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Deadspin | Pirates turn to ace Paul Skenes against Rays Apr 17, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (left) shakes the hand of manager Don Kelly, right, upon accepting his Cy Young Award from owner Bob Nutting before a game against the Tampa Bay Rays Tampa Bay Rays at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images A day after he was presented his 2025 National League Cy Young Award, Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes will be on the mound to face the visiting Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday afternoon. Skenes (3-1, 4.00 ERA), who will oppose fellow right-hander Drew Rasmussen (1-0, 1.13) on Saturday, was presented the award by 1990 Cy Young winner and former Pirates ace Doug Drabek before the Pirates’ 5-1 win over Tampa Bay. Skenes, who is 1-0 with an 0.64 ERA in two career starts against the Rays, has pitched more like a Cy Young winner since his disastrous Opening Day outing against the New York Mets in which he gave up five runs and didn’t survive the first inning. He is 3-0 with a 1.56 ERA in his three starts since then, allowing just six hits — including two solo home runs — striking out 17 batters and walking five. In his most recent start, against the Washington Nationals on Monday, he allowed a solo home run to CJ Abrams with two outs in the first and did not allow another hit over his six-inning start in the Pirates’ 16-5 victory. A major difference for Skenes this season has been the Pirates providing significant run support. Pittsburgh scored only 11 runs in Skenes’ 10 losses last season. This season, they have scored a combined 25 runs in the innings before Skenes has exited his four starts and have scored seven or more runs in every game he’s started. Against Washington on Monday, the Pirates scored 15 runs over the first six innings. “I told the guys after the game, ‘It makes it easy to pitch,'” Skenes said. “Even if I’m not getting it while I’m in the game, being out there pitching and knowing that it’s going to happen at some point makes it a lot easier to pitch.” Rasmussen, an All-Star last year, is settling back into his normal pitching routine after a hectic 10-day period that followed the birth of his daughter. Rasmussen was scratched from his scheduled start on April 7 when his wife went into labor, and he spent the next four days on the paternity list and the family medical emergency list. Rasmussen made a decision to pitch last Sunday against the New York Yankees without much time to prepare. He threw a gem in which he tossed six shutout innings and allowed one hit, no walks and struck out seven on 76 pitches in beating the Yankees 5-4. “Stevie (his wife) and I ultimately decided maybe a little bit of normalcy would be nice,” Rasmussen said about choosing to come back early and pitch last Sunday. “Just kind of trying to focus on execution, putting a little bit more weight on (catcher Hunter Feduccia’s) shoulders and just taking it pitch by pitch. I don’t know if I shook off (Feduccia’s pitch call) once, in all honesty.” Rasmussen said his wife, newborn daughter, and their son are all home, and he was able to resume his normal routines this week. The Rays lost Rasmussen’s first two starts despite him not allowing more than one earned run over five innings in each outing. He has 17 strikeouts, one walk, and am 0.56 WHIP over 16 innings. His next task will be to get the Rays back on track after they had their six-game winning streak snapped on Friday. Rasmussen is 1-0 with a 2.19 ERA in six career appearances vs. Pittsburgh, including one start. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Pirates #turn #ace #Paul #Skenes #Rays

Deadspin | Pirates turn to ace Paul Skenes against Rays
Deadspin | Pirates turn to ace Paul Skenes against Rays Apr 17, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (left) shakes the hand of manager Don Kelly, right, upon accepting his Cy Young Award from owner Bob Nutting before a game against the Tampa Bay Rays Tampa Bay Rays at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images A day after he was presented his 2025 National League Cy Young Award, Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes will be on the mound to face the visiting Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday afternoon. Skenes (3-1, 4.00 ERA), who will oppose fellow right-hander Drew Rasmussen (1-0, 1.13) on Saturday, was presented the award by 1990 Cy Young winner and former Pirates ace Doug Drabek before the Pirates’ 5-1 win over Tampa Bay. Skenes, who is 1-0 with an 0.64 ERA in two career starts against the Rays, has pitched more like a Cy Young winner since his disastrous Opening Day outing against the New York Mets in which he gave up five runs and didn’t survive the first inning. He is 3-0 with a 1.56 ERA in his three starts since then, allowing just six hits — including two solo home runs — striking out 17 batters and walking five. In his most recent start, against the Washington Nationals on Monday, he allowed a solo home run to CJ Abrams with two outs in the first and did not allow another hit over his six-inning start in the Pirates’ 16-5 victory. A major difference for Skenes this season has been the Pirates providing significant run support. Pittsburgh scored only 11 runs in Skenes’ 10 losses last season. This season, they have scored a combined 25 runs in the innings before Skenes has exited his four starts and have scored seven or more runs in every game he’s started. Against Washington on Monday, the Pirates scored 15 runs over the first six innings. “I told the guys after the game, ‘It makes it easy to pitch,'” Skenes said. “Even if I’m not getting it while I’m in the game, being out there pitching and knowing that it’s going to happen at some point makes it a lot easier to pitch.” Rasmussen, an All-Star last year, is settling back into his normal pitching routine after a hectic 10-day period that followed the birth of his daughter. Rasmussen was scratched from his scheduled start on April 7 when his wife went into labor, and he spent the next four days on the paternity list and the family medical emergency list. Rasmussen made a decision to pitch last Sunday against the New York Yankees without much time to prepare. He threw a gem in which he tossed six shutout innings and allowed one hit, no walks and struck out seven on 76 pitches in beating the Yankees 5-4. “Stevie (his wife) and I ultimately decided maybe a little bit of normalcy would be nice,” Rasmussen said about choosing to come back early and pitch last Sunday. “Just kind of trying to focus on execution, putting a little bit more weight on (catcher Hunter Feduccia’s) shoulders and just taking it pitch by pitch. I don’t know if I shook off (Feduccia’s pitch call) once, in all honesty.” Rasmussen said his wife, newborn daughter, and their son are all home, and he was able to resume his normal routines this week. The Rays lost Rasmussen’s first two starts despite him not allowing more than one earned run over five innings in each outing. He has 17 strikeouts, one walk, and am 0.56 WHIP over 16 innings. His next task will be to get the Rays back on track after they had their six-game winning streak snapped on Friday. Rasmussen is 1-0 with a 2.19 ERA in six career appearances vs. Pittsburgh, including one start. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Pirates #turn #ace #Paul #Skenes #RaysApr 17, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (left) shakes the hand of manager Don Kelly, right, upon accepting his Cy Young Award from owner Bob Nutting before a game against the Tampa Bay Rays Tampa Bay Rays at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images

A day after he was presented his 2025 National League Cy Young Award, Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes will be on the mound to face the visiting Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday afternoon.

Skenes (3-1, 4.00 ERA), who will oppose fellow right-hander Drew Rasmussen (1-0, 1.13) on Saturday, was presented the award by 1990 Cy Young winner and former Pirates ace Doug Drabek before the Pirates’ 5-1 win over Tampa Bay.

Skenes, who is 1-0 with an 0.64 ERA in two career starts against the Rays, has pitched more like a Cy Young winner since his disastrous Opening Day outing against the New York Mets in which he gave up five runs and didn’t survive the first inning. He is 3-0 with a 1.56 ERA in his three starts since then, allowing just six hits — including two solo home runs — striking out 17 batters and walking five.

In his most recent start, against the Washington Nationals on Monday, he allowed a solo home run to CJ Abrams with two outs in the first and did not allow another hit over his six-inning start in the Pirates’ 16-5 victory.

A major difference for Skenes this season has been the Pirates providing significant run support.

Pittsburgh scored only 11 runs in Skenes’ 10 losses last season. This season, they have scored a combined 25 runs in the innings before Skenes has exited his four starts and have scored seven or more runs in every game he’s started. Against Washington on Monday, the Pirates scored 15 runs over the first six innings.


“I told the guys after the game, ‘It makes it easy to pitch,'” Skenes said. “Even if I’m not getting it while I’m in the game, being out there pitching and knowing that it’s going to happen at some point makes it a lot easier to pitch.”

Rasmussen, an All-Star last year, is settling back into his normal pitching routine after a hectic 10-day period that followed the birth of his daughter. Rasmussen was scratched from his scheduled start on April 7 when his wife went into labor, and he spent the next four days on the paternity list and the family medical emergency list.

Rasmussen made a decision to pitch last Sunday against the New York Yankees without much time to prepare. He threw a gem in which he tossed six shutout innings and allowed one hit, no walks and struck out seven on 76 pitches in beating the Yankees 5-4.

“Stevie (his wife) and I ultimately decided maybe a little bit of normalcy would be nice,” Rasmussen said about choosing to come back early and pitch last Sunday. “Just kind of trying to focus on execution, putting a little bit more weight on (catcher Hunter Feduccia’s) shoulders and just taking it pitch by pitch. I don’t know if I shook off (Feduccia’s pitch call) once, in all honesty.”

Rasmussen said his wife, newborn daughter, and their son are all home, and he was able to resume his normal routines this week.

The Rays lost Rasmussen’s first two starts despite him not allowing more than one earned run over five innings in each outing. He has 17 strikeouts, one walk, and am 0.56 WHIP over 16 innings.

His next task will be to get the Rays back on track after they had their six-game winning streak snapped on Friday. Rasmussen is 1-0 with a 2.19 ERA in six career appearances vs. Pittsburgh, including one start.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Pirates #turn #ace #Paul #Skenes #Rays

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Apr 17, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (left) shakes the hand of manager Don Kelly, right, upon accepting his Cy Young Award from owner Bob Nutting before a game against the Tampa Bay Rays Tampa Bay Rays at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images

A day after he was presented his 2025 National League Cy Young Award, Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes will be on the mound to face the visiting Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday afternoon.

Skenes (3-1, 4.00 ERA), who will oppose fellow right-hander Drew Rasmussen (1-0, 1.13) on Saturday, was presented the award by 1990 Cy Young winner and former Pirates ace Doug Drabek before the Pirates’ 5-1 win over Tampa Bay.

Skenes, who is 1-0 with an 0.64 ERA in two career starts against the Rays, has pitched more like a Cy Young winner since his disastrous Opening Day outing against the New York Mets in which he gave up five runs and didn’t survive the first inning. He is 3-0 with a 1.56 ERA in his three starts since then, allowing just six hits — including two solo home runs — striking out 17 batters and walking five.

In his most recent start, against the Washington Nationals on Monday, he allowed a solo home run to CJ Abrams with two outs in the first and did not allow another hit over his six-inning start in the Pirates’ 16-5 victory.

A major difference for Skenes this season has been the Pirates providing significant run support.

Pittsburgh scored only 11 runs in Skenes’ 10 losses last season. This season, they have scored a combined 25 runs in the innings before Skenes has exited his four starts and have scored seven or more runs in every game he’s started. Against Washington on Monday, the Pirates scored 15 runs over the first six innings.

“I told the guys after the game, ‘It makes it easy to pitch,'” Skenes said. “Even if I’m not getting it while I’m in the game, being out there pitching and knowing that it’s going to happen at some point makes it a lot easier to pitch.”

Rasmussen, an All-Star last year, is settling back into his normal pitching routine after a hectic 10-day period that followed the birth of his daughter. Rasmussen was scratched from his scheduled start on April 7 when his wife went into labor, and he spent the next four days on the paternity list and the family medical emergency list.

Rasmussen made a decision to pitch last Sunday against the New York Yankees without much time to prepare. He threw a gem in which he tossed six shutout innings and allowed one hit, no walks and struck out seven on 76 pitches in beating the Yankees 5-4.

“Stevie (his wife) and I ultimately decided maybe a little bit of normalcy would be nice,” Rasmussen said about choosing to come back early and pitch last Sunday. “Just kind of trying to focus on execution, putting a little bit more weight on (catcher Hunter Feduccia’s) shoulders and just taking it pitch by pitch. I don’t know if I shook off (Feduccia’s pitch call) once, in all honesty.”

Rasmussen said his wife, newborn daughter, and their son are all home, and he was able to resume his normal routines this week.

The Rays lost Rasmussen’s first two starts despite him not allowing more than one earned run over five innings in each outing. He has 17 strikeouts, one walk, and am 0.56 WHIP over 16 innings.

His next task will be to get the Rays back on track after they had their six-game winning streak snapped on Friday. Rasmussen is 1-0 with a 2.19 ERA in six career appearances vs. Pittsburgh, including one start.

–Field Level Media

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Cobolli downs World No. 3 Zverev to reach first Munich final <div id="content-body-70877912" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Flavio Cobolli ended top seed Alexander Zverev’s Munich Open title defence on Saturday, as the Italian eased past the World No. 3 in straight sets to reach the final.</p><p>Fourth seed Cobolli beat the home favourite 6-3, 6-3 in just under 70 minutes in their semifinal.</p><p>The 23-year-old’s commanding performance dashed Zverev’s hopes of a record fourth title on the clay in Munich.</p><p>Cobolli will face either second seed Ben Shelton of the United States or Slovak qualifier Alex Molčan in Sunday’s final.</p><p>“One of my best matches ever against one of my closest friends on tour,” Cobolli said. “I’m a little bit shy when I play a top player, but today I played one of my best matches and I’m really happy.”</p><p><b>ALSO READ: <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/tennis/italy-host-atp-250-grasscourt-event-wimbledon-tuneup-starting-2028-sinner-alcaraz-rome-fifth-slam/article70862669.ece#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Italy to host grasscourt ATP event prior to Wimbledon from 2028</a></b></p><p>Cobolli took control early, breaking Zverev to love in the fourth game of the opening set.</p><p>Zverev struggled to make an impact on Cobolli’s serve, and when the World No. 16 broke again in the first game of the second set, the match began to slip away from the German.</p><p>Two powerful crosscourt forehands, followed by a crisp volley to close out the seventh game, handed Cobolli a double break and the opportunity to serve for the match.</p><p>Zverev briefly fought back, earning his first break points of the contest and converting on his second attempt to delay the inevitable.</p><p>However, Cobolli regained control in the next game, earning match point with a forehand on the run before Zverev miscued a deep return to seal the result.</p><p>Cobolli advances to his second final of the season and will look to add to the title he won in Acapulco in February.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 18, 2026</p></div> #Cobolli #downs #World #Zverev #reach #Munich #final

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Deadspin | Orioles do all their damage in the eighth, stun Guardians 6-4 Apr 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jeremiah Jackson (82) hits a three-run home run in the eighth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images Jeremiah Jackson hit a three-run homer off Connor Brogdon as part of a six-run eighth inning, rallying the visiting Baltimore Orioles to a 6-4 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Friday night. Jackson’s fifth home run of the season came with two outs, capping a wild turn of events that saw the Orioles score six times off relievers Shawn Armstrong, Erik Sabrowski and Brogdon on two hits, three walks and a hit by pitch. Cleveland had taken a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the seventh on Daniel Schneemann’s second career grand slam, a towering 407-foot drive to right off Anthony Nunez, before Baltimore stormed back to snap its three-game losing streak. Rico Garcia (2-0) was awarded the win for working a clean eighth inning, while Ryan Helsley earned his sixth save in six opportunities. Sabrowski (0-1) allowed two runs and recorded two outs for the loss. Baltimore pulled within 4-3 on a sacrifice fly from Johnathan Rodriguez and a two-run double by fellow pinch hitter Weston Wilson before Brogdon entered to face Jackson. Sabrowski came in after Armstrong put three aboard without getting an out. Schneemann’s slam caused the first inherited runs by the Orioles’ bullpen in their 20th game. Steven Kwan, Chase DeLauter and Jose Ramirez reached against Grant Wolfram, including Kwan on an error by second baseman Jackson that made three of the runs unearned. Tanner Bibee tossed a season-high six innings for the Guardians, striking out five in his initial scoreless appearance of 2026. The right-hander allowed four hits and three walks, but remained winless in five outings. Orioles starter Chris Bassitt threw 100 pitches over five scoreless innings, giving up four hits and four walks with two strikeouts. The righty, who is still seeking his first win, stranded seven runners in his longest outing of the year. There was a delay in the fifth when Baltimore right fielder Colton Cowser collided with the wall while catching a foul ball by DeLauter. He remained in the game after having his knees checked out by a trainer. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Orioles #damage #eighth #stun #GuardiansApr 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jeremiah Jackson (82) hits a three-run home run in the eighth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

Jeremiah Jackson hit a three-run homer off Connor Brogdon as part of a six-run eighth inning, rallying the visiting Baltimore Orioles to a 6-4 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Friday night.

Jackson’s fifth home run of the season came with two outs, capping a wild turn of events that saw the Orioles score six times off relievers Shawn Armstrong, Erik Sabrowski and Brogdon on two hits, three walks and a hit by pitch.

Cleveland had taken a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the seventh on Daniel Schneemann’s second career grand slam, a towering 407-foot drive to right off Anthony Nunez, before Baltimore stormed back to snap its three-game losing streak.

Rico Garcia (2-0) was awarded the win for working a clean eighth inning, while Ryan Helsley earned his sixth save in six opportunities. Sabrowski (0-1) allowed two runs and recorded two outs for the loss.


Baltimore pulled within 4-3 on a sacrifice fly from Johnathan Rodriguez and a two-run double by fellow pinch hitter Weston Wilson before Brogdon entered to face Jackson. Sabrowski came in after Armstrong put three aboard without getting an out.

Schneemann’s slam caused the first inherited runs by the Orioles’ bullpen in their 20th game. Steven Kwan, Chase DeLauter and Jose Ramirez reached against Grant Wolfram, including Kwan on an error by second baseman Jackson that made three of the runs unearned.

Tanner Bibee tossed a season-high six innings for the Guardians, striking out five in his initial scoreless appearance of 2026. The right-hander allowed four hits and three walks, but remained winless in five outings.

Orioles starter Chris Bassitt threw 100 pitches over five scoreless innings, giving up four hits and four walks with two strikeouts. The righty, who is still seeking his first win, stranded seven runners in his longest outing of the year.

There was a delay in the fifth when Baltimore right fielder Colton Cowser collided with the wall while catching a foul ball by DeLauter. He remained in the game after having his knees checked out by a trainer.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Orioles #damage #eighth #stun #Guardians">Deadspin | Orioles do all their damage in the eighth, stun Guardians 6-4 Apr 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jeremiah Jackson (82) hits a three-run home run in the eighth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images Jeremiah Jackson hit a three-run homer off Connor Brogdon as part of a six-run eighth inning, rallying the visiting Baltimore Orioles to a 6-4 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Friday night. Jackson’s fifth home run of the season came with two outs, capping a wild turn of events that saw the Orioles score six times off relievers Shawn Armstrong, Erik Sabrowski and Brogdon on two hits, three walks and a hit by pitch. Cleveland had taken a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the seventh on Daniel Schneemann’s second career grand slam, a towering 407-foot drive to right off Anthony Nunez, before Baltimore stormed back to snap its three-game losing streak. Rico Garcia (2-0) was awarded the win for working a clean eighth inning, while Ryan Helsley earned his sixth save in six opportunities. Sabrowski (0-1) allowed two runs and recorded two outs for the loss. Baltimore pulled within 4-3 on a sacrifice fly from Johnathan Rodriguez and a two-run double by fellow pinch hitter Weston Wilson before Brogdon entered to face Jackson. Sabrowski came in after Armstrong put three aboard without getting an out. Schneemann’s slam caused the first inherited runs by the Orioles’ bullpen in their 20th game. Steven Kwan, Chase DeLauter and Jose Ramirez reached against Grant Wolfram, including Kwan on an error by second baseman Jackson that made three of the runs unearned. Tanner Bibee tossed a season-high six innings for the Guardians, striking out five in his initial scoreless appearance of 2026. The right-hander allowed four hits and three walks, but remained winless in five outings. Orioles starter Chris Bassitt threw 100 pitches over five scoreless innings, giving up four hits and four walks with two strikeouts. The righty, who is still seeking his first win, stranded seven runners in his longest outing of the year. There was a delay in the fifth when Baltimore right fielder Colton Cowser collided with the wall while catching a foul ball by DeLauter. He remained in the game after having his knees checked out by a trainer. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Orioles #damage #eighth #stun #Guardians

Deadspin | Bubba Chandler shines as Pirates snap Rays’ six-game streak Apr 17, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Bubba Chandler (36) delivers a pitch to the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images Bubba Chandler allowed one run over six innings and the host Pittsburgh Pirates totaled 11 hits to secure a 5-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night. Chandler (1-1) struck out three, allowed three hits and walked one while throwing 90 pitches in his first career start against the Rays, who had a six-game winning streak snapped. Marcell Ozuna, Spencer Horwitz and Brandon Lowe each had three hits to lead the Pirates. Lowe had two doubles and two RBIs against his former team. Ozuna continued to break out of a slump with his eighth hit in his past 20 at-bats after starting the season with a 2-for-39 stretch. After Chandler limited Tampa Bay to one hit over his first 5 2/3 innings, Junior Caminero drove in the Rays’ lone run in the top of the sixth with a game-tying, two-out single. Oneil Cruz broke the tie with two outs in the bottom of that inning when he smacked a two-run home run off Rays reliever Griffin Jax over the right field fence. Horwitz’s second-inning double scored Ozuna to give Pittsburgh a 1-0 lead. Chandler retired 10 in a row until Chandler Simpson’s two-out single on a high chopper that went off Chandler’s glove and allowed him to beat the throw to first. Simpson reached second on a wild pitch and then scored on Caminero’s single. Rays starter Nick Martinez (0-1) threw 5 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on eight hits and three walks with three strikeouts. He was lifted in the sixth after allowing a leadoff single to Horwitz and inducing a fielder’s choice from Konnor Griffin. After stealing second, Griffin advanced to third on a wild pitch by Jax. Cruz then delivered his sixth homer of the season. The Rays had two runners on base in the ninth after a double by Yandy Diaz and after Ben Williamson drew a walk from Pirates closer Dennis Santana. But Santana induced a game-ending popup in foul ground by Cedric Mullins. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Bubba #Chandler #shines #Pirates #snap #Rays #sixgame #streakApr 17, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Bubba Chandler (36) delivers a pitch to the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images

Bubba Chandler allowed one run over six innings and the host Pittsburgh Pirates totaled 11 hits to secure a 5-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night.

Chandler (1-1) struck out three, allowed three hits and walked one while throwing 90 pitches in his first career start against the Rays, who had a six-game winning streak snapped.

Marcell Ozuna, Spencer Horwitz and Brandon Lowe each had three hits to lead the Pirates. Lowe had two doubles and two RBIs against his former team. Ozuna continued to break out of a slump with his eighth hit in his past 20 at-bats after starting the season with a 2-for-39 stretch.

After Chandler limited Tampa Bay to one hit over his first 5 2/3 innings, Junior Caminero drove in the Rays’ lone run in the top of the sixth with a game-tying, two-out single.


Oneil Cruz broke the tie with two outs in the bottom of that inning when he smacked a two-run home run off Rays reliever Griffin Jax over the right field fence.

Horwitz’s second-inning double scored Ozuna to give Pittsburgh a 1-0 lead.

Chandler retired 10 in a row until Chandler Simpson’s two-out single on a high chopper that went off Chandler’s glove and allowed him to beat the throw to first. Simpson reached second on a wild pitch and then scored on Caminero’s single.

Rays starter Nick Martinez (0-1) threw 5 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on eight hits and three walks with three strikeouts. He was lifted in the sixth after allowing a leadoff single to Horwitz and inducing a fielder’s choice from Konnor Griffin. After stealing second, Griffin advanced to third on a wild pitch by Jax. Cruz then delivered his sixth homer of the season.

The Rays had two runners on base in the ninth after a double by Yandy Diaz and after Ben Williamson drew a walk from Pirates closer Dennis Santana. But Santana induced a game-ending popup in foul ground by Cedric Mullins.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Bubba #Chandler #shines #Pirates #snap #Rays #sixgame #streak">Deadspin | Bubba Chandler shines as Pirates snap Rays’ six-game streak Apr 17, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Bubba Chandler (36) delivers a pitch to the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images Bubba Chandler allowed one run over six innings and the host Pittsburgh Pirates totaled 11 hits to secure a 5-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night. Chandler (1-1) struck out three, allowed three hits and walked one while throwing 90 pitches in his first career start against the Rays, who had a six-game winning streak snapped. Marcell Ozuna, Spencer Horwitz and Brandon Lowe each had three hits to lead the Pirates. Lowe had two doubles and two RBIs against his former team. Ozuna continued to break out of a slump with his eighth hit in his past 20 at-bats after starting the season with a 2-for-39 stretch. After Chandler limited Tampa Bay to one hit over his first 5 2/3 innings, Junior Caminero drove in the Rays’ lone run in the top of the sixth with a game-tying, two-out single. Oneil Cruz broke the tie with two outs in the bottom of that inning when he smacked a two-run home run off Rays reliever Griffin Jax over the right field fence. Horwitz’s second-inning double scored Ozuna to give Pittsburgh a 1-0 lead. Chandler retired 10 in a row until Chandler Simpson’s two-out single on a high chopper that went off Chandler’s glove and allowed him to beat the throw to first. Simpson reached second on a wild pitch and then scored on Caminero’s single. Rays starter Nick Martinez (0-1) threw 5 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on eight hits and three walks with three strikeouts. He was lifted in the sixth after allowing a leadoff single to Horwitz and inducing a fielder’s choice from Konnor Griffin. After stealing second, Griffin advanced to third on a wild pitch by Jax. Cruz then delivered his sixth homer of the season. The Rays had two runners on base in the ninth after a double by Yandy Diaz and after Ben Williamson drew a walk from Pirates closer Dennis Santana. But Santana induced a game-ending popup in foul ground by Cedric Mullins. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Bubba #Chandler #shines #Pirates #snap #Rays #sixgame #streak

Deadspin | Ramos powers Giants past host Nationals Apr 17, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; San Francisco Giants infielder Luis Arraez (L) and Giants center fielder Drew Gilbert (R) walk back to the dugout after scoring runs on a two run single by Giants third baseman Matt Chapman (not pictured) against the Washington Nationals during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Heliot Ramos hit a three-run home run, Drew Gilbert and Casey Schmitt added solo shots and the San Francisco Giants beat the Nationals 10-5 in Washington on Friday night. Matt Chapman had three hits and drove in three runs for the Giants, who have won two in row. Logan Webb (2-2) went six innings for the win, allowing four runs on seven hits. After scoring three runs or less in five straight games, the Giants jumped in front with a six-run second inning. James Wood and Daylen Lile homered, and Jose Tena had three hits for the Nationals. Washington’s Zack Littell (0-2) gave up eight runs on 11 hits over four innings. Schmitt and Jung Hoo Lee opened the second inning with singles and Ramos followed with his first homer of the season, a three-run shot to center, to make it 3-0. After Daniel Susac singled and was thrown out attempting to steal, Gilbert walked and Willy Adames singled. Littell retired Luis Arraez on a groundout as both runners advanced, and Champman lined a single to left center to make it 5-0. Rafael Devers doubled over the head of Wood in right and the lead was 6-0. The Nationals got one back in the third. Tena singled and went to third on a single by Keibert Ruiz. Wood struck out, but Brady House grounded into a fielder’s choice and Tena scored. Gilbert homered leading off the fourth to make it 7-1. Adames doubled and went to third on a ground out. With the infield in, Chapman singled between short and third to increase the lead to 8-1. Joey Wiemer singled leading off the bottom half and Lile homered to center to pull Washington within 8-3. Lile walked with one out in the sixth and scored on a two-out single by Tena. Schmitt homered in the seventh to make it 9-4, but Wood answered in the bottom half to make it 9-5. Ramos walked with the bases loaded in the ninth to push the lead to 10-5. Luis Arraez had two singles and has hit safely in each of his 12 career games at Nationals Park. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Ramos #powers #Giants #host #NationalsApr 17, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; San Francisco Giants infielder Luis Arraez (L) and Giants center fielder Drew Gilbert (R) walk back to the dugout after scoring runs on a two run single by Giants third baseman Matt Chapman (not pictured) against the Washington Nationals during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Heliot Ramos hit a three-run home run, Drew Gilbert and Casey Schmitt added solo shots and the San Francisco Giants beat the Nationals 10-5 in Washington on Friday night.

Matt Chapman had three hits and drove in three runs for the Giants, who have won two in row.

Logan Webb (2-2) went six innings for the win, allowing four runs on seven hits.

After scoring three runs or less in five straight games, the Giants jumped in front with a six-run second inning.

James Wood and Daylen Lile homered, and Jose Tena had three hits for the Nationals.

Washington’s Zack Littell (0-2) gave up eight runs on 11 hits over four innings.

Schmitt and Jung Hoo Lee opened the second inning with singles and Ramos followed with his first homer of the season, a three-run shot to center, to make it 3-0.


After Daniel Susac singled and was thrown out attempting to steal, Gilbert walked and Willy Adames singled. Littell retired Luis Arraez on a groundout as both runners advanced, and Champman lined a single to left center to make it 5-0. Rafael Devers doubled over the head of Wood in right and the lead was 6-0.

The Nationals got one back in the third. Tena singled and went to third on a single by Keibert Ruiz. Wood struck out, but Brady House grounded into a fielder’s choice and Tena scored.

Gilbert homered leading off the fourth to make it 7-1. Adames doubled and went to third on a ground out. With the infield in, Chapman singled between short and third to increase the lead to 8-1.

Joey Wiemer singled leading off the bottom half and Lile homered to center to pull Washington within 8-3.

Lile walked with one out in the sixth and scored on a two-out single by Tena.

Schmitt homered in the seventh to make it 9-4, but Wood answered in the bottom half to make it 9-5.

Ramos walked with the bases loaded in the ninth to push the lead to 10-5.

Luis Arraez had two singles and has hit safely in each of his 12 career games at Nationals Park.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Ramos #powers #Giants #host #Nationals">Deadspin | Ramos powers Giants past host Nationals Apr 17, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; San Francisco Giants infielder Luis Arraez (L) and Giants center fielder Drew Gilbert (R) walk back to the dugout after scoring runs on a two run single by Giants third baseman Matt Chapman (not pictured) against the Washington Nationals during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Heliot Ramos hit a three-run home run, Drew Gilbert and Casey Schmitt added solo shots and the San Francisco Giants beat the Nationals 10-5 in Washington on Friday night. Matt Chapman had three hits and drove in three runs for the Giants, who have won two in row. Logan Webb (2-2) went six innings for the win, allowing four runs on seven hits. After scoring three runs or less in five straight games, the Giants jumped in front with a six-run second inning. James Wood and Daylen Lile homered, and Jose Tena had three hits for the Nationals. Washington’s Zack Littell (0-2) gave up eight runs on 11 hits over four innings. Schmitt and Jung Hoo Lee opened the second inning with singles and Ramos followed with his first homer of the season, a three-run shot to center, to make it 3-0. After Daniel Susac singled and was thrown out attempting to steal, Gilbert walked and Willy Adames singled. Littell retired Luis Arraez on a groundout as both runners advanced, and Champman lined a single to left center to make it 5-0. Rafael Devers doubled over the head of Wood in right and the lead was 6-0. The Nationals got one back in the third. Tena singled and went to third on a single by Keibert Ruiz. Wood struck out, but Brady House grounded into a fielder’s choice and Tena scored. Gilbert homered leading off the fourth to make it 7-1. Adames doubled and went to third on a ground out. With the infield in, Chapman singled between short and third to increase the lead to 8-1. Joey Wiemer singled leading off the bottom half and Lile homered to center to pull Washington within 8-3. Lile walked with one out in the sixth and scored on a two-out single by Tena. Schmitt homered in the seventh to make it 9-4, but Wood answered in the bottom half to make it 9-5. Ramos walked with the bases loaded in the ninth to push the lead to 10-5. Luis Arraez had two singles and has hit safely in each of his 12 career games at Nationals Park. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Ramos #powers #Giants #host #Nationals

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