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Deadspin | Rory McIlroy tied for lead to begin Masters defense Apr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy acknowledges the crowd on the 18th green during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images AUGUSTA, Ga. — Rory McIlroy began the defense of his first Masters title with a 5-under-par 67 that gave him a share of the afternoon lead with Sam Burns at Augusta National on Thursday. It is only the third time in 18 Masters starts that McIlroy has broken 70 in the first round, and the second-lowest opening-round score he has posted, only trailing a 65 in 2011. “Great, great start to the week, obviously. Felt like I got a lot out of my round today,” he said. “I settled into the round nicely even when I wasn’t hitting fairways.” Thursday’s effort tied the 5 under posted by Burns earlier in the afternoon. Both players took significant advantage of the par-5s. Burns eagled the second hole and birdied the three others, while McIlroy birdied all four of them. “I think historically people who have success here play the par-5s really well, and we were able to do that today. So, it’s a good recipe around this golf course,” Burns said. Like Burns, McIlroy made his turn in 2 under before carding a 3-under 33 on the back nine courtesy of three consecutive birdies from Nos. 13-15. McIlroy acknowledged earlier this week that last year’s victory took a “big weight” off his shoulders. And now he’s in an excellent position as he attempts to become only the fourth player to win back-to-back Masters. McIlroy shot an opening-round 72 in 2025 that left him in a tie for 27th, and his average opening score in 17 previous Masters was 71.7. Through what he called a shaky first seven holes, a low round didn’t appear to be in the cards. Then a birdie at No. 8 led to playing his final 11 holes in 5 under. McIlroy said that in previous years he might not have been patient enough to overcome a shaky start, but last year’s victory gave him the ability to keep swinging freely rather than tentatively. “I was nervous, I was anxious just like I always am on that first tee,” he said. “It’s the first round of the 16 most important rounds of the season. It would be worrisome if I didn’t feel that way, because it still means something to me.” Earlier, Burns posted the best score of his Masters career in any round, besting the 68 he shot in the first round in 2023. In 12 rounds through four previous appearances at Augusta National, that had been the lone time Burns had broken 70 until Thursday. But he doesn’t plan on spending much time dwelling on the overnight leaderboard. “I feel like you start thinking, you know, in the past or in the future, this is not really a golf course you want to do that,” he said. “I think for me just trying to go out, execute, have a good process, commit to the shot and just be accepting of whatever happens.” Patrick Reed also reached 5 under by eagling both par-5s on the front nine to make his turn at 31, but the 2018 Masters champion gave a shot back at No. 10 before putting a ball in the water on the par-5 15th for another bogey to enter the clubhouse at 3 under. “All in all, there was a lot of quality golf shots,” Reid said. “I felt like I played a lot better kind of than the score today. I hit the ball pretty solid, gave myself a lot of good looks and made a couple of putts.” Kurt Kitayama finished an eventful day at 3-under 69. He reached 4 under through 10 holes before a bogey on No. 11 and a double bogey on the short par-3 12th. He was able to card birdies on two of his final holes to get to the clubhouse among the early leaders. Bryson DeChambeau, who is seeking to build on his best Masters finish of fifth place last year, was at even par entering the 11th through 13 holes, known as “Amen Corner.” He put his approach shot on No. 11 into the bunker behind the green. DeChambeau then failed to get out of the bunker on his first two attempts and ended up carding a triple bogey on the hole. “Bunker was softer than I anticipated,” DeChambeau offered when asked about what happened on 11, adding that he hit a solid approach shot that flew 12 yards further than he wanted. DeChambeau finished the day at 4 over following a bogey-birdie-bogey finish. NOTES: The 91-player field includes 22 first-time players — six amateurs and 16 professionals. Each amateur is paired with a Masters champion for the first two rounds of the tournament. –Derek Harper, Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rory #McIlroy #tied #lead #Masters #defense

Deadspin | Rory McIlroy tied for lead to begin Masters defense
Deadspin | Rory McIlroy tied for lead to begin Masters defense Apr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy acknowledges the crowd on the 18th green during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images AUGUSTA, Ga. — Rory McIlroy began the defense of his first Masters title with a 5-under-par 67 that gave him a share of the afternoon lead with Sam Burns at Augusta National on Thursday. It is only the third time in 18 Masters starts that McIlroy has broken 70 in the first round, and the second-lowest opening-round score he has posted, only trailing a 65 in 2011. “Great, great start to the week, obviously. Felt like I got a lot out of my round today,” he said. “I settled into the round nicely even when I wasn’t hitting fairways.” Thursday’s effort tied the 5 under posted by Burns earlier in the afternoon. Both players took significant advantage of the par-5s. Burns eagled the second hole and birdied the three others, while McIlroy birdied all four of them. “I think historically people who have success here play the par-5s really well, and we were able to do that today. So, it’s a good recipe around this golf course,” Burns said. Like Burns, McIlroy made his turn in 2 under before carding a 3-under 33 on the back nine courtesy of three consecutive birdies from Nos. 13-15. McIlroy acknowledged earlier this week that last year’s victory took a “big weight” off his shoulders. And now he’s in an excellent position as he attempts to become only the fourth player to win back-to-back Masters. McIlroy shot an opening-round 72 in 2025 that left him in a tie for 27th, and his average opening score in 17 previous Masters was 71.7. Through what he called a shaky first seven holes, a low round didn’t appear to be in the cards. Then a birdie at No. 8 led to playing his final 11 holes in 5 under. McIlroy said that in previous years he might not have been patient enough to overcome a shaky start, but last year’s victory gave him the ability to keep swinging freely rather than tentatively. “I was nervous, I was anxious just like I always am on that first tee,” he said. “It’s the first round of the 16 most important rounds of the season. It would be worrisome if I didn’t feel that way, because it still means something to me.” Earlier, Burns posted the best score of his Masters career in any round, besting the 68 he shot in the first round in 2023. In 12 rounds through four previous appearances at Augusta National, that had been the lone time Burns had broken 70 until Thursday. But he doesn’t plan on spending much time dwelling on the overnight leaderboard. “I feel like you start thinking, you know, in the past or in the future, this is not really a golf course you want to do that,” he said. “I think for me just trying to go out, execute, have a good process, commit to the shot and just be accepting of whatever happens.” Patrick Reed also reached 5 under by eagling both par-5s on the front nine to make his turn at 31, but the 2018 Masters champion gave a shot back at No. 10 before putting a ball in the water on the par-5 15th for another bogey to enter the clubhouse at 3 under. “All in all, there was a lot of quality golf shots,” Reid said. “I felt like I played a lot better kind of than the score today. I hit the ball pretty solid, gave myself a lot of good looks and made a couple of putts.” Kurt Kitayama finished an eventful day at 3-under 69. He reached 4 under through 10 holes before a bogey on No. 11 and a double bogey on the short par-3 12th. He was able to card birdies on two of his final holes to get to the clubhouse among the early leaders. Bryson DeChambeau, who is seeking to build on his best Masters finish of fifth place last year, was at even par entering the 11th through 13 holes, known as “Amen Corner.” He put his approach shot on No. 11 into the bunker behind the green. DeChambeau then failed to get out of the bunker on his first two attempts and ended up carding a triple bogey on the hole. “Bunker was softer than I anticipated,” DeChambeau offered when asked about what happened on 11, adding that he hit a solid approach shot that flew 12 yards further than he wanted. DeChambeau finished the day at 4 over following a bogey-birdie-bogey finish. NOTES: The 91-player field includes 22 first-time players — six amateurs and 16 professionals. Each amateur is paired with a Masters champion for the first two rounds of the tournament. –Derek Harper, Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rory #McIlroy #tied #lead #Masters #defenseApr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy acknowledges the crowd on the 18th green during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Rory McIlroy began the defense of his first Masters title with a 5-under-par 67 that gave him a share of the afternoon lead with Sam Burns at Augusta National on Thursday.

It is only the third time in 18 Masters starts that McIlroy has broken 70 in the first round, and the second-lowest opening-round score he has posted, only trailing a 65 in 2011.

“Great, great start to the week, obviously. Felt like I got a lot out of my round today,” he said. “I settled into the round nicely even when I wasn’t hitting fairways.”

Thursday’s effort tied the 5 under posted by Burns earlier in the afternoon. Both players took significant advantage of the par-5s. Burns eagled the second hole and birdied the three others, while McIlroy birdied all four of them.

“I think historically people who have success here play the par-5s really well, and we were able to do that today. So, it’s a good recipe around this golf course,” Burns said.

Like Burns, McIlroy made his turn in 2 under before carding a 3-under 33 on the back nine courtesy of three consecutive birdies from Nos. 13-15.

McIlroy acknowledged earlier this week that last year’s victory took a “big weight” off his shoulders. And now he’s in an excellent position as he attempts to become only the fourth player to win back-to-back Masters.

McIlroy shot an opening-round 72 in 2025 that left him in a tie for 27th, and his average opening score in 17 previous Masters was 71.7. Through what he called a shaky first seven holes, a low round didn’t appear to be in the cards. Then a birdie at No. 8 led to playing his final 11 holes in 5 under.

McIlroy said that in previous years he might not have been patient enough to overcome a shaky start, but last year’s victory gave him the ability to keep swinging freely rather than tentatively.

“I was nervous, I was anxious just like I always am on that first tee,” he said. “It’s the first round of the 16 most important rounds of the season. It would be worrisome if I didn’t feel that way, because it still means something to me.”


Earlier, Burns posted the best score of his Masters career in any round, besting the 68 he shot in the first round in 2023. In 12 rounds through four previous appearances at Augusta National, that had been the lone time Burns had broken 70 until Thursday.

But he doesn’t plan on spending much time dwelling on the overnight leaderboard.

“I feel like you start thinking, you know, in the past or in the future, this is not really a golf course you want to do that,” he said. “I think for me just trying to go out, execute, have a good process, commit to the shot and just be accepting of whatever happens.”

Patrick Reed also reached 5 under by eagling both par-5s on the front nine to make his turn at 31, but the 2018 Masters champion gave a shot back at No. 10 before putting a ball in the water on the par-5 15th for another bogey to enter the clubhouse at 3 under.

“All in all, there was a lot of quality golf shots,” Reid said. “I felt like I played a lot better kind of than the score today. I hit the ball pretty solid, gave myself a lot of good looks and made a couple of putts.”

Kurt Kitayama finished an eventful day at 3-under 69. He reached 4 under through 10 holes before a bogey on No. 11 and a double bogey on the short par-3 12th. He was able to card birdies on two of his final holes to get to the clubhouse among the early leaders.

Bryson DeChambeau, who is seeking to build on his best Masters finish of fifth place last year, was at even par entering the 11th through 13 holes, known as “Amen Corner.” He put his approach shot on No. 11 into the bunker behind the green. DeChambeau then failed to get out of the bunker on his first two attempts and ended up carding a triple bogey on the hole.

“Bunker was softer than I anticipated,” DeChambeau offered when asked about what happened on 11, adding that he hit a solid approach shot that flew 12 yards further than he wanted.

DeChambeau finished the day at 4 over following a bogey-birdie-bogey finish.

NOTES: The 91-player field includes 22 first-time players — six amateurs and 16 professionals. Each amateur is paired with a Masters champion for the first two rounds of the tournament.

–Derek Harper, Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rory #McIlroy #tied #lead #Masters #defense

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Apr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy acknowledges the crowd on the 18th green during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Rory McIlroy began the defense of his first Masters title with a 5-under-par 67 that gave him a share of the afternoon lead with Sam Burns at Augusta National on Thursday.

It is only the third time in 18 Masters starts that McIlroy has broken 70 in the first round, and the second-lowest opening-round score he has posted, only trailing a 65 in 2011.

“Great, great start to the week, obviously. Felt like I got a lot out of my round today,” he said. “I settled into the round nicely even when I wasn’t hitting fairways.”

Thursday’s effort tied the 5 under posted by Burns earlier in the afternoon. Both players took significant advantage of the par-5s. Burns eagled the second hole and birdied the three others, while McIlroy birdied all four of them.

“I think historically people who have success here play the par-5s really well, and we were able to do that today. So, it’s a good recipe around this golf course,” Burns said.

Like Burns, McIlroy made his turn in 2 under before carding a 3-under 33 on the back nine courtesy of three consecutive birdies from Nos. 13-15.

McIlroy acknowledged earlier this week that last year’s victory took a “big weight” off his shoulders. And now he’s in an excellent position as he attempts to become only the fourth player to win back-to-back Masters.

McIlroy shot an opening-round 72 in 2025 that left him in a tie for 27th, and his average opening score in 17 previous Masters was 71.7. Through what he called a shaky first seven holes, a low round didn’t appear to be in the cards. Then a birdie at No. 8 led to playing his final 11 holes in 5 under.

McIlroy said that in previous years he might not have been patient enough to overcome a shaky start, but last year’s victory gave him the ability to keep swinging freely rather than tentatively.

“I was nervous, I was anxious just like I always am on that first tee,” he said. “It’s the first round of the 16 most important rounds of the season. It would be worrisome if I didn’t feel that way, because it still means something to me.”

Earlier, Burns posted the best score of his Masters career in any round, besting the 68 he shot in the first round in 2023. In 12 rounds through four previous appearances at Augusta National, that had been the lone time Burns had broken 70 until Thursday.

But he doesn’t plan on spending much time dwelling on the overnight leaderboard.

“I feel like you start thinking, you know, in the past or in the future, this is not really a golf course you want to do that,” he said. “I think for me just trying to go out, execute, have a good process, commit to the shot and just be accepting of whatever happens.”

Patrick Reed also reached 5 under by eagling both par-5s on the front nine to make his turn at 31, but the 2018 Masters champion gave a shot back at No. 10 before putting a ball in the water on the par-5 15th for another bogey to enter the clubhouse at 3 under.

“All in all, there was a lot of quality golf shots,” Reid said. “I felt like I played a lot better kind of than the score today. I hit the ball pretty solid, gave myself a lot of good looks and made a couple of putts.”

Kurt Kitayama finished an eventful day at 3-under 69. He reached 4 under through 10 holes before a bogey on No. 11 and a double bogey on the short par-3 12th. He was able to card birdies on two of his final holes to get to the clubhouse among the early leaders.

Bryson DeChambeau, who is seeking to build on his best Masters finish of fifth place last year, was at even par entering the 11th through 13 holes, known as “Amen Corner.” He put his approach shot on No. 11 into the bunker behind the green. DeChambeau then failed to get out of the bunker on his first two attempts and ended up carding a triple bogey on the hole.

“Bunker was softer than I anticipated,” DeChambeau offered when asked about what happened on 11, adding that he hit a solid approach shot that flew 12 yards further than he wanted.

DeChambeau finished the day at 4 over following a bogey-birdie-bogey finish.

NOTES: The 91-player field includes 22 first-time players — six amateurs and 16 professionals. Each amateur is paired with a Masters champion for the first two rounds of the tournament.

–Derek Harper, Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Bryson DeChambeau humbled by misadventures, opening 76 at Masters <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-900/28691806.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28691806.jpg" alt="PGA: Masters Tournament - First Round" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Bryson DeChambeau reacts to his tee shot on the 12th hole during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Grace Smith-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>AUGUSTA, Ga. — Bryson DeChambeau knows the feeling of something between proud accomplishment and elation, walking off the 18th green after the first round with the lead at the Masters. And he got reacquainted with the opposite emotion on Thursday. </p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>DeChambeau blasted a patron with his tee shot on No. 6 and the generous bounce was a benefit with the ball fading hard left. The patron, later greeted by DeChambeau and gifted the golf ball to pair with the parting bruise, was struck and the ball rolled closer to the green. </p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>He whacked and hacked his way out of a sand trap for a triple-bogey 7 at No. 11 and spent time staring at the green on 18, leaning heavily on his upside-down putter and closing out his round of 4-over-par 76 with a a three-putt finish. He birdied Nos. 3 and 17, and made bogey at Nos. 2, 16 and 18.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>“Bunker was softer than I anticipated,” DeChambeau said exiting the course of his beach challenge at 11.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Entering the first round Thursday, DeChambeau had eight consecutive rounds within the top 10 at the Masters. He was closer to the bottom 10 on this day.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Iron play was a letdown. DeChambeau overshot the green multiple times. He hit 44% of greens in regulation and was tied for 63rd when he signed his scorecard at 3:30 ET on Thursday afternoon. Of course, he transitioned straight to the driving range where the celebrated grinder appeared certain to test the curfew on the grounds Thursday night. </p> </section><br/><section id="section-7"> <p>“Just going to give what the golf course gives me. I have to try to hit my irons better,” DeChambeau said. “I drove it left numerous occasions. Did a great job on 18. Wind didn’t hurt it like we thought, and that’s this game. That’s the golf course.”</p> </section> <section id="section-8"> <p>A turnaround isn’t remotely out of the question. DeChambeau held the 18-hole lead with a 65 in the first round in 2024. That followed first-round scores of 76 in 2021 and 2022 and 74 in 2023.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>No player who has carded a triple-bogey during the tournament has wound up wearing the green jacket on Sunday.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>“Why am I hooking … everything!?” DeChambeau shouted rhetorically after floating his second on 18 out of the sand and well short of his greenside target. </p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>His third, a chip from off the green, landed well left of the hole and side spin took it 30 feet from the hole. A three-putt mercifully ended his round.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>In his 2024 opening round, the streaky DeChambeau had five birdies in the final seven holes. He doesn’t feel like he’s out of anything yet. </p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>“You know, everybody has an ability for weird things to happen, and today I just did not have my irons under control, which is weird,” DeChambeau said. “It’s been good coming into it.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-14"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Bryson #DeChambeau #humbled #misadventures #opening #Masters

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Deadspin | Tigers CF Parker Meadows carted off after collision <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-900/28677009.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28677009.jpg" alt="MLB: Detroit Tigers at Arizona Diamondbacks" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 1, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Detroit Tigers outfielder Parker Meadows against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Detroit Tigers center fielder Parker Meadows was carted off the field after a scary collision in the bottom of the eighth inning of a game against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday afternoon.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Meadows was playing center field and Riley Greene was playing left field when Twins hitter Josh Bell hit a slicing fly ball toward the left-center field gap. Both outfielders converged on the ball, and Greene made the catch but his head clipped the side of Meadows’ face as the players collided.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Meadows fell to the outfield grass and remained still for a few moments as teammates and trainers came to check on him. He rolled onto his back as trainers attended to him.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-4"> <p>Eventually, Meadows was able to sit up and gingerly get to his feet. He walked slowly a few steps to a cart that trainers had requested to take him off the field.</p> </section> <section id="section-5"> <p>Javier Baez moved from shortstop to center field to replace Meadows. Kevin McGonigle entered the game to play shortstop.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Meadows went 0-for-3 in Thursday’s 3-1 loss and is hitting .250 with two RBIs and three stolen bases in 12 games. The 26-year-old is in his fourth season with the Tigers.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Tigers #Parker #Meadows #carted #collision

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Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Wednesday it was her “understanding” that Iranian football officials were denied entry into her country ahead of the FIFA Congress meeting in Vancouver just weeks before the start of the World Cup.

Anand appeared to confirm a report from Tasnim, an Iranian news agency associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, but she said the denial was “unintentional.”

Tasnim reported that Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj and two other Iranian officials were denied entry due to “inappropriate behaviour of immigration officials” at Toronto’s Pearson Airport.

“It’s not my personal lead, but my understanding is that there is a revocation of the permission. It was unintentional, but I’ll leave it to the Minister to indicate,” Anand said, apparently referring to Immigration Minister Lena Diab.

The online news outlet Iran International first reported that Taj had been granted a visa Monday and had been removed from Canada late Tuesday evening due to his connections to the IRGC, a listed terrorist entity in Canada.

An emailed response from Diab’s office said all visa applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis by trained officials.

“While we cannot comment on individual cases due to privacy laws, the government has been clear and consistent: IRGC officials are inadmissible to Canada and have no place in our country,” said Taous Ait, Diab’s press secretary.

The FIFA Congress gathering comes weeks before the start of a World Cup that is being co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Representatives from each of the 211 federations in football’s governing body were expected to attend the event that begins Thursday.

FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Iran’s status for the event.

Published on May 01, 2026

#Canadian #official #backs #report #Iranian #chief #denied #entry #FIFA #event">Canadian official backs up report that Iranian FA chief was denied entry for FIFA event Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Wednesday it was her “understanding” that Iranian football officials were denied entry into her country ahead of the FIFA Congress meeting in Vancouver just weeks before the start of the World Cup.Anand appeared to confirm a report from Tasnim, an Iranian news agency associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, but she said the denial was “unintentional.”Tasnim reported that Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj and two other Iranian officials were denied entry due to “inappropriate behaviour of immigration officials” at Toronto’s Pearson Airport.“It’s not my personal lead, but my understanding is that there is a revocation of the permission. It was unintentional, but I’ll leave it to the Minister to indicate,” Anand said, apparently referring to Immigration Minister Lena Diab.The online news outlet Iran International first reported that Taj had been granted a visa Monday and had been removed from Canada late Tuesday evening due to his connections to the IRGC, a listed terrorist entity in Canada.An emailed response from Diab’s office said all visa applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis by trained officials.“While we cannot comment on individual cases due to privacy laws, the government has been clear and consistent: IRGC officials are inadmissible to Canada and have no place in our country,” said Taous Ait, Diab’s press secretary.The FIFA Congress gathering comes weeks before the start of a World Cup that is being co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Representatives from each of the 211 federations in football’s governing body were expected to attend the event that begins Thursday.FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Iran’s status for the event.Published on May 01, 2026 #Canadian #official #backs #report #Iranian #chief #denied #entry #FIFA #event

Deadspin | After ‘fun’ victory vs. Nationals, Mets pursue a repeat feat Apr 28, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets designated hitter Juan Soto (22) hits a two run home run in the fourth inning against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images The New York Mets took advantage of their opportunities Tuesday night in an 8-0 win over the visiting Washington Nationals. The Mets turned six hits, five walks and two home runs into eight runs en route to only their third victory in the past 18 games. The Mets left just four runners on base Tuesday. Juan Soto hit a two-run homer to cap a seven-run fourth inning that sealed the win for New York, which has gone 3-15 in its past 18 games heading into a rematch with the Nationals on Wednesday night. “A lot of confidence in those guys,” said Mets starter Clay Holmes, who earned the win by tossing six innings of three-hit ball on Tuesday. “To see that type of inning and know that it’s there, it’s just fun to be a part of.” During that 3-15 span, the Mets have been outscored 87-47 and shut out four times. They had been limited to one run in four other games. The eight runs Tuesday marked the fifth-most this season for the Mets, who were without Soto for 15 games due to a right calf strain and lost shortstop Francisco Lindor to a left calf strain last week. Left-hander David Peterson (0-3, 5.06 ERA) is slated to move back into the Mets’ rotation Wednesday night in the middle game of a three-game series between the National League East rivals. He made his past two appearances out of the bullpen. Right-hander Cade Cavalli (0-1, 4.01 ERA) is scheduled to start for Washington. Tuesday’s shutout loss was just the second of the season for the Nationals, whose 156 runs entering play on Wednesday stood fourth in the major leagues. The Nationals were off Monday for the first time since April 9. Washington went 9-8 during the stretch of 17 games in as many days, but Tuesday was a disappointing return to action. Starter Zack Littell allowed just one hit — Bo Bichette’s leadoff homer in the first — over the first three innings and appeared on the verge of getting out of a bases-loaded jam in the fourth when he got Marcus Semien to hit a one-out grounder to third. But Jorbit Vivas misplayed the ball, which went under his glove, as MJ Melendez and Mark Vientos scored the first two runs of the inning. “He made the pitch — he got the ground ball — we didn’t convert it,” Nationals manager Blake Butera said. “And then it just seemed like we weren’t really able to slow it down after that.” Peterson, who was demoted to the bullpen after posting a 6.41 ERA in his first four starts, hasn’t pitched since last Thursday, when he gave up one run over 3 1/3 innings in the Mets’ 10-8 win over the Minnesota Twins. It was the second relief appearance this season for Peterson, who tossed 3 2/3 scoreless innings against the Chicago Cubs on April 19. Cavalli didn’t factor into the decision in his most recent start last Thursday, when he allowed two runs and struck out a career-high 10 over five innings as the Nationals fell to the Atlanta Braves 7-2. Peterson is 7-1 with a 2.48 ERA in 14 career games (11 starts) against the Nationals. He defeated them for his lone big league shutout last June 11, when he gave up six hits in the Mets’ 5-0 victory. Cavalli didn’t factor into the decision in his only appearance against the Mets, when he tossed five scoreless innings last Sept. 20 n the Nationals’ 5-3, 11-inning win. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #fun #victory #Nationals #Mets #pursue #repeat #featApr 28, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets designated hitter Juan Soto (22) hits a two run home run in the fourth inning against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The New York Mets took advantage of their opportunities Tuesday night in an 8-0 win over the visiting Washington Nationals.

The Mets turned six hits, five walks and two home runs into eight runs en route to only their third victory in the past 18 games. The Mets left just four runners on base Tuesday.

Juan Soto hit a two-run homer to cap a seven-run fourth inning that sealed the win for New York, which has gone 3-15 in its past 18 games heading into a rematch with the Nationals on Wednesday night.

“A lot of confidence in those guys,” said Mets starter Clay Holmes, who earned the win by tossing six innings of three-hit ball on Tuesday. “To see that type of inning and know that it’s there, it’s just fun to be a part of.”

During that 3-15 span, the Mets have been outscored 87-47 and shut out four times. They had been limited to one run in four other games.

The eight runs Tuesday marked the fifth-most this season for the Mets, who were without Soto for 15 games due to a right calf strain and lost shortstop Francisco Lindor to a left calf strain last week.

Left-hander David Peterson (0-3, 5.06 ERA) is slated to move back into the Mets’ rotation Wednesday night in the middle game of a three-game series between the National League East rivals. He made his past two appearances out of the bullpen.

Right-hander Cade Cavalli (0-1, 4.01 ERA) is scheduled to start for Washington.


Tuesday’s shutout loss was just the second of the season for the Nationals, whose 156 runs entering play on Wednesday stood fourth in the major leagues.

The Nationals were off Monday for the first time since April 9. Washington went 9-8 during the stretch of 17 games in as many days, but Tuesday was a disappointing return to action.

Starter Zack Littell allowed just one hit — Bo Bichette’s leadoff homer in the first — over the first three innings and appeared on the verge of getting out of a bases-loaded jam in the fourth when he got Marcus Semien to hit a one-out grounder to third. But Jorbit Vivas misplayed the ball, which went under his glove, as MJ Melendez and Mark Vientos scored the first two runs of the inning.

“He made the pitch — he got the ground ball — we didn’t convert it,” Nationals manager Blake Butera said. “And then it just seemed like we weren’t really able to slow it down after that.”

Peterson, who was demoted to the bullpen after posting a 6.41 ERA in his first four starts, hasn’t pitched since last Thursday, when he gave up one run over 3 1/3 innings in the Mets’ 10-8 win over the Minnesota Twins. It was the second relief appearance this season for Peterson, who tossed 3 2/3 scoreless innings against the Chicago Cubs on April 19.

Cavalli didn’t factor into the decision in his most recent start last Thursday, when he allowed two runs and struck out a career-high 10 over five innings as the Nationals fell to the Atlanta Braves 7-2.

Peterson is 7-1 with a 2.48 ERA in 14 career games (11 starts) against the Nationals. He defeated them for his lone big league shutout last June 11, when he gave up six hits in the Mets’ 5-0 victory.

Cavalli didn’t factor into the decision in his only appearance against the Mets, when he tossed five scoreless innings last Sept. 20 n the Nationals’ 5-3, 11-inning win.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #fun #victory #Nationals #Mets #pursue #repeat #feat">Deadspin | After ‘fun’ victory vs. Nationals, Mets pursue a repeat feat Apr 28, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets designated hitter Juan Soto (22) hits a two run home run in the fourth inning against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images The New York Mets took advantage of their opportunities Tuesday night in an 8-0 win over the visiting Washington Nationals. The Mets turned six hits, five walks and two home runs into eight runs en route to only their third victory in the past 18 games. The Mets left just four runners on base Tuesday. Juan Soto hit a two-run homer to cap a seven-run fourth inning that sealed the win for New York, which has gone 3-15 in its past 18 games heading into a rematch with the Nationals on Wednesday night. “A lot of confidence in those guys,” said Mets starter Clay Holmes, who earned the win by tossing six innings of three-hit ball on Tuesday. “To see that type of inning and know that it’s there, it’s just fun to be a part of.” During that 3-15 span, the Mets have been outscored 87-47 and shut out four times. They had been limited to one run in four other games. The eight runs Tuesday marked the fifth-most this season for the Mets, who were without Soto for 15 games due to a right calf strain and lost shortstop Francisco Lindor to a left calf strain last week. Left-hander David Peterson (0-3, 5.06 ERA) is slated to move back into the Mets’ rotation Wednesday night in the middle game of a three-game series between the National League East rivals. He made his past two appearances out of the bullpen. Right-hander Cade Cavalli (0-1, 4.01 ERA) is scheduled to start for Washington. Tuesday’s shutout loss was just the second of the season for the Nationals, whose 156 runs entering play on Wednesday stood fourth in the major leagues. The Nationals were off Monday for the first time since April 9. Washington went 9-8 during the stretch of 17 games in as many days, but Tuesday was a disappointing return to action. Starter Zack Littell allowed just one hit — Bo Bichette’s leadoff homer in the first — over the first three innings and appeared on the verge of getting out of a bases-loaded jam in the fourth when he got Marcus Semien to hit a one-out grounder to third. But Jorbit Vivas misplayed the ball, which went under his glove, as MJ Melendez and Mark Vientos scored the first two runs of the inning. “He made the pitch — he got the ground ball — we didn’t convert it,” Nationals manager Blake Butera said. “And then it just seemed like we weren’t really able to slow it down after that.” Peterson, who was demoted to the bullpen after posting a 6.41 ERA in his first four starts, hasn’t pitched since last Thursday, when he gave up one run over 3 1/3 innings in the Mets’ 10-8 win over the Minnesota Twins. It was the second relief appearance this season for Peterson, who tossed 3 2/3 scoreless innings against the Chicago Cubs on April 19. Cavalli didn’t factor into the decision in his most recent start last Thursday, when he allowed two runs and struck out a career-high 10 over five innings as the Nationals fell to the Atlanta Braves 7-2. Peterson is 7-1 with a 2.48 ERA in 14 career games (11 starts) against the Nationals. He defeated them for his lone big league shutout last June 11, when he gave up six hits in the Mets’ 5-0 victory. Cavalli didn’t factor into the decision in his only appearance against the Mets, when he tossed five scoreless innings last Sept. 20 n the Nationals’ 5-3, 11-inning win. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #fun #victory #Nationals #Mets #pursue #repeat #feat

Homelessness ‌advocates and hotel workers rallied outside the FIFA ​Congress in Vancouver on Thursday, criticising the city’s ⁠preparations for the upcoming World Cup and warning that vulnerable residents and workers are being ignored.

Protesters from an anti-FIFA coalition said a ‌displacement of homeless people had already begun, citing street sweeps, restrictions on tents and the loss of ‌belongings.

They demanded no police sweeps of encampments or World ‌Cup-related ⁠escalations and criticised Vancouver’s February human-rights action plan ⁠related to the tournament as weak and lacking firm commitments.

“There’s a lot of anxiety and fear in the community about what’s going to happen ​with the FIFA games,” Fiona ‌York, a community advocate, told Reuters.

York said many unhoused residents fear a repeat of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, when people remember intensified displacement and policing. She argued that ‌money being spent on the tournament could instead support ​shelters, tiny homes, or safe places for people living in vehicles.

ALSO READ | Protesters urge FIFA to ban Iran from World Cup

“Right now there’s already a crisis ⁠and there’s a big fear that it’s going to get even worse,” she said.

The marchers were joined by hotel workers ‌from Unite Here Local 40 outside the Pan Pacific Hotel, where FIFA Congress delegates were reportedly staying.

Union spokesperson Michelle Travis said soaring hotel prices are not resulting in better pay for workers, many of whom must commute long distances because they cannot afford to live in Vancouver.

The protesters called ‌for FIFA and event organisers to ensure the World Cup does not ​worsen homelessness, displacement, or worker hardship – and suggested a “FIFA dividend” to return money to affected communities.

“Folks ⁠love FIFA, they love soccer, but they also want to make ⁠sure that these events aren’t pushing people out, whether they work in the hotels, whether they’re on ‌the streets,” she said.

“They want to see FIFA contribute if they’re going to be here.”

Vancouver hosts the first of ​its seven World Cup matches on June 13.

Published on May 01, 2026

#Advocates #homeless #hotel #workers #protest #FIFA #Congress #Vancouver">Advocates for homeless, hotel workers protest outside FIFA Congress in Vancouver Homelessness ‌advocates and hotel workers rallied outside the FIFA ​Congress in Vancouver on Thursday, criticising the city’s ⁠preparations for the upcoming World Cup and warning that vulnerable residents and workers are being ignored.Protesters from an anti-FIFA coalition said a ‌displacement of homeless people had already begun, citing street sweeps, restrictions on tents and the loss of ‌belongings.They demanded no police sweeps of encampments or World ‌Cup-related ⁠escalations and criticised Vancouver’s February human-rights action plan ⁠related to the tournament as weak and lacking firm commitments.“There’s a lot of anxiety and fear in the community about what’s going to happen ​with the FIFA games,” Fiona ‌York, a community advocate, told Reuters.York said many unhoused residents fear a repeat of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, when people remember intensified displacement and policing. She argued that ‌money being spent on the tournament could instead support ​shelters, tiny homes, or safe places for people living in vehicles.ALSO READ | Protesters urge FIFA to ban Iran from World Cup“Right now there’s already a crisis ⁠and there’s a big fear that it’s going to get even worse,” she said.The marchers were joined by hotel workers ‌from Unite Here Local 40 outside the Pan Pacific Hotel, where FIFA Congress delegates were reportedly staying.Union spokesperson Michelle Travis said soaring hotel prices are not resulting in better pay for workers, many of whom must commute long distances because they cannot afford to live in Vancouver.The protesters called ‌for FIFA and event organisers to ensure the World Cup does not ​worsen homelessness, displacement, or worker hardship – and suggested a “FIFA dividend” to return money to affected communities.“Folks ⁠love FIFA, they love soccer, but they also want to make ⁠sure that these events aren’t pushing people out, whether they work in the hotels, whether they’re on ‌the streets,” she said.“They want to see FIFA contribute if they’re going to be here.”Vancouver hosts the first of ​its seven World Cup matches on June 13.Published on May 01, 2026 #Advocates #homeless #hotel #workers #protest #FIFA #Congress #Vancouver

Protesters urge FIFA to ban Iran from World Cup

“Right now there’s already a crisis ⁠and there’s a big fear that it’s going to get even worse,” she said.

The marchers were joined by hotel workers ‌from Unite Here Local 40 outside the Pan Pacific Hotel, where FIFA Congress delegates were reportedly staying.

Union spokesperson Michelle Travis said soaring hotel prices are not resulting in better pay for workers, many of whom must commute long distances because they cannot afford to live in Vancouver.

The protesters called ‌for FIFA and event organisers to ensure the World Cup does not ​worsen homelessness, displacement, or worker hardship – and suggested a “FIFA dividend” to return money to affected communities.

“Folks ⁠love FIFA, they love soccer, but they also want to make ⁠sure that these events aren’t pushing people out, whether they work in the hotels, whether they’re on ‌the streets,” she said.

“They want to see FIFA contribute if they’re going to be here.”

Vancouver hosts the first of ​its seven World Cup matches on June 13.

Published on May 01, 2026

#Advocates #homeless #hotel #workers #protest #FIFA #Congress #Vancouver">Advocates for homeless, hotel workers protest outside FIFA Congress in Vancouver

Homelessness ‌advocates and hotel workers rallied outside the FIFA ​Congress in Vancouver on Thursday, criticising the city’s ⁠preparations for the upcoming World Cup and warning that vulnerable residents and workers are being ignored.

Protesters from an anti-FIFA coalition said a ‌displacement of homeless people had already begun, citing street sweeps, restrictions on tents and the loss of ‌belongings.

They demanded no police sweeps of encampments or World ‌Cup-related ⁠escalations and criticised Vancouver’s February human-rights action plan ⁠related to the tournament as weak and lacking firm commitments.

“There’s a lot of anxiety and fear in the community about what’s going to happen ​with the FIFA games,” Fiona ‌York, a community advocate, told Reuters.

York said many unhoused residents fear a repeat of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, when people remember intensified displacement and policing. She argued that ‌money being spent on the tournament could instead support ​shelters, tiny homes, or safe places for people living in vehicles.

ALSO READ | Protesters urge FIFA to ban Iran from World Cup

“Right now there’s already a crisis ⁠and there’s a big fear that it’s going to get even worse,” she said.

The marchers were joined by hotel workers ‌from Unite Here Local 40 outside the Pan Pacific Hotel, where FIFA Congress delegates were reportedly staying.

Union spokesperson Michelle Travis said soaring hotel prices are not resulting in better pay for workers, many of whom must commute long distances because they cannot afford to live in Vancouver.

The protesters called ‌for FIFA and event organisers to ensure the World Cup does not ​worsen homelessness, displacement, or worker hardship – and suggested a “FIFA dividend” to return money to affected communities.

“Folks ⁠love FIFA, they love soccer, but they also want to make ⁠sure that these events aren’t pushing people out, whether they work in the hotels, whether they’re on ‌the streets,” she said.

“They want to see FIFA contribute if they’re going to be here.”

Vancouver hosts the first of ​its seven World Cup matches on June 13.

Published on May 01, 2026

#Advocates #homeless #hotel #workers #protest #FIFA #Congress #Vancouver

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