Deadspin | Deni Avdija, Blazers earn clutch win vs. Clippers for play-in positioning Apr 10, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) scores over LA Clippers center Brook Lopez (11) during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images Deni Avdija scored 15 of his game-high 35 points in the fourth quarter and helped fuel a crucial run as the Portland Trail Blazers powered past the visiting Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, 116-97. Portland (41-40) fell behind early in the fourth quarter of Friday’s clash, a pivotal matchup for positioning in the upcoming Western Conference play-in. Yet their rally left the Trail Blazers in the eighth slot in the West, pegged for the 7 vs. 8 game in the play-in, while the Clippers are now in the ninth slot. Each team has one game left in the regular season. Kobe Sanders hit a jumper in the first minute of the period that gave Los Angeles (41-40) an edge after trailing by as many as 20 points in the first half. The Clippers’ advantage was fleeting, however. The Blazers answered with the next 11 points, holding Los Angeles without a field goal for almost seven minutes. Brook Lopez’s 3-pointer ended the Clippers field-goal drought and moved Los Angeles to within six points with 4:36 remaining, but Portland unleashed another run of 10-0. Avdija capped the win-sealing spurt with a step-back 3-pointer, his only made triple of the night. The Blazers struggled to connect from deep for much of the night, going 12 of 39. But successfully getting to the foul line for 30 made foul shots on 35 attempts and 24 points converted off of 17 Clippers turnovers helped Portland make up the difference. Portland also dominated the glass with a 60-39 rebounding advantage. Both Donovan Clingan and reserve big man Robert Williams III recorded double-doubles, adding 18 and 13 points to go with their 13 and 10 rebounds. Kris Murray came off the bench to add another seven rebounds and 10 points. Kawhi Leonard led Los Angeles with 24 points and eight rebounds. Lopez knocked down five of his 11 attempted 3-pointers on the way to 21 points, and Darius Garland finished with 16 points and seven assists. Jordan Miller scored 15 points, accounting for most of the Clippers’ 21 bench contributions. Bennedict Mathurin was limited to just five minutes and went scoreless. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Deni #Avdija #Blazers #earn #clutch #win #Clippers #playin #positioning

Deadspin | Deni Avdija, Blazers earn clutch win vs. Clippers for play-in positioning
Deadspin | Deni Avdija, Blazers earn clutch win vs. Clippers for play-in positioning Apr 10, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) scores over LA Clippers center Brook Lopez (11) during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images Deni Avdija scored 15 of his game-high 35 points in the fourth quarter and helped fuel a crucial run as the Portland Trail Blazers powered past the visiting Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, 116-97. Portland (41-40) fell behind early in the fourth quarter of Friday’s clash, a pivotal matchup for positioning in the upcoming Western Conference play-in. Yet their rally left the Trail Blazers in the eighth slot in the West, pegged for the 7 vs. 8 game in the play-in, while the Clippers are now in the ninth slot. Each team has one game left in the regular season. Kobe Sanders hit a jumper in the first minute of the period that gave Los Angeles (41-40) an edge after trailing by as many as 20 points in the first half. The Clippers’ advantage was fleeting, however. The Blazers answered with the next 11 points, holding Los Angeles without a field goal for almost seven minutes. Brook Lopez’s 3-pointer ended the Clippers field-goal drought and moved Los Angeles to within six points with 4:36 remaining, but Portland unleashed another run of 10-0. Avdija capped the win-sealing spurt with a step-back 3-pointer, his only made triple of the night. The Blazers struggled to connect from deep for much of the night, going 12 of 39. But successfully getting to the foul line for 30 made foul shots on 35 attempts and 24 points converted off of 17 Clippers turnovers helped Portland make up the difference. Portland also dominated the glass with a 60-39 rebounding advantage. Both Donovan Clingan and reserve big man Robert Williams III recorded double-doubles, adding 18 and 13 points to go with their 13 and 10 rebounds. Kris Murray came off the bench to add another seven rebounds and 10 points. Kawhi Leonard led Los Angeles with 24 points and eight rebounds. Lopez knocked down five of his 11 attempted 3-pointers on the way to 21 points, and Darius Garland finished with 16 points and seven assists. Jordan Miller scored 15 points, accounting for most of the Clippers’ 21 bench contributions. Bennedict Mathurin was limited to just five minutes and went scoreless. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Deni #Avdija #Blazers #earn #clutch #win #Clippers #playin #positioningApr 10, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) scores over LA Clippers center Brook Lopez (11) during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images

Deni Avdija scored 15 of his game-high 35 points in the fourth quarter and helped fuel a crucial run as the Portland Trail Blazers powered past the visiting Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, 116-97.

Portland (41-40) fell behind early in the fourth quarter of Friday’s clash, a pivotal matchup for positioning in the upcoming Western Conference play-in. Yet their rally left the Trail Blazers in the eighth slot in the West, pegged for the 7 vs. 8 game in the play-in, while the Clippers are now in the ninth slot. Each team has one game left in the regular season.

Kobe Sanders hit a jumper in the first minute of the period that gave Los Angeles (41-40) an edge after trailing by as many as 20 points in the first half.

The Clippers’ advantage was fleeting, however.

The Blazers answered with the next 11 points, holding Los Angeles without a field goal for almost seven minutes.


Brook Lopez’s 3-pointer ended the Clippers field-goal drought and moved Los Angeles to within six points with 4:36 remaining, but Portland unleashed another run of 10-0. Avdija capped the win-sealing spurt with a step-back 3-pointer, his only made triple of the night.

The Blazers struggled to connect from deep for much of the night, going 12 of 39. But successfully getting to the foul line for 30 made foul shots on 35 attempts and 24 points converted off of 17 Clippers turnovers helped Portland make up the difference.

Portland also dominated the glass with a 60-39 rebounding advantage. Both Donovan Clingan and reserve big man Robert Williams III recorded double-doubles, adding 18 and 13 points to go with their 13 and 10 rebounds.

Kris Murray came off the bench to add another seven rebounds and 10 points.

Kawhi Leonard led Los Angeles with 24 points and eight rebounds. Lopez knocked down five of his 11 attempted 3-pointers on the way to 21 points, and Darius Garland finished with 16 points and seven assists.

Jordan Miller scored 15 points, accounting for most of the Clippers’ 21 bench contributions. Bennedict Mathurin was limited to just five minutes and went scoreless.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Deni #Avdija #Blazers #earn #clutch #win #Clippers #playin #positioning

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Apr 10, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) scores over LA Clippers center Brook Lopez (11) during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images

Deni Avdija scored 15 of his game-high 35 points in the fourth quarter and helped fuel a crucial run as the Portland Trail Blazers powered past the visiting Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, 116-97.

Portland (41-40) fell behind early in the fourth quarter of Friday’s clash, a pivotal matchup for positioning in the upcoming Western Conference play-in. Yet their rally left the Trail Blazers in the eighth slot in the West, pegged for the 7 vs. 8 game in the play-in, while the Clippers are now in the ninth slot. Each team has one game left in the regular season.

Kobe Sanders hit a jumper in the first minute of the period that gave Los Angeles (41-40) an edge after trailing by as many as 20 points in the first half.

The Clippers’ advantage was fleeting, however.

The Blazers answered with the next 11 points, holding Los Angeles without a field goal for almost seven minutes.

Brook Lopez’s 3-pointer ended the Clippers field-goal drought and moved Los Angeles to within six points with 4:36 remaining, but Portland unleashed another run of 10-0. Avdija capped the win-sealing spurt with a step-back 3-pointer, his only made triple of the night.

The Blazers struggled to connect from deep for much of the night, going 12 of 39. But successfully getting to the foul line for 30 made foul shots on 35 attempts and 24 points converted off of 17 Clippers turnovers helped Portland make up the difference.

Portland also dominated the glass with a 60-39 rebounding advantage. Both Donovan Clingan and reserve big man Robert Williams III recorded double-doubles, adding 18 and 13 points to go with their 13 and 10 rebounds.

Kris Murray came off the bench to add another seven rebounds and 10 points.

Kawhi Leonard led Los Angeles with 24 points and eight rebounds. Lopez knocked down five of his 11 attempted 3-pointers on the way to 21 points, and Darius Garland finished with 16 points and seven assists.

Jordan Miller scored 15 points, accounting for most of the Clippers’ 21 bench contributions. Bennedict Mathurin was limited to just five minutes and went scoreless.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Bryson DeChambeau denies PGA Tour talks, ‘committed to’ LIV solution Apr 10, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Bryson DeChambeau looks on from the second green during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale-Imagn Images Despite clear signs that the future of LIV Golf looks murky at best, Bryson DeChambeau continues to say he is committed to the 5-year-old upstart league, Flushing It Golf reported Friday. DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith remain some of LIV’s biggest stars, although their future in the league appears in doubt after it was revealed that the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund no longer will provide funding beyond this season. DeChambeau remains undaunted, saying he is not exploring a return to the PGA Tour at the present time “I’m working as hard as I can to find a solution,” DeChambeau told Flushing It Golf. “I’m committed to making team golf work in the best way possible. I think there’s a place for it in the ecosystem and I want to continue to grow the game across the world. That’s always been our mission, and it’s never been more true than now.” LIV is now working on a junior golf initiative, according to DeChambeau. “We’re building a bunch of junior golf events right now and each (LIV) team is looking to build junior golf academies,” he said. “That’s something that we’ve been working on for almost three or four months now. “We’re looking to host an event here coming up, probably in the next, I’d say, couple of months.” In June of 2022, DeChambeau joined LIV on a reported 5 million contract that is set to expire at the end of this season. He was reportedly seeking a 0 million deal to stay with LIV before the league’s funding issues were revealed. “We’re still working on a potential contract,” DeChambeau said. “I haven’t given up on that and I think there will be a solution. But as of right now, my job is to help make the league work after this year. I just feel like I have a responsibility. I’ve put a lot of effort into it. So that’s what I’m going to do, we’re going to make this work.” Even with reports that LIV has increased revenue streams in five years of operation, it is likely nowhere near enough to fund the league as it had been operating in its early years. “There’s a lot of moving parts like in any business,” DeChambeau told Flushing It Golf after he withdrew from last month’s event at Mexico City. “It’s a startup, right? And so there’s going to be times where we’re squeezed and punched. This is one of those moments. But I’m going to do everything in my power to make it work and I really see the value in franchise golf.” DeChambeau, 32, prevailed in a playoff in consecutive weeks in March by winning at both LIV Golf Singapore and LIV Golf South Africa. The two-time U.S. Open champion has won five individual LIV Golf titles. DeChambeau did have the opportunity to return to the PGA Tour earlier this year through the Returning Member Program but declined. That program was developed as Brooks Koepka departed LIV for his return to the PGA Tour earlier this year. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Bryson #DeChambeau #denies #PGA #Tour #talks #committed #LIV #solutionApr 10, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Bryson DeChambeau looks on from the second green during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale-Imagn Images

Despite clear signs that the future of LIV Golf looks murky at best, Bryson DeChambeau continues to say he is committed to the 5-year-old upstart league, Flushing It Golf reported Friday.

DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith remain some of LIV’s biggest stars, although their future in the league appears in doubt after it was revealed that the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund no longer will provide funding beyond this season.

DeChambeau remains undaunted, saying he is not exploring a return to the PGA Tour at the present time

“I’m working as hard as I can to find a solution,” DeChambeau told Flushing It Golf. “I’m committed to making team golf work in the best way possible. I think there’s a place for it in the ecosystem and I want to continue to grow the game across the world. That’s always been our mission, and it’s never been more true than now.”

LIV is now working on a junior golf initiative, according to DeChambeau.

“We’re building a bunch of junior golf events right now and each (LIV) team is looking to build junior golf academies,” he said. “That’s something that we’ve been working on for almost three or four months now. “We’re looking to host an event here coming up, probably in the next, I’d say, couple of months.”


In June of 2022, DeChambeau joined LIV on a reported $125 million contract that is set to expire at the end of this season. He was reportedly seeking a $500 million deal to stay with LIV before the league’s funding issues were revealed.

“We’re still working on a potential contract,” DeChambeau said. “I haven’t given up on that and I think there will be a solution. But as of right now, my job is to help make the league work after this year. I just feel like I have a responsibility. I’ve put a lot of effort into it. So that’s what I’m going to do, we’re going to make this work.”

Even with reports that LIV has increased revenue streams in five years of operation, it is likely nowhere near enough to fund the league as it had been operating in its early years.

“There’s a lot of moving parts like in any business,” DeChambeau told Flushing It Golf after he withdrew from last month’s event at Mexico City. “It’s a startup, right? And so there’s going to be times where we’re squeezed and punched. This is one of those moments. But I’m going to do everything in my power to make it work and I really see the value in franchise golf.”

DeChambeau, 32, prevailed in a playoff in consecutive weeks in March by winning at both LIV Golf Singapore and LIV Golf South Africa. The two-time U.S. Open champion has won five individual LIV Golf titles.

DeChambeau did have the opportunity to return to the PGA Tour earlier this year through the Returning Member Program but declined. That program was developed as Brooks Koepka departed LIV for his return to the PGA Tour earlier this year.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Bryson #DeChambeau #denies #PGA #Tour #talks #committed #LIV #solution">Deadspin | Bryson DeChambeau denies PGA Tour talks, ‘committed to’ LIV solution Apr 10, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Bryson DeChambeau looks on from the second green during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale-Imagn Images Despite clear signs that the future of LIV Golf looks murky at best, Bryson DeChambeau continues to say he is committed to the 5-year-old upstart league, Flushing It Golf reported Friday. DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith remain some of LIV’s biggest stars, although their future in the league appears in doubt after it was revealed that the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund no longer will provide funding beyond this season. DeChambeau remains undaunted, saying he is not exploring a return to the PGA Tour at the present time “I’m working as hard as I can to find a solution,” DeChambeau told Flushing It Golf. “I’m committed to making team golf work in the best way possible. I think there’s a place for it in the ecosystem and I want to continue to grow the game across the world. That’s always been our mission, and it’s never been more true than now.” LIV is now working on a junior golf initiative, according to DeChambeau. “We’re building a bunch of junior golf events right now and each (LIV) team is looking to build junior golf academies,” he said. “That’s something that we’ve been working on for almost three or four months now. “We’re looking to host an event here coming up, probably in the next, I’d say, couple of months.” In June of 2022, DeChambeau joined LIV on a reported 5 million contract that is set to expire at the end of this season. He was reportedly seeking a 0 million deal to stay with LIV before the league’s funding issues were revealed. “We’re still working on a potential contract,” DeChambeau said. “I haven’t given up on that and I think there will be a solution. But as of right now, my job is to help make the league work after this year. I just feel like I have a responsibility. I’ve put a lot of effort into it. So that’s what I’m going to do, we’re going to make this work.” Even with reports that LIV has increased revenue streams in five years of operation, it is likely nowhere near enough to fund the league as it had been operating in its early years. “There’s a lot of moving parts like in any business,” DeChambeau told Flushing It Golf after he withdrew from last month’s event at Mexico City. “It’s a startup, right? And so there’s going to be times where we’re squeezed and punched. This is one of those moments. But I’m going to do everything in my power to make it work and I really see the value in franchise golf.” DeChambeau, 32, prevailed in a playoff in consecutive weeks in March by winning at both LIV Golf Singapore and LIV Golf South Africa. The two-time U.S. Open champion has won five individual LIV Golf titles. DeChambeau did have the opportunity to return to the PGA Tour earlier this year through the Returning Member Program but declined. That program was developed as Brooks Koepka departed LIV for his return to the PGA Tour earlier this year. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Bryson #DeChambeau #denies #PGA #Tour #talks #committed #LIV #solution

Deadspin | Guardians look to handle Nick Kurtz, A’s in series opener Apr 30, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) hits an RBI double against the Kansas City Royals during the second inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images Two teams that finished April with at least a share of the lead in their respective American League divisions go head-to-head to begin May when the Cleveland Guardians face the Athletics on Friday night in West Sacramento, Calif. Cleveland left-hander Joey Cantillo (1-1, 2.97 ERA) and Athletics right-hander J.T. Ginn (0-0, 3.24) are the scheduled starters in the opener of the three-game series. The Guardians are seeking to repeat a series win earned in their first-ever trip to West Sacramento last June. To do so, they’ll have to deny the A’s a fourth consecutive series win. The Athletics took two of three from the Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals to move atop the AL West at a season-best three games over .500. Leading the way has been 23-year-old Nick Kurtz, whose two-run, tie-breaking double in the second inning of Thursday’s 6-3 win over the Royals temporarily stole the headlines from a start in which he’s drawn a major-league-leading 33 walks. “When he got here, there was an advanced approach for his age,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said about his second-year first baseman after the win. “The main thing we’re seeing is … being patient, being selective, getting his walks, getting on base.” The Guardians limited Kurtz, who had just 37 games of major-league experience at the time, to a 2-for-11 series performance with one solo homer and one walk when they visited Sacramento last June. Kurtz exacted a measure of revenge a month later in a rematch series in Cleveland, going 7-for-12 with four doubles, a triple, a home run and a walk. He has never faced Cantillo in what will be a lefty-on-lefty matchup. Cantillo has allowed just seven home runs against left-handed hitters over 45 games in his three-year career. The 26-year-old is coming off his first loss of the season at Toronto, a hard-luck 5-3 defeat last Saturday in which he allowed three runs but just one earned in five innings. He has never faced the A’s in his career. Also a third-year big-leaguer, Ginn has just one inning of experience against the Guardians. That came last July 18 in Cleveland, when he entered the game in the fifth inning with the A’s down 7-1 and allowed one run. The A’s lost 8-6 after a late-inning rally fell short. In his most recent outing, Ginn was pulled in the fourth inning from a game the A’s led 2-0 at Texas last Sunday. The A’s went on to win 2-1, but he did not get a decision. He’ll see a Guardians team kicking off a seven-game trip after losing two of three at home to the Tampa Bay Rays. The club had Thursday off following a 3-1 victory in the series finale, which had them alone atop the AL Central before the Detroit Tigers won Thursday to draw even. Fans in West Sacramento will get their first look at Guardians prospect Travis Bazzana, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, three spots ahead of where the A’s selected Kurtz. Bazzana, a 23-year-old Australian, is still looking for his first big-league hit after going 0-for-6 with two walks in two games against the Rays, but he is confident that he’s ready for the big time. “I would’ve hoped by 2026 I was able to impact this team,” he told reporters during his debut series earlier in the week. “I’m feeling really strong and in a perfect place to really help the team win.” – Field Level Media #Deadspin #Guardians #handle #Nick #Kurtz #series #openerApr 30, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) hits an RBI double against the Kansas City Royals during the second inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

Two teams that finished April with at least a share of the lead in their respective American League divisions go head-to-head to begin May when the Cleveland Guardians face the Athletics on Friday night in West Sacramento, Calif.

Cleveland left-hander Joey Cantillo (1-1, 2.97 ERA) and Athletics right-hander J.T. Ginn (0-0, 3.24) are the scheduled starters in the opener of the three-game series. The Guardians are seeking to repeat a series win earned in their first-ever trip to West Sacramento last June.

To do so, they’ll have to deny the A’s a fourth consecutive series win. The Athletics took two of three from the Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals to move atop the AL West at a season-best three games over .500.

Leading the way has been 23-year-old Nick Kurtz, whose two-run, tie-breaking double in the second inning of Thursday’s 6-3 win over the Royals temporarily stole the headlines from a start in which he’s drawn a major-league-leading 33 walks.

“When he got here, there was an advanced approach for his age,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said about his second-year first baseman after the win. “The main thing we’re seeing is … being patient, being selective, getting his walks, getting on base.”

The Guardians limited Kurtz, who had just 37 games of major-league experience at the time, to a 2-for-11 series performance with one solo homer and one walk when they visited Sacramento last June.

Kurtz exacted a measure of revenge a month later in a rematch series in Cleveland, going 7-for-12 with four doubles, a triple, a home run and a walk.

He has never faced Cantillo in what will be a lefty-on-lefty matchup. Cantillo has allowed just seven home runs against left-handed hitters over 45 games in his three-year career.


The 26-year-old is coming off his first loss of the season at Toronto, a hard-luck 5-3 defeat last Saturday in which he allowed three runs but just one earned in five innings.

He has never faced the A’s in his career.

Also a third-year big-leaguer, Ginn has just one inning of experience against the Guardians. That came last July 18 in Cleveland, when he entered the game in the fifth inning with the A’s down 7-1 and allowed one run. The A’s lost 8-6 after a late-inning rally fell short.

In his most recent outing, Ginn was pulled in the fourth inning from a game the A’s led 2-0 at Texas last Sunday. The A’s went on to win 2-1, but he did not get a decision.

He’ll see a Guardians team kicking off a seven-game trip after losing two of three at home to the Tampa Bay Rays. The club had Thursday off following a 3-1 victory in the series finale, which had them alone atop the AL Central before the Detroit Tigers won Thursday to draw even.

Fans in West Sacramento will get their first look at Guardians prospect Travis Bazzana, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, three spots ahead of where the A’s selected Kurtz.

Bazzana, a 23-year-old Australian, is still looking for his first big-league hit after going 0-for-6 with two walks in two games against the Rays, but he is confident that he’s ready for the big time.

“I would’ve hoped by 2026 I was able to impact this team,” he told reporters during his debut series earlier in the week. “I’m feeling really strong and in a perfect place to really help the team win.”

– Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Guardians #handle #Nick #Kurtz #series #opener">Deadspin | Guardians look to handle Nick Kurtz, A’s in series opener Apr 30, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (16) hits an RBI double against the Kansas City Royals during the second inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images Two teams that finished April with at least a share of the lead in their respective American League divisions go head-to-head to begin May when the Cleveland Guardians face the Athletics on Friday night in West Sacramento, Calif. Cleveland left-hander Joey Cantillo (1-1, 2.97 ERA) and Athletics right-hander J.T. Ginn (0-0, 3.24) are the scheduled starters in the opener of the three-game series. The Guardians are seeking to repeat a series win earned in their first-ever trip to West Sacramento last June. To do so, they’ll have to deny the A’s a fourth consecutive series win. The Athletics took two of three from the Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals to move atop the AL West at a season-best three games over .500. Leading the way has been 23-year-old Nick Kurtz, whose two-run, tie-breaking double in the second inning of Thursday’s 6-3 win over the Royals temporarily stole the headlines from a start in which he’s drawn a major-league-leading 33 walks. “When he got here, there was an advanced approach for his age,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said about his second-year first baseman after the win. “The main thing we’re seeing is … being patient, being selective, getting his walks, getting on base.” The Guardians limited Kurtz, who had just 37 games of major-league experience at the time, to a 2-for-11 series performance with one solo homer and one walk when they visited Sacramento last June. Kurtz exacted a measure of revenge a month later in a rematch series in Cleveland, going 7-for-12 with four doubles, a triple, a home run and a walk. He has never faced Cantillo in what will be a lefty-on-lefty matchup. Cantillo has allowed just seven home runs against left-handed hitters over 45 games in his three-year career. The 26-year-old is coming off his first loss of the season at Toronto, a hard-luck 5-3 defeat last Saturday in which he allowed three runs but just one earned in five innings. He has never faced the A’s in his career. Also a third-year big-leaguer, Ginn has just one inning of experience against the Guardians. That came last July 18 in Cleveland, when he entered the game in the fifth inning with the A’s down 7-1 and allowed one run. The A’s lost 8-6 after a late-inning rally fell short. In his most recent outing, Ginn was pulled in the fourth inning from a game the A’s led 2-0 at Texas last Sunday. The A’s went on to win 2-1, but he did not get a decision. He’ll see a Guardians team kicking off a seven-game trip after losing two of three at home to the Tampa Bay Rays. The club had Thursday off following a 3-1 victory in the series finale, which had them alone atop the AL Central before the Detroit Tigers won Thursday to draw even. Fans in West Sacramento will get their first look at Guardians prospect Travis Bazzana, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, three spots ahead of where the A’s selected Kurtz. Bazzana, a 23-year-old Australian, is still looking for his first big-league hit after going 0-for-6 with two walks in two games against the Rays, but he is confident that he’s ready for the big time. “I would’ve hoped by 2026 I was able to impact this team,” he told reporters during his debut series earlier in the week. “I’m feeling really strong and in a perfect place to really help the team win.” – Field Level Media #Deadspin #Guardians #handle #Nick #Kurtz #series #opener

Deadspin | Cole Young, Mariners surging ahead of opener vs. Royals Apr 29, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Cole Young (2) hits a two RBI single against the Minnesota Twins during the ninth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images The Seattle Mariners found their mojo on the road. Now they’ll try to bring it back home. The Mariners just completed a 5-1 trip to St. Louis and Minnesota after losing eight of their first nine road contests and will host the Kansas City Royals on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series. The Mariners scored three runs in the top of the ninth inning Wednesday in a 5-3 win over the Twins. “A really good way to end the road trip,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson said. “A nice 5-1 road trip; we’ll take that every time.” Cole Young’s two-run single up the middle with the infield drawn in put Seattle ahead on Wednesday. “That was a lucky, lucky hit,” said Young, a second baseman in his first full major league season. “I’m just happy I got the job done.” Young, 22, has six go-ahead or game-tying RBIs in the seventh inning or later this season, the most in MLB. “It’s just calming myself down and not trying to be someone I’m not,” Young said. “I’m not trying to be a hero in every, every situation. Just pass the baton. I’m just trying to get on base, and I feel like that’s helped me out a ton.” Young went 11-for-22 on the trip, with two doubles, a home run and eight RBIs. He has driven in at least one run in six consecutive games, the longest active streak in the majors. He is batting .286 this season, with three homers and 19 RBIs. “He doesn’t let the game speed up on him,” Wilson said of Young. “He’s got really good control of his emotion. The moment doesn’t seem too big for him, which is huge. And then being able to see the pitch, let it get deep enough and not chase. He’s not afraid to go the other way with it. He’s done it several times for us, and almost every time he has used the middle of the field and opposite field.” The Royals, who are in the American League Central cellar, fell 6-3 to the Athletics on Thursday in West Sacramento, Calif. Kansas City left 12 runners on base and went 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position. “We got to keep giving ourselves those opportunities and cash them in,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “We didn’t do that (Thursday).” Kansas City is 3-12 on the road this season, averaging just 2.6 runs a game there. “Move on, keep working. It’s a long season,” said Royals infielder Maikel Garcia, who homered Thursday. “We’re going to get a lot more chances with men on base. Just keep believing in ourselves.” Friday’s series opener is scheduled to feature Royals left-hander Cole Ragans (1-4, 5.00 ERA) against Mariners right-hander Bryan Woo (1-2, 3.86). Ragans is coming off his first victory of the season, 12-1 over the visiting Los Angeles Angels on Saturday. He allowed one run on five hits over six innings, with no walks and a season-high 11 strikeouts, one shy of his career-best. Ragans is 0-0 with a 2.53 ERA in three career appearances against Seattle, including two starts. Woo will try to bounce back from his worst start of the season, in which he gave up seven runs on nine hits in just three innings Saturday in St. Louis. He didn’t receive a decision as the Mariners rallied to win 11-9. Woo, who hadn’t allowed a home run all season until that point, gave up four homers to the Cardinals on a windy afternoon at Busch Stadium. He is 1-0 with a 1.69 ERA in one previous start vs. Kansas City. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Cole #Young #Mariners #surging #ahead #opener #RoyalsApr 29, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Cole Young (2) hits a two RBI single against the Minnesota Twins during the ninth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The Seattle Mariners found their mojo on the road.

Now they’ll try to bring it back home.

The Mariners just completed a 5-1 trip to St. Louis and Minnesota after losing eight of their first nine road contests and will host the Kansas City Royals on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series.

The Mariners scored three runs in the top of the ninth inning Wednesday in a 5-3 win over the Twins.

“A really good way to end the road trip,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson said. “A nice 5-1 road trip; we’ll take that every time.”

Cole Young’s two-run single up the middle with the infield drawn in put Seattle ahead on Wednesday.

“That was a lucky, lucky hit,” said Young, a second baseman in his first full major league season. “I’m just happy I got the job done.”

Young, 22, has six go-ahead or game-tying RBIs in the seventh inning or later this season, the most in MLB.

“It’s just calming myself down and not trying to be someone I’m not,” Young said. “I’m not trying to be a hero in every, every situation. Just pass the baton. I’m just trying to get on base, and I feel like that’s helped me out a ton.”

Young went 11-for-22 on the trip, with two doubles, a home run and eight RBIs. He has driven in at least one run in six consecutive games, the longest active streak in the majors. He is batting .286 this season, with three homers and 19 RBIs.


“He doesn’t let the game speed up on him,” Wilson said of Young. “He’s got really good control of his emotion. The moment doesn’t seem too big for him, which is huge. And then being able to see the pitch, let it get deep enough and not chase. He’s not afraid to go the other way with it. He’s done it several times for us, and almost every time he has used the middle of the field and opposite field.”

The Royals, who are in the American League Central cellar, fell 6-3 to the Athletics on Thursday in West Sacramento, Calif. Kansas City left 12 runners on base and went 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position.

“We got to keep giving ourselves those opportunities and cash them in,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “We didn’t do that (Thursday).”

Kansas City is 3-12 on the road this season, averaging just 2.6 runs a game there.

“Move on, keep working. It’s a long season,” said Royals infielder Maikel Garcia, who homered Thursday. “We’re going to get a lot more chances with men on base. Just keep believing in ourselves.”

Friday’s series opener is scheduled to feature Royals left-hander Cole Ragans (1-4, 5.00 ERA) against Mariners right-hander Bryan Woo (1-2, 3.86).

Ragans is coming off his first victory of the season, 12-1 over the visiting Los Angeles Angels on Saturday. He allowed one run on five hits over six innings, with no walks and a season-high 11 strikeouts, one shy of his career-best.

Ragans is 0-0 with a 2.53 ERA in three career appearances against Seattle, including two starts.

Woo will try to bounce back from his worst start of the season, in which he gave up seven runs on nine hits in just three innings Saturday in St. Louis. He didn’t receive a decision as the Mariners rallied to win 11-9.

Woo, who hadn’t allowed a home run all season until that point, gave up four homers to the Cardinals on a windy afternoon at Busch Stadium. He is 1-0 with a 1.69 ERA in one previous start vs. Kansas City.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Cole #Young #Mariners #surging #ahead #opener #Royals">Deadspin | Cole Young, Mariners surging ahead of opener vs. Royals Apr 29, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Cole Young (2) hits a two RBI single against the Minnesota Twins during the ninth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images The Seattle Mariners found their mojo on the road. Now they’ll try to bring it back home. The Mariners just completed a 5-1 trip to St. Louis and Minnesota after losing eight of their first nine road contests and will host the Kansas City Royals on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series. The Mariners scored three runs in the top of the ninth inning Wednesday in a 5-3 win over the Twins. “A really good way to end the road trip,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson said. “A nice 5-1 road trip; we’ll take that every time.” Cole Young’s two-run single up the middle with the infield drawn in put Seattle ahead on Wednesday. “That was a lucky, lucky hit,” said Young, a second baseman in his first full major league season. “I’m just happy I got the job done.” Young, 22, has six go-ahead or game-tying RBIs in the seventh inning or later this season, the most in MLB. “It’s just calming myself down and not trying to be someone I’m not,” Young said. “I’m not trying to be a hero in every, every situation. Just pass the baton. I’m just trying to get on base, and I feel like that’s helped me out a ton.” Young went 11-for-22 on the trip, with two doubles, a home run and eight RBIs. He has driven in at least one run in six consecutive games, the longest active streak in the majors. He is batting .286 this season, with three homers and 19 RBIs. “He doesn’t let the game speed up on him,” Wilson said of Young. “He’s got really good control of his emotion. The moment doesn’t seem too big for him, which is huge. And then being able to see the pitch, let it get deep enough and not chase. He’s not afraid to go the other way with it. He’s done it several times for us, and almost every time he has used the middle of the field and opposite field.” The Royals, who are in the American League Central cellar, fell 6-3 to the Athletics on Thursday in West Sacramento, Calif. Kansas City left 12 runners on base and went 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position. “We got to keep giving ourselves those opportunities and cash them in,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “We didn’t do that (Thursday).” Kansas City is 3-12 on the road this season, averaging just 2.6 runs a game there. “Move on, keep working. It’s a long season,” said Royals infielder Maikel Garcia, who homered Thursday. “We’re going to get a lot more chances with men on base. Just keep believing in ourselves.” Friday’s series opener is scheduled to feature Royals left-hander Cole Ragans (1-4, 5.00 ERA) against Mariners right-hander Bryan Woo (1-2, 3.86). Ragans is coming off his first victory of the season, 12-1 over the visiting Los Angeles Angels on Saturday. He allowed one run on five hits over six innings, with no walks and a season-high 11 strikeouts, one shy of his career-best. Ragans is 0-0 with a 2.53 ERA in three career appearances against Seattle, including two starts. Woo will try to bounce back from his worst start of the season, in which he gave up seven runs on nine hits in just three innings Saturday in St. Louis. He didn’t receive a decision as the Mariners rallied to win 11-9. Woo, who hadn’t allowed a home run all season until that point, gave up four homers to the Cardinals on a windy afternoon at Busch Stadium. He is 1-0 with a 1.69 ERA in one previous start vs. Kansas City. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Cole #Young #Mariners #surging #ahead #opener #Royals

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