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Deadspin | Rangers, Mariners each licking wounds entering early-season series  Apr 5, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker (55) walks to the mound during the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images   The Texas Rangers’ strong early-season vibes have come crashing down.  After winning four of their first five games, the Rangers have lost four in a row after being swept at home over the weekend by the Cincinnati Reds.  Texas will look to turn the tide once more when it faces the Seattle Mariners in a three-game series starting Monday night in Arlington, Texas.  “We’ve got to figure out what went wrong,” Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said after Sunday’s 2-1 loss. “What did we miss? What are things I can do better to get guys ready and win more games?”  In the big picture, the “wrong” from the series against Cincinnati seems clear. Texas managed just four runs on 18 hits over the three-game set, striking out 31 times and finishing 3-for-18 with runners in scoring position.  That hampered a strong showing on the mound for the Rangers’ staff, which allowed just seven runs over the series.  “I think we’re a better offense than we showed,” designated hitter Joc Pederson said. “There’s no excuses. We still got to score some more runs.”  The Mariners also head to Texas feeling a bit down after back-to-back one-run road losses against the Los Angeles Angels. The second of those, an 8-7, 11-inning defeat in Sunday’s rubber match, saw Seattle squander three separate leads.  After winning the AL West for the first time since 2001 and coming a win away from a World Series trip, Seattle is in an early slump this season, having lost four of the last five.   The Mariners, who struck out 15 times Sunday, rank second-to-last in the majors in batting average (.198) and have the second-most strikeouts at the plate (104).   “We know who we are,” Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez said. “Sometimes, it can be early on and you’re kind of finding your rhythm in the season. But like, we know who we are. We’re a great defensive team, offensive team, and we pitch well. We’re going to give trouble to anybody.”  In the series opener, both teams will turn to right-handed pitchers who are looking to find their form early this season.  Seattle will throw Logan Gilbert (0-1, 6.75 ERA), who was hit hard and allowed five runs in 5 1/3 innings in his last start against the New York Yankees.   Gilbert hasn’t posted an ERA above 3.73 since his rookie season in 2021. The Rangers could be the fix for Gilbert’s early-season struggles. He has a 5-2 record and 2.90 ERA in 16 career appearances against the division foe with 97 strikeouts and 20 walks.  Texas will start Jacob deGrom (0-0, 5.79), who was scratched from his scheduled start in the second game of the season March 28 due to neck stiffness but managed to pitch just three days later than anticipated.   He allowed three runs on six hits over 4 2/3 innings March 31 vs. Baltimore.  deGrom’s Rangers tenure has been a bit hit or miss in terms of availability. He had a 2.97 ERA over 30 starts and 172 2/3 innings last season, but made just nine total starts over his first two seasons with Texas in 2023-24.  The 37-year-old is 2-2 with a 3.48 ERA in seven career appearances against Seattle.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Rangers #Mariners #licking #wounds #entering #earlyseason #series

Deadspin | Rangers, Mariners each licking wounds entering early-season series
Deadspin | Rangers, Mariners each licking wounds entering early-season series  Apr 5, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker (55) walks to the mound during the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images   The Texas Rangers’ strong early-season vibes have come crashing down.  After winning four of their first five games, the Rangers have lost four in a row after being swept at home over the weekend by the Cincinnati Reds.  Texas will look to turn the tide once more when it faces the Seattle Mariners in a three-game series starting Monday night in Arlington, Texas.  “We’ve got to figure out what went wrong,” Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said after Sunday’s 2-1 loss. “What did we miss? What are things I can do better to get guys ready and win more games?”  In the big picture, the “wrong” from the series against Cincinnati seems clear. Texas managed just four runs on 18 hits over the three-game set, striking out 31 times and finishing 3-for-18 with runners in scoring position.  That hampered a strong showing on the mound for the Rangers’ staff, which allowed just seven runs over the series.  “I think we’re a better offense than we showed,” designated hitter Joc Pederson said. “There’s no excuses. We still got to score some more runs.”  The Mariners also head to Texas feeling a bit down after back-to-back one-run road losses against the Los Angeles Angels. The second of those, an 8-7, 11-inning defeat in Sunday’s rubber match, saw Seattle squander three separate leads.  After winning the AL West for the first time since 2001 and coming a win away from a World Series trip, Seattle is in an early slump this season, having lost four of the last five.   The Mariners, who struck out 15 times Sunday, rank second-to-last in the majors in batting average (.198) and have the second-most strikeouts at the plate (104).   “We know who we are,” Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez said. “Sometimes, it can be early on and you’re kind of finding your rhythm in the season. But like, we know who we are. We’re a great defensive team, offensive team, and we pitch well. We’re going to give trouble to anybody.”  In the series opener, both teams will turn to right-handed pitchers who are looking to find their form early this season.  Seattle will throw Logan Gilbert (0-1, 6.75 ERA), who was hit hard and allowed five runs in 5 1/3 innings in his last start against the New York Yankees.   Gilbert hasn’t posted an ERA above 3.73 since his rookie season in 2021. The Rangers could be the fix for Gilbert’s early-season struggles. He has a 5-2 record and 2.90 ERA in 16 career appearances against the division foe with 97 strikeouts and 20 walks.  Texas will start Jacob deGrom (0-0, 5.79), who was scratched from his scheduled start in the second game of the season March 28 due to neck stiffness but managed to pitch just three days later than anticipated.   He allowed three runs on six hits over 4 2/3 innings March 31 vs. Baltimore.  deGrom’s Rangers tenure has been a bit hit or miss in terms of availability. He had a 2.97 ERA over 30 starts and 172 2/3 innings last season, but made just nine total starts over his first two seasons with Texas in 2023-24.  The 37-year-old is 2-2 with a 3.48 ERA in seven career appearances against Seattle.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Rangers #Mariners #licking #wounds #entering #earlyseason #seriesApr 5, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker (55) walks to the mound during the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Texas Rangers’ strong early-season vibes have come crashing down.

After winning four of their first five games, the Rangers have lost four in a row after being swept at home over the weekend by the Cincinnati Reds.

Texas will look to turn the tide once more when it faces the Seattle Mariners in a three-game series starting Monday night in Arlington, Texas.

“We’ve got to figure out what went wrong,” Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said after Sunday’s 2-1 loss. “What did we miss? What are things I can do better to get guys ready and win more games?”

In the big picture, the “wrong” from the series against Cincinnati seems clear. Texas managed just four runs on 18 hits over the three-game set, striking out 31 times and finishing 3-for-18 with runners in scoring position.

That hampered a strong showing on the mound for the Rangers’ staff, which allowed just seven runs over the series.

“I think we’re a better offense than we showed,” designated hitter Joc Pederson said. “There’s no excuses. We still got to score some more runs.”

The Mariners also head to Texas feeling a bit down after back-to-back one-run road losses against the Los Angeles Angels. The second of those, an 8-7, 11-inning defeat in Sunday’s rubber match, saw Seattle squander three separate leads.

After winning the AL West for the first time since 2001 and coming a win away from a World Series trip, Seattle is in an early slump this season, having lost four of the last five.


The Mariners, who struck out 15 times Sunday, rank second-to-last in the majors in batting average (.198) and have the second-most strikeouts at the plate (104).

“We know who we are,” Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez said. “Sometimes, it can be early on and you’re kind of finding your rhythm in the season. But like, we know who we are. We’re a great defensive team, offensive team, and we pitch well. We’re going to give trouble to anybody.”

In the series opener, both teams will turn to right-handed pitchers who are looking to find their form early this season.

Seattle will throw Logan Gilbert (0-1, 6.75 ERA), who was hit hard and allowed five runs in 5 1/3 innings in his last start against the New York Yankees.

Gilbert hasn’t posted an ERA above 3.73 since his rookie season in 2021. The Rangers could be the fix for Gilbert’s early-season struggles. He has a 5-2 record and 2.90 ERA in 16 career appearances against the division foe with 97 strikeouts and 20 walks.

Texas will start Jacob deGrom (0-0, 5.79), who was scratched from his scheduled start in the second game of the season March 28 due to neck stiffness but managed to pitch just three days later than anticipated.

He allowed three runs on six hits over 4 2/3 innings March 31 vs. Baltimore.

deGrom’s Rangers tenure has been a bit hit or miss in terms of availability. He had a 2.97 ERA over 30 starts and 172 2/3 innings last season, but made just nine total starts over his first two seasons with Texas in 2023-24.

The 37-year-old is 2-2 with a 3.48 ERA in seven career appearances against Seattle.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rangers #Mariners #licking #wounds #entering #earlyseason #series

Apr 5, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker (55) walks to the mound during the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Texas Rangers’ strong early-season vibes have come crashing down.

After winning four of their first five games, the Rangers have lost four in a row after being swept at home over the weekend by the Cincinnati Reds.

Texas will look to turn the tide once more when it faces the Seattle Mariners in a three-game series starting Monday night in Arlington, Texas.

“We’ve got to figure out what went wrong,” Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said after Sunday’s 2-1 loss. “What did we miss? What are things I can do better to get guys ready and win more games?”

In the big picture, the “wrong” from the series against Cincinnati seems clear. Texas managed just four runs on 18 hits over the three-game set, striking out 31 times and finishing 3-for-18 with runners in scoring position.

That hampered a strong showing on the mound for the Rangers’ staff, which allowed just seven runs over the series.

“I think we’re a better offense than we showed,” designated hitter Joc Pederson said. “There’s no excuses. We still got to score some more runs.”

The Mariners also head to Texas feeling a bit down after back-to-back one-run road losses against the Los Angeles Angels. The second of those, an 8-7, 11-inning defeat in Sunday’s rubber match, saw Seattle squander three separate leads.

After winning the AL West for the first time since 2001 and coming a win away from a World Series trip, Seattle is in an early slump this season, having lost four of the last five.

The Mariners, who struck out 15 times Sunday, rank second-to-last in the majors in batting average (.198) and have the second-most strikeouts at the plate (104).

“We know who we are,” Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez said. “Sometimes, it can be early on and you’re kind of finding your rhythm in the season. But like, we know who we are. We’re a great defensive team, offensive team, and we pitch well. We’re going to give trouble to anybody.”

In the series opener, both teams will turn to right-handed pitchers who are looking to find their form early this season.

Seattle will throw Logan Gilbert (0-1, 6.75 ERA), who was hit hard and allowed five runs in 5 1/3 innings in his last start against the New York Yankees.

Gilbert hasn’t posted an ERA above 3.73 since his rookie season in 2021. The Rangers could be the fix for Gilbert’s early-season struggles. He has a 5-2 record and 2.90 ERA in 16 career appearances against the division foe with 97 strikeouts and 20 walks.

Texas will start Jacob deGrom (0-0, 5.79), who was scratched from his scheduled start in the second game of the season March 28 due to neck stiffness but managed to pitch just three days later than anticipated.

He allowed three runs on six hits over 4 2/3 innings March 31 vs. Baltimore.

deGrom’s Rangers tenure has been a bit hit or miss in terms of availability. He had a 2.97 ERA over 30 starts and 172 2/3 innings last season, but made just nine total starts over his first two seasons with Texas in 2023-24.

The 37-year-old is 2-2 with a 3.48 ERA in seven career appearances against Seattle.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Rangers #Mariners #licking #wounds #entering #earlyseason #series

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Ashwin reveals why he quit IPL: It was mentally disturbing, painful phase with CSK <div id="content-body-70829903" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Former India off-spinner R Ashwin has revealed that he could have played the Indian Premier League (IPL) a bit longer had it not been for a “mentally disturbing” and “painful” phase that he went through during his time with Chennai Super Kings.</p><p>On his YouTube show <i>‘Ash Ki Baat’</i>, the veteran, who retired from international cricket in 2024 before ending his IPL run last year, said he decided to call it quits to save the franchise the dilemma of deciding his fate.</p><p>“I recently spent a disappointing season with CSK. It was a disappointing season for me personally. Honestly, in my mind, I could have played more, but I quit because, emotionally, I just did not have the bandwidth to play while managing everything else,” Ashwin said.</p><p>Ashwin, before announcing his IPL retirement, had sought clarity from CSK about his role after being used sparingly during the 2025 season. He appeared in only nine of CSK’s 14 matches in what was to be his homecoming after starting his IPL journey with the same team.</p><p>The franchise, which was at the bottom of the heap last season, is continuing to struggle and has already logged three back-to-back losses under Ruturaj Gaikwad.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 06, 2026</p></div> #Ashwin #reveals #quit #IPL #mentally #disturbing #painful #phase #CSK

When I arrived to cover the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 2000, it was clear I was dealing with a star-studded roster.

The team boasted future Pro Football Hall of Famers; wide receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss and defensive tackle John Randle. Plus, there were a ton of other stars including quarterback Daunte Culpepper, center Matt Birk and running back Robert Smith. The Vikings were loaded with star power.

The talent around the team wasn’t relegated simply to the roster, however.

That summer I first laid my eyes on a 16-year-old high school junior named Larry Fitzgerald Jr. The son of a local media member and close friend of Vikings’ head coach Dennis Green, Little Fitzy was a ball boy during training camp and on game days. It turns out, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is very likely the most famous former NFL ball boy in history.

On reporting date, fellow reporter Kevin Seifert pointed out Fitzgerald to me and said “that’s a bad man.” Seifert didn’t say that about any of the actual Vikings that day.

Fitzgerald was already known as the best Minnesota high school prospect in years and he was considered one of the best high school players in the country. Seifert told me the buzz was that the kid was, no doubt, headed to the NFL in a half decade or so. Seifert was on the money. I’m not sure the Hall of Fame was mentioned or not.

But this weekend of course, that’s exactly where Little Fitzy is headed. He will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Fitzgerald will be remembered as one of the best and most productive wide receivers in league history after an incredible 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals.

I have a ton of memories of being around Fitzgerald, but there’s one that stands out among them all.

One day after training camp, a nameless Vikings’ wide receiver camp body was getting extra work on a JUGS machine, catching balls. He was being tutored by Fitzgerald, who was showing this player how to properly approach the incoming ball. This was a child instructing a grown man an NFL team deemed good enough to attend training camp.

Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.

In addition to his incredible natural football ability, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. stood out for his politeness and good nature. You could tell he was a good kid from the first time you met him.

There was no I’m-going-to-be-a-star attitude. He was genuine and he worked his tail off with the rest of the ball boys. There was no entitlement. It was as if he was using his time around an NFL camp as an internship for his future. He passed with flying colors.

I’ve always cherished following his career from his days at Pittsburgh in college to his days of dominating the NFL and I’ve enjoyed running into him over the years now and again.

Enjoy Canton, Little Fitzy, you’ve earned it.

#Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making">Larry Fitzgerald’s Hall of Fame induction is 25 years in the making  When I arrived to cover the Minnesota Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in 2000, it was clear I was dealing with a star-studded roster.The team boasted future Pro Football Hall of Famers; wide receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss and defensive tackle John Randle. Plus, there were a ton of other stars including quarterback Daunte Culpepper, center Matt Birk and running back Robert Smith. The Vikings were loaded with star power.The talent around the team wasn’t relegated simply to the roster, however.That summer I first laid my eyes on a 16-year-old high school junior named Larry Fitzgerald Jr. The son of a local media member and close friend of Vikings’ head coach Dennis Green, Little Fitzy was a ball boy during training camp and on game days. It turns out, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. is very likely the most famous former NFL ball boy in history.On reporting date, fellow reporter Kevin Seifert pointed out Fitzgerald to me and said “that’s a bad man.” Seifert didn’t say that about any of the actual Vikings that day.Fitzgerald was already known as the best Minnesota high school prospect in years and he was considered one of the best high school players in the country. Seifert told me the buzz was that the kid was, no doubt, headed to the NFL in a half decade or so. Seifert was on the money. I’m not sure the Hall of Fame was mentioned or not.But this weekend of course, that’s exactly where Little Fitzy is headed. He will be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.Fitzgerald will be remembered as one of the best and most productive wide receivers in league history after an incredible 17-season career with the Arizona Cardinals.I have a ton of memories of being around Fitzgerald, but there’s one that stands out among them all.One day after training camp, a nameless Vikings’ wide receiver camp body was getting extra work on a JUGS machine, catching balls. He was being tutored by Fitzgerald, who was showing this player how to properly approach the incoming ball. This was a child instructing a grown man an NFL team deemed good enough to attend training camp.Larry Fitzgerald Jr. was special even back then.In addition to his incredible natural football ability, Larry Fitzgerald Jr. stood out for his politeness and good nature. You could tell he was a good kid from the first time you met him.There was no I’m-going-to-be-a-star attitude. He was genuine and he worked his tail off with the rest of the ball boys. There was no entitlement. It was as if he was using his time around an NFL camp as an internship for his future. He passed with flying colors.I’ve always cherished following his career from his days at Pittsburgh in college to his days of dominating the NFL and I’ve enjoyed running into him over the years now and again.Enjoy Canton, Little Fitzy, you’ve earned it.  #Larry #Fitzgeralds #Hall #Fame #induction #years #making

Follow Sportstar for extensive coverage of the tenth edition of the TNPL, from live scores and match reports to exclusive analysis and features.

TOSS

Tiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.

PLAYING XIs

Nellai Royal Kings: Athish SR(w), D Santhosh Kumar, Ajitesh Guruswamy, U Mukilesh, Rithik Easwaran, Sonu Yadav(c), Muhammed Adnan Khan, Ramalingam Rohit, Emmanuel Cherian, NS Harish, Rocky Bhasker

Tiruppur Tamizhans: Tushar Raheja(w), Amit Sathvik, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Mohamed Ali, Uthirasamy Sasidev, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore(c), M Mathivannan, S Mohan Prasath, R Silambarasan, Esakkimuthu A, T Natarajan

Published on Aug 09, 2026

#TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings">TNPL 2026 Live: All-round batting display propels Nellai Royal Kings to 206/8  Follow Sportstar for extensive coverage of the tenth edition of the TNPL, from live scores and match reports to exclusive analysis and features.TOSSTiruppur Tamizhans won the toss and chose to bowl first.PLAYING XIsNellai Royal Kings: Athish SR(w), D Santhosh Kumar, Ajitesh Guruswamy, U Mukilesh, Rithik Easwaran, Sonu Yadav(c), Muhammed Adnan Khan, Ramalingam Rohit, Emmanuel Cherian, NS Harish, Rocky BhaskerTiruppur Tamizhans: Tushar Raheja(w), Amit Sathvik, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Mohamed Ali, Uthirasamy Sasidev, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore(c), M Mathivannan, S Mohan Prasath, R Silambarasan, Esakkimuthu A, T NatarajanPublished on Aug 09, 2026  #TNPL #Live #Allround #batting #display #propels #Nellai #Royal #Kings

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