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Deadspin | Nuggets take aim at No. 3 seed in the West against Thunder Apr 8, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) controls the ball as Memphis Grizzlies forward Toby Okani (5) guards in the third quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Oklahoma City wrapped up the No. 1 overall seed with a win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night, making the final two games inconsequential for the reigning NBA champions. The Denver Nuggets, on the other hand, have something to play for when they host the Thunder on Friday night. Denver (52-28) leads the Los Angeles Lakers for the No. 3 seed, which would mean avoiding the Thunder (64-16) in the second round should both make it that far. The Nuggets have won 10 in a row for the first time in 13 years to climb into third place, and close out their home schedule against Oklahoma City. They finish the season Sunday night in San Antonio, which has locked up the No. 2 seed. The Thunder have won the first three matchups between the teams, the last one on March 9 when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hit a 3-pointer at the horn to win it, part of a streak of winning 19 of their last 20 overall to hold off the Spurs for the top seed. “It’s impressive,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the win over the Clippers. “Obviously, none of it means anything if you don’t win in the end, and you know that. But teams that win in the end have some of the same characteristics and traits and check off the same boxes. “So checking off those boxes is kind of just like knowing we’re headed in the right direction,” he continued. “Obviously, we’re far from the finish line of where we want to go, but like I said, it lets us know we’re heading right there.” Oklahoma City is trying to league’s first repeat winner since Golden State in 2017-18, and Gilgeous-Alexander, who is second in the NBA in scoring at 31.1 points a game, is favored to win his second straight MVP. The Thunder may choose to rest some of their top players on Friday night, which would benefit Denver. The Nuggets, who have won their last 10 home games, are surging at the right time of the year despite needing rallies to beat bad teams. “I think some of the wins have been better than others, we’ve played better,” guard Christian Braun said after Denver rallied to beat the visiting Memphis Grizzlies. “In this league, a win’s a win. You’ve got to find a way to string them together however you can get them. We’ve done a good job of doing that. Now we’ve got to keep it going.” One of Gilgeous-Alexander’s main competitors for league MVP is Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets center is averaging a triple-double for the second straight season (27.8 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.9 assists) and is poised to become the first player in NBA history to lead the league in rebounding and assists. Last season, Denver took the Thunder to seven games in the second round but feel better equipped for a longer playoff run this time. The Nuggets are deeper, with the ability to go nine or 10 deep when fully healthy if guard Peyton Watson and forward Spencer Jones can return from hamstring injuries for the postseason. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Nuggets #aim #seed #West #Thunder

Deadspin | Nuggets take aim at No. 3 seed in the West against Thunder
Deadspin | Nuggets take aim at No. 3 seed in the West against Thunder Apr 8, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) controls the ball as Memphis Grizzlies forward Toby Okani (5) guards in the third quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Oklahoma City wrapped up the No. 1 overall seed with a win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night, making the final two games inconsequential for the reigning NBA champions. The Denver Nuggets, on the other hand, have something to play for when they host the Thunder on Friday night. Denver (52-28) leads the Los Angeles Lakers for the No. 3 seed, which would mean avoiding the Thunder (64-16) in the second round should both make it that far. The Nuggets have won 10 in a row for the first time in 13 years to climb into third place, and close out their home schedule against Oklahoma City. They finish the season Sunday night in San Antonio, which has locked up the No. 2 seed. The Thunder have won the first three matchups between the teams, the last one on March 9 when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hit a 3-pointer at the horn to win it, part of a streak of winning 19 of their last 20 overall to hold off the Spurs for the top seed. “It’s impressive,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the win over the Clippers. “Obviously, none of it means anything if you don’t win in the end, and you know that. But teams that win in the end have some of the same characteristics and traits and check off the same boxes. “So checking off those boxes is kind of just like knowing we’re headed in the right direction,” he continued. “Obviously, we’re far from the finish line of where we want to go, but like I said, it lets us know we’re heading right there.” Oklahoma City is trying to league’s first repeat winner since Golden State in 2017-18, and Gilgeous-Alexander, who is second in the NBA in scoring at 31.1 points a game, is favored to win his second straight MVP. The Thunder may choose to rest some of their top players on Friday night, which would benefit Denver. The Nuggets, who have won their last 10 home games, are surging at the right time of the year despite needing rallies to beat bad teams. “I think some of the wins have been better than others, we’ve played better,” guard Christian Braun said after Denver rallied to beat the visiting Memphis Grizzlies. “In this league, a win’s a win. You’ve got to find a way to string them together however you can get them. We’ve done a good job of doing that. Now we’ve got to keep it going.” One of Gilgeous-Alexander’s main competitors for league MVP is Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets center is averaging a triple-double for the second straight season (27.8 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.9 assists) and is poised to become the first player in NBA history to lead the league in rebounding and assists. Last season, Denver took the Thunder to seven games in the second round but feel better equipped for a longer playoff run this time. The Nuggets are deeper, with the ability to go nine or 10 deep when fully healthy if guard Peyton Watson and forward Spencer Jones can return from hamstring injuries for the postseason. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Nuggets #aim #seed #West #ThunderApr 8, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) controls the ball as Memphis Grizzlies forward Toby Okani (5) guards in the third quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Oklahoma City wrapped up the No. 1 overall seed with a win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night, making the final two games inconsequential for the reigning NBA champions.

The Denver Nuggets, on the other hand, have something to play for when they host the Thunder on Friday night.

Denver (52-28) leads the Los Angeles Lakers for the No. 3 seed, which would mean avoiding the Thunder (64-16) in the second round should both make it that far. The Nuggets have won 10 in a row for the first time in 13 years to climb into third place, and close out their home schedule against Oklahoma City.

They finish the season Sunday night in San Antonio, which has locked up the No. 2 seed.

The Thunder have won the first three matchups between the teams, the last one on March 9 when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hit a 3-pointer at the horn to win it, part of a streak of winning 19 of their last 20 overall to hold off the Spurs for the top seed.

“It’s impressive,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the win over the Clippers. “Obviously, none of it means anything if you don’t win in the end, and you know that. But teams that win in the end have some of the same characteristics and traits and check off the same boxes.


“So checking off those boxes is kind of just like knowing we’re headed in the right direction,” he continued. “Obviously, we’re far from the finish line of where we want to go, but like I said, it lets us know we’re heading right there.”

Oklahoma City is trying to league’s first repeat winner since Golden State in 2017-18, and Gilgeous-Alexander, who is second in the NBA in scoring at 31.1 points a game, is favored to win his second straight MVP.

The Thunder may choose to rest some of their top players on Friday night, which would benefit Denver. The Nuggets, who have won their last 10 home games, are surging at the right time of the year despite needing rallies to beat bad teams.

“I think some of the wins have been better than others, we’ve played better,” guard Christian Braun said after Denver rallied to beat the visiting Memphis Grizzlies. “In this league, a win’s a win. You’ve got to find a way to string them together however you can get them. We’ve done a good job of doing that. Now we’ve got to keep it going.”

One of Gilgeous-Alexander’s main competitors for league MVP is Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets center is averaging a triple-double for the second straight season (27.8 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.9 assists) and is poised to become the first player in NBA history to lead the league in rebounding and assists.

Last season, Denver took the Thunder to seven games in the second round but feel better equipped for a longer playoff run this time. The Nuggets are deeper, with the ability to go nine or 10 deep when fully healthy if guard Peyton Watson and forward Spencer Jones can return from hamstring injuries for the postseason.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Nuggets #aim #seed #West #Thunder

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Apr 8, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) controls the ball as Memphis Grizzlies forward Toby Okani (5) guards in the third quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Oklahoma City wrapped up the No. 1 overall seed with a win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night, making the final two games inconsequential for the reigning NBA champions.

The Denver Nuggets, on the other hand, have something to play for when they host the Thunder on Friday night.

Denver (52-28) leads the Los Angeles Lakers for the No. 3 seed, which would mean avoiding the Thunder (64-16) in the second round should both make it that far. The Nuggets have won 10 in a row for the first time in 13 years to climb into third place, and close out their home schedule against Oklahoma City.

They finish the season Sunday night in San Antonio, which has locked up the No. 2 seed.

The Thunder have won the first three matchups between the teams, the last one on March 9 when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hit a 3-pointer at the horn to win it, part of a streak of winning 19 of their last 20 overall to hold off the Spurs for the top seed.

“It’s impressive,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the win over the Clippers. “Obviously, none of it means anything if you don’t win in the end, and you know that. But teams that win in the end have some of the same characteristics and traits and check off the same boxes.

“So checking off those boxes is kind of just like knowing we’re headed in the right direction,” he continued. “Obviously, we’re far from the finish line of where we want to go, but like I said, it lets us know we’re heading right there.”

Oklahoma City is trying to league’s first repeat winner since Golden State in 2017-18, and Gilgeous-Alexander, who is second in the NBA in scoring at 31.1 points a game, is favored to win his second straight MVP.

The Thunder may choose to rest some of their top players on Friday night, which would benefit Denver. The Nuggets, who have won their last 10 home games, are surging at the right time of the year despite needing rallies to beat bad teams.

“I think some of the wins have been better than others, we’ve played better,” guard Christian Braun said after Denver rallied to beat the visiting Memphis Grizzlies. “In this league, a win’s a win. You’ve got to find a way to string them together however you can get them. We’ve done a good job of doing that. Now we’ve got to keep it going.”

One of Gilgeous-Alexander’s main competitors for league MVP is Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets center is averaging a triple-double for the second straight season (27.8 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.9 assists) and is poised to become the first player in NBA history to lead the league in rebounding and assists.

Last season, Denver took the Thunder to seven games in the second round but feel better equipped for a longer playoff run this time. The Nuggets are deeper, with the ability to go nine or 10 deep when fully healthy if guard Peyton Watson and forward Spencer Jones can return from hamstring injuries for the postseason.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Reds rally to beat Rockies, off to best start since ’06 Colorado Rockies designated hitter Tyler Freeman (2) celebrates a home run in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026. TJ Friedl belted a go-ahead two run home run and Andrew Abbott allowed two runs over six innings to lead the Reds past the Colorado Rockies, 6-4, Thursday afternoon in Cincinnati. Nathaniel Lowe homered, doubled and scored twice and Spencer Steer went 2-for-3 with two RBIs for the Reds, who captured the rubber game of the series and won for the ninth time in 12 games to reach the 20-win plateau before May 1 for the first time in team history. Cincinnati has its best 31-game start (20-11) since the 2006 team also went 20-11 to open the season. Emilio Pagan gave up and RBI single to Mickey Moniak and a sacrifice fly to Jake McCarthy to make it a two-run game in the ninth. Abbott (1-2) allowed just two runs on five hits, striking out five and walking two to earn his first win of the season in his seventh start. Abbott worked out of a one-out, bases loaded jam in the fifth inning, getting Brenton Doyle to ground into a force play at the plate for the second out and striking out Hunter Goodman on a foul tip to end the threat. The Rockies got to Abbott in the first inning when Doyle walked with one out and Tyler Freeman connected on an Abbott fastball, driving to the first row of seats in right for his homer of the season and first since Aug. 16, 2025. The Reds began their rally against Colorado starter and former Reds two-way player Michael Lorenzen. Lowe connected on a changeup for his fifth homer of the season to lead off the second. All five of Lowe’s home runs this season came during Cincinnati’s six-game homestand that concluded Thursday. Lorenzen (2-3) was charged with four runs on four hits in 5 1/3 innings, striking out five and walking three while yielding two home runs. After Abbott worked out of the bases loaded jam in the fifth, the Reds answered in the bottom half by taking the lead for good. Steer worked a leadoff walk and one out later, Friedl connected for a home run into the seats in right. Colorado had runners on first and second against Connor Phillips in the seventh but the right-hander worked out of the jam with three strikeouts in the inning. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Reds #rally #beat #Rockies #startColorado Rockies designated hitter Tyler Freeman (2) celebrates a home run in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

TJ Friedl belted a go-ahead two run home run and Andrew Abbott allowed two runs over six innings to lead the Reds past the Colorado Rockies, 6-4, Thursday afternoon in Cincinnati.

Nathaniel Lowe homered, doubled and scored twice and Spencer Steer went 2-for-3 with two RBIs for the Reds, who captured the rubber game of the series and won for the ninth time in 12 games to reach the 20-win plateau before May 1 for the first time in team history.

Cincinnati has its best 31-game start (20-11) since the 2006 team also went 20-11 to open the season.

Emilio Pagan gave up and RBI single to Mickey Moniak and a sacrifice fly to Jake McCarthy to make it a two-run game in the ninth.

Abbott (1-2) allowed just two runs on five hits, striking out five and walking two to earn his first win of the season in his seventh start. Abbott worked out of a one-out, bases loaded jam in the fifth inning, getting Brenton Doyle to ground into a force play at the plate for the second out and striking out Hunter Goodman on a foul tip to end the threat.


The Rockies got to Abbott in the first inning when Doyle walked with one out and Tyler Freeman connected on an Abbott fastball, driving to the first row of seats in right for his homer of the season and first since Aug. 16, 2025.

The Reds began their rally against Colorado starter and former Reds two-way player Michael Lorenzen. Lowe connected on a changeup for his fifth homer of the season to lead off the second. All five of Lowe’s home runs this season came during Cincinnati’s six-game homestand that concluded Thursday.

Lorenzen (2-3) was charged with four runs on four hits in 5 1/3 innings, striking out five and walking three while yielding two home runs.

After Abbott worked out of the bases loaded jam in the fifth, the Reds answered in the bottom half by taking the lead for good. Steer worked a leadoff walk and one out later, Friedl connected for a home run into the seats in right.

Colorado had runners on first and second against Connor Phillips in the seventh but the right-hander worked out of the jam with three strikeouts in the inning.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Reds #rally #beat #Rockies #start">Deadspin | Reds rally to beat Rockies, off to best start since ’06 Colorado Rockies designated hitter Tyler Freeman (2) celebrates a home run in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, April 30, 2026. TJ Friedl belted a go-ahead two run home run and Andrew Abbott allowed two runs over six innings to lead the Reds past the Colorado Rockies, 6-4, Thursday afternoon in Cincinnati. Nathaniel Lowe homered, doubled and scored twice and Spencer Steer went 2-for-3 with two RBIs for the Reds, who captured the rubber game of the series and won for the ninth time in 12 games to reach the 20-win plateau before May 1 for the first time in team history. Cincinnati has its best 31-game start (20-11) since the 2006 team also went 20-11 to open the season. Emilio Pagan gave up and RBI single to Mickey Moniak and a sacrifice fly to Jake McCarthy to make it a two-run game in the ninth. Abbott (1-2) allowed just two runs on five hits, striking out five and walking two to earn his first win of the season in his seventh start. Abbott worked out of a one-out, bases loaded jam in the fifth inning, getting Brenton Doyle to ground into a force play at the plate for the second out and striking out Hunter Goodman on a foul tip to end the threat. The Rockies got to Abbott in the first inning when Doyle walked with one out and Tyler Freeman connected on an Abbott fastball, driving to the first row of seats in right for his homer of the season and first since Aug. 16, 2025. The Reds began their rally against Colorado starter and former Reds two-way player Michael Lorenzen. Lowe connected on a changeup for his fifth homer of the season to lead off the second. All five of Lowe’s home runs this season came during Cincinnati’s six-game homestand that concluded Thursday. Lorenzen (2-3) was charged with four runs on four hits in 5 1/3 innings, striking out five and walking three while yielding two home runs. After Abbott worked out of the bases loaded jam in the fifth, the Reds answered in the bottom half by taking the lead for good. Steer worked a leadoff walk and one out later, Friedl connected for a home run into the seats in right. Colorado had runners on first and second against Connor Phillips in the seventh but the right-hander worked out of the jam with three strikeouts in the inning. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Reds #rally #beat #Rockies #start

Deadspin | Wild D Jonas Brodin (lower body) out vs. Stars in Game 6 Apr 4, 2026; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin (25) skates in the first period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-IMAGN Images Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin has been ruled out for Thursday’s Game 6 against the visiting Dallas Stars and is day-to-day because of a lower-body injury. Brodin, 32, left Tuesday’s Game 5 at 1:44 of the second period after blocking a Mikko Rantanen shot. After the game, which Minnesota won 4-2, Brodin was seen on crutches with his foot in a medical boot. “It’s really for today,” Wild coach John Hynes said Thursday of Brodin being out. “It’s one of the things that guys get evaluated and it’s kind of a little bit of a moving target, so that’s why today he’ll be out, but I would classify him as day-to-day because as the day goes on, tomorrow, there could be an improvement or it could be the same.” The Wild lead the Western Conference first-round series 3-2 and with a victory can advance to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2015. Jeff Petry will replace Brodin and pair with defenseman Zach Bogosian, while Jake Middleton will move up to the second line and pair with Brodin’s regular linemate, Jared Spurgeon. Petry, obtained in a trade with the Florida Panthers on March 5, was a healthy scratch in the first five games. Brodin, a native of Sweden, has one assist, a plus-2 rating, four penalty minutes, 14 blocks and two hits in five playoff games. He recorded 18 points (four goals, 14 assists) in 62 regular-season games. For his career, all with Minnesota since the 2012-13 season, Brodin has 278 points (62 goals, 216 assists) in 915 games. He also has 18 points (two goals, 16 assists) in 78 playoff games. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Wild #Jonas #Brodin #body #Stars #GameApr 4, 2026; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin (25) skates in the first period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-IMAGN Images

Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin has been ruled out for Thursday’s Game 6 against the visiting Dallas Stars and is day-to-day because of a lower-body injury.

Brodin, 32, left Tuesday’s Game 5 at 1:44 of the second period after blocking a Mikko Rantanen shot. After the game, which Minnesota won 4-2, Brodin was seen on crutches with his foot in a medical boot.

“It’s really for today,” Wild coach John Hynes said Thursday of Brodin being out. “It’s one of the things that guys get evaluated and it’s kind of a little bit of a moving target, so that’s why today he’ll be out, but I would classify him as day-to-day because as the day goes on, tomorrow, there could be an improvement or it could be the same.”


The Wild lead the Western Conference first-round series 3-2 and with a victory can advance to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2015.

Jeff Petry will replace Brodin and pair with defenseman Zach Bogosian, while Jake Middleton will move up to the second line and pair with Brodin’s regular linemate, Jared Spurgeon. Petry, obtained in a trade with the Florida Panthers on March 5, was a healthy scratch in the first five games.

Brodin, a native of Sweden, has one assist, a plus-2 rating, four penalty minutes, 14 blocks and two hits in five playoff games.

He recorded 18 points (four goals, 14 assists) in 62 regular-season games. For his career, all with Minnesota since the 2012-13 season, Brodin has 278 points (62 goals, 216 assists) in 915 games. He also has 18 points (two goals, 16 assists) in 78 playoff games.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Wild #Jonas #Brodin #body #Stars #Game">Deadspin | Wild D Jonas Brodin (lower body) out vs. Stars in Game 6 Apr 4, 2026; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin (25) skates in the first period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-IMAGN Images Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin has been ruled out for Thursday’s Game 6 against the visiting Dallas Stars and is day-to-day because of a lower-body injury. Brodin, 32, left Tuesday’s Game 5 at 1:44 of the second period after blocking a Mikko Rantanen shot. After the game, which Minnesota won 4-2, Brodin was seen on crutches with his foot in a medical boot. “It’s really for today,” Wild coach John Hynes said Thursday of Brodin being out. “It’s one of the things that guys get evaluated and it’s kind of a little bit of a moving target, so that’s why today he’ll be out, but I would classify him as day-to-day because as the day goes on, tomorrow, there could be an improvement or it could be the same.” The Wild lead the Western Conference first-round series 3-2 and with a victory can advance to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2015. Jeff Petry will replace Brodin and pair with defenseman Zach Bogosian, while Jake Middleton will move up to the second line and pair with Brodin’s regular linemate, Jared Spurgeon. Petry, obtained in a trade with the Florida Panthers on March 5, was a healthy scratch in the first five games. Brodin, a native of Sweden, has one assist, a plus-2 rating, four penalty minutes, 14 blocks and two hits in five playoff games. He recorded 18 points (four goals, 14 assists) in 62 regular-season games. For his career, all with Minnesota since the 2012-13 season, Brodin has 278 points (62 goals, 216 assists) in 915 games. He also has 18 points (two goals, 16 assists) in 78 playoff games. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Wild #Jonas #Brodin #body #Stars #Game

Deadspin | CJ Abrams, Nationals add to Mets’ slide with 1-run win Apr 30, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams (5) celebrates his two run home run against the New York Mets with left fielder Daylen Lile (4) during the eighth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images CJ Abrams hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning and drove in three runs as the visiting Washington Nationals rallied for a 5-4 victory over the New York Mets on Thursday afternoon. After Luis Garcia Jr. opened the inning with a single and Daylen Lile avoided hitting into a double play on a fielder’s choice, Abrams gave Washington a 5-4 lead by driving a 2-1 changeup from Luke Weaver over the right field fence. Abrams’ 403-foot drive was his sixth hit in 11 at-bats in the series and helped the Nationals win for the fourth time in five games. Washington also beat the Mets for the sixth time in the past nine meetings. Abrams homered off Weaver (2-1) after Washington lost an early three-run lead. The Nationals went ahead in the second when Jorbit Vivas scored from first on New York starter Freddy Peralta’s three-base throwing error on a comebacker. Jacob Young followed with a two-out RBI single. Abrams flailed a broken-bat single to left field after Garcia doubled in the third. Besides the shortstop’s clutch hits, the Nationals also got standout defense from right fielder James Wood. Wood made a leaping catch and stuck his glove over the fence to rob Juan Soto of a homer in the first. In the fifth, Wood charged in and made a diving catch on Bo Bichette’s sinking liner. New York’s MJ Melendez hit a tying three-run homer over the right field fence off Miles Mikolas’ 1-2 fastball in the third. Mark Vientos hit an RBI-double to the right-center field warning track to give the Mets a 4-3 lead in the sixth. The Mets lost for the 17th time in 20 games. Their skid includes a 12-game losing streak and New York has been outscored 106-53 in a span when they lost Francisco Lindor (calf) and Luis Robert Jr. (back) to the injured list. Mikolas allowed three runs on three hits in four innings. The right-hander struck out three and walked one while frequently falling behind hitters. Left-hander Mitchell Parker (2-0) went the next three innings and former Mets lefty Richard Lovelady got two outs after Soto opened the eighth with a double. Gus Varland stranded Soto at second in the eighth and struck out Ronny Mauricio in the ninth to cap an eight-pitch at-bat with Francisco Alvarez on second to secure his third save. Peralta allowed three runs (one earned) on four hits in six innings. The right-hander struck out six and walked three. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Abrams #Nationals #add #Mets #slide #1run #winApr 30, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams (5) celebrates his two run home run against the New York Mets with left fielder Daylen Lile (4) during the eighth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

CJ Abrams hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning and drove in three runs as the visiting Washington Nationals rallied for a 5-4 victory over the New York Mets on Thursday afternoon.

After Luis Garcia Jr. opened the inning with a single and Daylen Lile avoided hitting into a double play on a fielder’s choice, Abrams gave Washington a 5-4 lead by driving a 2-1 changeup from Luke Weaver over the right field fence.

Abrams’ 403-foot drive was his sixth hit in 11 at-bats in the series and helped the Nationals win for the fourth time in five games. Washington also beat the Mets for the sixth time in the past nine meetings.

Abrams homered off Weaver (2-1) after Washington lost an early three-run lead.

The Nationals went ahead in the second when Jorbit Vivas scored from first on New York starter Freddy Peralta’s three-base throwing error on a comebacker. Jacob Young followed with a two-out RBI single. Abrams flailed a broken-bat single to left field after Garcia doubled in the third.

Besides the shortstop’s clutch hits, the Nationals also got standout defense from right fielder James Wood.


Wood made a leaping catch and stuck his glove over the fence to rob Juan Soto of a homer in the first. In the fifth, Wood charged in and made a diving catch on Bo Bichette’s sinking liner.

New York’s MJ Melendez hit a tying three-run homer over the right field fence off Miles Mikolas’ 1-2 fastball in the third. Mark Vientos hit an RBI-double to the right-center field warning track to give the Mets a 4-3 lead in the sixth.

The Mets lost for the 17th time in 20 games. Their skid includes a 12-game losing streak and New York has been outscored 106-53 in a span when they lost Francisco Lindor (calf) and Luis Robert Jr. (back) to the injured list.

Mikolas allowed three runs on three hits in four innings. The right-hander struck out three and walked one while frequently falling behind hitters. Left-hander Mitchell Parker (2-0) went the next three innings and former Mets lefty Richard Lovelady got two outs after Soto opened the eighth with a double.

Gus Varland stranded Soto at second in the eighth and struck out Ronny Mauricio in the ninth to cap an eight-pitch at-bat with Francisco Alvarez on second to secure his third save.

Peralta allowed three runs (one earned) on four hits in six innings. The right-hander struck out six and walked three.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Abrams #Nationals #add #Mets #slide #1run #win">Deadspin | CJ Abrams, Nationals add to Mets’ slide with 1-run win Apr 30, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams (5) celebrates his two run home run against the New York Mets with left fielder Daylen Lile (4) during the eighth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images CJ Abrams hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning and drove in three runs as the visiting Washington Nationals rallied for a 5-4 victory over the New York Mets on Thursday afternoon. After Luis Garcia Jr. opened the inning with a single and Daylen Lile avoided hitting into a double play on a fielder’s choice, Abrams gave Washington a 5-4 lead by driving a 2-1 changeup from Luke Weaver over the right field fence. Abrams’ 403-foot drive was his sixth hit in 11 at-bats in the series and helped the Nationals win for the fourth time in five games. Washington also beat the Mets for the sixth time in the past nine meetings. Abrams homered off Weaver (2-1) after Washington lost an early three-run lead. The Nationals went ahead in the second when Jorbit Vivas scored from first on New York starter Freddy Peralta’s three-base throwing error on a comebacker. Jacob Young followed with a two-out RBI single. Abrams flailed a broken-bat single to left field after Garcia doubled in the third. Besides the shortstop’s clutch hits, the Nationals also got standout defense from right fielder James Wood. Wood made a leaping catch and stuck his glove over the fence to rob Juan Soto of a homer in the first. In the fifth, Wood charged in and made a diving catch on Bo Bichette’s sinking liner. New York’s MJ Melendez hit a tying three-run homer over the right field fence off Miles Mikolas’ 1-2 fastball in the third. Mark Vientos hit an RBI-double to the right-center field warning track to give the Mets a 4-3 lead in the sixth. The Mets lost for the 17th time in 20 games. Their skid includes a 12-game losing streak and New York has been outscored 106-53 in a span when they lost Francisco Lindor (calf) and Luis Robert Jr. (back) to the injured list. Mikolas allowed three runs on three hits in four innings. The right-hander struck out three and walked one while frequently falling behind hitters. Left-hander Mitchell Parker (2-0) went the next three innings and former Mets lefty Richard Lovelady got two outs after Soto opened the eighth with a double. Gus Varland stranded Soto at second in the eighth and struck out Ronny Mauricio in the ninth to cap an eight-pitch at-bat with Francisco Alvarez on second to secure his third save. Peralta allowed three runs (one earned) on four hits in six innings. The right-hander struck out six and walked three. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Abrams #Nationals #add #Mets #slide #1run #win

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