Deadspin | Guardians hope bats continue to come alive vs. Royals Mar 28, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha (52) throws against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Mady Mertens-Imagn Images Fresh off series wins against the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs, the American League Central-leading Cleveland Guardians begin divisional play Monday when they welcome the Kansas City Royals for a three-game set. Those two series wins came after splitting four games in Seattle to start the season against the Mariners, a team many expect to contend for the AL pennant this season. “We had a tough way to start, and it doesn’t get easier,” Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said after his team won the tail end of Sunday’s doubleheader against the Cubs. “We have another tough week ahead of us, and I’m sure it doesn’t get easy after that. Every team in the big leagues is really good, but I couldn’t be more thrilled with where we are.” Right-hander Tanner Bibee (0-1, 4.00 ERA) is slated to get the start in the series opener. He suffered the defeat in his last start, allowing just one run but lasting only four innings in a 4-1 Dodgers win on Tuesday in Los Angeles. Bibee, 27, has fared well against the Royals. In eight career starts, Bibee is 4-0, with three of those victories coming in his last four starts against Kansas City. He has a 3.19 ERA against the Royals but has allowed 36 hits and 16 walks in 42 1/3 innings. Offensively, the Guardians hope the bats that came alive late in Sunday’s second game against the Cubs can carry that momentum into Monday. After getting just one hit in a 1-0 loss in Sunday’s first game, the Guardians had just two hits in the first five frames of the nightcap. However, they sent eight batters to the plate in both the sixth and eighth innings, allowing them to erase 3-0 and 4-3 deficits to win 6-5. CJ Kayfus, who entered Sunday 0-for-10 on the season, recorded the Guardians’ lone hit in Sunday’s opener and followed that by coming off the bench to go 2-for-2 with two RBIs and two runs scored in the second game. That included his first home run of the season in the eighth inning to tie the game at 4. Sunday’s action marked the first time the 24-year-old outfielder had played since last Tuesday in Los Angeles. The Royals have lost three of their last four, with Sunday’s 8-5 home loss to the Milwaukee Brewers keeping them from claiming their second series of the season. Veteran righty Michael Wacha (0-0, 0.00) gets the ball for the Royals on Monday. It will be just his second start of the season as manager Matt Quatraro’s team is using a six-man rotation. Wacha threw six shutout innings on March 28 on the road against the Atlanta Braves. He allowed just three hits and a walk while striking out seven but did not get a decision. Wacha is 2-2 in eight career starts against Cleveland, with a 2.49 ERA. The Royals are hitting .251 for the season, but their best player, shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., has struggled to his standards in Kansas City’s first nine games. Witt’s hitting just .242 this season. A two-time 30 home run hitter and 2024 AL batting champ who led the league in doubles last season and triples in 2023, he also has not gotten an extra-base hit this season. “He’s in one of those spots right now where it seems like he’s got two strikes every time he goes up,” Quatraro told MLB.com. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Guardians #hope #bats #continue #alive #Royals

Deadspin | Guardians hope bats continue to come alive vs. Royals
Deadspin | Guardians hope bats continue to come alive vs. Royals Mar 28, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha (52) throws against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Mady Mertens-Imagn Images Fresh off series wins against the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs, the American League Central-leading Cleveland Guardians begin divisional play Monday when they welcome the Kansas City Royals for a three-game set. Those two series wins came after splitting four games in Seattle to start the season against the Mariners, a team many expect to contend for the AL pennant this season. “We had a tough way to start, and it doesn’t get easier,” Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said after his team won the tail end of Sunday’s doubleheader against the Cubs. “We have another tough week ahead of us, and I’m sure it doesn’t get easy after that. Every team in the big leagues is really good, but I couldn’t be more thrilled with where we are.” Right-hander Tanner Bibee (0-1, 4.00 ERA) is slated to get the start in the series opener. He suffered the defeat in his last start, allowing just one run but lasting only four innings in a 4-1 Dodgers win on Tuesday in Los Angeles. Bibee, 27, has fared well against the Royals. In eight career starts, Bibee is 4-0, with three of those victories coming in his last four starts against Kansas City. He has a 3.19 ERA against the Royals but has allowed 36 hits and 16 walks in 42 1/3 innings. Offensively, the Guardians hope the bats that came alive late in Sunday’s second game against the Cubs can carry that momentum into Monday. After getting just one hit in a 1-0 loss in Sunday’s first game, the Guardians had just two hits in the first five frames of the nightcap. However, they sent eight batters to the plate in both the sixth and eighth innings, allowing them to erase 3-0 and 4-3 deficits to win 6-5. CJ Kayfus, who entered Sunday 0-for-10 on the season, recorded the Guardians’ lone hit in Sunday’s opener and followed that by coming off the bench to go 2-for-2 with two RBIs and two runs scored in the second game. That included his first home run of the season in the eighth inning to tie the game at 4. Sunday’s action marked the first time the 24-year-old outfielder had played since last Tuesday in Los Angeles. The Royals have lost three of their last four, with Sunday’s 8-5 home loss to the Milwaukee Brewers keeping them from claiming their second series of the season. Veteran righty Michael Wacha (0-0, 0.00) gets the ball for the Royals on Monday. It will be just his second start of the season as manager Matt Quatraro’s team is using a six-man rotation. Wacha threw six shutout innings on March 28 on the road against the Atlanta Braves. He allowed just three hits and a walk while striking out seven but did not get a decision. Wacha is 2-2 in eight career starts against Cleveland, with a 2.49 ERA. The Royals are hitting .251 for the season, but their best player, shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., has struggled to his standards in Kansas City’s first nine games. Witt’s hitting just .242 this season. A two-time 30 home run hitter and 2024 AL batting champ who led the league in doubles last season and triples in 2023, he also has not gotten an extra-base hit this season. “He’s in one of those spots right now where it seems like he’s got two strikes every time he goes up,” Quatraro told MLB.com. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Guardians #hope #bats #continue #alive #RoyalsMar 28, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha (52) throws against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Mady Mertens-Imagn Images

Fresh off series wins against the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs, the American League Central-leading Cleveland Guardians begin divisional play Monday when they welcome the Kansas City Royals for a three-game set.

Those two series wins came after splitting four games in Seattle to start the season against the Mariners, a team many expect to contend for the AL pennant this season.

“We had a tough way to start, and it doesn’t get easier,” Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said after his team won the tail end of Sunday’s doubleheader against the Cubs. “We have another tough week ahead of us, and I’m sure it doesn’t get easy after that. Every team in the big leagues is really good, but I couldn’t be more thrilled with where we are.”

Right-hander Tanner Bibee (0-1, 4.00 ERA) is slated to get the start in the series opener. He suffered the defeat in his last start, allowing just one run but lasting only four innings in a 4-1 Dodgers win on Tuesday in Los Angeles.

Bibee, 27, has fared well against the Royals. In eight career starts, Bibee is 4-0, with three of those victories coming in his last four starts against Kansas City. He has a 3.19 ERA against the Royals but has allowed 36 hits and 16 walks in 42 1/3 innings.

Offensively, the Guardians hope the bats that came alive late in Sunday’s second game against the Cubs can carry that momentum into Monday. After getting just one hit in a 1-0 loss in Sunday’s first game, the Guardians had just two hits in the first five frames of the nightcap.

However, they sent eight batters to the plate in both the sixth and eighth innings, allowing them to erase 3-0 and 4-3 deficits to win 6-5.

CJ Kayfus, who entered Sunday 0-for-10 on the season, recorded the Guardians’ lone hit in Sunday’s opener and followed that by coming off the bench to go 2-for-2 with two RBIs and two runs scored in the second game. That included his first home run of the season in the eighth inning to tie the game at 4.


Sunday’s action marked the first time the 24-year-old outfielder had played since last Tuesday in Los Angeles.

The Royals have lost three of their last four, with Sunday’s 8-5 home loss to the Milwaukee Brewers keeping them from claiming their second series of the season.

Veteran righty Michael Wacha (0-0, 0.00) gets the ball for the Royals on Monday. It will be just his second start of the season as manager Matt Quatraro’s team is using a six-man rotation.

Wacha threw six shutout innings on March 28 on the road against the Atlanta Braves. He allowed just three hits and a walk while striking out seven but did not get a decision.

Wacha is 2-2 in eight career starts against Cleveland, with a 2.49 ERA.

The Royals are hitting .251 for the season, but their best player, shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., has struggled to his standards in Kansas City’s first nine games.

Witt’s hitting just .242 this season. A two-time 30 home run hitter and 2024 AL batting champ who led the league in doubles last season and triples in 2023, he also has not gotten an extra-base hit this season.

“He’s in one of those spots right now where it seems like he’s got two strikes every time he goes up,” Quatraro told MLB.com.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Guardians #hope #bats #continue #alive #Royals

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Mar 28, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha (52) throws against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Mady Mertens-Imagn Images

Fresh off series wins against the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs, the American League Central-leading Cleveland Guardians begin divisional play Monday when they welcome the Kansas City Royals for a three-game set.

Those two series wins came after splitting four games in Seattle to start the season against the Mariners, a team many expect to contend for the AL pennant this season.

“We had a tough way to start, and it doesn’t get easier,” Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said after his team won the tail end of Sunday’s doubleheader against the Cubs. “We have another tough week ahead of us, and I’m sure it doesn’t get easy after that. Every team in the big leagues is really good, but I couldn’t be more thrilled with where we are.”

Right-hander Tanner Bibee (0-1, 4.00 ERA) is slated to get the start in the series opener. He suffered the defeat in his last start, allowing just one run but lasting only four innings in a 4-1 Dodgers win on Tuesday in Los Angeles.

Bibee, 27, has fared well against the Royals. In eight career starts, Bibee is 4-0, with three of those victories coming in his last four starts against Kansas City. He has a 3.19 ERA against the Royals but has allowed 36 hits and 16 walks in 42 1/3 innings.

Offensively, the Guardians hope the bats that came alive late in Sunday’s second game against the Cubs can carry that momentum into Monday. After getting just one hit in a 1-0 loss in Sunday’s first game, the Guardians had just two hits in the first five frames of the nightcap.

However, they sent eight batters to the plate in both the sixth and eighth innings, allowing them to erase 3-0 and 4-3 deficits to win 6-5.

CJ Kayfus, who entered Sunday 0-for-10 on the season, recorded the Guardians’ lone hit in Sunday’s opener and followed that by coming off the bench to go 2-for-2 with two RBIs and two runs scored in the second game. That included his first home run of the season in the eighth inning to tie the game at 4.

Sunday’s action marked the first time the 24-year-old outfielder had played since last Tuesday in Los Angeles.

The Royals have lost three of their last four, with Sunday’s 8-5 home loss to the Milwaukee Brewers keeping them from claiming their second series of the season.

Veteran righty Michael Wacha (0-0, 0.00) gets the ball for the Royals on Monday. It will be just his second start of the season as manager Matt Quatraro’s team is using a six-man rotation.

Wacha threw six shutout innings on March 28 on the road against the Atlanta Braves. He allowed just three hits and a walk while striking out seven but did not get a decision.

Wacha is 2-2 in eight career starts against Cleveland, with a 2.49 ERA.

The Royals are hitting .251 for the season, but their best player, shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., has struggled to his standards in Kansas City’s first nine games.

Witt’s hitting just .242 this season. A two-time 30 home run hitter and 2024 AL batting champ who led the league in doubles last season and triples in 2023, he also has not gotten an extra-base hit this season.

“He’s in one of those spots right now where it seems like he’s got two strikes every time he goes up,” Quatraro told MLB.com.

–Field Level Media

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Vatican: Francis stable, out of ‘imminent danger’ of death<img src="https://gdb.voanews.com/9637e9f0-f554-4997-0a41-08dd5c8b1668_cx0_cy3_cw0_w800_h450.jpg" /><br><div id="article-content"> <div class="wsw"> <p>The Vatican issued an update Saturday on the health of Pope Francis, who remains in Rome’s Gemelli hospital under the care of doctors, saying that while his prognosis remains “complex,” the pope is no longer in “imminent danger” of death.</p><p>On Friday, the Vatican’s Holy See Press Office announced that since Francis’ condition is now considered stable, barring any major developments, updates on his health will be less frequent. The 88-year-old pontiff has spent four weeks in the hospital and is receiving treatment for double pneumonia.</p><p>Medical bulletins from the pope’s doctors, which had been almost a daily occurrence since his admission to Gemelli hospital on Feb. 14, will be issued only when there is new information, the press office said Friday. The office emphasized that Francis’ recovery is progressing, but that it will require time to make sure the improvements continue.</p><p>This also means the Holy See’s daily morning update about how the pope spent the night will no longer be issued, which leaves only the evening news briefing for journalists.</p><p>The Vatican said that this is a “a positive sign” for the Catholic faithful, meaning that no news is essentially good news.</p><p>Francis is continuing his prescribed medical treatments, which included motor physiotherapy Friday. He alternates between noninvasive mechanical ventilation at night and high-flow oxygenation with nasal cannulas during the day, according to the Vatican.</p><p>Francis had part of a lung removed as a young man after a pulmonary infection and has in recent years battled recurring bouts of bronchitis.</p><p>On Thursday, the press office said Francis celebrated the 12th anniversary of his papal election surrounded by health care staff.</p><p>Part of the pope’s hospital stay comes during the Christian season of Lent. It is the annual 40-day period of prayer, fasting and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. Lent began on March 5.</p> </div> <ul class="authors-highlights"> <li class="authors-highlights__item"> </li> </ul> </div>#Vatican #Francis #stable #imminent #danger #deathEurope, Americas, Pope Francis

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Deadspin | Dominant Kyle Harrison fans 12 as Brewers end slide vs. Pirates Apr 26, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Kyle Harrison (52) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images Kyle Harrison tossed six innings of one-hit ball with a career-high 12 strikeouts and the Milwaukee Brewers snapped a four-game skid with a 5-0 victory over the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday. The Brewers backed Harrison with a five-run fourth inning to avoid their first sweep against Pittsburgh since 2022 and first at home to the Pirates since a four-game series in August 2016. The only hit off Harrison (2-1) in his 101-pitch outing was a leadoff single in the second by Marcell Ozuna, who was erased on a double play. The only other runner off Harrison came on a two-out walk in the fourth. Held hitless through three innings, the Brewers erupted for five runs in the decisive fourth off Carmen Mlodzinski (1-2). William Contreras capped a 10-pitch at-bat with a leadoff single and Jake Bauers lined a ground rule double to right-center. Contreras scored on Gary Sanchez’s RBI groundout. Sal Frelick reached on catcher’s interference with two outs and Luis Rengifo followed with an RBI single. David Hamilton lined an RBI double off the wall in right-center to make it 3-0. Brandon Lockridge followed with a two-run single, chasing Mlodzinski, who allowed five runs (four earned) on five hits in 3 2/3 innings. The Pirates had runners in scoring position in the seventh and eighth innings, but failed to convert. Milwaukee’s Trevor Megill, recently demoted from the closer role, allowed a double and a walk to open the seventh, but retired three straight with two strikeouts for his fifth consecutive appearance without an earned run. Pittsburgh loaded the bases in the eighth against Aaron Ashby on two walks and an error, but Bryan Reynolds bounced to second to end the inning. The Brewers failed to homer for the seventh consecutive game, their most since a franchise-record 13 straight games in 1999. Milwaukee has one home run in its last 11 games. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Dominant #Kyle #Harrison #fans #Brewers #slide #PiratesApr 26, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Kyle Harrison (52) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Kyle Harrison tossed six innings of one-hit ball with a career-high 12 strikeouts and the Milwaukee Brewers snapped a four-game skid with a 5-0 victory over the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday.

The Brewers backed Harrison with a five-run fourth inning to avoid their first sweep against Pittsburgh since 2022 and first at home to the Pirates since a four-game series in August 2016.

The only hit off Harrison (2-1) in his 101-pitch outing was a leadoff single in the second by Marcell Ozuna, who was erased on a double play. The only other runner off Harrison came on a two-out walk in the fourth.

Held hitless through three innings, the Brewers erupted for five runs in the decisive fourth off Carmen Mlodzinski (1-2). William Contreras capped a 10-pitch at-bat with a leadoff single and Jake Bauers lined a ground rule double to right-center. Contreras scored on Gary Sanchez’s RBI groundout.


Sal Frelick reached on catcher’s interference with two outs and Luis Rengifo followed with an RBI single. David Hamilton lined an RBI double off the wall in right-center to make it 3-0. Brandon Lockridge followed with a two-run single, chasing Mlodzinski, who allowed five runs (four earned) on five hits in 3 2/3 innings.

The Pirates had runners in scoring position in the seventh and eighth innings, but failed to convert.

Milwaukee’s Trevor Megill, recently demoted from the closer role, allowed a double and a walk to open the seventh, but retired three straight with two strikeouts for his fifth consecutive appearance without an earned run.

Pittsburgh loaded the bases in the eighth against Aaron Ashby on two walks and an error, but Bryan Reynolds bounced to second to end the inning.

The Brewers failed to homer for the seventh consecutive game, their most since a franchise-record 13 straight games in 1999. Milwaukee has one home run in its last 11 games.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Dominant #Kyle #Harrison #fans #Brewers #slide #Pirates">Deadspin | Dominant Kyle Harrison fans 12 as Brewers end slide vs. Pirates Apr 26, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Kyle Harrison (52) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images Kyle Harrison tossed six innings of one-hit ball with a career-high 12 strikeouts and the Milwaukee Brewers snapped a four-game skid with a 5-0 victory over the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday. The Brewers backed Harrison with a five-run fourth inning to avoid their first sweep against Pittsburgh since 2022 and first at home to the Pirates since a four-game series in August 2016. The only hit off Harrison (2-1) in his 101-pitch outing was a leadoff single in the second by Marcell Ozuna, who was erased on a double play. The only other runner off Harrison came on a two-out walk in the fourth. Held hitless through three innings, the Brewers erupted for five runs in the decisive fourth off Carmen Mlodzinski (1-2). William Contreras capped a 10-pitch at-bat with a leadoff single and Jake Bauers lined a ground rule double to right-center. Contreras scored on Gary Sanchez’s RBI groundout. Sal Frelick reached on catcher’s interference with two outs and Luis Rengifo followed with an RBI single. David Hamilton lined an RBI double off the wall in right-center to make it 3-0. Brandon Lockridge followed with a two-run single, chasing Mlodzinski, who allowed five runs (four earned) on five hits in 3 2/3 innings. The Pirates had runners in scoring position in the seventh and eighth innings, but failed to convert. Milwaukee’s Trevor Megill, recently demoted from the closer role, allowed a double and a walk to open the seventh, but retired three straight with two strikeouts for his fifth consecutive appearance without an earned run. Pittsburgh loaded the bases in the eighth against Aaron Ashby on two walks and an error, but Bryan Reynolds bounced to second to end the inning. The Brewers failed to homer for the seventh consecutive game, their most since a franchise-record 13 straight games in 1999. Milwaukee has one home run in its last 11 games. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Dominant #Kyle #Harrison #fans #Brewers #slide #Pirates

Deadspin | Pistons need All-Star version of Jalen Duren to hang with Magic Apr 22, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) reacts during the second half against the Orlando Magic during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images Detroit center Jalen Duren has been unusually quiet during his team’s first-round series against the Orlando Magic. That likely needs to change soon if the Pistons intend to earn their first playoff-series win since 2008. Duren has been a non-factor for the top-seeded Pistons, who trail 2-1 in this best-of-seven Eastern Conference series heading into Game 4 on Monday in Orlando. The 22-year-old All-Star, who has averaged just 9.0 points and 8.3 rebounds in this series, posted eight points in 27 minutes before fouling out in Saturday’s 113-105 road loss. Detroit was down 96-79 with 8:34 left before going on a 26-8 run to move ahead by one with 2:52 remaining. The eighth-seeded Magic responded by scoring the game’s final nine points to seal the victory. Cade Cunningham scored 27 points and handed out nine assists to lead Detroit, which trailed for most of the game. Cunningham spearheaded the Pistons’ comeback, but he also committed nine turnovers and shot 3 of 10 from 3-point range. The Pistons’ primary source of concern is Duren, who hasn’t come close to approaching his regular-season average of 19.5 points per game. He did, however, swat five shots Saturday. “He’s confident,” Cuningham said of Duren. “These last three games haven’t been what he wants or what we might want for him. I and the whole team have no doubt he’s going to figure it out and he knows he’s going to figure it out. Excited for the next game for him to plant his foot in this series.” Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff remains confident his team will respond to the challenge ahead. “It’s one game at a time, and that’s what playoff series are,” Bickerstaff said. “We come down here, we win on Monday, we take home-court advantage back. (Saturday’s) game, we’ll learn from it. But it’s over with and it gives us more opportunities, more film to watch, more time to prepare, to get ready for Monday.” The Pistons face another tough matchup in Orlando, where the Magic are 5-1 in their last six home playoff games. Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane scored 25 points apiece Saturday to lead the Magic. Franz Wagner added 17, including a key 3-pointer with 1:46 remaining. Bane showed why the Magic made a blockbuster trade for him during the offseason, bouncing back from a slow start in the series by shooting 9-for-18 from the field and 7 of 9 from 3-point range. Orlando matched Detroit’s physical play throughout Game 3 and provided the perfect answer after the Pistons stormed back in the fourth quarter. “Once they tied it up, nobody was panicking,” Banchero said. “Everybody just understood the moment and what had to be done to finish the game off. The guys have enough experience to not panic in those moments and to just stay poised, and that’s what we did.’ Magic coach Jamahl Mosley echoed Banchero’s thoughts. “That’s what I just said to these guys in there (locker room),” Mosley said. “The composure. They tie it up and we didn’t rattle with three-plus minutes to go. Our ability to stay the course, execute, obviously we had to make a couple big shots down the stretch. But it was more about the stops. Our defense, our composure, our communication — all those little things within the game are so important.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Pistons #AllStar #version #Jalen #Duren #hang #MagicApr 22, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) reacts during the second half against the Orlando Magic during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Detroit center Jalen Duren has been unusually quiet during his team’s first-round series against the Orlando Magic.

That likely needs to change soon if the Pistons intend to earn their first playoff-series win since 2008.

Duren has been a non-factor for the top-seeded Pistons, who trail 2-1 in this best-of-seven Eastern Conference series heading into Game 4 on Monday in Orlando.

The 22-year-old All-Star, who has averaged just 9.0 points and 8.3 rebounds in this series, posted eight points in 27 minutes before fouling out in Saturday’s 113-105 road loss.

Detroit was down 96-79 with 8:34 left before going on a 26-8 run to move ahead by one with 2:52 remaining. The eighth-seeded Magic responded by scoring the game’s final nine points to seal the victory.

Cade Cunningham scored 27 points and handed out nine assists to lead Detroit, which trailed for most of the game. Cunningham spearheaded the Pistons’ comeback, but he also committed nine turnovers and shot 3 of 10 from 3-point range.

The Pistons’ primary source of concern is Duren, who hasn’t come close to approaching his regular-season average of 19.5 points per game. He did, however, swat five shots Saturday.

“He’s confident,” Cuningham said of Duren. “These last three games haven’t been what he wants or what we might want for him. I and the whole team have no doubt he’s going to figure it out and he knows he’s going to figure it out. Excited for the next game for him to plant his foot in this series.”


Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff remains confident his team will respond to the challenge ahead.

“It’s one game at a time, and that’s what playoff series are,” Bickerstaff said. “We come down here, we win on Monday, we take home-court advantage back. (Saturday’s) game, we’ll learn from it. But it’s over with and it gives us more opportunities, more film to watch, more time to prepare, to get ready for Monday.”

The Pistons face another tough matchup in Orlando, where the Magic are 5-1 in their last six home playoff games.

Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane scored 25 points apiece Saturday to lead the Magic. Franz Wagner added 17, including a key 3-pointer with 1:46 remaining.

Bane showed why the Magic made a blockbuster trade for him during the offseason, bouncing back from a slow start in the series by shooting 9-for-18 from the field and 7 of 9 from 3-point range.

Orlando matched Detroit’s physical play throughout Game 3 and provided the perfect answer after the Pistons stormed back in the fourth quarter.

“Once they tied it up, nobody was panicking,” Banchero said. “Everybody just understood the moment and what had to be done to finish the game off. The guys have enough experience to not panic in those moments and to just stay poised, and that’s what we did.’

Magic coach Jamahl Mosley echoed Banchero’s thoughts.

“That’s what I just said to these guys in there (locker room),” Mosley said. “The composure. They tie it up and we didn’t rattle with three-plus minutes to go. Our ability to stay the course, execute, obviously we had to make a couple big shots down the stretch. But it was more about the stops. Our defense, our composure, our communication — all those little things within the game are so important.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Pistons #AllStar #version #Jalen #Duren #hang #Magic">Deadspin | Pistons need All-Star version of Jalen Duren to hang with Magic Apr 22, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) reacts during the second half against the Orlando Magic during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images Detroit center Jalen Duren has been unusually quiet during his team’s first-round series against the Orlando Magic. That likely needs to change soon if the Pistons intend to earn their first playoff-series win since 2008. Duren has been a non-factor for the top-seeded Pistons, who trail 2-1 in this best-of-seven Eastern Conference series heading into Game 4 on Monday in Orlando. The 22-year-old All-Star, who has averaged just 9.0 points and 8.3 rebounds in this series, posted eight points in 27 minutes before fouling out in Saturday’s 113-105 road loss. Detroit was down 96-79 with 8:34 left before going on a 26-8 run to move ahead by one with 2:52 remaining. The eighth-seeded Magic responded by scoring the game’s final nine points to seal the victory. Cade Cunningham scored 27 points and handed out nine assists to lead Detroit, which trailed for most of the game. Cunningham spearheaded the Pistons’ comeback, but he also committed nine turnovers and shot 3 of 10 from 3-point range. The Pistons’ primary source of concern is Duren, who hasn’t come close to approaching his regular-season average of 19.5 points per game. He did, however, swat five shots Saturday. “He’s confident,” Cuningham said of Duren. “These last three games haven’t been what he wants or what we might want for him. I and the whole team have no doubt he’s going to figure it out and he knows he’s going to figure it out. Excited for the next game for him to plant his foot in this series.” Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff remains confident his team will respond to the challenge ahead. “It’s one game at a time, and that’s what playoff series are,” Bickerstaff said. “We come down here, we win on Monday, we take home-court advantage back. (Saturday’s) game, we’ll learn from it. But it’s over with and it gives us more opportunities, more film to watch, more time to prepare, to get ready for Monday.” The Pistons face another tough matchup in Orlando, where the Magic are 5-1 in their last six home playoff games. Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane scored 25 points apiece Saturday to lead the Magic. Franz Wagner added 17, including a key 3-pointer with 1:46 remaining. Bane showed why the Magic made a blockbuster trade for him during the offseason, bouncing back from a slow start in the series by shooting 9-for-18 from the field and 7 of 9 from 3-point range. Orlando matched Detroit’s physical play throughout Game 3 and provided the perfect answer after the Pistons stormed back in the fourth quarter. “Once they tied it up, nobody was panicking,” Banchero said. “Everybody just understood the moment and what had to be done to finish the game off. The guys have enough experience to not panic in those moments and to just stay poised, and that’s what we did.’ Magic coach Jamahl Mosley echoed Banchero’s thoughts. “That’s what I just said to these guys in there (locker room),” Mosley said. “The composure. They tie it up and we didn’t rattle with three-plus minutes to go. Our ability to stay the course, execute, obviously we had to make a couple big shots down the stretch. But it was more about the stops. Our defense, our composure, our communication — all those little things within the game are so important.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Pistons #AllStar #version #Jalen #Duren #hang #Magic

Deadspin | Sabres smash Bruins to take 3-1 lead back to Buffalo Apr 26, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (4) celebrates his goal with his teammates during the first period in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images The visiting Buffalo Sabres ripped off a four-goal first period and never looked back en route to a 6-1 win over the Boston Bruins in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series on Sunday afternoon. Peyton Krebs, Josh Doan, Bowen Byram and Alex Tuch all notched a goal and an assist, while Zach Benson and Beck Malenstyn also scored for Buffalo, which carries a 3-1 series lead back home for Game 5 on Tuesday after claiming back-to-back victories in Boston. Krebs netted the opening goal only 4:17 into the first and it was 3-0 less than 10 minutes into the game. The early flurry was more than enough offense to back goaltender Alex Lyon, who made 23 saves and held a shutout until Boston’s lone goal by Sean Kuraly with 40 seconds left in the third. Boston’s Jeremy Swayman allowed six goals on 29 shots before Joonas Korpisalo entered in relief for the final 13:19. In the midst of falling into a 4-0 deficit in the first period of a playoff game for the first time ever, the Bruins lost Viktor Arvidsson to an upper-body injury after he was hit by Buffalo defenseman Mattias Samuelsson. Buffalo had a 19-5 shot advantage and eight high-danger scoring chances in the opening period. Krebs scored Buffalo’s first game-opening goal of the series. A turnover led to Tuch creating the scoring chance, firing a no-look pass to his oncoming winger for a wrister from the slot. Just two seconds after Boston killed off a penalty, Doan made it a 2-0 game by deflecting Ryan McLeod’s centering pass from the right goal line to the top of the crease at 7:10. Benson added to the tally only 2:05 later. After picking defenseman Jordan Harris’ pocket along the left wing, he drove hard to the net and snuck a backhand shot five-hole on Swayman. Byram’s third goal in three games capped off the four-goal period with 5:36 left. The defenseman took a pass from partner Owen Power down the left side and scored across the grain past a diving Swayman. Two goals in a span of 84 third-period seconds put an exclamation point on Buffalo’s win. Starting the quick-fire sequence, Jordan Greenway’s point shot took deflections off Tyson Kozak and then Malenstyn on its way past Swayman at 5:08. Malenstyn made the ultimate tip from between the circles. Tuch finalized the Sabres’ scoring to make it 6-0 at 6:32, slotting home Tage Thompson’s feed from behind the net. Kuraly scored on the rebound of Andrew Peeke’s point shot for the lone Bruins goal, which came short-handed. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Sabres #smash #Bruins #lead #BuffaloApr 26, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (4) celebrates his goal with his teammates during the first period in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

The visiting Buffalo Sabres ripped off a four-goal first period and never looked back en route to a 6-1 win over the Boston Bruins in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series on Sunday afternoon.

Peyton Krebs, Josh Doan, Bowen Byram and Alex Tuch all notched a goal and an assist, while Zach Benson and Beck Malenstyn also scored for Buffalo, which carries a 3-1 series lead back home for Game 5 on Tuesday after claiming back-to-back victories in Boston.

Krebs netted the opening goal only 4:17 into the first and it was 3-0 less than 10 minutes into the game.

The early flurry was more than enough offense to back goaltender Alex Lyon, who made 23 saves and held a shutout until Boston’s lone goal by Sean Kuraly with 40 seconds left in the third.

Boston’s Jeremy Swayman allowed six goals on 29 shots before Joonas Korpisalo entered in relief for the final 13:19.

In the midst of falling into a 4-0 deficit in the first period of a playoff game for the first time ever, the Bruins lost Viktor Arvidsson to an upper-body injury after he was hit by Buffalo defenseman Mattias Samuelsson.

Buffalo had a 19-5 shot advantage and eight high-danger scoring chances in the opening period.


Krebs scored Buffalo’s first game-opening goal of the series. A turnover led to Tuch creating the scoring chance, firing a no-look pass to his oncoming winger for a wrister from the slot.

Just two seconds after Boston killed off a penalty, Doan made it a 2-0 game by deflecting Ryan McLeod’s centering pass from the right goal line to the top of the crease at 7:10.

Benson added to the tally only 2:05 later. After picking defenseman Jordan Harris’ pocket along the left wing, he drove hard to the net and snuck a backhand shot five-hole on Swayman.

Byram’s third goal in three games capped off the four-goal period with 5:36 left. The defenseman took a pass from partner Owen Power down the left side and scored across the grain past a diving Swayman.

Two goals in a span of 84 third-period seconds put an exclamation point on Buffalo’s win.

Starting the quick-fire sequence, Jordan Greenway’s point shot took deflections off Tyson Kozak and then Malenstyn on its way past Swayman at 5:08. Malenstyn made the ultimate tip from between the circles.

Tuch finalized the Sabres’ scoring to make it 6-0 at 6:32, slotting home Tage Thompson’s feed from behind the net.

Kuraly scored on the rebound of Andrew Peeke’s point shot for the lone Bruins goal, which came short-handed.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Sabres #smash #Bruins #lead #Buffalo">Deadspin | Sabres smash Bruins to take 3-1 lead back to Buffalo Apr 26, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (4) celebrates his goal with his teammates during the first period in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images The visiting Buffalo Sabres ripped off a four-goal first period and never looked back en route to a 6-1 win over the Boston Bruins in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series on Sunday afternoon. Peyton Krebs, Josh Doan, Bowen Byram and Alex Tuch all notched a goal and an assist, while Zach Benson and Beck Malenstyn also scored for Buffalo, which carries a 3-1 series lead back home for Game 5 on Tuesday after claiming back-to-back victories in Boston. Krebs netted the opening goal only 4:17 into the first and it was 3-0 less than 10 minutes into the game. The early flurry was more than enough offense to back goaltender Alex Lyon, who made 23 saves and held a shutout until Boston’s lone goal by Sean Kuraly with 40 seconds left in the third. Boston’s Jeremy Swayman allowed six goals on 29 shots before Joonas Korpisalo entered in relief for the final 13:19. In the midst of falling into a 4-0 deficit in the first period of a playoff game for the first time ever, the Bruins lost Viktor Arvidsson to an upper-body injury after he was hit by Buffalo defenseman Mattias Samuelsson. Buffalo had a 19-5 shot advantage and eight high-danger scoring chances in the opening period. Krebs scored Buffalo’s first game-opening goal of the series. A turnover led to Tuch creating the scoring chance, firing a no-look pass to his oncoming winger for a wrister from the slot. Just two seconds after Boston killed off a penalty, Doan made it a 2-0 game by deflecting Ryan McLeod’s centering pass from the right goal line to the top of the crease at 7:10. Benson added to the tally only 2:05 later. After picking defenseman Jordan Harris’ pocket along the left wing, he drove hard to the net and snuck a backhand shot five-hole on Swayman. Byram’s third goal in three games capped off the four-goal period with 5:36 left. The defenseman took a pass from partner Owen Power down the left side and scored across the grain past a diving Swayman. Two goals in a span of 84 third-period seconds put an exclamation point on Buffalo’s win. Starting the quick-fire sequence, Jordan Greenway’s point shot took deflections off Tyson Kozak and then Malenstyn on its way past Swayman at 5:08. Malenstyn made the ultimate tip from between the circles. Tuch finalized the Sabres’ scoring to make it 6-0 at 6:32, slotting home Tage Thompson’s feed from behind the net. Kuraly scored on the rebound of Andrew Peeke’s point shot for the lone Bruins goal, which came short-handed. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Sabres #smash #Bruins #lead #Buffalo

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