Deadspin | Hornets seek 1st playoff berth in 10 years in play-in game at Magic Jan 22, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) drives the ball past Orlando Magic forward Noah Penda (93) in the fourth quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images For the Charlotte Hornets, winning Friday night’s play-in game and earning the final playoff berth in the Eastern Conference would cement the 2025-26 season as one of the most successful campaigns in recent franchise history. Even with a win Friday, the Orlando Magic will have a lot more work to do to meet their expectations. The Hornets and Magic will meet to determine the last piece of the Eastern Conference postseason field Friday night, when Charlotte visits Orlando in a battle of Southeast Division rivals. The winner Friday will earn the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference and advance to a first-round series against the top-seeded Detroit Pistons which is slated to begin Sunday night. The Hornets, who finished in ninth place in the Eastern Conference with a 44-38 record, advanced to the final round of the play-in when LaMelo Bell hit the game-winning layup with 4.7 seconds left in overtime to lift host Charlotte past the 10th-place Miami Heat, 127-126, in the first elimination play-in game Tuesday night. The Magic, which finished eighth in the East with a 45-37 record, fell into the elimination play-in game after losing to the host Philadelphia 76ers, 109-97, on Wednesday night, The frantic and controversial win over the Heat continued a breakout season for the Hornets, who haven’t made the playoffs since 2016 – by far the longest drought in the NBA. Coby White forced overtime by draining a 3-pointer with 10.8 seconds left for the Hornets, who survived Tyler Herro’s errant 3-pointer at the buzzer. Charlotte squandered a five-point lead in the final 26 seconds of the extra session before Ball – who was fined $35,000 on Wednesday for what was assessed upon review as a flagrant 2 foul on Bam Adebayo that forced the Heat star from the game in the second quarter – scored the winning points. Miles Bridges blocked a layup by Davion Mitchell at the buzzer, after which Ball capped his expensive night by uttering a profanity during a live interview. The 24-year-old was also fined $25,000 for the profanity. “At the end of the day, execution is not always going to be perfect,” Hornets head coach Charles Lee said. “But I think that these guys find a way to stick with it and not give in sometimes when things aren’t going well or not going your way.” Things have not gone the way the Magic anticipated when they began the season as one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference. Orlando won just four more games than last season despite the addition of Desmond Bane, who played all 82 games, and the return to the lineup of Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs, who missed a combined 83 games in 2024-25. The Magic, who are attempting to make the playoffs for the third straight season, squandered an opportunity to earn home court against Philadelphia by falling to the Celtics – who sat their top seven scorers – in Sunday’s regular season finale. Orlando shot 39.6% from the field in the loss. Orlando then shot 40.7% on Wednesday – the first time the Magic has shot below 41% in back-to-back games since consecutive losses to the Cleveland Cavaliers from Jan. 24-26. “You live with the result and come out Friday in front of the home crowd and go get a win,” Banchero said. “That’s all you can do. Shots didn’t fall, but you can’t be discouraged. We’ve got another game coming up real soon.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Hornets #seek #1st #playoff #berth #years #playin #game #Magic

Deadspin | Hornets seek 1st playoff berth in 10 years in play-in game at Magic
Jan 22, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) drives the ball past Orlando Magic forward Noah Penda (93) in the fourth quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

For the Charlotte Hornets, winning Friday night’s play-in game and earning the final playoff berth in the Eastern Conference would cement the 2025-26 season as one of the most successful campaigns in recent franchise history.

Even with a win Friday, the Orlando Magic will have a lot more work to do to meet their expectations.

The Hornets and Magic will meet to determine the last piece of the Eastern Conference postseason field Friday night, when Charlotte visits Orlando in a battle of Southeast Division rivals.

The winner Friday will earn the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference and advance to a first-round series against the top-seeded Detroit Pistons which is slated to begin Sunday night.

The Hornets, who finished in ninth place in the Eastern Conference with a 44-38 record, advanced to the final round of the play-in when LaMelo Bell hit the game-winning layup with 4.7 seconds left in overtime to lift host Charlotte past the 10th-place Miami Heat, 127-126, in the first elimination play-in game Tuesday night.

The Magic, which finished eighth in the East with a 45-37 record, fell into the elimination play-in game after losing to the host Philadelphia 76ers, 109-97, on Wednesday night,

The frantic and controversial win over the Heat continued a breakout season for the Hornets, who haven’t made the playoffs since 2016 – by far the longest drought in the NBA.

Coby White forced overtime by draining a 3-pointer with 10.8 seconds left for the Hornets, who survived Tyler Herro’s errant 3-pointer at the buzzer.

Charlotte squandered a five-point lead in the final 26 seconds of the extra session before Ball – who was fined $35,000 on Wednesday for what was assessed upon review as a flagrant 2 foul on Bam Adebayo that forced the Heat star from the game in the second quarter – scored the winning points.

Miles Bridges blocked a layup by Davion Mitchell at the buzzer, after which Ball capped his expensive night by uttering a profanity during a live interview. The 24-year-old was also fined $25,000 for the profanity.

“At the end of the day, execution is not always going to be perfect,” Hornets head coach Charles Lee said. “But I think that these guys find a way to stick with it and not give in sometimes when things aren’t going well or not going your way.”

Things have not gone the way the Magic anticipated when they began the season as one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference. Orlando won just four more games than last season despite the addition of Desmond Bane, who played all 82 games, and the return to the lineup of Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs, who missed a combined 83 games in 2024-25.

The Magic, who are attempting to make the playoffs for the third straight season, squandered an opportunity to earn home court against Philadelphia by falling to the Celtics – who sat their top seven scorers – in Sunday’s regular season finale. Orlando shot 39.6% from the field in the loss.

Orlando then shot 40.7% on Wednesday – the first time the Magic has shot below 41% in back-to-back games since consecutive losses to the Cleveland Cavaliers from Jan. 24-26.

“You live with the result and come out Friday in front of the home crowd and go get a win,” Banchero said. “That’s all you can do. Shots didn’t fall, but you can’t be discouraged. We’ve got another game coming up real soon.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Hornets #seek #1st #playoff #berth #years #playin #game #Magic

Sports news April 17, 2026

Jan 22, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) drives the ball past Orlando Magic forward Noah Penda (93) in the fourth quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

For the Charlotte Hornets, winning Friday night’s play-in game and earning the final playoff berth in the Eastern Conference would cement the 2025-26 season as one of the most successful campaigns in recent franchise history.

Even with a win Friday, the Orlando Magic will have a lot more work to do to meet their expectations.

The Hornets and Magic will meet to determine the last piece of the Eastern Conference postseason field Friday night, when Charlotte visits Orlando in a battle of Southeast Division rivals.

The winner Friday will earn the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference and advance to a first-round series against the top-seeded Detroit Pistons which is slated to begin Sunday night.

The Hornets, who finished in ninth place in the Eastern Conference with a 44-38 record, advanced to the final round of the play-in when LaMelo Bell hit the game-winning layup with 4.7 seconds left in overtime to lift host Charlotte past the 10th-place Miami Heat, 127-126, in the first elimination play-in game Tuesday night.

The Magic, which finished eighth in the East with a 45-37 record, fell into the elimination play-in game after losing to the host Philadelphia 76ers, 109-97, on Wednesday night,

The frantic and controversial win over the Heat continued a breakout season for the Hornets, who haven’t made the playoffs since 2016 – by far the longest drought in the NBA.

Coby White forced overtime by draining a 3-pointer with 10.8 seconds left for the Hornets, who survived Tyler Herro’s errant 3-pointer at the buzzer.

Charlotte squandered a five-point lead in the final 26 seconds of the extra session before Ball – who was fined $35,000 on Wednesday for what was assessed upon review as a flagrant 2 foul on Bam Adebayo that forced the Heat star from the game in the second quarter – scored the winning points.

Miles Bridges blocked a layup by Davion Mitchell at the buzzer, after which Ball capped his expensive night by uttering a profanity during a live interview. The 24-year-old was also fined $25,000 for the profanity.

“At the end of the day, execution is not always going to be perfect,” Hornets head coach Charles Lee said. “But I think that these guys find a way to stick with it and not give in sometimes when things aren’t going well or not going your way.”

Things have not gone the way the Magic anticipated when they began the season as one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference. Orlando won just four more games than last season despite the addition of Desmond Bane, who played all 82 games, and the return to the lineup of Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs, who missed a combined 83 games in 2024-25.

The Magic, who are attempting to make the playoffs for the third straight season, squandered an opportunity to earn home court against Philadelphia by falling to the Celtics – who sat their top seven scorers – in Sunday’s regular season finale. Orlando shot 39.6% from the field in the loss.

Orlando then shot 40.7% on Wednesday – the first time the Magic has shot below 41% in back-to-back games since consecutive losses to the Cleveland Cavaliers from Jan. 24-26.

“You live with the result and come out Friday in front of the home crowd and go get a win,” Banchero said. “That’s all you can do. Shots didn’t fall, but you can’t be discouraged. We’ve got another game coming up real soon.”

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Hornets #seek #1st #playoff #berth #years #playin #game #Magic

Which NFL draft rumors are you buying this year, and which are nothingburgers? <div id="zephr-anchor"><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Barely one week separates us from the 2026 NFL Draft, and that is good news because it feels like we are barely going to make it.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">So much has happened (Tua Tagovailoa is a Falcon!) and not happened (Maxx Crosby is still a Raider!) that getting through the draft feels necessary at this point. It will help the waters fully and finally calm across the NFL and close out (for the most part) the roster construction period.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">It will probably be quite the ride to get to the end, though.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">What kind of quarterback room are the Raiders going to have?</h2></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Since we last spoke, the Las Vegas Raiders adjusted their quarterback room. Obviously they are expected to do it again with the No. 1 overall pick in Fernando Mendoza as well.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Kirk Cousins sort of feels like the perfect player to have ahead of Mendoza. The Atlanta experience likely helped Kirk understand his new place in the league as a backup and mentor to a younger signal-caller, and Mendoza seems like the perfect one to live and operate under his wing.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">It was always going to be fascinating to see what kind of situation Klint Kubiak developed with the Raiders. It feels like he’s off to a strong start.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">I don’t think there’s going to be anything unique happening with this room. I believe the addition of Kirk Cousins is nothing more than an insurance policy if Mendoza is not ready to lead the team right out of the gate. Cousins has not looked great since his Achilles tear and leaving the Vikings, but he’s still better than the majority of backups and gives the Raiders a relatively high floor at the position.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">In comparison to what they got out of Geno Smith in 2025, this is a huge upgrade. Now let’s see how they approach protecting their quarterback and upgrading the offense around him after the first round this year.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Which draft rumor are you buying?</h2></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">This is such a weird class in that there aren’t many players seen as the consensus top guy at their position this year. One murmur I’m buying is that Georgia’s Monroe Freeling has the opportunity to be the first offensive tackle off the board, over the likes of Francis Mauigoa (Miami) and Spencer Fano (Utah).</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Freeling is a very prototypical tackle at 6’7” and 315 pounds with excellent athleticism. He’s the picture of an NFL tackle and it feels like teams are very willing to overlook his small sample of starting experience in college.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Do I think that’s smart? Not necessarily, but what do I know? I’m just a guy who writes the sweetest NFL column in the whole world.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">So much of the discussion around this class has been about how it is a little less impressive in some respects. In <em>this </em>respect I fully and totally buy that teams near the top are looking to trade out.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">I particularly buy this when it comes to squads like the Titans and Cardinals. They are not close enough to contending in 2026 so it makes sense for them to accrue more capital to set themselves up for when the opportunity is more closely in front of them.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">I definitely buy that someone outside of the top 10 is going to want to move up.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Which draft rumor are you selling?</h2></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">It feels kind of impossible for AJ Brown to get traded at this point in my opinion. Why would Howie Roseman do it now? What would the benefit be?</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">I suppose the answer to this is that the Eagles first acquired Brown during the NFL draft so anything is possible in that sense. It would just be tugging at a thread that they should leave alone for the Eagles to do this now in my mind. I still see very little to gain from their perspective.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">There’s been a recent story being published around the media landscape that involves Miami edge rusher prospect Rueben Bain Jr. being a part of a fatal car accident in 2024. It’s being plastered just about everywhere despite the matter essentially being moved on from by all parties involved way before this draft season. The thought now is that Bain will see his draft stock fall because that’s usually what happens in these cases that happen so close to the draft, but when the family of the person who lost their life comes out and says they did not want the story published because they would prefer to move on, that tells me it’s as much of a nothingburger as something like this can get. It’s a very, very unfortunate story but it should not have any bearing on when Bain ultimately gets picked next week.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h2 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Will the draft completely change any team?</h2></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Given the lack of quarterbacks beyond Mendoza I don’t think anybody is going to be seriously transformed after the draft. That is simply the way that professional football works.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">It is hard to capture lightning in a bottle, and even if you do that doesn’t necessarily mean your fortunes completely shift on a dime. Everyone is chasing the Seattle Seahawks these days and I don’t know that any one team is a draft away from everything being right in front of them.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Looking across the NFL landscape with the draft just a week and a half away, I have to say no. The closest team to doing such a thing, in my opinion, is the Raiders who spent a ton of money on their defense in free agency and have the number one pick. With the majority of their cap space being spent on that side of the ball, I would not be surprised if they really leaned into the offense during the draft, essentially building that side from the jump with (presumably) Fernando Mendoza as their quarterback of the future.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">By the start of the 2026 regular season, the Raiders should look quite, quite different than on opening day last year.</p></div></div> #NFL #draft #rumors #buying #year #nothingburgers

Deadspin | Kyle Tucker, Dodgers take aim at Rockes in opener of 4-game set Apr 15, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Kyle Tucker runs the bases after hitting a home run in the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The Los Angeles Dodgers have started strong in defense of their second straight World Series championship. They will look to continue that success when they open a four-game series against the Colorado Rockies on Friday night in Denver. Los Angeles will send Tyler Glasnow (1-0, 4.00 ERA) to the mound against Colorado’s Tomoyuki Sugano (1-0, 2.16) in a matchup of right-handers. The Dodgers completed a 5-1 homestand to improve to 14-4 this season. They won 11 of the 13 games against the Rockies in 2025 and are 31-8 against them since 2022. Glasnow is 1-0 with a 2.00 ERA in two career appearances (one start) against Colorado. He will pitch in hitter-friendly Coors Field for the first time. Batting in altitude could benefit the Dodgers’ Kyle Tucker, who was one of the biggest free-agent signings of the winter. He has struck out 17 times in 67 at-bats this season (25.4%) after fanning just 88 times in 500 at-bats last season (17.6%) with the Chicago Cubs. “He’s not a guy that typically chases down below, but he’s chasing a lot more down below, for me,” manager Dave Roberts said. “… Typically when guys chase, they’re trying to do a little bit too much.” Tucker acknowledges he has been chasing pitches. He is batting only .239, with two homers and 11 RBIs. “Sometimes you just find yourself chasing more; you just have to try and just narrow your zone a little bit and look in certain parts in the zone, rather than just like swinging at whatever’s thrown,” he said. Tucker has faced Sugano once in his career, going 0-for-3 last year while Sugano was pitching for Baltimore. Sugano took the loss in his lone career encounter against the Dodgers, allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits in three innings. Sugano is three starts into his first season with Colorado and second one in the majors. He pitched 12 seasons for Tokyo’s Yomiuri Giants before signing first with the Orioles and then with the Rockies on a one-year, .1 million deal. The 36-year-old has pitched well for a team that has stumbled at the start of the season. “When you throw strikes, you’re usually efficient, and Sugano attacks the strike zone,” Colorado manager Warren Schaeffer said. “He’s done it in at least the first three outings (with the Rockies), and he’s done it his whole life.” Sugano will try to pitch Colorado to its second straight win overall and its fifth in a row at home. The Rockies lost the first six games of the road trip to San Diego and Houston before squeaking out a 3-2 victory over the Astros on Thursday night. The bullpen was sharp even though Colorado lost the first two games of the series, throwing 18 scoreless innings against the Astros. Hunter Goodwin hit a solo homer on Thursday, marking the third time he had gone deep in the series vs. Houston. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Kyle #Tucker #Dodgers #aim #Rockes #opener #4game #set

#Deadspin #Kyle #Tucker #Dodgers #aim #Rockes #opener #4game #set">

mwasimuddin125 0

Apr 15, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Kyle Tucker runs the bases after hitting a home run in the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Dodgers have started strong in defense of their second straight World Series championship.

They will look to continue that success when they open a four-game series against the Colorado Rockies on Friday night in Denver.

Los Angeles will send Tyler Glasnow (1-0, 4.00 ERA) to the mound against Colorado’s Tomoyuki Sugano (1-0, 2.16) in a matchup of right-handers.

The Dodgers completed a 5-1 homestand to improve to 14-4 this season. They won 11 of the 13 games against the Rockies in 2025 and are 31-8 against them since 2022.

Glasnow is 1-0 with a 2.00 ERA in two career appearances (one start) against Colorado. He will pitch in hitter-friendly Coors Field for the first time.

Batting in altitude could benefit the Dodgers’ Kyle Tucker, who was one of the biggest free-agent signings of the winter. He has struck out 17 times in 67 at-bats this season (25.4%) after fanning just 88 times in 500 at-bats last season (17.6%) with the Chicago Cubs.

“He’s not a guy that typically chases down below, but he’s chasing a lot more down below, for me,” manager Dave Roberts said. “… Typically when guys chase, they’re trying to do a little bit too much.”

Tucker acknowledges he has been chasing pitches. He is batting only .239, with two homers and 11 RBIs.

“Sometimes you just find yourself chasing more; you just have to try and just narrow your zone a little bit and look in certain parts in the zone, rather than just like swinging at whatever’s thrown,” he said.

Tucker has faced Sugano once in his career, going 0-for-3 last year while Sugano was pitching for Baltimore. Sugano took the loss in his lone career encounter against the Dodgers, allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits in three innings.

Sugano is three starts into his first season with Colorado and second one in the majors. He pitched 12 seasons for Tokyo’s Yomiuri Giants before signing first with the Orioles and then with the Rockies on a one-year, $5.1 million deal.

The 36-year-old has pitched well for a team that has stumbled at the start of the season.

“When you throw strikes, you’re usually efficient, and Sugano attacks the strike zone,” Colorado manager Warren Schaeffer said. “He’s done it in at least the first three outings (with the Rockies), and he’s done it his whole life.”

Sugano will try to pitch Colorado to its second straight win overall and its fifth in a row at home. The Rockies lost the first six games of the road trip to San Diego and Houston before squeaking out a 3-2 victory over the Astros on Thursday night.

The bullpen was sharp even though Colorado lost the first two games of the series, throwing 18 scoreless innings against the Astros.

Hunter Goodwin hit a solo homer on Thursday, marking the third time he had gone deep in the series vs. Houston.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Kyle #Tucker #Dodgers #aim #Rockes #opener #4game #set">Deadspin | Kyle Tucker, Dodgers take aim at Rockes in opener of 4-game set

Apr 15, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Kyle Tucker runs the bases after hitting a home run in the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Dodgers have started strong in defense of their second straight World Series championship.

They will look to continue that success when they open a four-game series against the Colorado Rockies on Friday night in Denver.

Los Angeles will send Tyler Glasnow (1-0, 4.00 ERA) to the mound against Colorado’s Tomoyuki Sugano (1-0, 2.16) in a matchup of right-handers.

The Dodgers completed a 5-1 homestand to improve to 14-4 this season. They won 11 of the 13 games against the Rockies in 2025 and are 31-8 against them since 2022.

Glasnow is 1-0 with a 2.00 ERA in two career appearances (one start) against Colorado. He will pitch in hitter-friendly Coors Field for the first time.

Batting in altitude could benefit the Dodgers’ Kyle Tucker, who was one of the biggest free-agent signings of the winter. He has struck out 17 times in 67 at-bats this season (25.4%) after fanning just 88 times in 500 at-bats last season (17.6%) with the Chicago Cubs.

“He’s not a guy that typically chases down below, but he’s chasing a lot more down below, for me,” manager Dave Roberts said. “… Typically when guys chase, they’re trying to do a little bit too much.”

Tucker acknowledges he has been chasing pitches. He is batting only .239, with two homers and 11 RBIs.

“Sometimes you just find yourself chasing more; you just have to try and just narrow your zone a little bit and look in certain parts in the zone, rather than just like swinging at whatever’s thrown,” he said.

Tucker has faced Sugano once in his career, going 0-for-3 last year while Sugano was pitching for Baltimore. Sugano took the loss in his lone career encounter against the Dodgers, allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits in three innings.

Sugano is three starts into his first season with Colorado and second one in the majors. He pitched 12 seasons for Tokyo’s Yomiuri Giants before signing first with the Orioles and then with the Rockies on a one-year, $5.1 million deal.

The 36-year-old has pitched well for a team that has stumbled at the start of the season.

“When you throw strikes, you’re usually efficient, and Sugano attacks the strike zone,” Colorado manager Warren Schaeffer said. “He’s done it in at least the first three outings (with the Rockies), and he’s done it his whole life.”

Sugano will try to pitch Colorado to its second straight win overall and its fifth in a row at home. The Rockies lost the first six games of the road trip to San Diego and Houston before squeaking out a 3-2 victory over the Astros on Thursday night.

The bullpen was sharp even though Colorado lost the first two games of the series, throwing 18 scoreless innings against the Astros.

Hunter Goodwin hit a solo homer on Thursday, marking the third time he had gone deep in the series vs. Houston.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Kyle #Tucker #Dodgers #aim #Rockes #opener #4game #set

TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

The Buccaneers taking Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq would signal a clear shift in how this offense plans to evolve post–Mike Evans. Sadiq isn’t just a traditional tight end—he brings athleticism and pass-catching upside that could help fill some of the production void left by Evans’ departure. While he won’t replicate Evans’ elite outside presence, he could become a matchup nightmare in the middle of the field and in the red zone. For a Buccaneers offense looking to retool, adding a versatile weapon like Sadiq could open up new layers in the passing game. It also gives quarterback Baker Mayfield a reliable safety valve, something that becomes even more critical without a dominant WR1. If developed correctly, this pick could quietly become one of the more impactful moves in reshaping Tampa Bay’s offensive identity.

#Kenyon #Sadiq #Buccaneers #pick #Bucs #Nation #Nations #community #mock #draft">

Kenyon Sadiq goes to Buccaneers at pick No. 15 thanks to Bucs Nation in SB Nation’s community mock draft TE Kenyon Sadiq, OregonThe Buccaneers taking Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq would signal a clear shift in how this offense plans to evolve post–Mike Evans. Sadiq isn’t just a traditional tight end—he brings athleticism and pass-catching upside that could help fill some of the production void left by Evans’ departure. While he won’t replicate Evans’ elite outside presence, he could become a matchup nightmare in the middle of the field and in the red zone. For a Buccaneers offense looking to retool, adding a versatile weapon like Sadiq could open up new layers in the passing game. It also gives quarterback Baker Mayfield a reliable safety valve, something that becomes even more critical without a dominant WR1. If developed correctly, this pick could quietly become one of the more impactful moves in reshaping Tampa Bay’s offensive identity. #Kenyon #Sadiq #Buccaneers #pick #Bucs #Nation #Nations #community #mock #draft

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TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
The Buccaneers taking Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq would signal a clear shift in how this offense plans to evolve post–Mike Evans. Sadiq isn’t just a traditional tight end—he brings athleticism and pass-catching upside that could help fill some of the production void left by Evans’ departure. While he won’t replicate Evans’ elite outside presence, he could become a matchup nightmare in the middle of the field and in the red zone. For a Buccaneers offense looking to retool, adding a versatile weapon like Sadiq could open up new layers in the passing game. It also gives quarterback Baker Mayfield a reliable safety valve, something that becomes even more critical without a dominant WR1. If developed correctly, this pick could quietly become one of the more impactful moves in reshaping Tampa Bay’s offensive identity.

#Kenyon #Sadiq #Buccaneers #pick #Bucs #Nation #Nations #community #mock #draft">Kenyon Sadiq goes to Buccaneers at pick No. 15 thanks to Bucs Nation in SB Nation’s community mock draft

TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

#Kenyon #Sadiq #Buccaneers #pick #Bucs #Nation #Nations #community #mock #draft

Mohammedan Sporting Club secured its first point of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium on Friday.

Suhair VP gave the host the lead just before halftime, but Adison Singh’s close-range finish early in the second half ensured the points were shared.

Mohammedan remains at the bottom of the table with one point from eight matches, while Odisha FC moves to 12th with six points from seven outings.

The opening exchanges were cautious, with both sides looking to find rhythm in midfield. Odisha enjoyed spells of possession, while Mohammedan looked to threaten on the break, but clear-cut chances were few in the first quarter of the game.

The breakthrough arrived five minutes before the break, through a swift counter-attacking move. Isak Vanlalruatfela initiated the move from deep before linking up with midfielder Lalrinfela Khiangte, whose perfectly weighted through ball released Suhair down the left. The forward surged into the box and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike past Padam Chettri to give Odisha a 1-0 lead.

ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: Chennaiyin FC battles past Sporting Club Delhi for first home win of season

Mohammedan nearly responded immediately, with Adison Singh forcing a save from Amrinder Singh just before the interval, as Odisha carried a slender advantage into half-time.

The visitor came out with renewed intent in the second half and created early opportunities. Lalremsanga Fanai and Mahitosh Roy both saw efforts go wide, with the latter missing a gilt-edged chance after a loose clearance from the Odisha goalkeeper.

Mohammedan’s persistence paid off in the 56th minute after Hira Mondal made an overlapping run down the right and delivered a low cross into the box, where Adison arrived at the perfect moment to guide the ball into the top corner, levelling the scores at 1-1.

The match opened up thereafter, with both sides pushing for a winner. Mohammedan looked dangerous on the counter, with Adison and Llangaihsaka combining well, while Odisha controlled possession and probed through Isak and Lalthathanga.

Odisha came close to regaining the lead in the latter stages, with Rahim Ali almost capitalising on a goalkeeping error and Isak forcing a fine save from Padam Chettri with a curling effort. Carlos Delgado also went narrowly wide with a header from a set-piece.

The final whistle meant that Mohammedan earned its first point of the campaign, while Odisha was left to settle for a share of the spoils after a competitive encounter.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#ISL #Mohammedan #secures #point #season #holding #Odisha #draw">

ISL 2025-26: Mohammedan SC secures first point of season after holding Odisha FC to 1-1 draw Mohammedan Sporting Club secured its first point of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium on Friday.Suhair VP gave the host the lead just before halftime, but Adison Singh’s close-range finish early in the second half ensured the points were shared.Mohammedan remains at the bottom of the table with one point from eight matches, while Odisha FC moves to 12th with six points from seven outings.The opening exchanges were cautious, with both sides looking to find rhythm in midfield. Odisha enjoyed spells of possession, while Mohammedan looked to threaten on the break, but clear-cut chances were few in the first quarter of the game.The breakthrough arrived five minutes before the break, through a swift counter-attacking move. Isak Vanlalruatfela initiated the move from deep before linking up with midfielder Lalrinfela Khiangte, whose perfectly weighted through ball released Suhair down the left. The forward surged into the box and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike past Padam Chettri to give Odisha a 1-0 lead.ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: Chennaiyin FC battles past Sporting Club Delhi for first home win of seasonMohammedan nearly responded immediately, with Adison Singh forcing a save from Amrinder Singh just before the interval, as Odisha carried a slender advantage into half-time.The visitor came out with renewed intent in the second half and created early opportunities. Lalremsanga Fanai and Mahitosh Roy both saw efforts go wide, with the latter missing a gilt-edged chance after a loose clearance from the Odisha goalkeeper.Mohammedan’s persistence paid off in the 56th minute after Hira Mondal made an overlapping run down the right and delivered a low cross into the box, where Adison arrived at the perfect moment to guide the ball into the top corner, levelling the scores at 1-1.The match opened up thereafter, with both sides pushing for a winner. Mohammedan looked dangerous on the counter, with Adison and Llangaihsaka combining well, while Odisha controlled possession and probed through Isak and Lalthathanga.Odisha came close to regaining the lead in the latter stages, with Rahim Ali almost capitalising on a goalkeeping error and Isak forcing a fine save from Padam Chettri with a curling effort. Carlos Delgado also went narrowly wide with a header from a set-piece.The final whistle meant that Mohammedan earned its first point of the campaign, while Odisha was left to settle for a share of the spoils after a competitive encounter.Published on Apr 17, 2026 #ISL #Mohammedan #secures #point #season #holding #Odisha #draw

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Mohammedan Sporting Club secured its first point of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium on Friday.
Suhair VP gave the host the lead just before halftime, but Adison Singh’s close-range finish early in the second half ensured the points were shared.
Mohammedan remains at the bottom of the table with one point from eight matches, while Odisha FC moves to 12th with six points from seven outings.
The opening exchanges were cautious, with both sides looking to find rhythm in midfield. Odisha enjoyed spells of possession, while Mohammedan looked to threaten on the break, but clear-cut chances were few in the first quarter of the game.
The breakthrough arrived five minutes before the break, through a swift counter-attacking move. Isak Vanlalruatfela initiated the move from deep before linking up with midfielder Lalrinfela Khiangte, whose perfectly weighted through ball released Suhair down the left. The forward surged into the box and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike past Padam Chettri to give Odisha a 1-0 lead.
ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: Chennaiyin FC battles past Sporting Club Delhi for first home win of season
Mohammedan nearly responded immediately, with Adison Singh forcing a save from Amrinder Singh just before the interval, as Odisha carried a slender advantage into half-time.
The visitor came out with renewed intent in the second half and created early opportunities. Lalremsanga Fanai and Mahitosh Roy both saw efforts go wide, with the latter missing a gilt-edged chance after a loose clearance from the Odisha goalkeeper.
Mohammedan’s persistence paid off in the 56th minute after Hira Mondal made an overlapping run down the right and delivered a low cross into the box, where Adison arrived at the perfect moment to guide the ball into the top corner, levelling the scores at 1-1.
The match opened up thereafter, with both sides pushing for a winner. Mohammedan looked dangerous on the counter, with Adison and Llangaihsaka combining well, while Odisha controlled possession and probed through Isak and Lalthathanga.
Odisha came close to regaining the lead in the latter stages, with Rahim Ali almost capitalising on a goalkeeping error and Isak forcing a fine save from Padam Chettri with a curling effort. Carlos Delgado also went narrowly wide with a header from a set-piece.
The final whistle meant that Mohammedan earned its first point of the campaign, while Odisha was left to settle for a share of the spoils after a competitive encounter.
Published on Apr 17, 2026

#ISL #Mohammedan #secures #point #season #holding #Odisha #draw">ISL 2025-26: Mohammedan SC secures first point of season after holding Odisha FC to 1-1 draw

Mohammedan Sporting Club secured its first point of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium on Friday.

Suhair VP gave the host the lead just before halftime, but Adison Singh’s close-range finish early in the second half ensured the points were shared.

Mohammedan remains at the bottom of the table with one point from eight matches, while Odisha FC moves to 12th with six points from seven outings.

ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: Chennaiyin FC battles past Sporting Club Delhi for first home win of season

Mohammedan nearly responded immediately, with Adison Singh forcing a save from Amrinder Singh just before the interval, as Odisha carried a slender advantage into half-time.

The final whistle meant that Mohammedan earned its first point of the campaign, while Odisha was left to settle for a share of the spoils after a competitive encounter.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#ISL #Mohammedan #secures #point #season #holding #Odisha #draw

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