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Deadspin | Robbie Ray, Giants go for sweep of mistake-prone Nationals  Apr 14, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA;  San Francisco Giants pitcher Robbie Ray (38) throws against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images   The San Francisco Giants will try to accomplish a couple of firsts for this season in the series finale at the Washington Nationals on Sunday.  The Giants will look to win four consecutive games for the first time and will also try to complete their initial three-game series sweep.  Both are possible because the Giants outlasted the Nationals 7-6 in 12 innings after watching the Nationals tie it in the ninth on Saturday.  A pair of veterans match up in the finale when San Francisco left-hander Robbie Ray (2-2, 2.42 ERA) opposes right-hander Miles Mikolas (0-3, 11.49).  Ray has given up two earned runs or fewer in each of his four starts. On Tuesday, he allowed two runs on two hits and four walks in a loss to the Cincinnati Reds.  “I felt good,” Ray said. “I felt like the fastball and the changeup were working good. Slider was playing really well. Struggled a little bit with the curveball … that’s something I’m going to work on a little bit going into my next outing.”  He is 3-5 with a 5.21 ERA in nine starts against the Nationals.  Mikolas has struggled, allowing 20 earned runs in 15 2/3 innings. On Tuesday, he gave up three runs on three hits in 3 1/3 innings working behind an opener.  He is 5-1 with a 3.20 ERA in 10 games (six starts) versus the Giants.   The Giants rallied from a 5-1 deficit on Saturday, took the lead in the seventh, surrendered it in the ninth and won it in the 12th.  “That was one where the baseball gods didn’t feel like they were going to let us lose today,” manager Tony Vitello said. “There were several moments where we could have lost that game. I’m sure they could say the same in the other locker room. That’s what made it a great, March Madness, playoff-type game.”  Heliot Ramos had three hits, including his second home run in two games. Five players provided two hits each as part of a 16-hit attack.  Ryan Walker surrendered the lead in the ninth but pitched out of a bases-loaded, no-out jam in the 10th before Caleb Kilian pitched two innings for the win.  “That was super exciting,” Killian said of earning his first major league win in his 18th career appearance. “Probably long overdue.”  For the Nationals, Saturday’s loss was a mistake-filled effort. Miscues in the field and on the basepaths contributed to losing the early lead and later failing to pull the game out. Washington ranks near the bottom of MLB defensively with 18 errors.  “Every day we meet as a team and go through plays from the day before, plays that we did well, plays that we didn’t do well, and then how we want to execute them as a team,” manager Blake Butera said. “I think (Sunday’s) meeting will just be a good bit longer than usual.”  James Wood hit his seventh home run for Washington, which fell to 1-7 at home. He has reached base safely in 12 of his last 13 games since April 5, batting .360 with nine extra-base hits (three doubles, six homers).  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Robbie #Ray #Giants #sweep #mistakeprone #Nationals

Deadspin | Robbie Ray, Giants go for sweep of mistake-prone Nationals
Deadspin | Robbie Ray, Giants go for sweep of mistake-prone Nationals  Apr 14, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA;  San Francisco Giants pitcher Robbie Ray (38) throws against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images   The San Francisco Giants will try to accomplish a couple of firsts for this season in the series finale at the Washington Nationals on Sunday.  The Giants will look to win four consecutive games for the first time and will also try to complete their initial three-game series sweep.  Both are possible because the Giants outlasted the Nationals 7-6 in 12 innings after watching the Nationals tie it in the ninth on Saturday.  A pair of veterans match up in the finale when San Francisco left-hander Robbie Ray (2-2, 2.42 ERA) opposes right-hander Miles Mikolas (0-3, 11.49).  Ray has given up two earned runs or fewer in each of his four starts. On Tuesday, he allowed two runs on two hits and four walks in a loss to the Cincinnati Reds.  “I felt good,” Ray said. “I felt like the fastball and the changeup were working good. Slider was playing really well. Struggled a little bit with the curveball … that’s something I’m going to work on a little bit going into my next outing.”  He is 3-5 with a 5.21 ERA in nine starts against the Nationals.  Mikolas has struggled, allowing 20 earned runs in 15 2/3 innings. On Tuesday, he gave up three runs on three hits in 3 1/3 innings working behind an opener.  He is 5-1 with a 3.20 ERA in 10 games (six starts) versus the Giants.   The Giants rallied from a 5-1 deficit on Saturday, took the lead in the seventh, surrendered it in the ninth and won it in the 12th.  “That was one where the baseball gods didn’t feel like they were going to let us lose today,” manager Tony Vitello said. “There were several moments where we could have lost that game. I’m sure they could say the same in the other locker room. That’s what made it a great, March Madness, playoff-type game.”  Heliot Ramos had three hits, including his second home run in two games. Five players provided two hits each as part of a 16-hit attack.  Ryan Walker surrendered the lead in the ninth but pitched out of a bases-loaded, no-out jam in the 10th before Caleb Kilian pitched two innings for the win.  “That was super exciting,” Killian said of earning his first major league win in his 18th career appearance. “Probably long overdue.”  For the Nationals, Saturday’s loss was a mistake-filled effort. Miscues in the field and on the basepaths contributed to losing the early lead and later failing to pull the game out. Washington ranks near the bottom of MLB defensively with 18 errors.  “Every day we meet as a team and go through plays from the day before, plays that we did well, plays that we didn’t do well, and then how we want to execute them as a team,” manager Blake Butera said. “I think (Sunday’s) meeting will just be a good bit longer than usual.”  James Wood hit his seventh home run for Washington, which fell to 1-7 at home. He has reached base safely in 12 of his last 13 games since April 5, batting .360 with nine extra-base hits (three doubles, six homers).  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Robbie #Ray #Giants #sweep #mistakeprone #NationalsApr 14, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Robbie Ray (38) throws against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

The San Francisco Giants will try to accomplish a couple of firsts for this season in the series finale at the Washington Nationals on Sunday.

The Giants will look to win four consecutive games for the first time and will also try to complete their initial three-game series sweep.

Both are possible because the Giants outlasted the Nationals 7-6 in 12 innings after watching the Nationals tie it in the ninth on Saturday.

A pair of veterans match up in the finale when San Francisco left-hander Robbie Ray (2-2, 2.42 ERA) opposes right-hander Miles Mikolas (0-3, 11.49).

Ray has given up two earned runs or fewer in each of his four starts. On Tuesday, he allowed two runs on two hits and four walks in a loss to the Cincinnati Reds.

“I felt good,” Ray said. “I felt like the fastball and the changeup were working good. Slider was playing really well. Struggled a little bit with the curveball … that’s something I’m going to work on a little bit going into my next outing.”

He is 3-5 with a 5.21 ERA in nine starts against the Nationals.

Mikolas has struggled, allowing 20 earned runs in 15 2/3 innings. On Tuesday, he gave up three runs on three hits in 3 1/3 innings working behind an opener.


He is 5-1 with a 3.20 ERA in 10 games (six starts) versus the Giants.

The Giants rallied from a 5-1 deficit on Saturday, took the lead in the seventh, surrendered it in the ninth and won it in the 12th.

“That was one where the baseball gods didn’t feel like they were going to let us lose today,” manager Tony Vitello said. “There were several moments where we could have lost that game. I’m sure they could say the same in the other locker room. That’s what made it a great, March Madness, playoff-type game.”

Heliot Ramos had three hits, including his second home run in two games. Five players provided two hits each as part of a 16-hit attack.

Ryan Walker surrendered the lead in the ninth but pitched out of a bases-loaded, no-out jam in the 10th before Caleb Kilian pitched two innings for the win.

“That was super exciting,” Killian said of earning his first major league win in his 18th career appearance. “Probably long overdue.”

For the Nationals, Saturday’s loss was a mistake-filled effort. Miscues in the field and on the basepaths contributed to losing the early lead and later failing to pull the game out. Washington ranks near the bottom of MLB defensively with 18 errors.

“Every day we meet as a team and go through plays from the day before, plays that we did well, plays that we didn’t do well, and then how we want to execute them as a team,” manager Blake Butera said. “I think (Sunday’s) meeting will just be a good bit longer than usual.”

James Wood hit his seventh home run for Washington, which fell to 1-7 at home. He has reached base safely in 12 of his last 13 games since April 5, batting .360 with nine extra-base hits (three doubles, six homers).


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Robbie #Ray #Giants #sweep #mistakeprone #Nationals

Apr 14, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Robbie Ray (38) throws against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

The San Francisco Giants will try to accomplish a couple of firsts for this season in the series finale at the Washington Nationals on Sunday.

The Giants will look to win four consecutive games for the first time and will also try to complete their initial three-game series sweep.

Both are possible because the Giants outlasted the Nationals 7-6 in 12 innings after watching the Nationals tie it in the ninth on Saturday.

A pair of veterans match up in the finale when San Francisco left-hander Robbie Ray (2-2, 2.42 ERA) opposes right-hander Miles Mikolas (0-3, 11.49).

Ray has given up two earned runs or fewer in each of his four starts. On Tuesday, he allowed two runs on two hits and four walks in a loss to the Cincinnati Reds.

“I felt good,” Ray said. “I felt like the fastball and the changeup were working good. Slider was playing really well. Struggled a little bit with the curveball … that’s something I’m going to work on a little bit going into my next outing.”

He is 3-5 with a 5.21 ERA in nine starts against the Nationals.

Mikolas has struggled, allowing 20 earned runs in 15 2/3 innings. On Tuesday, he gave up three runs on three hits in 3 1/3 innings working behind an opener.

He is 5-1 with a 3.20 ERA in 10 games (six starts) versus the Giants.

The Giants rallied from a 5-1 deficit on Saturday, took the lead in the seventh, surrendered it in the ninth and won it in the 12th.

“That was one where the baseball gods didn’t feel like they were going to let us lose today,” manager Tony Vitello said. “There were several moments where we could have lost that game. I’m sure they could say the same in the other locker room. That’s what made it a great, March Madness, playoff-type game.”

Heliot Ramos had three hits, including his second home run in two games. Five players provided two hits each as part of a 16-hit attack.

Ryan Walker surrendered the lead in the ninth but pitched out of a bases-loaded, no-out jam in the 10th before Caleb Kilian pitched two innings for the win.

“That was super exciting,” Killian said of earning his first major league win in his 18th career appearance. “Probably long overdue.”

For the Nationals, Saturday’s loss was a mistake-filled effort. Miscues in the field and on the basepaths contributed to losing the early lead and later failing to pull the game out. Washington ranks near the bottom of MLB defensively with 18 errors.

“Every day we meet as a team and go through plays from the day before, plays that we did well, plays that we didn’t do well, and then how we want to execute them as a team,” manager Blake Butera said. “I think (Sunday’s) meeting will just be a good bit longer than usual.”

James Wood hit his seventh home run for Washington, which fell to 1-7 at home. He has reached base safely in 12 of his last 13 games since April 5, batting .360 with nine extra-base hits (three doubles, six homers).

–Field Level Media

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Chief selector Ajit Agarkar set to get an extension till June 2027 <div id="content-body-70880260" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Ajit Agarkar will continue as chairman of India’s senior selection committee after the Board of Control for Cricket in India renewed his contract for another year, with an eye on the 2027 ODI World Cup.</p><p>During Agarkar’s tenure, India reached four ICC tournament finals between October 2023 and March 2026, winning three titles, including two T20 World Cups and a Champions Trophy.</p><p>“Agarkar didn’t seek extension. A selector can continue up to four years in either junior or senior selection committee and five years cumulatively across both committees. Hence Ajit’s contract is being renewed and not extended,” a senior BCCI source told PTI.</p><p>Since Agarkar took charge, the panel has taken several high-impact decisions, including overseeing the Test retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma and gradually moving on from Mohammed Shami in international cricket.</p><p>The committee also left out Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill from the 2026 T20 World Cup squad in favour of an in-form Ishan Kishan, who ended up being India’s second-highest run-getter in the competition.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 19, 2026</p></div> #Chief #selector #Ajit #Agarkar #set #extension #June

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What happened last time Arsenal faced Manchester City? <div id="content-body-70878535" itemprop="articleBody"><p>As the Premier League 2025-26 season is approaching its business end, leader Arsenal will travel to Manchester City on Sunday, with both sides looking to make a big statement in the title race.</p><p>Arsenal is six points ahead of ​second-placed City, which has a game in hand, and despite a 2-1 loss at home to Bournemouth last week, manager Mikel Arteta said that his side remains confident.</p><p>Meanwhile, Man City manager Pep Guardiola has said that an Arsenal victory on Sunday would end the title race, but that his side would have a lot more work to do even if it beats the Gunners.</p><p><b>What happened the last time Arsenal faced Manchester City?</b></p><p>Arsenal and Manchester City most recently faced off in the League Cup final, where City managed to secure a 2-0 win and lift the trophy.</p><p>After a stalemate in the first half, Nico O’Reilly scored a four-minute brace to guide his side to a ninth League Cup title and fifth since Pep Guardiola arrived at the club in 2016.</p><p>With the win, Guardiola became the most successful manager in the competition’s history, moving past Jose Mourinho, Alex Ferguson and Brian ‌Clough, who all won it four times.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 19, 2026</p></div> #happened #time #Arsenal #faced #Manchester #City

Laura Wolvaardt made a free-flowing 54 and Sune Luus complemented her skipper with a well-composed 57 as South Africa crushed India by eight wickets in the second women’s T20I here on Sunday.

The match’s script was written in clear letters once SA bowlers bundled out India for a below-par 147, and it was taken into its logical culmination by Wolvaardt and Luus who added 106 runs for the opening alliance in just 12 overs.

The hosts made 148 for two in 17.1 overs. SA now leads the five-match series 2-0.

Wolvaardt was quite impressive, making runs more through finding gaps rather than going for big hits.

However, the SA skipper freed her hands whenever the opportunity presented, like an inside out six over covers off left-arm spinner Sree Charani.

Wolvaardt soon reached her fifty, 15th in a stellar T20I career so far, off just 30 balls.

At the other end, Luus was more patient, working spinners around for singles and twos with occasional boundaries, such as a maximum off off-spinner Shreyanka Patil.

The Bengaluru cricketer, however, had the last laugh, getting rid of both Wolvaardt and Luus, but the two wickets came too late to alter the course of the match.

Earlier, opener Shafali Verma struck a typically aggressive 57 but rest of the Indian batters struggled against largely accurate South Africa bowlers, settling for a below par 147 all out.

Also read | In hope of stars to turn up, Mumbai Indians visits in-form Gujarat Titans

Shafali was involved in a fine stand of 53 with debutant Anushka Sharma (28) but it was not a smooth stay by any stretch of imagination.

After losing Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues in successive overs of left-arm spinner Chloe Tryon (3/22), India did mount a comeback through Shafali and Anushka.

But taking a cue from their spinners, SA pacers Ayabonga Khaka, Tumi Sekhukhune (3/31) and Nadine de Klerk too mixed cutters and slow balls to keep Indian batters guessing.

The third wicket alliance between Shafali and Anushka, who were given lives respectively on 24 and 11, was a prime example of that.

Shafali, who hammered Sekhukhune for two fours and a six in an over in the PowerPlay, slowed down, whereas Anushka, who began her international career with a four, too found the going tough.

Shafali reached her 15th T20I fifty in 31 balls but fell soon, skying Noku Mlaba to De Klerk in the deep.

A little bit earlier, Tryon had ousted Anushka as India slipped to 109 for 4 in the 14th over from a healthier 99 for two in the 12th over.

Thereafter, India kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma all fell attempting acceleration. Had SA held on to their catches, India would have been bowled out for a much lower total.

In fact, India lost eight wickets for a mere 48 runs in that period of disarray.

Published on Apr 19, 2026

#INDW #Wolvaardt #Luus #fifties #South #Africa #script #8wicket #win #India">IND-W vs SA-W: Wolvaardt, Luus fifties help South Africa script 8-wicket win over India  Laura Wolvaardt made a free-flowing 54 and Sune Luus complemented her skipper with a well-composed 57 as South Africa crushed India by eight wickets in the second women’s T20I here on Sunday.The match’s script was written in clear letters once SA bowlers bundled out India for a below-par 147, and it was taken into its logical culmination by Wolvaardt and Luus who added 106 runs for the opening alliance in just 12 overs.The hosts made 148 for two in 17.1 overs. SA now leads the five-match series 2-0.Wolvaardt was quite impressive, making runs more through finding gaps rather than going for big hits.However, the SA skipper freed her hands whenever the opportunity presented, like an inside out six over covers off left-arm spinner Sree Charani.Wolvaardt soon reached her fifty, 15th in a stellar T20I career so far, off just 30 balls.At the other end, Luus was more patient, working spinners around for singles and twos with occasional boundaries, such as a maximum off off-spinner Shreyanka Patil.The Bengaluru cricketer, however, had the last laugh, getting rid of both Wolvaardt and Luus, but the two wickets came too late to alter the course of the match.Earlier, opener Shafali Verma struck a typically aggressive 57 but rest of the Indian batters struggled against largely accurate South Africa bowlers, settling for a below par 147 all out.Also read | In hope of stars to turn up, Mumbai Indians visits in-form Gujarat TitansShafali was involved in a fine stand of 53 with debutant Anushka Sharma (28) but it was not a smooth stay by any stretch of imagination.After losing Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues in successive overs of left-arm spinner Chloe Tryon (3/22), India did mount a comeback through Shafali and Anushka.But taking a cue from their spinners, SA pacers Ayabonga Khaka, Tumi Sekhukhune (3/31) and Nadine de Klerk too mixed cutters and slow balls to keep Indian batters guessing.The third wicket alliance between Shafali and Anushka, who were given lives respectively on 24 and 11, was a prime example of that.Shafali, who hammered Sekhukhune for two fours and a six in an over in the PowerPlay, slowed down, whereas Anushka, who began her international career with a four, too found the going tough.Shafali reached her 15th T20I fifty in 31 balls but fell soon, skying Noku Mlaba to De Klerk in the deep.A little bit earlier, Tryon had ousted Anushka as India slipped to 109 for 4 in the 14th over from a healthier 99 for two in the 12th over.Thereafter, India kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma all fell attempting acceleration. Had SA held on to their catches, India would have been bowled out for a much lower total.In fact, India lost eight wickets for a mere 48 runs in that period of disarray.Published on Apr 19, 2026  #INDW #Wolvaardt #Luus #fifties #South #Africa #script #8wicket #win #India

In hope of stars to turn up, Mumbai Indians visits in-form Gujarat Titans

Shafali was involved in a fine stand of 53 with debutant Anushka Sharma (28) but it was not a smooth stay by any stretch of imagination.

After losing Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues in successive overs of left-arm spinner Chloe Tryon (3/22), India did mount a comeback through Shafali and Anushka.

But taking a cue from their spinners, SA pacers Ayabonga Khaka, Tumi Sekhukhune (3/31) and Nadine de Klerk too mixed cutters and slow balls to keep Indian batters guessing.

The third wicket alliance between Shafali and Anushka, who were given lives respectively on 24 and 11, was a prime example of that.

Shafali, who hammered Sekhukhune for two fours and a six in an over in the PowerPlay, slowed down, whereas Anushka, who began her international career with a four, too found the going tough.

Shafali reached her 15th T20I fifty in 31 balls but fell soon, skying Noku Mlaba to De Klerk in the deep.

A little bit earlier, Tryon had ousted Anushka as India slipped to 109 for 4 in the 14th over from a healthier 99 for two in the 12th over.

Thereafter, India kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma all fell attempting acceleration. Had SA held on to their catches, India would have been bowled out for a much lower total.

In fact, India lost eight wickets for a mere 48 runs in that period of disarray.

Published on Apr 19, 2026

#INDW #Wolvaardt #Luus #fifties #South #Africa #script #8wicket #win #India">IND-W vs SA-W: Wolvaardt, Luus fifties help South Africa script 8-wicket win over India

Laura Wolvaardt made a free-flowing 54 and Sune Luus complemented her skipper with a well-composed 57 as South Africa crushed India by eight wickets in the second women’s T20I here on Sunday.

The match’s script was written in clear letters once SA bowlers bundled out India for a below-par 147, and it was taken into its logical culmination by Wolvaardt and Luus who added 106 runs for the opening alliance in just 12 overs.

The hosts made 148 for two in 17.1 overs. SA now leads the five-match series 2-0.

Wolvaardt was quite impressive, making runs more through finding gaps rather than going for big hits.

However, the SA skipper freed her hands whenever the opportunity presented, like an inside out six over covers off left-arm spinner Sree Charani.

Wolvaardt soon reached her fifty, 15th in a stellar T20I career so far, off just 30 balls.

At the other end, Luus was more patient, working spinners around for singles and twos with occasional boundaries, such as a maximum off off-spinner Shreyanka Patil.

The Bengaluru cricketer, however, had the last laugh, getting rid of both Wolvaardt and Luus, but the two wickets came too late to alter the course of the match.

Earlier, opener Shafali Verma struck a typically aggressive 57 but rest of the Indian batters struggled against largely accurate South Africa bowlers, settling for a below par 147 all out.

Also read | In hope of stars to turn up, Mumbai Indians visits in-form Gujarat Titans

Shafali was involved in a fine stand of 53 with debutant Anushka Sharma (28) but it was not a smooth stay by any stretch of imagination.

After losing Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues in successive overs of left-arm spinner Chloe Tryon (3/22), India did mount a comeback through Shafali and Anushka.

But taking a cue from their spinners, SA pacers Ayabonga Khaka, Tumi Sekhukhune (3/31) and Nadine de Klerk too mixed cutters and slow balls to keep Indian batters guessing.

The third wicket alliance between Shafali and Anushka, who were given lives respectively on 24 and 11, was a prime example of that.

Shafali, who hammered Sekhukhune for two fours and a six in an over in the PowerPlay, slowed down, whereas Anushka, who began her international career with a four, too found the going tough.

Shafali reached her 15th T20I fifty in 31 balls but fell soon, skying Noku Mlaba to De Klerk in the deep.

A little bit earlier, Tryon had ousted Anushka as India slipped to 109 for 4 in the 14th over from a healthier 99 for two in the 12th over.

Thereafter, India kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma all fell attempting acceleration. Had SA held on to their catches, India would have been bowled out for a much lower total.

In fact, India lost eight wickets for a mere 48 runs in that period of disarray.

Published on Apr 19, 2026

#INDW #Wolvaardt #Luus #fifties #South #Africa #script #8wicket #win #India
Deadspin | Phillies ‘got to keep fighting’ as Braves on verge of sweep    Apr 18, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (27) hits an RBI single against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images   Less than one month into the 2026 season, the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies are two trains speeding in opposite directions.    The Braves have won eight of their past 10 games and will try to complete a three-game sweep in Philadelphia on Sunday night.    The Phillies have lost eight of 10, including 9-0 and 3-1 defeats in the first two games of this weekend set. Philadelphia had no answers for Chris Sale on Saturday, as the veteran left-hander allowed just one run over seven innings.    “My main focus was really just following his lead and just trying to execute good pitches,” Sale said of his rapport with catcher Jonah Heim, adding he wanted to “make good, quality pitches, because that’s a hell of a lineup.”    The Phillies managed only five hits — including four singles — and struck out 10 times against Sale and a pair of relievers. Philadelphia has a total of seven runs during a current four-game slide.    “It’s frustrating, but we’ve got to keep fighting,” said manager Rob Thomson, whose squad allowed three unearned runs on Saturday. “We’ve got to keep fighting. … But we’ve got to play better.”    The lone offensive highlight for Philadelphia was a home run by Felix Reyes off of Sale. The homer came in the first major-league at-bat for the 25-year-old outfielder.    Another promising Phillies rookie will take center stage Sunday as Andrew Painter (1-0, 3.77 ERA) will start following an unconventional appearance last weekend.    The 23-year-old right-hander was supposed to start last Sunday against the Arizona Diamondbacks, but a migraine led to a late scratch. However, Painter felt well enough to come on in relief, where he allowed one run over five innings, striking out seven and walking one in his team’s 4-3 loss.     “I didn’t know the extent of how long I was going to be able to go out, how good I was feeling,” Painter said. “But I wanted to go out there and at least get a couple innings to take that (workload) off the bullpen.”  Painter has yet to face the Braves in his young career.    Atlanta will counter with Grant Holmes (1-1, 3.32 ERA), who was pulled after allowing three runs in four innings Monday in his team’s 10-4 loss to the Miami Marlins. Braves manager Walt Weiss later noted that Holmes had thrown 99 pitches in his previous outing and that he was looking out for the right-hander’s long-term health.    Still, Holmes wasn’t pleased with his abbreviated performance.    “I started rushing too much and being too quick down the mound,” he said.    Holmes has made four career appearances (one start) against Philadelphia, posting a 1-1 record with a 1.17 ERA. He certainly doesn’t want to let Bryce Harper get going. The Phillies’ slugger had three hits in the series opener but went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts on Saturday.    Philadelphia likely will be without J.T. Realmuto in the series finale after the veteran catcher felt some back tightness on Saturday.    “We’re checking on him now,” Thomson said after Saturday’s game. “I doubt he’ll play (Sunday).”    For Atlanta, Austin Riley has been a pest over the first two games of the series. He has multiple hits in each contest — a pair of opposite-field home runs and four RBIs on Friday and two singles on Saturday.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Phillies #fighting #Braves #verge #sweepApr 18, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (27) hits an RBI single against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Less than one month into the 2026 season, the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies are two trains speeding in opposite directions.

The Braves have won eight of their past 10 games and will try to complete a three-game sweep in Philadelphia on Sunday night.

The Phillies have lost eight of 10, including 9-0 and 3-1 defeats in the first two games of this weekend set. Philadelphia had no answers for Chris Sale on Saturday, as the veteran left-hander allowed just one run over seven innings.

“My main focus was really just following his lead and just trying to execute good pitches,” Sale said of his rapport with catcher Jonah Heim, adding he wanted to “make good, quality pitches, because that’s a hell of a lineup.”

The Phillies managed only five hits — including four singles — and struck out 10 times against Sale and a pair of relievers. Philadelphia has a total of seven runs during a current four-game slide.

“It’s frustrating, but we’ve got to keep fighting,” said manager Rob Thomson, whose squad allowed three unearned runs on Saturday. “We’ve got to keep fighting. … But we’ve got to play better.”

The lone offensive highlight for Philadelphia was a home run by Felix Reyes off of Sale. The homer came in the first major-league at-bat for the 25-year-old outfielder.

Another promising Phillies rookie will take center stage Sunday as Andrew Painter (1-0, 3.77 ERA) will start following an unconventional appearance last weekend.

The 23-year-old right-hander was supposed to start last Sunday against the Arizona Diamondbacks, but a migraine led to a late scratch. However, Painter felt well enough to come on in relief, where he allowed one run over five innings, striking out seven and walking one in his team’s 4-3 loss.


“I didn’t know the extent of how long I was going to be able to go out, how good I was feeling,” Painter said. “But I wanted to go out there and at least get a couple innings to take that (workload) off the bullpen.”

Painter has yet to face the Braves in his young career.

Atlanta will counter with Grant Holmes (1-1, 3.32 ERA), who was pulled after allowing three runs in four innings Monday in his team’s 10-4 loss to the Miami Marlins. Braves manager Walt Weiss later noted that Holmes had thrown 99 pitches in his previous outing and that he was looking out for the right-hander’s long-term health.

Still, Holmes wasn’t pleased with his abbreviated performance.

“I started rushing too much and being too quick down the mound,” he said.

Holmes has made four career appearances (one start) against Philadelphia, posting a 1-1 record with a 1.17 ERA. He certainly doesn’t want to let Bryce Harper get going. The Phillies’ slugger had three hits in the series opener but went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts on Saturday.

Philadelphia likely will be without J.T. Realmuto in the series finale after the veteran catcher felt some back tightness on Saturday.

“We’re checking on him now,” Thomson said after Saturday’s game. “I doubt he’ll play (Sunday).”

For Atlanta, Austin Riley has been a pest over the first two games of the series. He has multiple hits in each contest — a pair of opposite-field home runs and four RBIs on Friday and two singles on Saturday.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Phillies #fighting #Braves #verge #sweep">Deadspin | Phillies ‘got to keep fighting’ as Braves on verge of sweep    Apr 18, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (27) hits an RBI single against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images   Less than one month into the 2026 season, the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies are two trains speeding in opposite directions.    The Braves have won eight of their past 10 games and will try to complete a three-game sweep in Philadelphia on Sunday night.    The Phillies have lost eight of 10, including 9-0 and 3-1 defeats in the first two games of this weekend set. Philadelphia had no answers for Chris Sale on Saturday, as the veteran left-hander allowed just one run over seven innings.    “My main focus was really just following his lead and just trying to execute good pitches,” Sale said of his rapport with catcher Jonah Heim, adding he wanted to “make good, quality pitches, because that’s a hell of a lineup.”    The Phillies managed only five hits — including four singles — and struck out 10 times against Sale and a pair of relievers. Philadelphia has a total of seven runs during a current four-game slide.    “It’s frustrating, but we’ve got to keep fighting,” said manager Rob Thomson, whose squad allowed three unearned runs on Saturday. “We’ve got to keep fighting. … But we’ve got to play better.”    The lone offensive highlight for Philadelphia was a home run by Felix Reyes off of Sale. The homer came in the first major-league at-bat for the 25-year-old outfielder.    Another promising Phillies rookie will take center stage Sunday as Andrew Painter (1-0, 3.77 ERA) will start following an unconventional appearance last weekend.    The 23-year-old right-hander was supposed to start last Sunday against the Arizona Diamondbacks, but a migraine led to a late scratch. However, Painter felt well enough to come on in relief, where he allowed one run over five innings, striking out seven and walking one in his team’s 4-3 loss.     “I didn’t know the extent of how long I was going to be able to go out, how good I was feeling,” Painter said. “But I wanted to go out there and at least get a couple innings to take that (workload) off the bullpen.”  Painter has yet to face the Braves in his young career.    Atlanta will counter with Grant Holmes (1-1, 3.32 ERA), who was pulled after allowing three runs in four innings Monday in his team’s 10-4 loss to the Miami Marlins. Braves manager Walt Weiss later noted that Holmes had thrown 99 pitches in his previous outing and that he was looking out for the right-hander’s long-term health.    Still, Holmes wasn’t pleased with his abbreviated performance.    “I started rushing too much and being too quick down the mound,” he said.    Holmes has made four career appearances (one start) against Philadelphia, posting a 1-1 record with a 1.17 ERA. He certainly doesn’t want to let Bryce Harper get going. The Phillies’ slugger had three hits in the series opener but went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts on Saturday.    Philadelphia likely will be without J.T. Realmuto in the series finale after the veteran catcher felt some back tightness on Saturday.    “We’re checking on him now,” Thomson said after Saturday’s game. “I doubt he’ll play (Sunday).”    For Atlanta, Austin Riley has been a pest over the first two games of the series. He has multiple hits in each contest — a pair of opposite-field home runs and four RBIs on Friday and two singles on Saturday.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Phillies #fighting #Braves #verge #sweep

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