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Deadspin | Skidding Brewers ask P Jacob Misiorowski to silence Jays  Apr 1, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski (32) delivers a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images   The Milwaukee Brewers will turn to hard-throwing Jacob Misiorowski as they look to end a five-game skid when they face the visiting Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday.  Misiorowski (1-1, 3.31 ERA) will be opposed by fellow right-hander Kevin Gausman (0-1, 2.08) in the opener of a three-game series.  The Brewers were idle Monday after losing at home to the Washington Nationals 8-6 on Sunday when the bullpen allowed six runs in the seventh and eighth innings.  Toronto also was off Monday after concluding a six-game homestand with an 8-2 loss to the Minnesota Twins, dropping to 1-4-0 in series play this season. Starter Max Scherzer was tagged for eight runs in 2 1/3 innings. The Blue Jays outhit the Twins 12-8 but stranded 12 runners and finished 2-for-14 with runners in scoring position.  “I think just kind of missing that hit to kind of keep the game flow where it should be,” Toronto manager John Schneider said Sunday. “It seems like we’ve been playing kind of out of sync a little bit with an inning here, an inning there.”  Milwaukee, which had scored just six runs in its four previous losses, got a game-tying three-run homer from Gary Sanchez in the seventh inning on Sunday after two solo homers by Brice Turang and another by Jake Bauers.  It’s the first five-game losing streak for the three-time defending National League Central champs since a six-game skid in June 2023. It was the first time the Brewers were swept by the Nationals in Milwaukee since 2006.  “We’ll respond, we’ll figure it out,” Turang said Sunday. “We’ve got a really good team. When we’re just playing our game, we’re hard to beat. We know that. It’s just understanding each individual guy to trust each other and trust themselves.”  The Brewers, already without injured starters Jackson Chourio and Andrew Vaughn, are waiting on test results for Christian Yelich, who departed from the Sunday game with tightness in his left hamstring.   “We’re most likely going to get some bad news on Yelich,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said Sunday.  Misiorowski was saddled with the loss his last time out when he lost command after a dominant start as the Red Sox beat the Brewers 3-2 in Boston last Tuesday. He allowed just two hits through five innings and opened the sixth with his 10th strikeout, but then threw 11 straight balls and walked the bases loaded, with each runner eventually scoring after DL Hall replaced Misiorowski.  Misiorowski, named to the All-Star team last season after just five major league starts, has 28 strikeouts in 16 1/3 innings this season and opponents are batting just .143 against him. The Tuesday game will be his first appearance against the Blue Jays.  Gausman has pitched far better than his record indicates. He allowed one run on one hit in six innings without a decision in his first start, followed by two hits over six scoreless innings with another no-decision.  Gausman took the loss his last time out, giving up three runs in 5 1/3 innings in a 4-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Gausman is 2-0 with a 1.51 ERA in seven career appearances vs. the Brewers, including five starts. He faced them once last season, allowing one run in seven innings without a decision in a 4-1 loss on Aug. 30.  The Toronto bullpen combined to throw 15 1/3 shutout innings in the three games against Minnesota, allowing just five hits with 20 strikeouts and two walks.  Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is hitting .345 (10-for-29) with three doubles, a homer and three RBIs over his past eight games. Daulton Varsho hit .348 over the last homestand with three doubles, two homers, five RBIs and four runs.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Skidding #Brewers #Jacob #Misiorowski #silence #Jays

Deadspin | Skidding Brewers ask P Jacob Misiorowski to silence Jays
Deadspin | Skidding Brewers ask P Jacob Misiorowski to silence Jays  Apr 1, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski (32) delivers a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images   The Milwaukee Brewers will turn to hard-throwing Jacob Misiorowski as they look to end a five-game skid when they face the visiting Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday.  Misiorowski (1-1, 3.31 ERA) will be opposed by fellow right-hander Kevin Gausman (0-1, 2.08) in the opener of a three-game series.  The Brewers were idle Monday after losing at home to the Washington Nationals 8-6 on Sunday when the bullpen allowed six runs in the seventh and eighth innings.  Toronto also was off Monday after concluding a six-game homestand with an 8-2 loss to the Minnesota Twins, dropping to 1-4-0 in series play this season. Starter Max Scherzer was tagged for eight runs in 2 1/3 innings. The Blue Jays outhit the Twins 12-8 but stranded 12 runners and finished 2-for-14 with runners in scoring position.  “I think just kind of missing that hit to kind of keep the game flow where it should be,” Toronto manager John Schneider said Sunday. “It seems like we’ve been playing kind of out of sync a little bit with an inning here, an inning there.”  Milwaukee, which had scored just six runs in its four previous losses, got a game-tying three-run homer from Gary Sanchez in the seventh inning on Sunday after two solo homers by Brice Turang and another by Jake Bauers.  It’s the first five-game losing streak for the three-time defending National League Central champs since a six-game skid in June 2023. It was the first time the Brewers were swept by the Nationals in Milwaukee since 2006.  “We’ll respond, we’ll figure it out,” Turang said Sunday. “We’ve got a really good team. When we’re just playing our game, we’re hard to beat. We know that. It’s just understanding each individual guy to trust each other and trust themselves.”  The Brewers, already without injured starters Jackson Chourio and Andrew Vaughn, are waiting on test results for Christian Yelich, who departed from the Sunday game with tightness in his left hamstring.   “We’re most likely going to get some bad news on Yelich,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said Sunday.  Misiorowski was saddled with the loss his last time out when he lost command after a dominant start as the Red Sox beat the Brewers 3-2 in Boston last Tuesday. He allowed just two hits through five innings and opened the sixth with his 10th strikeout, but then threw 11 straight balls and walked the bases loaded, with each runner eventually scoring after DL Hall replaced Misiorowski.  Misiorowski, named to the All-Star team last season after just five major league starts, has 28 strikeouts in 16 1/3 innings this season and opponents are batting just .143 against him. The Tuesday game will be his first appearance against the Blue Jays.  Gausman has pitched far better than his record indicates. He allowed one run on one hit in six innings without a decision in his first start, followed by two hits over six scoreless innings with another no-decision.  Gausman took the loss his last time out, giving up three runs in 5 1/3 innings in a 4-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Gausman is 2-0 with a 1.51 ERA in seven career appearances vs. the Brewers, including five starts. He faced them once last season, allowing one run in seven innings without a decision in a 4-1 loss on Aug. 30.  The Toronto bullpen combined to throw 15 1/3 shutout innings in the three games against Minnesota, allowing just five hits with 20 strikeouts and two walks.  Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is hitting .345 (10-for-29) with three doubles, a homer and three RBIs over his past eight games. Daulton Varsho hit .348 over the last homestand with three doubles, two homers, five RBIs and four runs.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Skidding #Brewers #Jacob #Misiorowski #silence #JaysApr 1, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski (32) delivers a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

The Milwaukee Brewers will turn to hard-throwing Jacob Misiorowski as they look to end a five-game skid when they face the visiting Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday.

Misiorowski (1-1, 3.31 ERA) will be opposed by fellow right-hander Kevin Gausman (0-1, 2.08) in the opener of a three-game series.

The Brewers were idle Monday after losing at home to the Washington Nationals 8-6 on Sunday when the bullpen allowed six runs in the seventh and eighth innings.

Toronto also was off Monday after concluding a six-game homestand with an 8-2 loss to the Minnesota Twins, dropping to 1-4-0 in series play this season. Starter Max Scherzer was tagged for eight runs in 2 1/3 innings. The Blue Jays outhit the Twins 12-8 but stranded 12 runners and finished 2-for-14 with runners in scoring position.

“I think just kind of missing that hit to kind of keep the game flow where it should be,” Toronto manager John Schneider said Sunday. “It seems like we’ve been playing kind of out of sync a little bit with an inning here, an inning there.”

Milwaukee, which had scored just six runs in its four previous losses, got a game-tying three-run homer from Gary Sanchez in the seventh inning on Sunday after two solo homers by Brice Turang and another by Jake Bauers.

It’s the first five-game losing streak for the three-time defending National League Central champs since a six-game skid in June 2023. It was the first time the Brewers were swept by the Nationals in Milwaukee since 2006.

“We’ll respond, we’ll figure it out,” Turang said Sunday. “We’ve got a really good team. When we’re just playing our game, we’re hard to beat. We know that. It’s just understanding each individual guy to trust each other and trust themselves.”


The Brewers, already without injured starters Jackson Chourio and Andrew Vaughn, are waiting on test results for Christian Yelich, who departed from the Sunday game with tightness in his left hamstring.

“We’re most likely going to get some bad news on Yelich,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said Sunday.

Misiorowski was saddled with the loss his last time out when he lost command after a dominant start as the Red Sox beat the Brewers 3-2 in Boston last Tuesday. He allowed just two hits through five innings and opened the sixth with his 10th strikeout, but then threw 11 straight balls and walked the bases loaded, with each runner eventually scoring after DL Hall replaced Misiorowski.

Misiorowski, named to the All-Star team last season after just five major league starts, has 28 strikeouts in 16 1/3 innings this season and opponents are batting just .143 against him. The Tuesday game will be his first appearance against the Blue Jays.

Gausman has pitched far better than his record indicates. He allowed one run on one hit in six innings without a decision in his first start, followed by two hits over six scoreless innings with another no-decision.

Gausman took the loss his last time out, giving up three runs in 5 1/3 innings in a 4-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Gausman is 2-0 with a 1.51 ERA in seven career appearances vs. the Brewers, including five starts. He faced them once last season, allowing one run in seven innings without a decision in a 4-1 loss on Aug. 30.

The Toronto bullpen combined to throw 15 1/3 shutout innings in the three games against Minnesota, allowing just five hits with 20 strikeouts and two walks.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is hitting .345 (10-for-29) with three doubles, a homer and three RBIs over his past eight games. Daulton Varsho hit .348 over the last homestand with three doubles, two homers, five RBIs and four runs.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Skidding #Brewers #Jacob #Misiorowski #silence #Jays

Apr 1, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski (32) delivers a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

The Milwaukee Brewers will turn to hard-throwing Jacob Misiorowski as they look to end a five-game skid when they face the visiting Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday.

Misiorowski (1-1, 3.31 ERA) will be opposed by fellow right-hander Kevin Gausman (0-1, 2.08) in the opener of a three-game series.

The Brewers were idle Monday after losing at home to the Washington Nationals 8-6 on Sunday when the bullpen allowed six runs in the seventh and eighth innings.

Toronto also was off Monday after concluding a six-game homestand with an 8-2 loss to the Minnesota Twins, dropping to 1-4-0 in series play this season. Starter Max Scherzer was tagged for eight runs in 2 1/3 innings. The Blue Jays outhit the Twins 12-8 but stranded 12 runners and finished 2-for-14 with runners in scoring position.

“I think just kind of missing that hit to kind of keep the game flow where it should be,” Toronto manager John Schneider said Sunday. “It seems like we’ve been playing kind of out of sync a little bit with an inning here, an inning there.”

Milwaukee, which had scored just six runs in its four previous losses, got a game-tying three-run homer from Gary Sanchez in the seventh inning on Sunday after two solo homers by Brice Turang and another by Jake Bauers.

It’s the first five-game losing streak for the three-time defending National League Central champs since a six-game skid in June 2023. It was the first time the Brewers were swept by the Nationals in Milwaukee since 2006.

“We’ll respond, we’ll figure it out,” Turang said Sunday. “We’ve got a really good team. When we’re just playing our game, we’re hard to beat. We know that. It’s just understanding each individual guy to trust each other and trust themselves.”

The Brewers, already without injured starters Jackson Chourio and Andrew Vaughn, are waiting on test results for Christian Yelich, who departed from the Sunday game with tightness in his left hamstring.

“We’re most likely going to get some bad news on Yelich,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said Sunday.

Misiorowski was saddled with the loss his last time out when he lost command after a dominant start as the Red Sox beat the Brewers 3-2 in Boston last Tuesday. He allowed just two hits through five innings and opened the sixth with his 10th strikeout, but then threw 11 straight balls and walked the bases loaded, with each runner eventually scoring after DL Hall replaced Misiorowski.

Misiorowski, named to the All-Star team last season after just five major league starts, has 28 strikeouts in 16 1/3 innings this season and opponents are batting just .143 against him. The Tuesday game will be his first appearance against the Blue Jays.

Gausman has pitched far better than his record indicates. He allowed one run on one hit in six innings without a decision in his first start, followed by two hits over six scoreless innings with another no-decision.

Gausman took the loss his last time out, giving up three runs in 5 1/3 innings in a 4-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Gausman is 2-0 with a 1.51 ERA in seven career appearances vs. the Brewers, including five starts. He faced them once last season, allowing one run in seven innings without a decision in a 4-1 loss on Aug. 30.

The Toronto bullpen combined to throw 15 1/3 shutout innings in the three games against Minnesota, allowing just five hits with 20 strikeouts and two walks.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is hitting .345 (10-for-29) with three doubles, a homer and three RBIs over his past eight games. Daulton Varsho hit .348 over the last homestand with three doubles, two homers, five RBIs and four runs.

–Field Level Media

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France’s march to the World Cup semifinals has been ‌powered by the goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, but the players believe ​an equally important part of their success has been forged away from the ⁠cameras, in private conversations without the coaching staff.

Didier Deschamps’ side faces Spain on Tuesday, seeking to reach a third successive World Cup final, having developed a unity that midfielder Adrien Rabiot and defender Jules Kounde say ‌extends well beyond tactical meetings and training sessions.

The players analyse matches together in small groups, challenging each other and taking responsibility for finding solutions beyond those provided by ‌Deschamps and his assistants.

“We communicate a lot and talk among ourselves regularly,” Rabiot told reporters on ‌Monday.

“At ⁠the hotel, during our downtime, we try to analyse matches together in small groups. ⁠That is important, beyond everything the coach and his staff provide. We all speak the same language, we all have the same objective and everyone is directing their energy towards it. What the staff bring us is essential, but the dialogue between ​the players, without the staff being involved, is ‌important as well.”

That sense of ownership has helped France combine one of the tournament’s most potent attacks with a collective defensive effort that begins with the forwards.

Mbappe has scored eight goals and Dembele five, but Kounde said France’s work without the ball had been as important as their ‌individual quality in possession.

“We have done a good job defensively, but it goes well beyond ​the defenders,” Kounde said.

“It is a collective effort, starting with the way we press from the opposition’s very first pass. When the work is done properly higher ⁠up the pitch and in midfield, it makes our job at the back much easier.”

France’s cohesion has been visible in the willingness of their attacking players to track back and in the discipline with which ‌the team have defended difficult moments.

STRONG RELATIONSHIPS

The players insist that what happens on the pitch is an extension of relationships built elsewhere.

“We get on very well,” Rabiot said. “There is a real sense of harmony and genuine cohesion. It is difficult to explain, but things work extremely well away from the pitch, and that energy carries over onto it.”

Kounde described a group that enjoyed playing together and making sacrifices for one another.

“There has been a strong sense of cohesion since the very beginning — even going back to 2022,” ‌he said.

“There is continuity within this group. It has been built over time, and everyone is focused on the same ​objective. That is one of our strengths, and you can feel it on the pitch. We enjoy playing together and we also enjoy making the effort for one another.”

France’s ⁠run has also taken place against the backdrop of Deschamps’ decision to step down after the tournament, ending ⁠a reign that began in 2012 and included victory at the 2018 World Cup and another final four years later. The 57-year-old had to deal with a personal loss too during this World Cup after his mother died during the group stage.

Rabiot said the ‌knowledge that this was Deschamps’ final competition had given the players an additional emotional drive.

“The difficulties the coach has gone through have brought us even closer together,” he said. “You want to give ​everything, especially knowing that this is his last competition in charge of the France team. This is the moment.”

Published on Jul 14, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #Frances #secret #weapon #Communication #analysis #field">FIFA World Cup 2026 — France’s secret weapon: Communication and analysis beyond the field  France’s march to the World Cup semifinals has been ‌powered by the goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, but the players believe ​an equally important part of their success has been forged away from the ⁠cameras, in private conversations without the coaching staff.Didier Deschamps’ side faces Spain on Tuesday, seeking to reach a third successive World Cup final, having developed a unity that midfielder Adrien Rabiot and defender Jules Kounde say ‌extends well beyond tactical meetings and training sessions.The players analyse matches together in small groups, challenging each other and taking responsibility for finding solutions beyond those provided by ‌Deschamps and his assistants.“We communicate a lot and talk among ourselves regularly,” Rabiot told reporters on ‌Monday.“At ⁠the hotel, during our downtime, we try to analyse matches together in small groups. ⁠That is important, beyond everything the coach and his staff provide. We all speak the same language, we all have the same objective and everyone is directing their energy towards it. What the staff bring us is essential, but the dialogue between ​the players, without the staff being involved, is ‌important as well.”That sense of ownership has helped France combine one of the tournament’s most potent attacks with a collective defensive effort that begins with the forwards.Mbappe has scored eight goals and Dembele five, but Kounde said France’s work without the ball had been as important as their ‌individual quality in possession.“We have done a good job defensively, but it goes well beyond ​the defenders,” Kounde said.“It is a collective effort, starting with the way we press from the opposition’s very first pass. When the work is done properly higher ⁠up the pitch and in midfield, it makes our job at the back much easier.”France’s cohesion has been visible in the willingness of their attacking players to track back and in the discipline with which ‌the team have defended difficult moments.STRONG RELATIONSHIPSThe players insist that what happens on the pitch is an extension of relationships built elsewhere.“We get on very well,” Rabiot said. “There is a real sense of harmony and genuine cohesion. It is difficult to explain, but things work extremely well away from the pitch, and that energy carries over onto it.”Kounde described a group that enjoyed playing together and making sacrifices for one another.“There has been a strong sense of cohesion since the very beginning — even going back to 2022,” ‌he said.“There is continuity within this group. It has been built over time, and everyone is focused on the same ​objective. That is one of our strengths, and you can feel it on the pitch. We enjoy playing together and we also enjoy making the effort for one another.”France’s ⁠run has also taken place against the backdrop of Deschamps’ decision to step down after the tournament, ending ⁠a reign that began in 2012 and included victory at the 2018 World Cup and another final four years later. The 57-year-old had to deal with a personal loss too during this World Cup after his mother died during the group stage.Rabiot said the ‌knowledge that this was Deschamps’ final competition had given the players an additional emotional drive.“The difficulties the coach has gone through have brought us even closer together,” he said. “You want to give ​everything, especially knowing that this is his last competition in charge of the France team. This is the moment.”Published on Jul 14, 2026  #FIFA #World #Cup #Frances #secret #weapon #Communication #analysis #field

Deadspin | Tommy Fleetwood chasing hometown heroics at The Open  Jul 13, 2026; Southport, England; Tommy Fleetwood speaks with the media during a practice round day for The Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Birkdale. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images   Tommy Fleetwood hopes home-field advantage will lead the two-time Grand Slam runner-up to his first major title this week at The Open Championship.  The 35-year-old Englishman grew up down the road from Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, site of the final major on this season’s PGA Tour calendar.  “It’s obviously very, very special. I think for anybody that was lucky enough to grow up in the town of Southport. It’s such a golfing town, and The Open at Birkdale holds such a special place in the area,” Fleetwood said at Monday’s pre-tournament press conference.  “Yeah, it’s a dream just to be competing in an Open here, so I feel very, very lucky. Still have lots of memories from the 2017 Open here. Yeah, just excited for the opportunity to play in front of everybody. It’s very rare to have an opportunity to play a tournament, let alone The Open, in the town where you grew up in front of fans that were all there to support you. Very excited.”  Fleetwood enters the 154th Open ranked No. 9 in the world. He has finished in the top five in all four Grand Slams in his career, including second place at the 2018 U.S. Open and the 2019 Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, where Irishman Shane Lowry ran away to win by six strokes.  This year, Fleetwood finished T11 at the U.S. Open, T33 at the Masters and missed the cut at the PGA Championship. He also has two other top-10 efforts in The Open Championship: T4 in 2022 and T10 in 2023.  Fleetwood is not only trying to become the first Englishman to win The Open since Nick Faldo in 1992, but he also aims to improve on his T27 finish from the last time it was held at Royal Birkdale in 2017.  Fleetwood was asked about the pressure of expectations on his shoulders this week.   “I think what you do have to deal with is how much you want it and your own expectations, but I think at the same time, I’m no different to any other person in terms of every single person that is playing in The Open dreams of winning in The Open and wants to win it,” he said.  “There’s really nothing different to anybody else in that sense. I just think I am the lucky one that gets to have home support and use that as like really, really positive fuel.  “I think the first time I played here in 2017, I obviously had a bad first round (76). I think my round on Friday (69) was one of the best rounds I ever played to make the cut, and Saturday (66) was a great experience.”  Fleetwood admitted sneaking onto the course “once or twice” as a kid.  “Birkdale was always kind of hallowed turf for people that lived in Southport, and I definitely didn’t get to play here as much as I would like to,” he said.  If it’s considered hallowed ground now, imagine what it will be like if a hometown hero hoists the Claret Jug on Sunday.  “Dreams do come true, we watch it all the time, but you’ll never find out if yours will unless you chase it,” Fleetwood said. “Mine might come true; it might not. I think I’ve done a lot in my career so far, but yeah, there’s still plenty more to go.”  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Tommy #Fleetwood #chasing #hometown #heroics #OpenJul 13, 2026; Southport, England; Tommy Fleetwood speaks with the media during a practice round day for The Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Birkdale. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Tommy Fleetwood hopes home-field advantage will lead the two-time Grand Slam runner-up to his first major title this week at The Open Championship.

The 35-year-old Englishman grew up down the road from Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, site of the final major on this season’s PGA Tour calendar.

“It’s obviously very, very special. I think for anybody that was lucky enough to grow up in the town of Southport. It’s such a golfing town, and The Open at Birkdale holds such a special place in the area,” Fleetwood said at Monday’s pre-tournament press conference.

“Yeah, it’s a dream just to be competing in an Open here, so I feel very, very lucky. Still have lots of memories from the 2017 Open here. Yeah, just excited for the opportunity to play in front of everybody. It’s very rare to have an opportunity to play a tournament, let alone The Open, in the town where you grew up in front of fans that were all there to support you. Very excited.”

Fleetwood enters the 154th Open ranked No. 9 in the world. He has finished in the top five in all four Grand Slams in his career, including second place at the 2018 U.S. Open and the 2019 Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, where Irishman Shane Lowry ran away to win by six strokes.

This year, Fleetwood finished T11 at the U.S. Open, T33 at the Masters and missed the cut at the PGA Championship. He also has two other top-10 efforts in The Open Championship: T4 in 2022 and T10 in 2023.

Fleetwood is not only trying to become the first Englishman to win The Open since Nick Faldo in 1992, but he also aims to improve on his T27 finish from the last time it was held at Royal Birkdale in 2017.


Fleetwood was asked about the pressure of expectations on his shoulders this week.

“I think what you do have to deal with is how much you want it and your own expectations, but I think at the same time, I’m no different to any other person in terms of every single person that is playing in The Open dreams of winning in The Open and wants to win it,” he said.

“There’s really nothing different to anybody else in that sense. I just think I am the lucky one that gets to have home support and use that as like really, really positive fuel.

“I think the first time I played here in 2017, I obviously had a bad first round (76). I think my round on Friday (69) was one of the best rounds I ever played to make the cut, and Saturday (66) was a great experience.”

Fleetwood admitted sneaking onto the course “once or twice” as a kid.

“Birkdale was always kind of hallowed turf for people that lived in Southport, and I definitely didn’t get to play here as much as I would like to,” he said.

If it’s considered hallowed ground now, imagine what it will be like if a hometown hero hoists the Claret Jug on Sunday.

“Dreams do come true, we watch it all the time, but you’ll never find out if yours will unless you chase it,” Fleetwood said. “Mine might come true; it might not. I think I’ve done a lot in my career so far, but yeah, there’s still plenty more to go.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Tommy #Fleetwood #chasing #hometown #heroics #Open">Deadspin | Tommy Fleetwood chasing hometown heroics at The Open  Jul 13, 2026; Southport, England; Tommy Fleetwood speaks with the media during a practice round day for The Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Birkdale. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images   Tommy Fleetwood hopes home-field advantage will lead the two-time Grand Slam runner-up to his first major title this week at The Open Championship.  The 35-year-old Englishman grew up down the road from Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, site of the final major on this season’s PGA Tour calendar.  “It’s obviously very, very special. I think for anybody that was lucky enough to grow up in the town of Southport. It’s such a golfing town, and The Open at Birkdale holds such a special place in the area,” Fleetwood said at Monday’s pre-tournament press conference.  “Yeah, it’s a dream just to be competing in an Open here, so I feel very, very lucky. Still have lots of memories from the 2017 Open here. Yeah, just excited for the opportunity to play in front of everybody. It’s very rare to have an opportunity to play a tournament, let alone The Open, in the town where you grew up in front of fans that were all there to support you. Very excited.”  Fleetwood enters the 154th Open ranked No. 9 in the world. He has finished in the top five in all four Grand Slams in his career, including second place at the 2018 U.S. Open and the 2019 Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, where Irishman Shane Lowry ran away to win by six strokes.  This year, Fleetwood finished T11 at the U.S. Open, T33 at the Masters and missed the cut at the PGA Championship. He also has two other top-10 efforts in The Open Championship: T4 in 2022 and T10 in 2023.  Fleetwood is not only trying to become the first Englishman to win The Open since Nick Faldo in 1992, but he also aims to improve on his T27 finish from the last time it was held at Royal Birkdale in 2017.  Fleetwood was asked about the pressure of expectations on his shoulders this week.   “I think what you do have to deal with is how much you want it and your own expectations, but I think at the same time, I’m no different to any other person in terms of every single person that is playing in The Open dreams of winning in The Open and wants to win it,” he said.  “There’s really nothing different to anybody else in that sense. I just think I am the lucky one that gets to have home support and use that as like really, really positive fuel.  “I think the first time I played here in 2017, I obviously had a bad first round (76). I think my round on Friday (69) was one of the best rounds I ever played to make the cut, and Saturday (66) was a great experience.”  Fleetwood admitted sneaking onto the course “once or twice” as a kid.  “Birkdale was always kind of hallowed turf for people that lived in Southport, and I definitely didn’t get to play here as much as I would like to,” he said.  If it’s considered hallowed ground now, imagine what it will be like if a hometown hero hoists the Claret Jug on Sunday.  “Dreams do come true, we watch it all the time, but you’ll never find out if yours will unless you chase it,” Fleetwood said. “Mine might come true; it might not. I think I’ve done a lot in my career so far, but yeah, there’s still plenty more to go.”  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Tommy #Fleetwood #chasing #hometown #heroics #Open

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