aranda to escape the jam.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Gavin #Williams #nabs #4th #straight #win #Guardians #top #Rays

When I arrived to cover the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 2000, it was clear I was dealing with a star-studded roster.

The team boasted future Pro Football Hall of Famers; wide receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss and defensive tackle John Randle. Plus, there were a ton of other stars including quarterback Daunte Culpepper, center Matt Birk and running back Robert Smith. The Vikings were loaded with star power.

The talent around the team wasn’t relegated simply to the roster, however.

That summer I first laid my eyes on a 16-year-old high school junior named Larry Fitzgerald Jr. The son of a local media member and close friend of Vikings’ head coach Dennis Green, Little Fitzy was a ball boy during training camp and on game days. It turns out, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is very likely the most famous former NFL ball boy in history.

On reporting date, fellow reporter Kevin Seifert pointed out Fitzgerald to me and said “that’s a bad man.” Seifert didn’t say that about any of the actual Vikings that day.

Fitzgerald was already known as the best Minnesota high school prospect in years and he was considered one of the best high school players in the country. Seifert told me the buzz was that the kid was, no doubt, headed to the NFL in a half decade or so. Seifert was on the money. I’m not sure the Hall of Fame was mentioned or not.

But this weekend of course, that’s exactly where Little Fitzy is headed. He will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Fitzgerald will be remembered as one of the best and most productive wide receivers in league history after an incredible 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals.

I have a ton of memories of being around Fitzgerald, but there’s one that stands out among them all.

One day after training camp, a nameless Vikings’ wide receiver camp body was getting extra work on a JUGS machine, catching balls. He was being tutored by Fitzgerald, who was showing this player how to properly approach the incoming ball. This was a child instructing a grown man an NFL team deemed good enough to attend training camp.

Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.

In addition to his incredible natural football ability, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. stood out for his politeness and good nature. You could tell he was a good kid from the first time you met him.

There was no I’m-going-to-be-a-star attitude. He was genuine and he worked his tail off with the rest of the ball boys. There was no entitlement. It was as if he was using his time around an NFL camp as an internship for his future. He passed with flying colors.

I’ve always cherished following his career from his days at Pittsburgh in college to his days of dominating the NFL and I’ve enjoyed running into him over the years now and again.

Enjoy Canton, Little Fitzy, you’ve earned it.

#Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making">Larry Fitzgerald’s Hall of Fame induction is 25 years in the making  When I arrived to cover the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 2000, it was clear I was dealing with a star-studded roster.The team boasted future Pro Football Hall of Famers; wide receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss and defensive tackle John Randle. Plus, there were a ton of other stars including quarterback Daunte Culpepper, center Matt Birk and running back Robert Smith. The Vikings were loaded with star power.The talent around the team wasn’t relegated simply to the roster, however.That summer I first laid my eyes on a 16-year-old high school junior named Larry Fitzgerald Jr. The son of a local media member and close friend of Vikings’ head coach Dennis Green, Little Fitzy was a ball boy during training camp and on game days. It turns out, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is very likely the most famous former NFL ball boy in history.On reporting date, fellow reporter Kevin Seifert pointed out Fitzgerald to me and said “that’s a bad man.” Seifert didn’t say that about any of the actual Vikings that day.Fitzgerald was already known as the best Minnesota high school prospect in years and he was considered one of the best high school players in the country. Seifert told me the buzz was that the kid was, no doubt, headed to the NFL in a half decade or so. Seifert was on the money. I’m not sure the Hall of Fame was mentioned or not.But this weekend of course, that’s exactly where Little Fitzy is headed. He will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.Fitzgerald will be remembered as one of the best and most productive wide receivers in league history after an incredible 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals.I have a ton of memories of being around Fitzgerald, but there’s one that stands out among them all.One day after training camp, a nameless Vikings’ wide receiver camp body was getting extra work on a JUGS machine, catching balls. He was being tutored by Fitzgerald, who was showing this player how to properly approach the incoming ball. This was a child instructing a grown man an NFL team deemed good enough to attend training camp.Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.In addition to his incredible natural football ability, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. stood out for his politeness and good nature. You could tell he was a good kid from the first time you met him.There was no I’m-going-to-be-a-star attitude. He was genuine and he worked his tail off with the rest of the ball boys. There was no entitlement. It was as if he was using his time around an NFL camp as an internship for his future. He passed with flying colors.I’ve always cherished following his career from his days at Pittsburgh in college to his days of dominating the NFL and I’ve enjoyed running into him over the years now and again.Enjoy Canton, Little Fitzy, you’ve earned it.  #Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making

Follow Sportstar for extensive coverage of the tenth edition of the TNPL, from live scores and match reports to exclusive analysis and features.

TOSS

Tiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.

PLAYING XIs

Nellai Royal Kings: Athish SR(w), D Santhosh Kumar, Ajitesh Guruswamy, U Mukilesh, Rithik Easwaran, Sonu Yadav(c), Muhammed Adnan Khan, Ramalingam Rohit, Emmanuel Cherian, NS Harish, Rocky Bhasker

Tiruppur Tamizhans: Tushar Raheja(w), Amit Sathvik, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Mohamed Ali, Uthirasamy Sasidev, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore(c), M Mathivannan, S Mohan Prasath, R Silambarasan, Esakkimuthu A, T Natarajan

Published on Aug 09, 2026

#TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings">TNPL 2026 Live: All-round batting display propels Nellai Royal Kings to 206/8  Follow Sportstar for extensive coverage of the tenth edition of the TNPL, from live scores and match reports to exclusive analysis and features.TOSSTiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.PLAYING XIsNellai Royal Kings: Athish SR(w), D Santhosh Kumar, Ajitesh Guruswamy, U Mukilesh, Rithik Easwaran, Sonu Yadav(c), Muhammed Adnan Khan, Ramalingam Rohit, Emmanuel Cherian, NS Harish, Rocky BhaskerTiruppur Tamizhans: Tushar Raheja(w), Amit Sathvik, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Mohamed Ali, Uthirasamy Sasidev, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore(c), M Mathivannan, S Mohan Prasath, R Silambarasan, Esakkimuthu A, T NatarajanPublished on Aug 09, 2026  #TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings

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