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Deadspin | LeBron James nets 28 as Lakers grab 2-0 lead on Rockets Apr 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) defends Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) in the first half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images LeBron James compiled 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 101-94 victory over the visiting Houston Rockets to take a 2-0 lead in their first-round Western Conference playoff series on Tuesday. With leading scorers Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) watching from the bench, Marcus Smart added 25 points, including 5 of 7 from 3-point range, and Game 1 hero Luke Kennard contributed 23 points, which included 3 of 6 from deep. Kevin Durant, who missed the opening game with a right knee contusion, scored 23 points for Houston, but he had nine turnovers and was held to just three points after halftime. Houston’s Alperen Sengun paired 20 points with 11 rebounds, Jabari Smith Jr. had 18 points and Amen Thompson posted 16 points and nine assists. After the Rockets held a 16-12 lead midway through the first quarter, Los Angeles hit back, closing the quarter with a 9-0 rush to lead 33-26. Durant showed no signs of being hampered by his knee, playing all 12 minutes and scoring 11 points. At the other end, Smart (14 points) and Kennard (10 points) hurt Houston from the perimeter, combining to hit five 3-pointers in the opening quarter. The Lakers’ lead swelled to 46-31 before Durant led a 17-3 Rockets run to trim that margin to 49-48. Durant had 20 points on 6-of-7 shooting at the half, but Los Angeles still held sway 54-51. Houston briefly captured the lead in the third period before the Lakers used a 13-4 burst — highlighted by a spectacular reverse dunk from 41-year-old James after he blew by Durant — to pull ahead 67-59. With Durant held to just one unsuccessful shot attempt in 10 minutes of action for the quarter, the Rockets struggled offensively, outscored 21-17 for the period, as Los Angeles led 75-68 with one quarter to play. Josh Okogie’s 3-pointer with 6:38 remaining in the fourth cut the gap to 85-82, but it was as close as Houston would get down the stretch. With the Lakers up 97-92, Durant’s ninth turnover led to a powerful James dunk with 55 seconds left before Kennard sealed it from the stripe. The best-of-seven series shifts to Houston for Game 3 on Friday. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #LeBron #James #nets #Lakers #grab #lead #Rockets

Deadspin | LeBron James nets 28 as Lakers grab 2-0 lead on Rockets
Deadspin | LeBron James nets 28 as Lakers grab 2-0 lead on Rockets Apr 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) defends Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) in the first half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images LeBron James compiled 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 101-94 victory over the visiting Houston Rockets to take a 2-0 lead in their first-round Western Conference playoff series on Tuesday. With leading scorers Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) watching from the bench, Marcus Smart added 25 points, including 5 of 7 from 3-point range, and Game 1 hero Luke Kennard contributed 23 points, which included 3 of 6 from deep. Kevin Durant, who missed the opening game with a right knee contusion, scored 23 points for Houston, but he had nine turnovers and was held to just three points after halftime. Houston’s Alperen Sengun paired 20 points with 11 rebounds, Jabari Smith Jr. had 18 points and Amen Thompson posted 16 points and nine assists. After the Rockets held a 16-12 lead midway through the first quarter, Los Angeles hit back, closing the quarter with a 9-0 rush to lead 33-26. Durant showed no signs of being hampered by his knee, playing all 12 minutes and scoring 11 points. At the other end, Smart (14 points) and Kennard (10 points) hurt Houston from the perimeter, combining to hit five 3-pointers in the opening quarter. The Lakers’ lead swelled to 46-31 before Durant led a 17-3 Rockets run to trim that margin to 49-48. Durant had 20 points on 6-of-7 shooting at the half, but Los Angeles still held sway 54-51. Houston briefly captured the lead in the third period before the Lakers used a 13-4 burst — highlighted by a spectacular reverse dunk from 41-year-old James after he blew by Durant — to pull ahead 67-59. With Durant held to just one unsuccessful shot attempt in 10 minutes of action for the quarter, the Rockets struggled offensively, outscored 21-17 for the period, as Los Angeles led 75-68 with one quarter to play. Josh Okogie’s 3-pointer with 6:38 remaining in the fourth cut the gap to 85-82, but it was as close as Houston would get down the stretch. With the Lakers up 97-92, Durant’s ninth turnover led to a powerful James dunk with 55 seconds left before Kennard sealed it from the stripe. The best-of-seven series shifts to Houston for Game 3 on Friday. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #LeBron #James #nets #Lakers #grab #lead #RocketsApr 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) defends Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) in the first half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

LeBron James compiled 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 101-94 victory over the visiting Houston Rockets to take a 2-0 lead in their first-round Western Conference playoff series on Tuesday.

With leading scorers Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) watching from the bench, Marcus Smart added 25 points, including 5 of 7 from 3-point range, and Game 1 hero Luke Kennard contributed 23 points, which included 3 of 6 from deep.

Kevin Durant, who missed the opening game with a right knee contusion, scored 23 points for Houston, but he had nine turnovers and was held to just three points after halftime.

Houston’s Alperen Sengun paired 20 points with 11 rebounds, Jabari Smith Jr. had 18 points and Amen Thompson posted 16 points and nine assists.

After the Rockets held a 16-12 lead midway through the first quarter, Los Angeles hit back, closing the quarter with a 9-0 rush to lead 33-26.

Durant showed no signs of being hampered by his knee, playing all 12 minutes and scoring 11 points.

At the other end, Smart (14 points) and Kennard (10 points) hurt Houston from the perimeter, combining to hit five 3-pointers in the opening quarter.


The Lakers’ lead swelled to 46-31 before Durant led a 17-3 Rockets run to trim that margin to 49-48.

Durant had 20 points on 6-of-7 shooting at the half, but Los Angeles still held sway 54-51.

Houston briefly captured the lead in the third period before the Lakers used a 13-4 burst — highlighted by a spectacular reverse dunk from 41-year-old James after he blew by Durant — to pull ahead 67-59.

With Durant held to just one unsuccessful shot attempt in 10 minutes of action for the quarter, the Rockets struggled offensively, outscored 21-17 for the period, as Los Angeles led 75-68 with one quarter to play.

Josh Okogie’s 3-pointer with 6:38 remaining in the fourth cut the gap to 85-82, but it was as close as Houston would get down the stretch.

With the Lakers up 97-92, Durant’s ninth turnover led to a powerful James dunk with 55 seconds left before Kennard sealed it from the stripe.

The best-of-seven series shifts to Houston for Game 3 on Friday.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #LeBron #James #nets #Lakers #grab #lead #Rockets

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Apr 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) defends Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) in the first half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

LeBron James compiled 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 101-94 victory over the visiting Houston Rockets to take a 2-0 lead in their first-round Western Conference playoff series on Tuesday.

With leading scorers Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) watching from the bench, Marcus Smart added 25 points, including 5 of 7 from 3-point range, and Game 1 hero Luke Kennard contributed 23 points, which included 3 of 6 from deep.

Kevin Durant, who missed the opening game with a right knee contusion, scored 23 points for Houston, but he had nine turnovers and was held to just three points after halftime.

Houston’s Alperen Sengun paired 20 points with 11 rebounds, Jabari Smith Jr. had 18 points and Amen Thompson posted 16 points and nine assists.

After the Rockets held a 16-12 lead midway through the first quarter, Los Angeles hit back, closing the quarter with a 9-0 rush to lead 33-26.

Durant showed no signs of being hampered by his knee, playing all 12 minutes and scoring 11 points.

At the other end, Smart (14 points) and Kennard (10 points) hurt Houston from the perimeter, combining to hit five 3-pointers in the opening quarter.

The Lakers’ lead swelled to 46-31 before Durant led a 17-3 Rockets run to trim that margin to 49-48.

Durant had 20 points on 6-of-7 shooting at the half, but Los Angeles still held sway 54-51.

Houston briefly captured the lead in the third period before the Lakers used a 13-4 burst — highlighted by a spectacular reverse dunk from 41-year-old James after he blew by Durant — to pull ahead 67-59.

With Durant held to just one unsuccessful shot attempt in 10 minutes of action for the quarter, the Rockets struggled offensively, outscored 21-17 for the period, as Los Angeles led 75-68 with one quarter to play.

Josh Okogie’s 3-pointer with 6:38 remaining in the fourth cut the gap to 85-82, but it was as close as Houston would get down the stretch.

With the Lakers up 97-92, Durant’s ninth turnover led to a powerful James dunk with 55 seconds left before Kennard sealed it from the stripe.

The best-of-seven series shifts to Houston for Game 3 on Friday.

–Field Level Media

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The Cowboys want you to know they are lying <div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The NFL Draft is sometimes referred to as the world’s longest, strangest job interview.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">It is also sometimes known, affectionately of course, as lying season.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Until a team actually makes a selection, and the picks start happening for real, you take everything you hear with a grain of salt. Agendas abound in the spring, with teams looking to negotiate better trades, agents looking to improve a player’s stock, and every year there is a rumor or two that a team is leaking negative information about a player, hoping that prospect will somehow “fall to them” at some point in the draft.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Which is why, honestly, it was refreshing to see this from the Dallas Cowboys, moments before their pre-draft presser on Wednesday:</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Such honesty is refreshing this time of year.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Oh, and if you are wondering, here is one of the first statements from Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, in a year where Dallas is expected to address defense with perhaps both of their selections in the first round:</p></div> #Cowboys #lying

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Deadspin | Oilers in familiar spot trailing high-scoring Ducks in series Apr 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Pavel Mintyukov (98) and Edmonton Oilers left wing Zach Hyman (18) fight for the puck during the third period of game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images The Edmonton Oilers need to repeat history. Again. The Oilers are looking to kick off yet another series comeback when they continue their Western Conference first-round playoff series on the road against the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday. During runs to the Stanley Cup final in each of the past two springs, the Oilers have erased a handful of series deficits. They were down 2-0 to the Los Angeles Kings last year before rallying to win the opening-round series. Edmonton also won series after trailing 2-1 against both the Vancouver Canucks and the Dallas Stars in 2024 and the Kings the year before that ahead of a second-round exit. Therefore, trailing the Ducks by a 2-1 margin is not uncharted waters for the core group which boasts plenty of playoff experience. “There’s a lot of hockey left to be played, right?” Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm said. “The momentum shifts, the swings, we’ve all been through it in here. So lean on that, take a deep breath and know that the sun’s going to come up tomorrow. We’ve got a big game coming.” That said, Edmonton also must start playing better defensively. Anaheim has racked up 13 goals over the past two games, including a 7-4 throttling on Friday. Run-and-gun hockey may be more entertaining and fun, but the Oilers learned over their past couple of years that it does not lead to success. Plus, the younger Ducks are beating them at that game. Whether the Oilers make a goaltending change and turn to Tristan Jarry over Connor Ingram remains to be seen, but their struggles are not all on the netminder. “Any time you let in seven, it’s not a goalie problem,” forward Zach Hyman said. “It’s just defending better. You’re not going to win. We didn’t give ourselves a chance with the amount of goals we gave up.” The Ducks are flying high in more ways than one. Not only is the young, up-and-coming team ahead in the series in its first trip to the playoffs since 2018 and igniting the rush among the fans, but the Ducks also are excelling with an exciting brand of hockey. They have scored six or more goals in consecutive playoff games for the first time in franchise history, and the seven markers last outing is a franchise record for the postseason. Even more exciting for their long-term future is that the young guns are firing on all cylinders. Beckett Sennecke and Leo Carlsson scored 42 seconds apart in the third period to break open Friday’s game. “Hopefully, they turn out to be great players because they’ve shown all the ingredients,” said Anaheim coach Joel Quenneville, who has guided more than a few young players into champions. “They want to be the best they can be on a daily basis, and I think that kind of pushes them and they’re showing that’s their mindset and that’s their objective.” Anaheim has netted four power-play goals on eight chances in the series. The Ducks may not yet have their defensive game perfected, but it’s worth noting the Oilers failed to register even one shot on goal in the final 11:24 after making it a one-goal game. And now the Ducks have the extra confidence of knowing they can beat the Oilers. “I think we got an exciting team,” Sennecke said. “We can score goals, we can defend and we’re dangerous.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Oilers #familiar #spot #trailing #highscoring #Ducks #seriesApr 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Pavel Mintyukov (98) and Edmonton Oilers left wing Zach Hyman (18) fight for the puck during the third period of game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The Edmonton Oilers need to repeat history. Again.

The Oilers are looking to kick off yet another series comeback when they continue their Western Conference first-round playoff series on the road against the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday.

During runs to the Stanley Cup final in each of the past two springs, the Oilers have erased a handful of series deficits. They were down 2-0 to the Los Angeles Kings last year before rallying to win the opening-round series. Edmonton also won series after trailing 2-1 against both the Vancouver Canucks and the Dallas Stars in 2024 and the Kings the year before that ahead of a second-round exit.

Therefore, trailing the Ducks by a 2-1 margin is not uncharted waters for the core group which boasts plenty of playoff experience.

“There’s a lot of hockey left to be played, right?” Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm said. “The momentum shifts, the swings, we’ve all been through it in here. So lean on that, take a deep breath and know that the sun’s going to come up tomorrow. We’ve got a big game coming.”

That said, Edmonton also must start playing better defensively. Anaheim has racked up 13 goals over the past two games, including a 7-4 throttling on Friday.

Run-and-gun hockey may be more entertaining and fun, but the Oilers learned over their past couple of years that it does not lead to success. Plus, the younger Ducks are beating them at that game.

Whether the Oilers make a goaltending change and turn to Tristan Jarry over Connor Ingram remains to be seen, but their struggles are not all on the netminder.

“Any time you let in seven, it’s not a goalie problem,” forward Zach Hyman said. “It’s just defending better. You’re not going to win. We didn’t give ourselves a chance with the amount of goals we gave up.”


The Ducks are flying high in more ways than one.

Not only is the young, up-and-coming team ahead in the series in its first trip to the playoffs since 2018 and igniting the rush among the fans, but the Ducks also are excelling with an exciting brand of hockey.

They have scored six or more goals in consecutive playoff games for the first time in franchise history, and the seven markers last outing is a franchise record for the postseason.

Even more exciting for their long-term future is that the young guns are firing on all cylinders.

Beckett Sennecke and Leo Carlsson scored 42 seconds apart in the third period to break open Friday’s game.

“Hopefully, they turn out to be great players because they’ve shown all the ingredients,” said Anaheim coach Joel Quenneville, who has guided more than a few young players into champions. “They want to be the best they can be on a daily basis, and I think that kind of pushes them and they’re showing that’s their mindset and that’s their objective.”

Anaheim has netted four power-play goals on eight chances in the series. The Ducks may not yet have their defensive game perfected, but it’s worth noting the Oilers failed to register even one shot on goal in the final 11:24 after making it a one-goal game.

And now the Ducks have the extra confidence of knowing they can beat the Oilers.

“I think we got an exciting team,” Sennecke said. “We can score goals, we can defend and we’re dangerous.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Oilers #familiar #spot #trailing #highscoring #Ducks #series">Deadspin | Oilers in familiar spot trailing high-scoring Ducks in series Apr 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Pavel Mintyukov (98) and Edmonton Oilers left wing Zach Hyman (18) fight for the puck during the third period of game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images The Edmonton Oilers need to repeat history. Again. The Oilers are looking to kick off yet another series comeback when they continue their Western Conference first-round playoff series on the road against the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday. During runs to the Stanley Cup final in each of the past two springs, the Oilers have erased a handful of series deficits. They were down 2-0 to the Los Angeles Kings last year before rallying to win the opening-round series. Edmonton also won series after trailing 2-1 against both the Vancouver Canucks and the Dallas Stars in 2024 and the Kings the year before that ahead of a second-round exit. Therefore, trailing the Ducks by a 2-1 margin is not uncharted waters for the core group which boasts plenty of playoff experience. “There’s a lot of hockey left to be played, right?” Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm said. “The momentum shifts, the swings, we’ve all been through it in here. So lean on that, take a deep breath and know that the sun’s going to come up tomorrow. We’ve got a big game coming.” That said, Edmonton also must start playing better defensively. Anaheim has racked up 13 goals over the past two games, including a 7-4 throttling on Friday. Run-and-gun hockey may be more entertaining and fun, but the Oilers learned over their past couple of years that it does not lead to success. Plus, the younger Ducks are beating them at that game. Whether the Oilers make a goaltending change and turn to Tristan Jarry over Connor Ingram remains to be seen, but their struggles are not all on the netminder. “Any time you let in seven, it’s not a goalie problem,” forward Zach Hyman said. “It’s just defending better. You’re not going to win. We didn’t give ourselves a chance with the amount of goals we gave up.” The Ducks are flying high in more ways than one. Not only is the young, up-and-coming team ahead in the series in its first trip to the playoffs since 2018 and igniting the rush among the fans, but the Ducks also are excelling with an exciting brand of hockey. They have scored six or more goals in consecutive playoff games for the first time in franchise history, and the seven markers last outing is a franchise record for the postseason. Even more exciting for their long-term future is that the young guns are firing on all cylinders. Beckett Sennecke and Leo Carlsson scored 42 seconds apart in the third period to break open Friday’s game. “Hopefully, they turn out to be great players because they’ve shown all the ingredients,” said Anaheim coach Joel Quenneville, who has guided more than a few young players into champions. “They want to be the best they can be on a daily basis, and I think that kind of pushes them and they’re showing that’s their mindset and that’s their objective.” Anaheim has netted four power-play goals on eight chances in the series. The Ducks may not yet have their defensive game perfected, but it’s worth noting the Oilers failed to register even one shot on goal in the final 11:24 after making it a one-goal game. And now the Ducks have the extra confidence of knowing they can beat the Oilers. “I think we got an exciting team,” Sennecke said. “We can score goals, we can defend and we’re dangerous.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Oilers #familiar #spot #trailing #highscoring #Ducks #series

#Sabastian #Sawe #breaks #2hour #barrier #shatters #marathon #world #record">Sabastian Sawe breaks 2-hour barrier, shatters marathon world record Sabastian Sawe lived up to his status as a pre-race favorite at the London Marathon, and then some. The 30-year-old Kenyan shattered the world record and became the first man to complete the 26.2 miles in under 2 hours.When Sawe crossed the finish line on the Mall in central London, the clock showed 1 hour, 59 minutes and 30 seconds — a full 65 seconds than the times set by previous record holder Kelvin Kiptum in 2023.“I am feeling good, I am so happy,” Sawe said after rewriting the record books. “It is a day to remember.”Sawe was not the only runner to break a barrier long considered unreachable. Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha finished only 11 seconds down to Sawe in second place; third place went to Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimi, who finished just outside the two-hour mark at 2:00:28 but would still have bested Kiptum’s former world record.The conditions were favorable all day. Starting with temperatures in the low 50s and a tailwind over the final few miles, the stage was set for a memorable day.Sawe and Kejelcha were part of the leading group all day, and broke clear from their four companions including Kiplimi past the halfway mark. At that point, the world record let alone the two-hour mark did not look to be in danger. However, the leading pair picked up the pace.Sawe, who finished the second half of the race in 59:01, broke free shortly before reaching the finish line.“I think I was well-prepared because coming to London for the second time was so important to me,” Sawe told the BBC. “And that’s why I prepared well for it. And finally, what I had done for four months, it has come today to be a good result.”Sawe’s was not the only record-breaking performance on Sunday, though. Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa finished the women’s race in 2:15:41, winning a three-up sprint to secure the victory by 12 seconds ahead of Kenyan duo Hellen Obiri and Joyciline Jepkosgei. #Sabastian #Sawe #breaks #2hour #barrier #shatters #marathon #world #record

Deadspin | Struggling Kodai Senga seeks better form during Mets-Rockies doubleheader Apr 17, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga (34) delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images No player better symbolizes the topsy-turvy nature of the New York Mets than right-hander Kodai Senga. On Sunday, the Mets will look to the 33-year-old starting pitcher to snap his slump and help New York avoid falling into another tailspin when it hosts the Colorado Rockies in a doubleheader. Senga (0-3, 8.83 ERA) and fellow right-hander Nolan McLean (1-1, 2.67) are expected to start for the Mets. The Rockies will counter with left-hander Jose Quintana (0-2, 6.23) in Game 1 and an opener ahead of right-hander Chase Dollander (2-2, 2.88). The doubleheader was necessitated by a rainout Saturday, when Senga was slated to oppose Quintana. The Rockies need only a split to win the series. That’s because they claimed Friday’s opener, 4-3, when Michael Lorenzen tossed seven strong innings and Troy Johnston delivered what proved to be the decisive two-run single in the seventh inning. The loss halted a two-game winning streak for the Mets, who snapped a 12-game losing streak with Wednesday’s 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins. At 9-17, New York entered Saturday’s play tied with the Kansas City Royals for the second-worst record in the majors. Only the National League East-rival Philadelphia Phillies (8-18) are worse. The Mets’ season-opening slide could be considered a continuation of the struggles they endured over the final three-plus months of last season. New York had the best record in the bigs at 45-24 through June 12, but they missed the playoffs after stumbling to a 38-55 mark — the fifth-worst in the game — the rest of the way. The Mets’ skid began the day after Senga suffered a right hamstring injury covering first base on June 12, 2025. Senga, who was 7-3 with a 1.47 ERA in 13 starts when he got hurt, only missed a month. But that was enough to ruin his rhythm as he went 0-3 with a 5.90 ERA in his final nine starts before ending the season with Triple-A Syracuse. Senga opened this year allowing four runs over 11 2/3 innings in his first two starts, but he has surrendered 14 runs (13 earned) over 5 2/3 innings in his last two starts. That includes seven runs (six earned) in 3 1/3 innings in his most recent appearance on April 17, when he took the defeat in the Mets’ 12-4 road loss to the Chicago Cubs. Senga’s start was pushed back from Thursday so he could throw two side sessions. “This is a guy that’s very meticulous about his work and his mechanics and things like that,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Friday afternoon. “Just got to go out there and do it.” Lorenzen’s longest outing of the season helped the Rockies improve to 11-16 and move into position to earn their third series win of the season. When the Rockies finished 43-119 last season, they didn’t win their first series until a three-game sweep of the Miami Marlins on June 1-3 — a trio of wins that improved their record to 12-50. Colorado didn’t post its third series win until winning two of three against the Minnesota Twins on July 18-20. The win Friday — secured when converted starter Antonio Senzatela got the final five outs while facing just four batters thanks to getting Mark Vientos to line into an inning-ending double play in the eighth — also improved the Rockies to 4-6 in one-run games this season. Colorado was 3-7 in its first 10 one-run games last season — a stretch that spanned the first 46 games. “Any time you are winning more games than last year, there is going to be better energy,” said Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer, who replaced Bud Black as skipper last year following Colorado’s 7-33 start. “They are playing well right now.” McLean didn’t factor into the decision in his most recent start last Tuesday, when he gave up three runs over 6 2/3 innings as the Mets fell to the visiting Minnesota Twins, 5-3. He did fan 10 hitters without a walk. Quintana took the loss in his most recent start last Monday night, when he allowed six runs (four earned) over five innings as the Rockies fell to the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers, 12-3. Dollander, who has served as a reliever in all six of his appearances this year, took the defeat last Tuesday after giving up one run over a season-high six innings in the Rockies’ 1-0 loss to the visiting San Diego Padres. Senga is 2-0 with a 1.47 ERA in three career starts against the Rockies. McLean has never opposed Colorado. Quintana, who pitched for the Mets from 2023-24, is 2-3 with a 4.25 ERA in five starts against his former club. Dollander absorbed the defeat in his lone previous start against New York last June 8, when he allowed five runs over three innings in the Rockies’ home 13-5 loss. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Struggling #Kodai #Senga #seeks #form #MetsRockies #doubleheaderApr 17, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga (34) delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

No player better symbolizes the topsy-turvy nature of the New York Mets than right-hander Kodai Senga.

On Sunday, the Mets will look to the 33-year-old starting pitcher to snap his slump and help New York avoid falling into another tailspin when it hosts the Colorado Rockies in a doubleheader.

Senga (0-3, 8.83 ERA) and fellow right-hander Nolan McLean (1-1, 2.67) are expected to start for the Mets. The Rockies will counter with left-hander Jose Quintana (0-2, 6.23) in Game 1 and an opener ahead of right-hander Chase Dollander (2-2, 2.88).

The doubleheader was necessitated by a rainout Saturday, when Senga was slated to oppose Quintana.

The Rockies need only a split to win the series. That’s because they claimed Friday’s opener, 4-3, when Michael Lorenzen tossed seven strong innings and Troy Johnston delivered what proved to be the decisive two-run single in the seventh inning.

The loss halted a two-game winning streak for the Mets, who snapped a 12-game losing streak with Wednesday’s 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins. At 9-17, New York entered Saturday’s play tied with the Kansas City Royals for the second-worst record in the majors. Only the National League East-rival Philadelphia Phillies (8-18) are worse.

The Mets’ season-opening slide could be considered a continuation of the struggles they endured over the final three-plus months of last season. New York had the best record in the bigs at 45-24 through June 12, but they missed the playoffs after stumbling to a 38-55 mark — the fifth-worst in the game — the rest of the way.

The Mets’ skid began the day after Senga suffered a right hamstring injury covering first base on June 12, 2025. Senga, who was 7-3 with a 1.47 ERA in 13 starts when he got hurt, only missed a month. But that was enough to ruin his rhythm as he went 0-3 with a 5.90 ERA in his final nine starts before ending the season with Triple-A Syracuse.

Senga opened this year allowing four runs over 11 2/3 innings in his first two starts, but he has surrendered 14 runs (13 earned) over 5 2/3 innings in his last two starts. That includes seven runs (six earned) in 3 1/3 innings in his most recent appearance on April 17, when he took the defeat in the Mets’ 12-4 road loss to the Chicago Cubs.

Senga’s start was pushed back from Thursday so he could throw two side sessions.


“This is a guy that’s very meticulous about his work and his mechanics and things like that,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Friday afternoon. “Just got to go out there and do it.”

Lorenzen’s longest outing of the season helped the Rockies improve to 11-16 and move into position to earn their third series win of the season.

When the Rockies finished 43-119 last season, they didn’t win their first series until a three-game sweep of the Miami Marlins on June 1-3 — a trio of wins that improved their record to 12-50. Colorado didn’t post its third series win until winning two of three against the Minnesota Twins on July 18-20.

The win Friday — secured when converted starter Antonio Senzatela got the final five outs while facing just four batters thanks to getting Mark Vientos to line into an inning-ending double play in the eighth — also improved the Rockies to 4-6 in one-run games this season. Colorado was 3-7 in its first 10 one-run games last season — a stretch that spanned the first 46 games.

“Any time you are winning more games than last year, there is going to be better energy,” said Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer, who replaced Bud Black as skipper last year following Colorado’s 7-33 start. “They are playing well right now.”

McLean didn’t factor into the decision in his most recent start last Tuesday, when he gave up three runs over 6 2/3 innings as the Mets fell to the visiting Minnesota Twins, 5-3. He did fan 10 hitters without a walk.

Quintana took the loss in his most recent start last Monday night, when he allowed six runs (four earned) over five innings as the Rockies fell to the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers, 12-3.

Dollander, who has served as a reliever in all six of his appearances this year, took the defeat last Tuesday after giving up one run over a season-high six innings in the Rockies’ 1-0 loss to the visiting San Diego Padres.

Senga is 2-0 with a 1.47 ERA in three career starts against the Rockies. McLean has never opposed Colorado.

Quintana, who pitched for the Mets from 2023-24, is 2-3 with a 4.25 ERA in five starts against his former club. Dollander absorbed the defeat in his lone previous start against New York last June 8, when he allowed five runs over three innings in the Rockies’ home 13-5 loss.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Struggling #Kodai #Senga #seeks #form #MetsRockies #doubleheader">Deadspin | Struggling Kodai Senga seeks better form during Mets-Rockies doubleheader Apr 17, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga (34) delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images No player better symbolizes the topsy-turvy nature of the New York Mets than right-hander Kodai Senga. On Sunday, the Mets will look to the 33-year-old starting pitcher to snap his slump and help New York avoid falling into another tailspin when it hosts the Colorado Rockies in a doubleheader. Senga (0-3, 8.83 ERA) and fellow right-hander Nolan McLean (1-1, 2.67) are expected to start for the Mets. The Rockies will counter with left-hander Jose Quintana (0-2, 6.23) in Game 1 and an opener ahead of right-hander Chase Dollander (2-2, 2.88). The doubleheader was necessitated by a rainout Saturday, when Senga was slated to oppose Quintana. The Rockies need only a split to win the series. That’s because they claimed Friday’s opener, 4-3, when Michael Lorenzen tossed seven strong innings and Troy Johnston delivered what proved to be the decisive two-run single in the seventh inning. The loss halted a two-game winning streak for the Mets, who snapped a 12-game losing streak with Wednesday’s 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins. At 9-17, New York entered Saturday’s play tied with the Kansas City Royals for the second-worst record in the majors. Only the National League East-rival Philadelphia Phillies (8-18) are worse. The Mets’ season-opening slide could be considered a continuation of the struggles they endured over the final three-plus months of last season. New York had the best record in the bigs at 45-24 through June 12, but they missed the playoffs after stumbling to a 38-55 mark — the fifth-worst in the game — the rest of the way. The Mets’ skid began the day after Senga suffered a right hamstring injury covering first base on June 12, 2025. Senga, who was 7-3 with a 1.47 ERA in 13 starts when he got hurt, only missed a month. But that was enough to ruin his rhythm as he went 0-3 with a 5.90 ERA in his final nine starts before ending the season with Triple-A Syracuse. Senga opened this year allowing four runs over 11 2/3 innings in his first two starts, but he has surrendered 14 runs (13 earned) over 5 2/3 innings in his last two starts. That includes seven runs (six earned) in 3 1/3 innings in his most recent appearance on April 17, when he took the defeat in the Mets’ 12-4 road loss to the Chicago Cubs. Senga’s start was pushed back from Thursday so he could throw two side sessions. “This is a guy that’s very meticulous about his work and his mechanics and things like that,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Friday afternoon. “Just got to go out there and do it.” Lorenzen’s longest outing of the season helped the Rockies improve to 11-16 and move into position to earn their third series win of the season. When the Rockies finished 43-119 last season, they didn’t win their first series until a three-game sweep of the Miami Marlins on June 1-3 — a trio of wins that improved their record to 12-50. Colorado didn’t post its third series win until winning two of three against the Minnesota Twins on July 18-20. The win Friday — secured when converted starter Antonio Senzatela got the final five outs while facing just four batters thanks to getting Mark Vientos to line into an inning-ending double play in the eighth — also improved the Rockies to 4-6 in one-run games this season. Colorado was 3-7 in its first 10 one-run games last season — a stretch that spanned the first 46 games. “Any time you are winning more games than last year, there is going to be better energy,” said Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer, who replaced Bud Black as skipper last year following Colorado’s 7-33 start. “They are playing well right now.” McLean didn’t factor into the decision in his most recent start last Tuesday, when he gave up three runs over 6 2/3 innings as the Mets fell to the visiting Minnesota Twins, 5-3. He did fan 10 hitters without a walk. Quintana took the loss in his most recent start last Monday night, when he allowed six runs (four earned) over five innings as the Rockies fell to the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers, 12-3. Dollander, who has served as a reliever in all six of his appearances this year, took the defeat last Tuesday after giving up one run over a season-high six innings in the Rockies’ 1-0 loss to the visiting San Diego Padres. Senga is 2-0 with a 1.47 ERA in three career starts against the Rockies. McLean has never opposed Colorado. Quintana, who pitched for the Mets from 2023-24, is 2-3 with a 4.25 ERA in five starts against his former club. Dollander absorbed the defeat in his lone previous start against New York last June 8, when he allowed five runs over three innings in the Rockies’ home 13-5 loss. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Struggling #Kodai #Senga #seeks #form #MetsRockies #doubleheader

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