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Deadspin | Hornets stay hot with 2nd-half surge past Timberwolves Apr 5, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) drives on Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabate (14) in the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images LaMelo Ball scored 35 points on 13-for-22 shooting and the Charlotte Hornets pulled away for a 122-108 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday evening in Minneapolis. Miles Bridges added 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for Charlotte (43-36), which won its fourth game in a row. Coby White contributed 17 points off the bench. Julius Randle scored 26 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead Minnesota (46-32). Bones Hyland finished with 18 points off the bench, and Rudy Gobert registered a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Charlotte shot 48.9% (45 of 92) overall and 42.2% (19 of 45) from 3-point range. Minnesota shot 45.8% (38 of 83) from the field and 36.8% (14 of 38) from deep. The Hornets outscored the Timberwolves 67-48 in the second half to seal the victory. Minnesota led by four points early in the second half after Randle made a turnaround jump shot with 9:25 left in the third quarter. That gave the Timberwolves a 66-62 edge. The Hornets responded with a 9-0 run to seize a 71-66 lead. Ball made a 3-pointer to start the run and Bridges ended it with back-to-back 3-pointers. Sion James joined the 3-point parade with his own deep shot in the final moments of the third quarter. That gave Charlotte a double-digit advantage at 89-79. Charlotte opened the fourth quarter on a 16-6 run to increase its lead to 20 points. Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards missed the game because of inflammation in his right knee. Jaden McDaniels missed the game because of soreness in his left knee. Minnesota led 60-55 at the half. The Timberwolves scored 39 points in the second quarter to seize the halftime lead. Hyland got hot and scored 15 points in the second quarter. He made 4 of 5 shots, all from 3-point range. Charlotte led by eight points at the end of the first quarter. Ball buried a trio of 3-pointers in the first quarter, and Grant Williams made a pair of free throws in the final seconds to give the Hornets a 29-21 advantage. -Field Level Media #Deadspin #Hornets #stay #hot #2ndhalf #surge #Timberwolves

Deadspin | Hornets stay hot with 2nd-half surge past Timberwolves
Deadspin | Hornets stay hot with 2nd-half surge past Timberwolves Apr 5, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) drives on Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabate (14) in the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images LaMelo Ball scored 35 points on 13-for-22 shooting and the Charlotte Hornets pulled away for a 122-108 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday evening in Minneapolis. Miles Bridges added 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for Charlotte (43-36), which won its fourth game in a row. Coby White contributed 17 points off the bench. Julius Randle scored 26 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead Minnesota (46-32). Bones Hyland finished with 18 points off the bench, and Rudy Gobert registered a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Charlotte shot 48.9% (45 of 92) overall and 42.2% (19 of 45) from 3-point range. Minnesota shot 45.8% (38 of 83) from the field and 36.8% (14 of 38) from deep. The Hornets outscored the Timberwolves 67-48 in the second half to seal the victory. Minnesota led by four points early in the second half after Randle made a turnaround jump shot with 9:25 left in the third quarter. That gave the Timberwolves a 66-62 edge. The Hornets responded with a 9-0 run to seize a 71-66 lead. Ball made a 3-pointer to start the run and Bridges ended it with back-to-back 3-pointers. Sion James joined the 3-point parade with his own deep shot in the final moments of the third quarter. That gave Charlotte a double-digit advantage at 89-79. Charlotte opened the fourth quarter on a 16-6 run to increase its lead to 20 points. Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards missed the game because of inflammation in his right knee. Jaden McDaniels missed the game because of soreness in his left knee. Minnesota led 60-55 at the half. The Timberwolves scored 39 points in the second quarter to seize the halftime lead. Hyland got hot and scored 15 points in the second quarter. He made 4 of 5 shots, all from 3-point range. Charlotte led by eight points at the end of the first quarter. Ball buried a trio of 3-pointers in the first quarter, and Grant Williams made a pair of free throws in the final seconds to give the Hornets a 29-21 advantage. -Field Level Media #Deadspin #Hornets #stay #hot #2ndhalf #surge #TimberwolvesApr 5, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) drives on Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabate (14) in the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

LaMelo Ball scored 35 points on 13-for-22 shooting and the Charlotte Hornets pulled away for a 122-108 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday evening in Minneapolis.

Miles Bridges added 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for Charlotte (43-36), which won its fourth game in a row. Coby White contributed 17 points off the bench.

Julius Randle scored 26 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead Minnesota (46-32). Bones Hyland finished with 18 points off the bench, and Rudy Gobert registered a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Charlotte shot 48.9% (45 of 92) overall and 42.2% (19 of 45) from 3-point range. Minnesota shot 45.8% (38 of 83) from the field and 36.8% (14 of 38) from deep.

The Hornets outscored the Timberwolves 67-48 in the second half to seal the victory.

Minnesota led by four points early in the second half after Randle made a turnaround jump shot with 9:25 left in the third quarter. That gave the Timberwolves a 66-62 edge.


The Hornets responded with a 9-0 run to seize a 71-66 lead. Ball made a 3-pointer to start the run and Bridges ended it with back-to-back 3-pointers.

Sion James joined the 3-point parade with his own deep shot in the final moments of the third quarter. That gave Charlotte a double-digit advantage at 89-79.

Charlotte opened the fourth quarter on a 16-6 run to increase its lead to 20 points.

Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards missed the game because of inflammation in his right knee. Jaden McDaniels missed the game because of soreness in his left knee.

Minnesota led 60-55 at the half.

The Timberwolves scored 39 points in the second quarter to seize the halftime lead. Hyland got hot and scored 15 points in the second quarter. He made 4 of 5 shots, all from 3-point range.

Charlotte led by eight points at the end of the first quarter. Ball buried a trio of 3-pointers in the first quarter, and Grant Williams made a pair of free throws in the final seconds to give the Hornets a 29-21 advantage.


-Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Hornets #stay #hot #2ndhalf #surge #Timberwolves

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Apr 5, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) drives on Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabate (14) in the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

LaMelo Ball scored 35 points on 13-for-22 shooting and the Charlotte Hornets pulled away for a 122-108 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday evening in Minneapolis.

Miles Bridges added 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for Charlotte (43-36), which won its fourth game in a row. Coby White contributed 17 points off the bench.

Julius Randle scored 26 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead Minnesota (46-32). Bones Hyland finished with 18 points off the bench, and Rudy Gobert registered a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Charlotte shot 48.9% (45 of 92) overall and 42.2% (19 of 45) from 3-point range. Minnesota shot 45.8% (38 of 83) from the field and 36.8% (14 of 38) from deep.

The Hornets outscored the Timberwolves 67-48 in the second half to seal the victory.

Minnesota led by four points early in the second half after Randle made a turnaround jump shot with 9:25 left in the third quarter. That gave the Timberwolves a 66-62 edge.

The Hornets responded with a 9-0 run to seize a 71-66 lead. Ball made a 3-pointer to start the run and Bridges ended it with back-to-back 3-pointers.

Sion James joined the 3-point parade with his own deep shot in the final moments of the third quarter. That gave Charlotte a double-digit advantage at 89-79.

Charlotte opened the fourth quarter on a 16-6 run to increase its lead to 20 points.

Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards missed the game because of inflammation in his right knee. Jaden McDaniels missed the game because of soreness in his left knee.

Minnesota led 60-55 at the half.

The Timberwolves scored 39 points in the second quarter to seize the halftime lead. Hyland got hot and scored 15 points in the second quarter. He made 4 of 5 shots, all from 3-point range.

Charlotte led by eight points at the end of the first quarter. Ball buried a trio of 3-pointers in the first quarter, and Grant Williams made a pair of free throws in the final seconds to give the Hornets a 29-21 advantage.

-Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Sharks continue playoff push with visit from Blackhawks Apr 4, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks center Alexander Wennberg (21) celebrates their goal with goaltender Yaroslav Askarov (30) against the Nashville Predators in the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images The up-and-coming San Jose Sharks will shoot for a rebound performance to give their playoff hopes a boost when they play host to the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday. The Sharks (36-32-7, 79 points) are coming off a disappointing setback with a 6-3 home loss to the Nashville Predators on Saturday that left them two points behind the Predators for the Western Conference’s second wild-card position entering Monday. “It’s never gonna be easy. It’s not gonna be a straight road,” veteran forward Alexander Wennberg said. “You learn from it. There’s more opportunity to come and we’re excited for the challenge.” San Jose, which is looking to snap a six-year drought of reaching the Stanley Cup playoffs, received a reminder of what is at stake at this point of the season. Against Nashville, the Sharks erased a three-goal deficit but surrendered a trio of unanswered goals in the final period and saw their winning streak snapped at four games. “I liked our response in the second. That was probably the one big positive of the game,” coach Ryan Warsofsky said. As they prepare for the fifth outing in a six-game homestand, the Sharks have seven games remaining in the regular season, one more than the other clubs fighting for the final playoff position. The collection of young players in their first playoff race is receiving important experience. “No one here is hanging their heads. We’re still in it,” Wennberg said. “We’re still looking forward. Learn and move on. There’s a new game and a new challenge.” The Blackhawks (28-35-14, 70 points) have already been eliminated from playoff contention, but arrive in San Jose on the heels of a 4-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Saturday. The victory is a much-needed boost for the club that is above only the Vancouver Canucks in the league standings and went to Seattle on a five-game skid. “I feel like it shows we can keep up with — I mean, Seattle’s going for a playoff spot here, so we’re right in the mix,” defenseman Alex Vlasic said. “I think when we’re playing our best game, when we’re playing smart with the puck, it’s hard for teams to keep up with our speed.” After they face the Sharks, the Blackhawks return home for their final four games of the season. The victory over the Kraken provides a template for the team to follow going forward. Chicago staked a 2-0 lead through the second period and then went toe-to-toe with a Seattle team that was frantically pushing for a comeback to keep its fleeting playoff hopes alive. “I think we defended good, all throughout the game,” goalie Arvid Soderblom said. “We cracked down a little bit at the end, but overall, a solid defensive game from our side. And then we know we’re a skilled team, so the goals are going to come.” Another positive was seeing Sacha Boisvert, a 2024 first-round draft choice (18th overall), score his first NHL goal in his fifth outing, a third-period tally that held up as the game-winner. “And it’s my first NHL win as well, so that made it even better,” said Boisvert, who joined the Blackhawks after finishing his season at Boston University. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Sharks #continue #playoff #push #visit #BlackhawksApr 4, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks center Alexander Wennberg (21) celebrates their goal with goaltender Yaroslav Askarov (30) against the Nashville Predators in the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

The up-and-coming San Jose Sharks will shoot for a rebound performance to give their playoff hopes a boost when they play host to the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday.

The Sharks (36-32-7, 79 points) are coming off a disappointing setback with a 6-3 home loss to the Nashville Predators on Saturday that left them two points behind the Predators for the Western Conference’s second wild-card position entering Monday.

“It’s never gonna be easy. It’s not gonna be a straight road,” veteran forward Alexander Wennberg said. “You learn from it. There’s more opportunity to come and we’re excited for the challenge.”

San Jose, which is looking to snap a six-year drought of reaching the Stanley Cup playoffs, received a reminder of what is at stake at this point of the season.

Against Nashville, the Sharks erased a three-goal deficit but surrendered a trio of unanswered goals in the final period and saw their winning streak snapped at four games.

“I liked our response in the second. That was probably the one big positive of the game,” coach Ryan Warsofsky said.

As they prepare for the fifth outing in a six-game homestand, the Sharks have seven games remaining in the regular season, one more than the other clubs fighting for the final playoff position. The collection of young players in their first playoff race is receiving important experience.

“No one here is hanging their heads. We’re still in it,” Wennberg said. “We’re still looking forward. Learn and move on. There’s a new game and a new challenge.”


The Blackhawks (28-35-14, 70 points) have already been eliminated from playoff contention, but arrive in San Jose on the heels of a 4-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Saturday.

The victory is a much-needed boost for the club that is above only the Vancouver Canucks in the league standings and went to Seattle on a five-game skid.

“I feel like it shows we can keep up with — I mean, Seattle’s going for a playoff spot here, so we’re right in the mix,” defenseman Alex Vlasic said. “I think when we’re playing our best game, when we’re playing smart with the puck, it’s hard for teams to keep up with our speed.”

After they face the Sharks, the Blackhawks return home for their final four games of the season. The victory over the Kraken provides a template for the team to follow going forward.

Chicago staked a 2-0 lead through the second period and then went toe-to-toe with a Seattle team that was frantically pushing for a comeback to keep its fleeting playoff hopes alive.

“I think we defended good, all throughout the game,” goalie Arvid Soderblom said. “We cracked down a little bit at the end, but overall, a solid defensive game from our side. And then we know we’re a skilled team, so the goals are going to come.”

Another positive was seeing Sacha Boisvert, a 2024 first-round draft choice (18th overall), score his first NHL goal in his fifth outing, a third-period tally that held up as the game-winner.

“And it’s my first NHL win as well, so that made it even better,” said Boisvert, who joined the Blackhawks after finishing his season at Boston University.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Sharks #continue #playoff #push #visit #Blackhawks">Deadspin | Sharks continue playoff push with visit from Blackhawks Apr 4, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks center Alexander Wennberg (21) celebrates their goal with goaltender Yaroslav Askarov (30) against the Nashville Predators in the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images The up-and-coming San Jose Sharks will shoot for a rebound performance to give their playoff hopes a boost when they play host to the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday. The Sharks (36-32-7, 79 points) are coming off a disappointing setback with a 6-3 home loss to the Nashville Predators on Saturday that left them two points behind the Predators for the Western Conference’s second wild-card position entering Monday. “It’s never gonna be easy. It’s not gonna be a straight road,” veteran forward Alexander Wennberg said. “You learn from it. There’s more opportunity to come and we’re excited for the challenge.” San Jose, which is looking to snap a six-year drought of reaching the Stanley Cup playoffs, received a reminder of what is at stake at this point of the season. Against Nashville, the Sharks erased a three-goal deficit but surrendered a trio of unanswered goals in the final period and saw their winning streak snapped at four games. “I liked our response in the second. That was probably the one big positive of the game,” coach Ryan Warsofsky said. As they prepare for the fifth outing in a six-game homestand, the Sharks have seven games remaining in the regular season, one more than the other clubs fighting for the final playoff position. The collection of young players in their first playoff race is receiving important experience. “No one here is hanging their heads. We’re still in it,” Wennberg said. “We’re still looking forward. Learn and move on. There’s a new game and a new challenge.” The Blackhawks (28-35-14, 70 points) have already been eliminated from playoff contention, but arrive in San Jose on the heels of a 4-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Saturday. The victory is a much-needed boost for the club that is above only the Vancouver Canucks in the league standings and went to Seattle on a five-game skid. “I feel like it shows we can keep up with — I mean, Seattle’s going for a playoff spot here, so we’re right in the mix,” defenseman Alex Vlasic said. “I think when we’re playing our best game, when we’re playing smart with the puck, it’s hard for teams to keep up with our speed.” After they face the Sharks, the Blackhawks return home for their final four games of the season. The victory over the Kraken provides a template for the team to follow going forward. Chicago staked a 2-0 lead through the second period and then went toe-to-toe with a Seattle team that was frantically pushing for a comeback to keep its fleeting playoff hopes alive. “I think we defended good, all throughout the game,” goalie Arvid Soderblom said. “We cracked down a little bit at the end, but overall, a solid defensive game from our side. And then we know we’re a skilled team, so the goals are going to come.” Another positive was seeing Sacha Boisvert, a 2024 first-round draft choice (18th overall), score his first NHL goal in his fifth outing, a third-period tally that held up as the game-winner. “And it’s my first NHL win as well, so that made it even better,” said Boisvert, who joined the Blackhawks after finishing his season at Boston University. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Sharks #continue #playoff #push #visit #Blackhawks

The Indian women’s boxing contingent continued its impressive showing at the Asian Boxing Championships 2026, with Minakshi Hooda and Jaismine Lamboria storming to unanimous victories in their respective last-eight bouts. In the men’s competition, triumphs for Lokesh, Akash, and Harsh Choudhary confirmed berths in the semifinals.

In the women’s 48kg category, Minakshi produced a composed and commanding display to defeat Japan’s Yuka Sadamatsu by a unanimous 5-0 decision, controlling the bout with sharp combinations and ring awareness. Jaismine matched that intensity in the 57kg division, outclassing China’s Ziyi Chen with an equally dominant 5-0 verdict to book her place in the semifinals.

Minakshi will meet Thailand’s Thipsatcha Yodwaree, while Jaismine will face Uzbek Olympian Nigina Uktamova.

In the men’s section, Lokesh (85kg) booked his place in the next round with a 5-0 win over Korea’s Gichae Kim, showcasing control and precision throughout the bout. Akash followed with a dominant 5-0 victory against Turkmenistan’s Yhlas Bagtyyarov, while Harsh Choudhary delivered a strong performance to overcome Kyrgyz Republic’s Tynystan Alybaev and move into the semifinals.

Akash, Lokesh and Harsh will take on Javokhir Abdurakhimov, Jasurbek Yuldoshev and Parviz Karimov respectively.

India now has six boxers in the men’s semifinals, underlining a solid all-round showing across categories. Ankush (80kg), however, bowed out after a loss to Jordan’s Hussein Iashaish.

Results (quarterfinals)

Men: 75kg: Akash bt Yhlas Bagtyyarov (Tkm) 5-0; 80kg: Hussein Iashaish (Jor) bt Ankush 5-0; 85kg: Lokesh bt Kim Gichae (Kor) 5-0; 90kg: Harsh Choudhary bt Tynystan Alybaev (Kgz) 5-0.

Women: 48kg: Minakshi Hooda bt Yuka Sadamatsu (Jpn) 5-0; 57kg: Jaismine Lamboria bt Ziyi Chen (Chn) 5-0.

Published on Apr 05, 2026

#Asian #Boxing #Championships #Meenakshi #Jaismine #reach #semifinals">Asian Boxing Championships 2026: Meenakshi, Jaismine reach semifinals The Indian women’s boxing contingent continued its impressive showing at the Asian Boxing Championships 2026, with Minakshi Hooda and Jaismine Lamboria storming to unanimous victories in their respective last-eight bouts. In the men’s competition, triumphs for Lokesh, Akash, and Harsh Choudhary confirmed berths in the semifinals.In the women’s 48kg category, Minakshi produced a composed and commanding display to defeat Japan’s Yuka Sadamatsu by a unanimous 5-0 decision, controlling the bout with sharp combinations and ring awareness. Jaismine matched that intensity in the 57kg division, outclassing China’s Ziyi Chen with an equally dominant 5-0 verdict to book her place in the semifinals.Minakshi will meet Thailand’s Thipsatcha Yodwaree, while Jaismine will face Uzbek Olympian Nigina Uktamova.In the men’s section, Lokesh (85kg) booked his place in the next round with a 5-0 win over Korea’s Gichae Kim, showcasing control and precision throughout the bout. Akash followed with a dominant 5-0 victory against Turkmenistan’s Yhlas Bagtyyarov, while Harsh Choudhary delivered a strong performance to overcome Kyrgyz Republic’s Tynystan Alybaev and move into the semifinals.Akash, Lokesh and Harsh will take on Javokhir Abdurakhimov, Jasurbek Yuldoshev and Parviz Karimov respectively.India now has six boxers in the men’s semifinals, underlining a solid all-round showing across categories. Ankush (80kg), however, bowed out after a loss to Jordan’s Hussein Iashaish. Results (quarterfinals) Men: 75kg: Akash bt Yhlas Bagtyyarov (Tkm) 5-0; 80kg: Hussein Iashaish (Jor) bt Ankush 5-0; 85kg: Lokesh bt Kim Gichae (Kor) 5-0; 90kg: Harsh Choudhary bt Tynystan Alybaev (Kgz) 5-0. Women: 48kg: Minakshi Hooda bt Yuka Sadamatsu (Jpn) 5-0; 57kg: Jaismine Lamboria bt Ziyi Chen (Chn) 5-0. Published on Apr 05, 2026 #Asian #Boxing #Championships #Meenakshi #Jaismine #reach #semifinals

Deadspin | Rays ready for return to Tropicana Field in home opener vs. Cubs Mar 31, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images For the Tampa Bay Rays, Monday afternoon’s home opener against the Chicago Cubs will be “Dome sweet home.” The Rays open a six-game homestand this week, and the buzz around the bay is all about returning to the ballpark the club has called home for its entire existence except for last season. All of that was because of Hurricane Milton, which ravaged Tropicana Field on Oct. 9, 2024 — 18 1/2 months ago. However, the renovations are completed, including a new roof last August, and the contest already is a sellout as regular-season baseball comes back to St. Petersburg. “I briefly walked through there, couldn’t be more impressed with the way it looks, and excited to see our fans,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said about coming home. “I think our guys are going to appreciate just having our fans in the building, cheering us on for our opening day.” Reliever Griffin Jax joined the team last July and said playing across the bay in Tampa at the spring training home of the Yankees was not the best experience. “It was difficult,” Jax said about playing at Steinbrenner Field. “I don’t think anybody expects to play in a situation like that. … The situation isn’t great. The environment wasn’t awesome, but it’s still baseball. You just have to roll with it. “It’ll be cool to see all the new renovations and upgrades they made along the way. … It’ll be good to be back in our home.” The Rays, who return home having won two of three at the Minnesota Twins, will start Shane McClanahan (0-1, 3.86 ERA), who lost against the Milwaukee Brewers in a 4 2/3-inning start. The lefty is 0-1 with a 2.31 ERA in two career starts against the Cubs. Perhaps a little weary, Chicago arrives as the first opponent in the refurbished stadium after a long weekend in Cleveland that concluded with Sunday’s doubleheader against the Guardians following Saturday’s rainout. In the opener, Edward Cabrera and three relievers blanked Cleveland on one hit in a 1-0 win. In the nightcap, Dansby Swanson, Matt Shaw and Ian Happ all homered, but the Guardians rallied from a 3-0 deficit in a 6-5 split of the twin-bill. Cubs manager Craig Counsell had an update on Seiya Suzuki, who injured his right knee in the World Baseball Classic. “He’ll stay on rehab and play in Knoxville on Tuesday and Wednesday then rejoin us on Friday in Chicago,” said Counsell of Suzuki, who went 1-for-2 with a run and a walk playing right field Sunday for the Knoxville Smokies. There has been a little concern on the North Side staff’s behalf regarding the health of Monday’s starter Jameson Taillon (0-0, 0.00), who tossed four innings and received no decision after his scoreless start Tuesday in a 2-0 home loss against the Los Angeles Angels. The right-hander, who was born in Lakeland, Fla., an hour from the Rays’ domed park, had a terrible spring and has been noticeably lacking velocity. “Hopefully as the weather warms up and we keep working, (velocity will) come,” said Taillon, 34. “But I just needed to get back to executing and finding a way to get big-league hitters out.” Against Tampa Bay, Taillon is 3-2 with a 2.21 ERA in seven starts. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rays #ready #return #Tropicana #Field #home #opener #CubsMar 31, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

For the Tampa Bay Rays, Monday afternoon’s home opener against the Chicago Cubs will be “Dome sweet home.”

The Rays open a six-game homestand this week, and the buzz around the bay is all about returning to the ballpark the club has called home for its entire existence except for last season.

All of that was because of Hurricane Milton, which ravaged Tropicana Field on Oct. 9, 2024 — 18 1/2 months ago.

However, the renovations are completed, including a new roof last August, and the contest already is a sellout as regular-season baseball comes back to St. Petersburg.

“I briefly walked through there, couldn’t be more impressed with the way it looks, and excited to see our fans,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said about coming home. “I think our guys are going to appreciate just having our fans in the building, cheering us on for our opening day.”

Reliever Griffin Jax joined the team last July and said playing across the bay in Tampa at the spring training home of the Yankees was not the best experience.

“It was difficult,” Jax said about playing at Steinbrenner Field. “I don’t think anybody expects to play in a situation like that. … The situation isn’t great. The environment wasn’t awesome, but it’s still baseball. You just have to roll with it.

“It’ll be cool to see all the new renovations and upgrades they made along the way. … It’ll be good to be back in our home.”

The Rays, who return home having won two of three at the Minnesota Twins, will start Shane McClanahan (0-1, 3.86 ERA), who lost against the Milwaukee Brewers in a 4 2/3-inning start. The lefty is 0-1 with a 2.31 ERA in two career starts against the Cubs.


Perhaps a little weary, Chicago arrives as the first opponent in the refurbished stadium after a long weekend in Cleveland that concluded with Sunday’s doubleheader against the Guardians following Saturday’s rainout.

In the opener, Edward Cabrera and three relievers blanked Cleveland on one hit in a 1-0 win.

In the nightcap, Dansby Swanson, Matt Shaw and Ian Happ all homered, but the Guardians rallied from a 3-0 deficit in a 6-5 split of the twin-bill.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell had an update on Seiya Suzuki, who injured his right knee in the World Baseball Classic.

“He’ll stay on rehab and play in Knoxville on Tuesday and Wednesday then rejoin us on Friday in Chicago,” said Counsell of Suzuki, who went 1-for-2 with a run and a walk playing right field Sunday for the Knoxville Smokies.

There has been a little concern on the North Side staff’s behalf regarding the health of Monday’s starter Jameson Taillon (0-0, 0.00), who tossed four innings and received no decision after his scoreless start Tuesday in a 2-0 home loss against the Los Angeles Angels.

The right-hander, who was born in Lakeland, Fla., an hour from the Rays’ domed park, had a terrible spring and has been noticeably lacking velocity.

“Hopefully as the weather warms up and we keep working, (velocity will) come,” said Taillon, 34. “But I just needed to get back to executing and finding a way to get big-league hitters out.”

Against Tampa Bay, Taillon is 3-2 with a 2.21 ERA in seven starts.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rays #ready #return #Tropicana #Field #home #opener #Cubs">Deadspin | Rays ready for return to Tropicana Field in home opener vs. Cubs Mar 31, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images For the Tampa Bay Rays, Monday afternoon’s home opener against the Chicago Cubs will be “Dome sweet home.” The Rays open a six-game homestand this week, and the buzz around the bay is all about returning to the ballpark the club has called home for its entire existence except for last season. All of that was because of Hurricane Milton, which ravaged Tropicana Field on Oct. 9, 2024 — 18 1/2 months ago. However, the renovations are completed, including a new roof last August, and the contest already is a sellout as regular-season baseball comes back to St. Petersburg. “I briefly walked through there, couldn’t be more impressed with the way it looks, and excited to see our fans,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said about coming home. “I think our guys are going to appreciate just having our fans in the building, cheering us on for our opening day.” Reliever Griffin Jax joined the team last July and said playing across the bay in Tampa at the spring training home of the Yankees was not the best experience. “It was difficult,” Jax said about playing at Steinbrenner Field. “I don’t think anybody expects to play in a situation like that. … The situation isn’t great. The environment wasn’t awesome, but it’s still baseball. You just have to roll with it. “It’ll be cool to see all the new renovations and upgrades they made along the way. … It’ll be good to be back in our home.” The Rays, who return home having won two of three at the Minnesota Twins, will start Shane McClanahan (0-1, 3.86 ERA), who lost against the Milwaukee Brewers in a 4 2/3-inning start. The lefty is 0-1 with a 2.31 ERA in two career starts against the Cubs. Perhaps a little weary, Chicago arrives as the first opponent in the refurbished stadium after a long weekend in Cleveland that concluded with Sunday’s doubleheader against the Guardians following Saturday’s rainout. In the opener, Edward Cabrera and three relievers blanked Cleveland on one hit in a 1-0 win. In the nightcap, Dansby Swanson, Matt Shaw and Ian Happ all homered, but the Guardians rallied from a 3-0 deficit in a 6-5 split of the twin-bill. Cubs manager Craig Counsell had an update on Seiya Suzuki, who injured his right knee in the World Baseball Classic. “He’ll stay on rehab and play in Knoxville on Tuesday and Wednesday then rejoin us on Friday in Chicago,” said Counsell of Suzuki, who went 1-for-2 with a run and a walk playing right field Sunday for the Knoxville Smokies. There has been a little concern on the North Side staff’s behalf regarding the health of Monday’s starter Jameson Taillon (0-0, 0.00), who tossed four innings and received no decision after his scoreless start Tuesday in a 2-0 home loss against the Los Angeles Angels. The right-hander, who was born in Lakeland, Fla., an hour from the Rays’ domed park, had a terrible spring and has been noticeably lacking velocity. “Hopefully as the weather warms up and we keep working, (velocity will) come,” said Taillon, 34. “But I just needed to get back to executing and finding a way to get big-league hitters out.” Against Tampa Bay, Taillon is 3-2 with a 2.21 ERA in seven starts. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rays #ready #return #Tropicana #Field #home #opener #Cubs

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