Deadspin | Guardians’ Chase DeLauter looking to heat up in finale vs. Astros Apr 21, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Chase DeLauter (24) celebrates after hitting a three-run triple during the eighth inning against the Houston Astros at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Chase DeLauter was the most impactful rookie in the majors during the opening weekend of the season, homering four times and driving in five runs over his first three games with the Cleveland Guardians. Things haven’t gone nearly as well since then. However, they might be trending upward as the Guardians conclude a seven-game homestand Wednesday afternoon against the Houston Astros. Cleveland’s Tanner Bibee (0-2, 4.81 ERA) will start the afternoon contest against Houston’s Peter Lambert (0-1, 7.20) in a battle of right-handers. DeLauter recorded a go-ahead, three-run triple in the eighth inning on Tuesday to help Cleveland rally to an 8-5 victory over Houston. The Guardians scored a season-high six times in the inning. “It’s no secret he hasn’t gotten results, but this kid is a good hitter,” Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said. “Chase stepped up in a huge way, backing up a fastball with a two-strike count. It was a cool moment for him.” DeLauter was in a 1-for-26 slump when he sent a sinking liner toward the foul line in left, where Brice Matthews was unable to reach the ball in time. DeLauter was batting .140 with four RBIs in his previous 14 games, dropping his season average to .219. “Obviously, it’s not been the most ideal last two weeks or so,” DeLauter said. “But I’ve had the rest of the guys behind my back. And when you show up in the box, anything can happen. “It’s been cold, there’s been a lot of stuff going on, so play the game and let’s see what happens.” Bibee, who was considered the staff ace two years ago, also could be turning the corner after tossing six scoreless innings against the Baltimore Orioles last Friday. He had a bloated 6.38 ERA in his first four starts this spring. In three career games against Houston, Bibee has 13 strikeouts over 16 innings and a 4.50 ERA without a decision. The Astros won six of their first nine games but since have gone 3-13. They have split their first two matchups in Cleveland, taking the opener 9-2 on Monday behind a strong start from winning pitcher Spencer Arrighetti. Second baseman Jose Altuve became the third player to play in 2,000 career games with Houston, going 0-for-5 Tuesday, while American League homer (10) and RBI (24) leader Yordan Alvarez extended his hitting streak to eight with two hits and three RBIs. Astros manager Joe Espada was more focused on another number: 16. That’s how many players the team has on the injured list after outfielder Taylor Trammell (left groin strain) was hurt in Cleveland. “It (stinks) because he has been grinding for two years, and given us some quality at-bats and was playing really good in the field,” Espada said. “It’s going to take some time for him to get back.” Houston appears to have avoided a 17th IL stint as postgame X-rays to the left hand of outfielder Dustin Harris were negative. He exited after being hit by a pitch from Parker Messick, prompting Espada to tell his players to “be smart about” handling any further minor injuries. Lambert made his first big league appearance since 2024 on Friday, giving up four runs in five innings in a loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. His only outing against the Guardians came two years ago with the Colorado Rockies, losing in relief by allowing one run in two innings in a 13-7 game. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Guardians #Chase #DeLauter #heat #finale #Astros

Deadspin | Guardians’ Chase DeLauter looking to heat up in finale vs. Astros
Apr 21, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Chase DeLauter (24) celebrates after hitting a three-run triple during the eighth inning against the Houston Astros at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Chase DeLauter was the most impactful rookie in the majors during the opening weekend of the season, homering four times and driving in five runs over his first three games with the Cleveland Guardians.

Things haven’t gone nearly as well since then. However, they might be trending upward as the Guardians conclude a seven-game homestand Wednesday afternoon against the Houston Astros.

Cleveland’s Tanner Bibee (0-2, 4.81 ERA) will start the afternoon contest against Houston’s Peter Lambert (0-1, 7.20) in a battle of right-handers.

DeLauter recorded a go-ahead, three-run triple in the eighth inning on Tuesday to help Cleveland rally to an 8-5 victory over Houston. The Guardians scored a season-high six times in the inning.

“It’s no secret he hasn’t gotten results, but this kid is a good hitter,” Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said. “Chase stepped up in a huge way, backing up a fastball with a two-strike count. It was a cool moment for him.”

DeLauter was in a 1-for-26 slump when he sent a sinking liner toward the foul line in left, where Brice Matthews was unable to reach the ball in time.

DeLauter was batting .140 with four RBIs in his previous 14 games, dropping his season average to .219.

“Obviously, it’s not been the most ideal last two weeks or so,” DeLauter said. “But I’ve had the rest of the guys behind my back. And when you show up in the box, anything can happen.

“It’s been cold, there’s been a lot of stuff going on, so play the game and let’s see what happens.”

Bibee, who was considered the staff ace two years ago, also could be turning the corner after tossing six scoreless innings against the Baltimore Orioles last Friday. He had a bloated 6.38 ERA in his first four starts this spring.

In three career games against Houston, Bibee has 13 strikeouts over 16 innings and a 4.50 ERA without a decision.

The Astros won six of their first nine games but since have gone 3-13. They have split their first two matchups in Cleveland, taking the opener 9-2 on Monday behind a strong start from winning pitcher Spencer Arrighetti.

Second baseman Jose Altuve became the third player to play in 2,000 career games with Houston, going 0-for-5 Tuesday, while American League homer (10) and RBI (24) leader Yordan Alvarez extended his hitting streak to eight with two hits and three RBIs.

Astros manager Joe Espada was more focused on another number: 16. That’s how many players the team has on the injured list after outfielder Taylor Trammell (left groin strain) was hurt in Cleveland.

“It (stinks) because he has been grinding for two years, and given us some quality at-bats and was playing really good in the field,” Espada said. “It’s going to take some time for him to get back.”

Houston appears to have avoided a 17th IL stint as postgame X-rays to the left hand of outfielder Dustin Harris were negative. He exited after being hit by a pitch from Parker Messick, prompting Espada to tell his players to “be smart about” handling any further minor injuries.

Lambert made his first big league appearance since 2024 on Friday, giving up four runs in five innings in a loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. His only outing against the Guardians came two years ago with the Colorado Rockies, losing in relief by allowing one run in two innings in a 13-7 game.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Guardians #Chase #DeLauter #heat #finale #Astros

Sports news April 22, 2026

Apr 21, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Chase DeLauter (24) celebrates after hitting a three-run triple during the eighth inning against the Houston Astros at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Chase DeLauter was the most impactful rookie in the majors during the opening weekend of the season, homering four times and driving in five runs over his first three games with the Cleveland Guardians.

Things haven’t gone nearly as well since then. However, they might be trending upward as the Guardians conclude a seven-game homestand Wednesday afternoon against the Houston Astros.

Cleveland’s Tanner Bibee (0-2, 4.81 ERA) will start the afternoon contest against Houston’s Peter Lambert (0-1, 7.20) in a battle of right-handers.

DeLauter recorded a go-ahead, three-run triple in the eighth inning on Tuesday to help Cleveland rally to an 8-5 victory over Houston. The Guardians scored a season-high six times in the inning.

“It’s no secret he hasn’t gotten results, but this kid is a good hitter,” Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said. “Chase stepped up in a huge way, backing up a fastball with a two-strike count. It was a cool moment for him.”

DeLauter was in a 1-for-26 slump when he sent a sinking liner toward the foul line in left, where Brice Matthews was unable to reach the ball in time.

DeLauter was batting .140 with four RBIs in his previous 14 games, dropping his season average to .219.

“Obviously, it’s not been the most ideal last two weeks or so,” DeLauter said. “But I’ve had the rest of the guys behind my back. And when you show up in the box, anything can happen.

“It’s been cold, there’s been a lot of stuff going on, so play the game and let’s see what happens.”

Bibee, who was considered the staff ace two years ago, also could be turning the corner after tossing six scoreless innings against the Baltimore Orioles last Friday. He had a bloated 6.38 ERA in his first four starts this spring.

In three career games against Houston, Bibee has 13 strikeouts over 16 innings and a 4.50 ERA without a decision.

The Astros won six of their first nine games but since have gone 3-13. They have split their first two matchups in Cleveland, taking the opener 9-2 on Monday behind a strong start from winning pitcher Spencer Arrighetti.

Second baseman Jose Altuve became the third player to play in 2,000 career games with Houston, going 0-for-5 Tuesday, while American League homer (10) and RBI (24) leader Yordan Alvarez extended his hitting streak to eight with two hits and three RBIs.

Astros manager Joe Espada was more focused on another number: 16. That’s how many players the team has on the injured list after outfielder Taylor Trammell (left groin strain) was hurt in Cleveland.

“It (stinks) because he has been grinding for two years, and given us some quality at-bats and was playing really good in the field,” Espada said. “It’s going to take some time for him to get back.”

Houston appears to have avoided a 17th IL stint as postgame X-rays to the left hand of outfielder Dustin Harris were negative. He exited after being hit by a pitch from Parker Messick, prompting Espada to tell his players to “be smart about” handling any further minor injuries.

Lambert made his first big league appearance since 2024 on Friday, giving up four runs in five innings in a loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. His only outing against the Guardians came two years ago with the Colorado Rockies, losing in relief by allowing one run in two innings in a 13-7 game.

–Field Level Media

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Emmanuel McNeil-Warren selected by Kansas City Chiefs by Arrowhead Pride in SB Nation’s community mock draft <div id="cyclone-embed-body-36651c5a-1680-4279-90b0-e63ac47148b9">Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, safety, ToledoWith the board falling the way it did, I had a couple of pretty good options to choose from at this spot. My initial reaction was to draft based on need and select an edge rusher. I strongly considered selecting Missouri defensive end Zion Young. The other thought was to replenish the cornerback position, which was ransacked this offseason by players leaving due to trades and free agency. And if I’m being honest, I nearly pulled the trigger on selecting San Diego State’s Chris Johnson here. Another consideration was Colton Hood from Tennessee.But in the end, I did what I think Brett Veach would have done, and I went with the best player available, who also happened to fill another huge need on this defense.Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s scheme works best when he has a premier safety manning the back end of his defense, someone he can use as a movable chess piece, whether he’s keeping him back deep or up in the slot to play coverage and occasionally blitz. It’s no coincidence that Spagnuolo’s Chiefs teams that won Super Bowls had either Justin Reid or Tyrann Mathieu as an on-field general in the secondary.McNeil-Warren is my third-ranked safety in this draft, behind Caleb Downs and Dillon Thieneman. He is a long, aggressive ballhawk who gets downhill fast in run support. His coverage skills enable him to play man defense, and his football IQ and athleticism keep him around the ball at all times. He simply pops off the screen when you watch him play. At pick 29, a player of his caliber is a steal, especially considering he plays a position of need.</div> #Emmanuel #McNeilWarren #selected #Kansas #City #Chiefs #Arrowhead #Pride #Nations #community #mock #draft

Puppy on a swing

San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama could barely remember the details of the late-game miscues that cost the Spurs in their agonizing 105-104 loss to the New York Knicks in game two of the NBA Finals on Friday.

The Spurs used a 14-0 scoring run to erase a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit and briefly took a one-point lead before it all fell apart.

Wembanyama keyed the comeback, but two crucial misses — including a potential game-game winner — and an inexplicable turnover with a pass into teammate Stephon Castle’s back doomed the Spurs’ rally bid.

“I’m still very blurry,” he said of the plays. “That’s the whole problem. I need to have more poise, more control over the game.”

The score was knotted at 104-104 with 9.5 seconds left when Wembanyama threw the pass that Castle never saw coming.

“I was looking at him when he first got the rebound,” he said. “I just started to take off to try to give him some space to dribble up the court. I didn’t see him throw it to me.”

San Antonio still had a chance to win it, but Wembanyama’s final jump shot bounced off the rim.

He said he got the shot he was looking for on the inbounds play but couldn’t get it to drop.

“Of course I liked the shot,” he said. “I feel like in this moment you need to shoot to score.”

And Castle said there was no other player the Spurs would want to see taking that shot than Wemby.

“He’s made that shot a thousand times,” Castle said. “He has a game-winner with that shot this year.”

The Spurs now need an unprecedented comeback as the series shifts to New York for games three and four. No NBA team has lost the first two games of the Finals on their home floor and come back to lift the trophy.

“We needed to win that game,” Wembanyama said. “This game was ours. But at this point it’s done. Am I going to regret it? Yes, of course. Am I going to use that to fuel me and to fuel us next game? Absolutely.”

Published on Jun 06, 2026

#NBA #Finals #Game #Victor #Wembanyama #seeks #clarity #heartbreaking #Spurs #loss">

NBA Finals, Game 2 — Victor Wembanyama seeks clarity after heartbreaking Spurs loss San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama could barely remember the details of the late-game miscues that cost the Spurs in their agonizing 105-104 loss to the New York Knicks in game two of the NBA Finals on Friday.The Spurs used a 14-0 scoring run to erase a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit and briefly took a one-point lead before it all fell apart.Wembanyama keyed the comeback, but two crucial misses — including a potential game-game winner — and an inexplicable turnover with a pass into teammate Stephon Castle’s back doomed the Spurs’ rally bid.“I’m still very blurry,” he said of the plays. “That’s the whole problem. I need to have more poise, more control over the game.”The score was knotted at 104-104 with 9.5 seconds left when Wembanyama threw the pass that Castle never saw coming.“I was looking at him when he first got the rebound,” he said. “I just started to take off to try to give him some space to dribble up the court. I didn’t see him throw it to me.”San Antonio still had a chance to win it, but Wembanyama’s final jump shot bounced off the rim.He said he got the shot he was looking for on the inbounds play but couldn’t get it to drop.“Of course I liked the shot,” he said. “I feel like in this moment you need to shoot to score.”And Castle said there was no other player the Spurs would want to see taking that shot than Wemby.“He’s made that shot a thousand times,” Castle said. “He has a game-winner with that shot this year.”The Spurs now need an unprecedented comeback as the series shifts to New York for games three and four. No NBA team has lost the first two games of the Finals on their home floor and come back to lift the trophy.“We needed to win that game,” Wembanyama said. “This game was ours. But at this point it’s done. Am I going to regret it? Yes, of course. Am I going to use that to fuel me and to fuel us next game? Absolutely.”Published on Jun 06, 2026 #NBA #Finals #Game #Victor #Wembanyama #seeks #clarity #heartbreaking #Spurs #loss

mwasimuddin125 0

San Antonio star Victor Wembanyama could barely remember the details of the late-game miscues that cost the Spurs in their agonizing 105-104 loss to the New York Knicks in game two of the NBA Finals on Friday.
The Spurs used a 14-0 scoring run to erase a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit and briefly took a one-point lead before it all fell apart.
Wembanyama keyed the comeback, but two crucial misses — including a potential game-game winner — and an inexplicable turnover with a pass into teammate Stephon Castle’s back doomed the Spurs’ rally bid.
“I’m still very blurry,” he said of the plays. “That’s the whole problem. I need to have more poise, more control over the game.”
The score was knotted at 104-104 with 9.5 seconds left when Wembanyama threw the pass that Castle never saw coming.
“I was looking at him when he first got the rebound,” he said. “I just started to take off to try to give him some space to dribble up the court. I didn’t see him throw it to me.”
San Antonio still had a chance to win it, but Wembanyama’s final jump shot bounced off the rim.
He said he got the shot he was looking for on the inbounds play but couldn’t get it to drop.
“Of course I liked the shot,” he said. “I feel like in this moment you need to shoot to score.”
And Castle said there was no other player the Spurs would want to see taking that shot than Wemby.
“He’s made that shot a thousand times,” Castle said. “He has a game-winner with that shot this year.”
The Spurs now need an unprecedented comeback as the series shifts to New York for games three and four. No NBA team has lost the first two games of the Finals on their home floor and come back to lift the trophy.
“We needed to win that game,” Wembanyama said. “This game was ours. But at this point it’s done. Am I going to regret it? Yes, of course. Am I going to use that to fuel me and to fuel us next game? Absolutely.”
Published on Jun 06, 2026

#NBA #Finals #Game #Victor #Wembanyama #seeks #clarity #heartbreaking #Spurs #loss">NBA Finals, Game 2 — Victor Wembanyama seeks clarity after heartbreaking Spurs loss