Deadspin | Reds, Tigers riding high heading into weekend series Apr 19, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) hits the final out of the in the ninth inning to Minnesota Twins first baseman Kody Clemens (2) at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images Off to their best 25-game start to a season in two decades, the Cincinnati Reds host the Detroit Tigers in an interleague series opener on Friday night. Coming off a road trip that saw them sweep three games against the Minnesota Twins and take two of three from the Tampa Bay Rays, the Reds have won 16 of their first 25 games for the first time since beginning 17-8 in 2006. Winners in seven of their past nine, the Reds averaged 5.5 runs per game across the road trip — an impressive figure for a club that ranks just 24th in the majors in scoring (97 total runs). Cincinnati has relied on consistent production from Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart, who are among the players tied for second in the National League with eight home runs apiece. Now, the Reds will look to spread the wealth across the lineup. Offseason trade acquisition Dane Myers is one player hoping to stay hot as the team returns home. The former Miami Marlins center fielder homered, walked three times and scored four runs in the Reds’ latest victory, a 12-6 triumph over the Rays on Tuesday. “It feels good,” Myers said of playing for a winning team. “Like I said in the spring, I think this team has what it takes to play meaningful ballgames deep into the season. If we stay the course, I think that will happen.” On the mound for the Reds in the series opener on Friday, Andrew Abbott (0-2, 5.84 ERA) will look to find his way out of an early-season rut. An All-Star last year, Abbott has compiled a 7.71 ERA in four April starts. Last time out, the 26-year-old left-hander gave up four runs (three earned) across 4 2/3 frames in a no-decision against Minnesota on Saturday. The Reds won 5-4. Making his 81st career start, Abbott will face the Tigers for the first time. Detroit’s flight to Cincinnati figured to be an enjoyable one, as the Tigers took two of three at home against the Milwaukee Brewers to begin the week. The Tigers have won 10 of their past 13 games, including a 5-4 victory on Thursday thanks to Spencer Torkelson’s walk-off home run. “That’s what it’s all about,” Torkelson said. “You’ve just got to be ready for the moment.” Following a 31-homer season in 2025, Torkelson launched his first two home runs of the year over the past two days. Detroit entered the game tied for 13th in the American League with just 19 homers before slugging three on Thursday. Framber Valdez (2-1, 3.30 ERA) is slated to make his sixth start in a Detroit uniform on Friday. After inking a three-year, 5 million deal with the Tigers in February, Valdez has allowed one earned run or nine in four of his first five starts. The two-time All-Star surrendered one run on three hits in six innings on Sunday in a 6-2 win over the Boston Red Sox. The 32-year-old left-hander is matching up with the Reds for the first time in his career. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Reds #Tigers #riding #high #heading #weekend #series

Deadspin | Reds, Tigers riding high heading into weekend series
Deadspin | Reds, Tigers riding high heading into weekend series Apr 19, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) hits the final out of the in the ninth inning to Minnesota Twins first baseman Kody Clemens (2) at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images Off to their best 25-game start to a season in two decades, the Cincinnati Reds host the Detroit Tigers in an interleague series opener on Friday night. Coming off a road trip that saw them sweep three games against the Minnesota Twins and take two of three from the Tampa Bay Rays, the Reds have won 16 of their first 25 games for the first time since beginning 17-8 in 2006. Winners in seven of their past nine, the Reds averaged 5.5 runs per game across the road trip — an impressive figure for a club that ranks just 24th in the majors in scoring (97 total runs). Cincinnati has relied on consistent production from Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart, who are among the players tied for second in the National League with eight home runs apiece. Now, the Reds will look to spread the wealth across the lineup. Offseason trade acquisition Dane Myers is one player hoping to stay hot as the team returns home. The former Miami Marlins center fielder homered, walked three times and scored four runs in the Reds’ latest victory, a 12-6 triumph over the Rays on Tuesday. “It feels good,” Myers said of playing for a winning team. “Like I said in the spring, I think this team has what it takes to play meaningful ballgames deep into the season. If we stay the course, I think that will happen.” On the mound for the Reds in the series opener on Friday, Andrew Abbott (0-2, 5.84 ERA) will look to find his way out of an early-season rut. An All-Star last year, Abbott has compiled a 7.71 ERA in four April starts. Last time out, the 26-year-old left-hander gave up four runs (three earned) across 4 2/3 frames in a no-decision against Minnesota on Saturday. The Reds won 5-4. Making his 81st career start, Abbott will face the Tigers for the first time. Detroit’s flight to Cincinnati figured to be an enjoyable one, as the Tigers took two of three at home against the Milwaukee Brewers to begin the week. The Tigers have won 10 of their past 13 games, including a 5-4 victory on Thursday thanks to Spencer Torkelson’s walk-off home run. “That’s what it’s all about,” Torkelson said. “You’ve just got to be ready for the moment.” Following a 31-homer season in 2025, Torkelson launched his first two home runs of the year over the past two days. Detroit entered the game tied for 13th in the American League with just 19 homers before slugging three on Thursday. Framber Valdez (2-1, 3.30 ERA) is slated to make his sixth start in a Detroit uniform on Friday. After inking a three-year, 5 million deal with the Tigers in February, Valdez has allowed one earned run or nine in four of his first five starts. The two-time All-Star surrendered one run on three hits in six innings on Sunday in a 6-2 win over the Boston Red Sox. The 32-year-old left-hander is matching up with the Reds for the first time in his career. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Reds #Tigers #riding #high #heading #weekend #seriesApr 19, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) hits the final out of the in the ninth inning to Minnesota Twins first baseman Kody Clemens (2) at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Off to their best 25-game start to a season in two decades, the Cincinnati Reds host the Detroit Tigers in an interleague series opener on Friday night.

Coming off a road trip that saw them sweep three games against the Minnesota Twins and take two of three from the Tampa Bay Rays, the Reds have won 16 of their first 25 games for the first time since beginning 17-8 in 2006.

Winners in seven of their past nine, the Reds averaged 5.5 runs per game across the road trip — an impressive figure for a club that ranks just 24th in the majors in scoring (97 total runs).

Cincinnati has relied on consistent production from Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart, who are among the players tied for second in the National League with eight home runs apiece. Now, the Reds will look to spread the wealth across the lineup. Offseason trade acquisition Dane Myers is one player hoping to stay hot as the team returns home.

The former Miami Marlins center fielder homered, walked three times and scored four runs in the Reds’ latest victory, a 12-6 triumph over the Rays on Tuesday.

“It feels good,” Myers said of playing for a winning team. “Like I said in the spring, I think this team has what it takes to play meaningful ballgames deep into the season. If we stay the course, I think that will happen.”

On the mound for the Reds in the series opener on Friday, Andrew Abbott (0-2, 5.84 ERA) will look to find his way out of an early-season rut. An All-Star last year, Abbott has compiled a 7.71 ERA in four April starts. Last time out, the 26-year-old left-hander gave up four runs (three earned) across 4 2/3 frames in a no-decision against Minnesota on Saturday. The Reds won 5-4.


Making his 81st career start, Abbott will face the Tigers for the first time.

Detroit’s flight to Cincinnati figured to be an enjoyable one, as the Tigers took two of three at home against the Milwaukee Brewers to begin the week. The Tigers have won 10 of their past 13 games, including a 5-4 victory on Thursday thanks to Spencer Torkelson’s walk-off home run.

“That’s what it’s all about,” Torkelson said. “You’ve just got to be ready for the moment.”

Following a 31-homer season in 2025, Torkelson launched his first two home runs of the year over the past two days.

Detroit entered the game tied for 13th in the American League with just 19 homers before slugging three on Thursday.

Framber Valdez (2-1, 3.30 ERA) is slated to make his sixth start in a Detroit uniform on Friday. After inking a three-year, $115 million deal with the Tigers in February, Valdez has allowed one earned run or nine in four of his first five starts.

The two-time All-Star surrendered one run on three hits in six innings on Sunday in a 6-2 win over the Boston Red Sox. The 32-year-old left-hander is matching up with the Reds for the first time in his career.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Reds #Tigers #riding #high #heading #weekend #series

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Apr 19, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) hits the final out of the in the ninth inning to Minnesota Twins first baseman Kody Clemens (2) at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Off to their best 25-game start to a season in two decades, the Cincinnati Reds host the Detroit Tigers in an interleague series opener on Friday night.

Coming off a road trip that saw them sweep three games against the Minnesota Twins and take two of three from the Tampa Bay Rays, the Reds have won 16 of their first 25 games for the first time since beginning 17-8 in 2006.

Winners in seven of their past nine, the Reds averaged 5.5 runs per game across the road trip — an impressive figure for a club that ranks just 24th in the majors in scoring (97 total runs).

Cincinnati has relied on consistent production from Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart, who are among the players tied for second in the National League with eight home runs apiece. Now, the Reds will look to spread the wealth across the lineup. Offseason trade acquisition Dane Myers is one player hoping to stay hot as the team returns home.

The former Miami Marlins center fielder homered, walked three times and scored four runs in the Reds’ latest victory, a 12-6 triumph over the Rays on Tuesday.

“It feels good,” Myers said of playing for a winning team. “Like I said in the spring, I think this team has what it takes to play meaningful ballgames deep into the season. If we stay the course, I think that will happen.”

On the mound for the Reds in the series opener on Friday, Andrew Abbott (0-2, 5.84 ERA) will look to find his way out of an early-season rut. An All-Star last year, Abbott has compiled a 7.71 ERA in four April starts. Last time out, the 26-year-old left-hander gave up four runs (three earned) across 4 2/3 frames in a no-decision against Minnesota on Saturday. The Reds won 5-4.

Making his 81st career start, Abbott will face the Tigers for the first time.

Detroit’s flight to Cincinnati figured to be an enjoyable one, as the Tigers took two of three at home against the Milwaukee Brewers to begin the week. The Tigers have won 10 of their past 13 games, including a 5-4 victory on Thursday thanks to Spencer Torkelson’s walk-off home run.

“That’s what it’s all about,” Torkelson said. “You’ve just got to be ready for the moment.”

Following a 31-homer season in 2025, Torkelson launched his first two home runs of the year over the past two days.

Detroit entered the game tied for 13th in the American League with just 19 homers before slugging three on Thursday.

Framber Valdez (2-1, 3.30 ERA) is slated to make his sixth start in a Detroit uniform on Friday. After inking a three-year, $115 million deal with the Tigers in February, Valdez has allowed one earned run or nine in four of his first five starts.

The two-time All-Star surrendered one run on three hits in six innings on Sunday in a 6-2 win over the Boston Red Sox. The 32-year-old left-hander is matching up with the Reds for the first time in his career.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | NHL roundup: Alex Tuch’s goal gives Sabres 2-1 series lead over Bruins <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28796367.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28796367.jpg" alt="NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Buffalo Sabres at Boston Bruins" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 23, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Alex Tuch (89) reacts after scoring a goal against the Boston Bruins during the third period of game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Alex Tuch scored the tiebreaking goal 4:03 into the third period, propelling the visiting Buffalo Sabres to a 3-1 win over the Boston Bruins in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series on Thursday night.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The result was the second straight victory for a road team in the best-of-seven series, which Buffalo now leads 2-1.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Noah Ostlund and Bowen Byram finished with a goal and an assist for the Sabres, while Alex Lyon stopped 24 shots in his first start of the playoff run.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Tanner Jeannot scored the lone goal and Jeremy Swayman turned aside 25 shots for Boston.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Hurricanes 2, Senators 1</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Logan Stankoven scored for the third straight game and Carolina put host Ottawa on the brink of elimination with a win in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round series.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-7"> <p>Carolina leads the best-of-seven series 3-0, a deficit that only four NHL teams have overcome to win a playoff series. Jackson Blake also scored for the Hurricanes. Taylor Hall had two assists, and Frederik Andersen made 21 saves.</p> </section> <section id="section-8"> <p>Drake Batherson scored for the Senators, who have yet to have the lead at any point through three games. Linus Ullmark turned aside 25 shots.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Avalanche 4, Kings 2</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Artturi Lehkonen collected one goal and one assist while pacing Colorado to a road victory over Los Angeles, putting the Avalanche on the verge of sweeping their Western Conference first-round playoff series.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Gabriel Landeskog, Cale Makar and Brock Nelson also scored for the Avalanche, who will look to close out the best-of-seven series when they play Game 4 on Sunday in Los Angeles. Colorado goaltender Scott Wedgewood made 24 saves.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Trevor Moore and Adrian Kempe tallied for the Kings, who have scored only four goals in the series’ three games. Los Angeles goalie Anton Forsberg stopped 19 shots, and Alex Laferriere collected two assists.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #NHL #roundup #Alex #Tuchs #goal #Sabres #series #lead #Bruins

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Deadspin | Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett help Raptors halve Cavs’ series egde Apr 23, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Scottie Barnes (4) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) during the first half of game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett each scored 33 points Thursday night and the Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers 126-104 in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series. Reserve Jamison Battle scored all of his 14 points in the fourth quarter to ignite a Toronto surge that reduced Cleveland’s series lead to 2-1. Game 4 of the best-of-seven set is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto. Barnes added 11 assists and five rebounds for the Raptors. Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles had 22 points and eight rebounds, while Brandon Ingram scored 12 points. James Harden scored 18 points for the Cavaliers, who made 22 turnovers in a careless performance. Donovan Mitchell was held to 15 points, and Max Strus and Evan Mobley also scored 15 each. Jaylon Tyson put up 13 points, and Jarrett Allen contributed 12. Toronto took a two-point lead into the fourth quarter. The game was tied for the 13th time when Mobley converted to free throws with 9:53 left. The Raptors went on a 13-4 run to grab a nine-point lead on Battle’s third 3-pointer of the quarter with 7:25 to go. The lead reached 11 on Barrett’s trey with 5:41 to play. Battle hit another 3-pointer to bump the margin to 17 with 3:45 left. The Raptors, who never had a lead in Game 2, were up 31-25 after one quarter of Game 3 as they took advantage of Cleveland’s nine turnovers. The lead reached 10 in the first minute of the second quarter. Tyson’s corner trey with 7:58 to play capped a 9-0 Cleveland run that trimmed the margin to one, and Strus drained a 3-pointer to give Cleveland a two-point lead with 52.2 seconds left. Murray-Boyles finished the first-half scoring with a dunk following a Barnes steal to tie the game at 54. Toronto led by seven after Barnes made two free throws with 8:12 left in the third quarter. Harden immediately answered with six straight points. Strus nailed a 3-pointer to give Cleveland a one-point lead with 3:09 left, but the Raptors regained the advantage on Murray-Boyles’ dunk. Barnes swished a 15-footer at the end of the third quarter to give Toronto an 83-81 edge. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Scottie #Barnes #Barrett #Raptors #halve #Cavs #series #egdeApr 23, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Scottie Barnes (4) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) during the first half of game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett each scored 33 points Thursday night and the Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers 126-104 in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series.

Reserve Jamison Battle scored all of his 14 points in the fourth quarter to ignite a Toronto surge that reduced Cleveland’s series lead to 2-1.

Game 4 of the best-of-seven set is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto.

Barnes added 11 assists and five rebounds for the Raptors. Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles had 22 points and eight rebounds, while Brandon Ingram scored 12 points.

James Harden scored 18 points for the Cavaliers, who made 22 turnovers in a careless performance. Donovan Mitchell was held to 15 points, and Max Strus and Evan Mobley also scored 15 each. Jaylon Tyson put up 13 points, and Jarrett Allen contributed 12.


Toronto took a two-point lead into the fourth quarter. The game was tied for the 13th time when Mobley converted to free throws with 9:53 left. The Raptors went on a 13-4 run to grab a nine-point lead on Battle’s third 3-pointer of the quarter with 7:25 to go.

The lead reached 11 on Barrett’s trey with 5:41 to play. Battle hit another 3-pointer to bump the margin to 17 with 3:45 left.

The Raptors, who never had a lead in Game 2, were up 31-25 after one quarter of Game 3 as they took advantage of Cleveland’s nine turnovers.

The lead reached 10 in the first minute of the second quarter. Tyson’s corner trey with 7:58 to play capped a 9-0 Cleveland run that trimmed the margin to one, and Strus drained a 3-pointer to give Cleveland a two-point lead with 52.2 seconds left. Murray-Boyles finished the first-half scoring with a dunk following a Barnes steal to tie the game at 54.

Toronto led by seven after Barnes made two free throws with 8:12 left in the third quarter. Harden immediately answered with six straight points. Strus nailed a 3-pointer to give Cleveland a one-point lead with 3:09 left, but the Raptors regained the advantage on Murray-Boyles’ dunk. Barnes swished a 15-footer at the end of the third quarter to give Toronto an 83-81 edge.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Scottie #Barnes #Barrett #Raptors #halve #Cavs #series #egde">Deadspin | Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett help Raptors halve Cavs’ series egde Apr 23, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Scottie Barnes (4) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) during the first half of game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett each scored 33 points Thursday night and the Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers 126-104 in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series. Reserve Jamison Battle scored all of his 14 points in the fourth quarter to ignite a Toronto surge that reduced Cleveland’s series lead to 2-1. Game 4 of the best-of-seven set is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto. Barnes added 11 assists and five rebounds for the Raptors. Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles had 22 points and eight rebounds, while Brandon Ingram scored 12 points. James Harden scored 18 points for the Cavaliers, who made 22 turnovers in a careless performance. Donovan Mitchell was held to 15 points, and Max Strus and Evan Mobley also scored 15 each. Jaylon Tyson put up 13 points, and Jarrett Allen contributed 12. Toronto took a two-point lead into the fourth quarter. The game was tied for the 13th time when Mobley converted to free throws with 9:53 left. The Raptors went on a 13-4 run to grab a nine-point lead on Battle’s third 3-pointer of the quarter with 7:25 to go. The lead reached 11 on Barrett’s trey with 5:41 to play. Battle hit another 3-pointer to bump the margin to 17 with 3:45 left. The Raptors, who never had a lead in Game 2, were up 31-25 after one quarter of Game 3 as they took advantage of Cleveland’s nine turnovers. The lead reached 10 in the first minute of the second quarter. Tyson’s corner trey with 7:58 to play capped a 9-0 Cleveland run that trimmed the margin to one, and Strus drained a 3-pointer to give Cleveland a two-point lead with 52.2 seconds left. Murray-Boyles finished the first-half scoring with a dunk following a Barnes steal to tie the game at 54. Toronto led by seven after Barnes made two free throws with 8:12 left in the third quarter. Harden immediately answered with six straight points. Strus nailed a 3-pointer to give Cleveland a one-point lead with 3:09 left, but the Raptors regained the advantage on Murray-Boyles’ dunk. Barnes swished a 15-footer at the end of the third quarter to give Toronto an 83-81 edge. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Scottie #Barnes #Barrett #Raptors #halve #Cavs #series #egde

Deadspin | Inside-the-park homer helps power Rangers over Pirates Apr 23, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers center fielder Evan Carter (32) hits a two-run inside the park home run during the third inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Evan Carter hit an inside-the-park home run and Jacob deGrom threw a gem as the Texas Rangers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-1 in the rubber match of a three-game set in Arlington, Texas, on Thursday night. deGrom (2-0) had a season-high 10 strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings, allowing just one run. With Josh Jung on first and two out in the third inning, Carter hit a deep fly ball to right field that bounced hard off the wall in front of the Rangers’ bullpen and bounded into the middle of the outfield. By the time center fielder Oneil Cruz tracked the ball down, Jung was crossing home plate and Carter slid in ahead of the relay throw for his first career inside-the-park homer. Furthering the drama, the inside-the-parker came after the Pirates starter Bubba Chandler (1-2) had successfully used the ABS challenge system to overturn a called ball four and extend the at-bat. One inning later, Corey Seager’s three-run shot off Chandler broke the game open, doubling the Rangers’ 3-0 advantage with one swing. The rally began with back-to-back walks by Josh Smith and Alejandro Osuna to lead off the inning. Joc Pederson’s one-out RBI single brought home Smith and set the table for Seager’s sixth home run of 2026. Chandler exited after the fourth, giving up six runs, seven hits and three walks. Cruz responded for Pittsburgh in the fifth, hitting a two-out solo shot to snap deGrom’s shutout. He also went deep in the Pirates’ 8-4 win on Wednesday. In the sixth, the Pirates chased deGrom and loaded the bases with two out, but Jung laid out at third base to force a groundout that robbed Konnor Griffin of a potential extra-base hit and multiple RBIs. Both bullpens pitched shutouts to close out the game, with Gavin Collyer, Jalen Beeks, Jakob Junis and Peyton Gray (making his Major League debut) combining for 4 1/3 scoreless innings to seal the victory for Texas. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Insidethepark #homer #helps #power #Rangers #PiratesApr 23, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers center fielder Evan Carter (32) hits a two-run inside the park home run during the third inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Evan Carter hit an inside-the-park home run and Jacob deGrom threw a gem as the Texas Rangers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-1 in the rubber match of a three-game set in Arlington, Texas, on Thursday night.

deGrom (2-0) had a season-high 10 strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings, allowing just one run.

With Josh Jung on first and two out in the third inning, Carter hit a deep fly ball to right field that bounced hard off the wall in front of the Rangers’ bullpen and bounded into the middle of the outfield. By the time center fielder Oneil Cruz tracked the ball down, Jung was crossing home plate and Carter slid in ahead of the relay throw for his first career inside-the-park homer.

Furthering the drama, the inside-the-parker came after the Pirates starter Bubba Chandler (1-2) had successfully used the ABS challenge system to overturn a called ball four and extend the at-bat.


One inning later, Corey Seager’s three-run shot off Chandler broke the game open, doubling the Rangers’ 3-0 advantage with one swing. The rally began with back-to-back walks by Josh Smith and Alejandro Osuna to lead off the inning. Joc Pederson’s one-out RBI single brought home Smith and set the table for Seager’s sixth home run of 2026.

Chandler exited after the fourth, giving up six runs, seven hits and three walks.

Cruz responded for Pittsburgh in the fifth, hitting a two-out solo shot to snap deGrom’s shutout. He also went deep in the Pirates’ 8-4 win on Wednesday.

In the sixth, the Pirates chased deGrom and loaded the bases with two out, but Jung laid out at third base to force a groundout that robbed Konnor Griffin of a potential extra-base hit and multiple RBIs.

Both bullpens pitched shutouts to close out the game, with Gavin Collyer, Jalen Beeks, Jakob Junis and Peyton Gray (making his Major League debut) combining for 4 1/3 scoreless innings to seal the victory for Texas.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Insidethepark #homer #helps #power #Rangers #Pirates">Deadspin | Inside-the-park homer helps power Rangers over Pirates Apr 23, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers center fielder Evan Carter (32) hits a two-run inside the park home run during the third inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Evan Carter hit an inside-the-park home run and Jacob deGrom threw a gem as the Texas Rangers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-1 in the rubber match of a three-game set in Arlington, Texas, on Thursday night. deGrom (2-0) had a season-high 10 strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings, allowing just one run. With Josh Jung on first and two out in the third inning, Carter hit a deep fly ball to right field that bounced hard off the wall in front of the Rangers’ bullpen and bounded into the middle of the outfield. By the time center fielder Oneil Cruz tracked the ball down, Jung was crossing home plate and Carter slid in ahead of the relay throw for his first career inside-the-park homer. Furthering the drama, the inside-the-parker came after the Pirates starter Bubba Chandler (1-2) had successfully used the ABS challenge system to overturn a called ball four and extend the at-bat. One inning later, Corey Seager’s three-run shot off Chandler broke the game open, doubling the Rangers’ 3-0 advantage with one swing. The rally began with back-to-back walks by Josh Smith and Alejandro Osuna to lead off the inning. Joc Pederson’s one-out RBI single brought home Smith and set the table for Seager’s sixth home run of 2026. Chandler exited after the fourth, giving up six runs, seven hits and three walks. Cruz responded for Pittsburgh in the fifth, hitting a two-out solo shot to snap deGrom’s shutout. He also went deep in the Pirates’ 8-4 win on Wednesday. In the sixth, the Pirates chased deGrom and loaded the bases with two out, but Jung laid out at third base to force a groundout that robbed Konnor Griffin of a potential extra-base hit and multiple RBIs. Both bullpens pitched shutouts to close out the game, with Gavin Collyer, Jalen Beeks, Jakob Junis and Peyton Gray (making his Major League debut) combining for 4 1/3 scoreless innings to seal the victory for Texas. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Insidethepark #homer #helps #power #Rangers #Pirates

Deadspin | Hurricanes push Senators to brink with Game 3 win Apr 23, 2026; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Carolina Hurricanes right wing Andrei Svechnikov (37) and Ottawa Senators left wing Warren Foegele (37) chase the puck in the first period of game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Logan Stankoven scored for the third straight game and the Carolina Hurricanes put the Senators on the brink of elimination with a 2-1 win in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series in Ottawa on Thursday. Carolina leads the best-of-seven series 3-0 and Game 4 is set for Saturday at 3 p.m. ET. Only four teams in NHL history have come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a playoff series. The last team to do it was the Los Angeles Kings against the San Jose Sharks in 2014. Jackson Blake also scored for the Hurricanes. Taylor Hall had two assists, and Frederik Andersen made 21 saves. Drake Batherson scored his second goal of the series for the Senators, who have yet to have the lead at any point through three games. Linus Ullmark made 25 saves in the loss. Carolina went 0-for-4 on the power play; Ottawa was 0-for-5 and is 0-for-12 for the series. Stankoven opened the scoring, giving the Hurricanes a 1-0 lead at 5:13 of the first period. Hall got his own rebound after a shot on the rush, circled behind the net and then passed across to Stankoven, who scored on a wrist shot from the left circle. Brady Tkachuk got in alone against Andersen early in the second period, but his backhand attempt was stopped. The Senators had a 5-on-3 power play for 1:28 midway through the second period but did not convert. Ottawa defenseman Jake Sanderson left the game at 10:07 of the second period with an apparent injury after taking a shot off his left hand. He had earlier taken a shot to the head from Hall. Batherson tied it 1-1 at 16:06 when he received Nick Cousins’ pass in the slot, went to his backhand and lifted it in over Andersen’s pad. Blake put the Hurricanes back on top 2-1 at 17:29. K’Andre Miller received a pass at the point, skated down to the top of the left circle and passed down across to Blake, who scored past the diving Ullmark from the far post. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Hurricanes #push #Senators #brink #Game #winApr 23, 2026; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Carolina Hurricanes right wing Andrei Svechnikov (37) and Ottawa Senators left wing Warren Foegele (37) chase the puck in the first period of game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn

Logan Stankoven scored for the third straight game and the Carolina Hurricanes put the Senators on the brink of elimination with a 2-1 win in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series in Ottawa on Thursday.

Carolina leads the best-of-seven series 3-0 and Game 4 is set for Saturday at 3 p.m. ET.

Only four teams in NHL history have come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a playoff series. The last team to do it was the Los Angeles Kings against the San Jose Sharks in 2014.

Jackson Blake also scored for the Hurricanes. Taylor Hall had two assists, and Frederik Andersen made 21 saves.

Drake Batherson scored his second goal of the series for the Senators, who have yet to have the lead at any point through three games. Linus Ullmark made 25 saves in the loss.

Carolina went 0-for-4 on the power play; Ottawa was 0-for-5 and is 0-for-12 for the series.


Stankoven opened the scoring, giving the Hurricanes a 1-0 lead at 5:13 of the first period. Hall got his own rebound after a shot on the rush, circled behind the net and then passed across to Stankoven, who scored on a wrist shot from the left circle.

Brady Tkachuk got in alone against Andersen early in the second period, but his backhand attempt was stopped.

The Senators had a 5-on-3 power play for 1:28 midway through the second period but did not convert.

Ottawa defenseman Jake Sanderson left the game at 10:07 of the second period with an apparent injury after taking a shot off his left hand. He had earlier taken a shot to the head from Hall.

Batherson tied it 1-1 at 16:06 when he received Nick Cousins’ pass in the slot, went to his backhand and lifted it in over Andersen’s pad.

Blake put the Hurricanes back on top 2-1 at 17:29. K’Andre Miller received a pass at the point, skated down to the top of the left circle and passed down across to Blake, who scored past the diving Ullmark from the far post.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Hurricanes #push #Senators #brink #Game #win">Deadspin | Hurricanes push Senators to brink with Game 3 win Apr 23, 2026; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Carolina Hurricanes right wing Andrei Svechnikov (37) and Ottawa Senators left wing Warren Foegele (37) chase the puck in the first period of game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Logan Stankoven scored for the third straight game and the Carolina Hurricanes put the Senators on the brink of elimination with a 2-1 win in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series in Ottawa on Thursday. Carolina leads the best-of-seven series 3-0 and Game 4 is set for Saturday at 3 p.m. ET. Only four teams in NHL history have come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a playoff series. The last team to do it was the Los Angeles Kings against the San Jose Sharks in 2014. Jackson Blake also scored for the Hurricanes. Taylor Hall had two assists, and Frederik Andersen made 21 saves. Drake Batherson scored his second goal of the series for the Senators, who have yet to have the lead at any point through three games. Linus Ullmark made 25 saves in the loss. Carolina went 0-for-4 on the power play; Ottawa was 0-for-5 and is 0-for-12 for the series. Stankoven opened the scoring, giving the Hurricanes a 1-0 lead at 5:13 of the first period. Hall got his own rebound after a shot on the rush, circled behind the net and then passed across to Stankoven, who scored on a wrist shot from the left circle. Brady Tkachuk got in alone against Andersen early in the second period, but his backhand attempt was stopped. The Senators had a 5-on-3 power play for 1:28 midway through the second period but did not convert. Ottawa defenseman Jake Sanderson left the game at 10:07 of the second period with an apparent injury after taking a shot off his left hand. He had earlier taken a shot to the head from Hall. Batherson tied it 1-1 at 16:06 when he received Nick Cousins’ pass in the slot, went to his backhand and lifted it in over Andersen’s pad. Blake put the Hurricanes back on top 2-1 at 17:29. K’Andre Miller received a pass at the point, skated down to the top of the left circle and passed down across to Blake, who scored past the diving Ullmark from the far post. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Hurricanes #push #Senators #brink #Game #win

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