Deadspin | Grizzlies offer chance for slumping Jazz to play different tune  Apr 7, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Utah Jazz guard Kennedy Chandler (0) shoots the ball against New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Hawkins (24) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images   The Utah Jazz have shown flashes of potential and competitiveness during its current 10-game losing streak. But the lows have outnumbered the highs heading into a showdown with the Memphis Grizzlies in Salt Lake City on Friday night.  Utah hit one of those lows in a 156-137 loss to New Orleans on Tuesday. The Jazz found themselves on the wrong end of the Pels’ multiple franchise records following a second-half defensive collapse.  New Orleans set franchise highs for total points scored in a game (156) and points scored in a quarter (50 in the third). Pelicans rookie Jeremiah Fears led the way with a franchise rookie record 40 points. The Jazz (21-59) allowed 90 points in the paint and 44 fastbreak points.  Utah led 69-61 at halftime before self-destructing in the third quarter. New Orleans used a 31-6 run to pull away — fueled by baskets from Jordan Poole, who scored 22 points in the quarter.  Kennedy Chandler and John Konchar offered a bright spot for the Jazz off the bench. Chandler totaled a career-high 31 points, seven rebounds and eight assists, while Konchar produced 12 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for his first career triple-double.  Fan support has remained strong even as Utah staggers to the finish line on a fourth straight playoff-less season. The Jazz are hopeful it will make a positive difference in their final regular-season home game Friday.  “They’re passionate. They’re knowledgeable. They’re fair. But they want to win,” Utah coach Will Hardy said of the Jazz fans in a video posted to the Utah Jazz’s X account. “And they believe that they add to the environment, and that they make this place a hard place for opponents to play, and a great place for our team to play.”  Memphis, much like the Jazz, are trying to find positives as losses continue to pile up at the end of the season.   The Grizzlies (25-55) lost their sixth straight after falling 136-119 to Denver on Wednesday. They have won twice in their last 21 games. Memphis fell to the Nuggets after Nikola Jokic finished with 14 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists for his 34th triple-double of the season.  Cedric Coward matched his career high with 27 points against Denver. Coward has been a bright spot for the rebuilding Grizzlies, averaging 17.3 points on 55.6% shooting over his last four games.  “I just try to impact winning the best I can,” Coward said to the Memphis Commercial Appeal. “I hope people who watched our games throughout the whole year — not just recently or early in the season — can see that I’ve impacted winning in a lot of ways. I’m just trying to keep doing that.”  For the season, he is averaging 13.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists. That level of production has put Coward in the mix to earn NBA All-Rookie first-team honors at season’s end.  “From day one, he’s been super impressive in how he’s contributed — especially to winning,” Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo told the Memphis Commercial Appeal. “If you look at his lineups, he’s been a guy driving winning in multiple ways, defensively and offensively. I think he’s just scratched the surface of what he can be.”  Three players currently on the Memphis roster — Ja Morant, Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells — earned first-team honors in their rookie NBA seasons. Seven players have earned All-Rookie honors with the Grizzlies in five of the past seven seasons.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Grizzlies #offer #chance #slumping #Jazz #play #tune

Deadspin | Grizzlies offer chance for slumping Jazz to play different tune
Deadspin | Grizzlies offer chance for slumping Jazz to play different tune  Apr 7, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Utah Jazz guard Kennedy Chandler (0) shoots the ball against New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Hawkins (24) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images   The Utah Jazz have shown flashes of potential and competitiveness during its current 10-game losing streak. But the lows have outnumbered the highs heading into a showdown with the Memphis Grizzlies in Salt Lake City on Friday night.  Utah hit one of those lows in a 156-137 loss to New Orleans on Tuesday. The Jazz found themselves on the wrong end of the Pels’ multiple franchise records following a second-half defensive collapse.  New Orleans set franchise highs for total points scored in a game (156) and points scored in a quarter (50 in the third). Pelicans rookie Jeremiah Fears led the way with a franchise rookie record 40 points. The Jazz (21-59) allowed 90 points in the paint and 44 fastbreak points.  Utah led 69-61 at halftime before self-destructing in the third quarter. New Orleans used a 31-6 run to pull away — fueled by baskets from Jordan Poole, who scored 22 points in the quarter.  Kennedy Chandler and John Konchar offered a bright spot for the Jazz off the bench. Chandler totaled a career-high 31 points, seven rebounds and eight assists, while Konchar produced 12 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for his first career triple-double.  Fan support has remained strong even as Utah staggers to the finish line on a fourth straight playoff-less season. The Jazz are hopeful it will make a positive difference in their final regular-season home game Friday.  “They’re passionate. They’re knowledgeable. They’re fair. But they want to win,” Utah coach Will Hardy said of the Jazz fans in a video posted to the Utah Jazz’s X account. “And they believe that they add to the environment, and that they make this place a hard place for opponents to play, and a great place for our team to play.”  Memphis, much like the Jazz, are trying to find positives as losses continue to pile up at the end of the season.   The Grizzlies (25-55) lost their sixth straight after falling 136-119 to Denver on Wednesday. They have won twice in their last 21 games. Memphis fell to the Nuggets after Nikola Jokic finished with 14 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists for his 34th triple-double of the season.  Cedric Coward matched his career high with 27 points against Denver. Coward has been a bright spot for the rebuilding Grizzlies, averaging 17.3 points on 55.6% shooting over his last four games.  “I just try to impact winning the best I can,” Coward said to the Memphis Commercial Appeal. “I hope people who watched our games throughout the whole year — not just recently or early in the season — can see that I’ve impacted winning in a lot of ways. I’m just trying to keep doing that.”  For the season, he is averaging 13.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists. That level of production has put Coward in the mix to earn NBA All-Rookie first-team honors at season’s end.  “From day one, he’s been super impressive in how he’s contributed — especially to winning,” Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo told the Memphis Commercial Appeal. “If you look at his lineups, he’s been a guy driving winning in multiple ways, defensively and offensively. I think he’s just scratched the surface of what he can be.”  Three players currently on the Memphis roster — Ja Morant, Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells — earned first-team honors in their rookie NBA seasons. Seven players have earned All-Rookie honors with the Grizzlies in five of the past seven seasons.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Grizzlies #offer #chance #slumping #Jazz #play #tuneApr 7, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Utah Jazz guard Kennedy Chandler (0) shoots the ball against New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Hawkins (24) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The Utah Jazz have shown flashes of potential and competitiveness during its current 10-game losing streak. But the lows have outnumbered the highs heading into a showdown with the Memphis Grizzlies in Salt Lake City on Friday night.

Utah hit one of those lows in a 156-137 loss to New Orleans on Tuesday. The Jazz found themselves on the wrong end of the Pels’ multiple franchise records following a second-half defensive collapse.

New Orleans set franchise highs for total points scored in a game (156) and points scored in a quarter (50 in the third). Pelicans rookie Jeremiah Fears led the way with a franchise rookie record 40 points. The Jazz (21-59) allowed 90 points in the paint and 44 fastbreak points.

Utah led 69-61 at halftime before self-destructing in the third quarter. New Orleans used a 31-6 run to pull away — fueled by baskets from Jordan Poole, who scored 22 points in the quarter.

Kennedy Chandler and John Konchar offered a bright spot for the Jazz off the bench. Chandler totaled a career-high 31 points, seven rebounds and eight assists, while Konchar produced 12 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for his first career triple-double.

Fan support has remained strong even as Utah staggers to the finish line on a fourth straight playoff-less season. The Jazz are hopeful it will make a positive difference in their final regular-season home game Friday.

“They’re passionate. They’re knowledgeable. They’re fair. But they want to win,” Utah coach Will Hardy said of the Jazz fans in a video posted to the Utah Jazz’s X account. “And they believe that they add to the environment, and that they make this place a hard place for opponents to play, and a great place for our team to play.”


Memphis, much like the Jazz, are trying to find positives as losses continue to pile up at the end of the season.

The Grizzlies (25-55) lost their sixth straight after falling 136-119 to Denver on Wednesday. They have won twice in their last 21 games. Memphis fell to the Nuggets after Nikola Jokic finished with 14 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists for his 34th triple-double of the season.

Cedric Coward matched his career high with 27 points against Denver. Coward has been a bright spot for the rebuilding Grizzlies, averaging 17.3 points on 55.6% shooting over his last four games.

“I just try to impact winning the best I can,” Coward said to the Memphis Commercial Appeal. “I hope people who watched our games throughout the whole year — not just recently or early in the season — can see that I’ve impacted winning in a lot of ways. I’m just trying to keep doing that.”

For the season, he is averaging 13.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists. That level of production has put Coward in the mix to earn NBA All-Rookie first-team honors at season’s end.

“From day one, he’s been super impressive in how he’s contributed — especially to winning,” Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo told the Memphis Commercial Appeal. “If you look at his lineups, he’s been a guy driving winning in multiple ways, defensively and offensively. I think he’s just scratched the surface of what he can be.”

Three players currently on the Memphis roster — Ja Morant, Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells — earned first-team honors in their rookie NBA seasons. Seven players have earned All-Rookie honors with the Grizzlies in five of the past seven seasons.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Grizzlies #offer #chance #slumping #Jazz #play #tune

Apr 7, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Utah Jazz guard Kennedy Chandler (0) shoots the ball against New Orleans Pelicans guard Jordan Hawkins (24) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The Utah Jazz have shown flashes of potential and competitiveness during its current 10-game losing streak. But the lows have outnumbered the highs heading into a showdown with the Memphis Grizzlies in Salt Lake City on Friday night.

Utah hit one of those lows in a 156-137 loss to New Orleans on Tuesday. The Jazz found themselves on the wrong end of the Pels’ multiple franchise records following a second-half defensive collapse.

New Orleans set franchise highs for total points scored in a game (156) and points scored in a quarter (50 in the third). Pelicans rookie Jeremiah Fears led the way with a franchise rookie record 40 points. The Jazz (21-59) allowed 90 points in the paint and 44 fastbreak points.

Utah led 69-61 at halftime before self-destructing in the third quarter. New Orleans used a 31-6 run to pull away — fueled by baskets from Jordan Poole, who scored 22 points in the quarter.

Kennedy Chandler and John Konchar offered a bright spot for the Jazz off the bench. Chandler totaled a career-high 31 points, seven rebounds and eight assists, while Konchar produced 12 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for his first career triple-double.

Fan support has remained strong even as Utah staggers to the finish line on a fourth straight playoff-less season. The Jazz are hopeful it will make a positive difference in their final regular-season home game Friday.

“They’re passionate. They’re knowledgeable. They’re fair. But they want to win,” Utah coach Will Hardy said of the Jazz fans in a video posted to the Utah Jazz’s X account. “And they believe that they add to the environment, and that they make this place a hard place for opponents to play, and a great place for our team to play.”

Memphis, much like the Jazz, are trying to find positives as losses continue to pile up at the end of the season.

The Grizzlies (25-55) lost their sixth straight after falling 136-119 to Denver on Wednesday. They have won twice in their last 21 games. Memphis fell to the Nuggets after Nikola Jokic finished with 14 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists for his 34th triple-double of the season.

Cedric Coward matched his career high with 27 points against Denver. Coward has been a bright spot for the rebuilding Grizzlies, averaging 17.3 points on 55.6% shooting over his last four games.

“I just try to impact winning the best I can,” Coward said to the Memphis Commercial Appeal. “I hope people who watched our games throughout the whole year — not just recently or early in the season — can see that I’ve impacted winning in a lot of ways. I’m just trying to keep doing that.”

For the season, he is averaging 13.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists. That level of production has put Coward in the mix to earn NBA All-Rookie first-team honors at season’s end.

“From day one, he’s been super impressive in how he’s contributed — especially to winning,” Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo told the Memphis Commercial Appeal. “If you look at his lineups, he’s been a guy driving winning in multiple ways, defensively and offensively. I think he’s just scratched the surface of what he can be.”

Three players currently on the Memphis roster — Ja Morant, Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells — earned first-team honors in their rookie NBA seasons. Seven players have earned All-Rookie honors with the Grizzlies in five of the past seven seasons.

–Field Level Media

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East Bengal FC and Gokulam Kerala FC earned three points each against SETHU FC and SESA Football Academy, respectively, on Thursday, while the other two Indian Women’s League 2025-26 Phase 2 matches ended in draws.

East Bengal continued its winning run with a closely contested 1-0 victory against former IWL champion SETHU FC at the East Bengal Ground.

The decisive moment came shortly after the hour mark when Resty Nanziri combined with Fazila Ikwaput and Soumya Guguloth in a swift attacking move. Guguloth’s run on the right created space and, despite pressure from the goalkeeper, Ikwaput applied the finishing touch to give East Bengal a 1-0 lead.

The Moshal Girls defended the lead to maintain their perfect record, having won all eight of their matches. They sit firmly at the top of the table with 24 points. SETHU, second in the table, is eight points behind, having played the same number of games.

Gokulam Kerala FC ended its three-match winless run with a 3-0 victory against SESA Football Academy at the East Bengal Ground.

The Malabarians dominated possession against a disciplined SESA FA side and got the breakthrough in first-half stoppage time. Goalkeeper Keisham Melody Chanu initiated a move that saw Shubhangi Singh and Emueje Ogbiagbevha combine to release forward Roja Devi, who finished with a composed lofted effort from distance.

ALSO READ | ‘No pressure’ is the mantra for Pamela Conti as India kicks off AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup campaign

In the 79th minute, Ogbiagbevha doubled the lead after linking up with winger Shilji Shaji, before the latter added the third in the 87th minute from a tight angle to complete a comprehensive win.

The result took Gokulam further away from the relegation zone as it moved up to sixth in the eight-team league with 10 points from eight matches. SESA remained at the bottom with one point.

Sribhumi FC came from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw against Garhwal United FC at the AIFF National Centre of Excellence.

Earlier at the NCE, Nita Football Academy and Kickstart FC played out a 1-1 draw.

Published on Apr 30, 2026

#IWL #East #Bengal #maintains #perfect #league #record #Gokulam #Kerala #ends #winless #run #SESA #win">IWL 2025-26: East Bengal maintains perfect league record; Gokulam Kerala ends winless run with SESA win  East Bengal FC and Gokulam Kerala FC earned three points each against SETHU FC and SESA Football Academy, respectively, on Thursday, while the other two Indian Women’s League 2025-26 Phase 2 matches ended in draws.East Bengal continued its winning run with a closely contested 1-0 victory against former IWL champion SETHU FC at the East Bengal Ground.The decisive moment came shortly after the hour mark when Resty Nanziri combined with Fazila Ikwaput and Soumya Guguloth in a swift attacking move. Guguloth’s run on the right created space and, despite pressure from the goalkeeper, Ikwaput applied the finishing touch to give East Bengal a 1-0 lead.The Moshal Girls defended the lead to maintain their perfect record, having won all eight of their matches. They sit firmly at the top of the table with 24 points. SETHU, second in the table, is eight points behind, having played the same number of games.Gokulam Kerala FC ended its three-match winless run with a 3-0 victory against SESA Football Academy at the East Bengal Ground.The Malabarians dominated possession against a disciplined SESA FA side and got the breakthrough in first-half stoppage time. Goalkeeper Keisham Melody Chanu initiated a move that saw Shubhangi Singh and Emueje Ogbiagbevha combine to release forward Roja Devi, who finished with a composed lofted effort from distance.ALSO READ | ‘No pressure’ is the mantra for Pamela Conti as India kicks off AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup campaignIn the 79th minute, Ogbiagbevha doubled the lead after linking up with winger Shilji Shaji, before the latter added the third in the 87th minute from a tight angle to complete a comprehensive win.The result took Gokulam further away from the relegation zone as it moved up to sixth in the eight-team league with 10 points from eight matches. SESA remained at the bottom with one point.Sribhumi FC came from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw against Garhwal United FC at the AIFF National Centre of Excellence.Earlier at the NCE, Nita Football Academy and Kickstart FC played out a 1-1 draw.Published on Apr 30, 2026  #IWL #East #Bengal #maintains #perfect #league #record #Gokulam #Kerala #ends #winless #run #SESA #win

‘No pressure’ is the mantra for Pamela Conti as India kicks off AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup campaign

In the 79th minute, Ogbiagbevha doubled the lead after linking up with winger Shilji Shaji, before the latter added the third in the 87th minute from a tight angle to complete a comprehensive win.

The result took Gokulam further away from the relegation zone as it moved up to sixth in the eight-team league with 10 points from eight matches. SESA remained at the bottom with one point.

Sribhumi FC came from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw against Garhwal United FC at the AIFF National Centre of Excellence.

Earlier at the NCE, Nita Football Academy and Kickstart FC played out a 1-1 draw.

Published on Apr 30, 2026

#IWL #East #Bengal #maintains #perfect #league #record #Gokulam #Kerala #ends #winless #run #SESA #win">IWL 2025-26: East Bengal maintains perfect league record; Gokulam Kerala ends winless run with SESA win

East Bengal FC and Gokulam Kerala FC earned three points each against SETHU FC and SESA Football Academy, respectively, on Thursday, while the other two Indian Women’s League 2025-26 Phase 2 matches ended in draws.

East Bengal continued its winning run with a closely contested 1-0 victory against former IWL champion SETHU FC at the East Bengal Ground.

The decisive moment came shortly after the hour mark when Resty Nanziri combined with Fazila Ikwaput and Soumya Guguloth in a swift attacking move. Guguloth’s run on the right created space and, despite pressure from the goalkeeper, Ikwaput applied the finishing touch to give East Bengal a 1-0 lead.

The Moshal Girls defended the lead to maintain their perfect record, having won all eight of their matches. They sit firmly at the top of the table with 24 points. SETHU, second in the table, is eight points behind, having played the same number of games.

Gokulam Kerala FC ended its three-match winless run with a 3-0 victory against SESA Football Academy at the East Bengal Ground.

The Malabarians dominated possession against a disciplined SESA FA side and got the breakthrough in first-half stoppage time. Goalkeeper Keisham Melody Chanu initiated a move that saw Shubhangi Singh and Emueje Ogbiagbevha combine to release forward Roja Devi, who finished with a composed lofted effort from distance.

ALSO READ | ‘No pressure’ is the mantra for Pamela Conti as India kicks off AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup campaign

In the 79th minute, Ogbiagbevha doubled the lead after linking up with winger Shilji Shaji, before the latter added the third in the 87th minute from a tight angle to complete a comprehensive win.

The result took Gokulam further away from the relegation zone as it moved up to sixth in the eight-team league with 10 points from eight matches. SESA remained at the bottom with one point.

Sribhumi FC came from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw against Garhwal United FC at the AIFF National Centre of Excellence.

Earlier at the NCE, Nita Football Academy and Kickstart FC played out a 1-1 draw.

Published on Apr 30, 2026

#IWL #East #Bengal #maintains #perfect #league #record #Gokulam #Kerala #ends #winless #run #SESA #win
Deadspin | Twins pursue reversal of fortunes in series opener vs. Jays  Apr 29, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins right fielder James Outman (30) scores on an RBI single hit by catcher Victor Caratini (37) during the eighth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images   The Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays are riding completely different streaks entering the opener of a four-game series on Thursday in Minneapolis.  The Twins took two of three games from the Blue Jays on April 10-12, part of a four-game winning streak.  Since the streak ended, they have since lost 11 of 13 games, including a 5-3 defeat to the visiting Seattle Mariners on Wednesday.  Minnesota had the chance to win the game and claim a victory in the three-game series after Victor Caratini’s pinch-hit single put the home team up 3-2 in the eighth inning. However, as has been a problem for most of the season, the bullpen could not close out a much-needed win.  Eric Orze allowed three runs in just one-third of an inning in the ninth while bidding for his second save of the season. The Twins’ bullpen earned run average now sits at 5.30, the fourth worst in the majors. Opponents are now hitting .280 against Minnesota relievers, the highest average of any bullpen in the majors.  “I think we’re just trying to figure out the right mix and match,” Twins manager Derek Shelton said after Wednesday’s loss. “We just haven’t had a lot of consistency down there, and guys filter into roles.”  Catcher Ryan Jeffers has been Minnesota’s best hitter of late. He went 2-for-4 Wednesday to extend his hitting streak to five games, during which he’s hitting .389 (7-for-18). His 18 RBIs lead the team.  The Blue Jays’ losses to the Twins earlier this month began a stretch in which the club dropped six of seven games. However, Toronto has won seven of its last 10 games, including an 8-1 thumping of the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday afternoon.   As the Blue Jays are getting hot, they also are getting healthier. Wednesday saw the return of designated hitter George Springer, who has been sidelined since breaking his left big toe during an at-bat against the Twins on April 11.  Springer did not start Wednesday, but he did pinch hit in the fifth and produced an RBI single to extend the Blue Jays’ lead to 6-1.  “It’s a big boost,” Toronto second baseman Ernie Clement told Sportsnet after the game. “He’s an unbelievable player and unbelievable leader, so it’s just great to have him back, and his energy is awesome.”  Thursday’s pitching matchup features Toronto’s Kevin Gausman (2-1, 2.57 ERA) going up against fellow right-hander Bailey Ober (2-1, 3.94) of Minnesota. Neither pitched in the earlier series.  Gausman has not fared well against Minnesota, going 1-5 with a 6.43 ERA in 14 starts.   Ober is 2-3 with a 3.96 ERA in seven starts versus Toronto.    –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Twins #pursue #reversal #fortunes #series #opener #JaysApr 29, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins right fielder James Outman (30) scores on an RBI single hit by catcher Victor Caratini (37) during the eighth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays are riding completely different streaks entering the opener of a four-game series on Thursday in Minneapolis.

The Twins took two of three games from the Blue Jays on April 10-12, part of a four-game winning streak.

Since the streak ended, they have since lost 11 of 13 games, including a 5-3 defeat to the visiting Seattle Mariners on Wednesday.

Minnesota had the chance to win the game and claim a victory in the three-game series after Victor Caratini’s pinch-hit single put the home team up 3-2 in the eighth inning. However, as has been a problem for most of the season, the bullpen could not close out a much-needed win.

Eric Orze allowed three runs in just one-third of an inning in the ninth while bidding for his second save of the season. The Twins’ bullpen earned run average now sits at 5.30, the fourth worst in the majors. Opponents are now hitting .280 against Minnesota relievers, the highest average of any bullpen in the majors.

“I think we’re just trying to figure out the right mix and match,” Twins manager Derek Shelton said after Wednesday’s loss. “We just haven’t had a lot of consistency down there, and guys filter into roles.”

Catcher Ryan Jeffers has been Minnesota’s best hitter of late. He went 2-for-4 Wednesday to extend his hitting streak to five games, during which he’s hitting .389 (7-for-18). His 18 RBIs lead the team.


The Blue Jays’ losses to the Twins earlier this month began a stretch in which the club dropped six of seven games. However, Toronto has won seven of its last 10 games, including an 8-1 thumping of the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday afternoon.

As the Blue Jays are getting hot, they also are getting healthier. Wednesday saw the return of designated hitter George Springer, who has been sidelined since breaking his left big toe during an at-bat against the Twins on April 11.

Springer did not start Wednesday, but he did pinch hit in the fifth and produced an RBI single to extend the Blue Jays’ lead to 6-1.

“It’s a big boost,” Toronto second baseman Ernie Clement told Sportsnet after the game. “He’s an unbelievable player and unbelievable leader, so it’s just great to have him back, and his energy is awesome.”

Thursday’s pitching matchup features Toronto’s Kevin Gausman (2-1, 2.57 ERA) going up against fellow right-hander Bailey Ober (2-1, 3.94) of Minnesota. Neither pitched in the earlier series.

Gausman has not fared well against Minnesota, going 1-5 with a 6.43 ERA in 14 starts.

Ober is 2-3 with a 3.96 ERA in seven starts versus Toronto.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Twins #pursue #reversal #fortunes #series #opener #Jays">Deadspin | Twins pursue reversal of fortunes in series opener vs. Jays  Apr 29, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins right fielder James Outman (30) scores on an RBI single hit by catcher Victor Caratini (37) during the eighth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images   The Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays are riding completely different streaks entering the opener of a four-game series on Thursday in Minneapolis.  The Twins took two of three games from the Blue Jays on April 10-12, part of a four-game winning streak.  Since the streak ended, they have since lost 11 of 13 games, including a 5-3 defeat to the visiting Seattle Mariners on Wednesday.  Minnesota had the chance to win the game and claim a victory in the three-game series after Victor Caratini’s pinch-hit single put the home team up 3-2 in the eighth inning. However, as has been a problem for most of the season, the bullpen could not close out a much-needed win.  Eric Orze allowed three runs in just one-third of an inning in the ninth while bidding for his second save of the season. The Twins’ bullpen earned run average now sits at 5.30, the fourth worst in the majors. Opponents are now hitting .280 against Minnesota relievers, the highest average of any bullpen in the majors.  “I think we’re just trying to figure out the right mix and match,” Twins manager Derek Shelton said after Wednesday’s loss. “We just haven’t had a lot of consistency down there, and guys filter into roles.”  Catcher Ryan Jeffers has been Minnesota’s best hitter of late. He went 2-for-4 Wednesday to extend his hitting streak to five games, during which he’s hitting .389 (7-for-18). His 18 RBIs lead the team.  The Blue Jays’ losses to the Twins earlier this month began a stretch in which the club dropped six of seven games. However, Toronto has won seven of its last 10 games, including an 8-1 thumping of the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday afternoon.   As the Blue Jays are getting hot, they also are getting healthier. Wednesday saw the return of designated hitter George Springer, who has been sidelined since breaking his left big toe during an at-bat against the Twins on April 11.  Springer did not start Wednesday, but he did pinch hit in the fifth and produced an RBI single to extend the Blue Jays’ lead to 6-1.  “It’s a big boost,” Toronto second baseman Ernie Clement told Sportsnet after the game. “He’s an unbelievable player and unbelievable leader, so it’s just great to have him back, and his energy is awesome.”  Thursday’s pitching matchup features Toronto’s Kevin Gausman (2-1, 2.57 ERA) going up against fellow right-hander Bailey Ober (2-1, 3.94) of Minnesota. Neither pitched in the earlier series.  Gausman has not fared well against Minnesota, going 1-5 with a 6.43 ERA in 14 starts.   Ober is 2-3 with a 3.96 ERA in seven starts versus Toronto.    –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Twins #pursue #reversal #fortunes #series #opener #Jays

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