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Deadspin | Surging Braves set to open series against ‘grinding’ Phillies  Apr 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) hits a home run against the Miami Marlins during the seventh inning at Truist Park. All players are wearing number 42 today in honor of Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images   The Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies are trending in opposite directions heading into their first matchup of the season Friday.  The visiting Braves have won three series in a row, taking two of three from the Los Angeles Angels, Cleveland Guardians and Miami Marlins over the last two weeks. Most recently, Atlanta won its final two against Miami, including a 6-3 victory Wednesday.  “When you start to win games and you start to win series, you start to believe,” Braves manager Walt Weiss said. “I go back to the stuff I was saying in spring training and at the end of camp. It’s just a really good vibe and the guys have a really good look in their eyes. They’re playing that way.”  Bryce Elder pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings Wednesday to lower his ERA to 0.77, while Matt Olson, Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies all hit home runs for Atlanta.  “It’s good offense,” said Weiss, whose team is the only one with a winning record in the National League East. “Especially when we get everyone rolling, it’s going to be a really good offense.”  Philadelphia has lost three series in a row, dropping two of three against the San Francisco Giants, Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs. The Phillies were pounded 11-2 by the Cubs on Wednesday as Jesus Luzardo gave up nine runs (eight earned) on 12 hits in 5 1/3 innings.  “You’ve got to keep grinding,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. “We’re going through a tough time right now in all phases of the game. I don’t think that’s any secret, but we’re going to get better. We’re a good club.”  Trea Turner and Bryce Harper hit solo home runs for Philadelphia, while Adolis Garcia notched two hits. Still, the Phillies lost their third home series of the season — as many as they lost at home all of last year.   “Obviously, we want to win,” Harper said. “It’s the main goal of why we’re here. You never want to lose games. Obviously, it’s early in the season, but I don’t like that notion because I like to win games in April as much as I like to win games in September.”  Harper will face Atlanta left-hander Martin Perez (0-1, 3.14 ERA), who was designated for assignment on Sunday but brought back after he passed through waivers and elected free agency. The 35-year-old allowed one run and two hits in five innings against Cleveland on Saturday.  Perez has made 10 appearances (nine starts) against Philadelphia, going 4-1 with a 3.78 ERA.  The Phillies will give the nod to right-hander Taijuan Walker (1-2, 7.36), who has given up nine first-inning runs in his three starts, but just four runs outside of the first. He allowed two runs in the first inning against the Diamondbacks on Saturday before following that up with four scoreless frames in a 4-3 triumph.  “Yeah, we’ve been trying a few things — we’re trying to figure it out, just haven’t gotten it yet,” Walker said. “I feel like after the first inning, everything is good, I get in a little groove. So, just got to figure out that first inning.”  In 11 career appearances (10 starts) against Atlanta, Walker is 3-2 with a 4.63 ERA.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Surging #Braves #set #open #series #grinding #Phillies

Deadspin | Surging Braves set to open series against ‘grinding’ Phillies
Deadspin | Surging Braves set to open series against ‘grinding’ Phillies  Apr 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) hits a home run against the Miami Marlins during the seventh inning at Truist Park. All players are wearing number 42 today in honor of Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images   The Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies are trending in opposite directions heading into their first matchup of the season Friday.  The visiting Braves have won three series in a row, taking two of three from the Los Angeles Angels, Cleveland Guardians and Miami Marlins over the last two weeks. Most recently, Atlanta won its final two against Miami, including a 6-3 victory Wednesday.  “When you start to win games and you start to win series, you start to believe,” Braves manager Walt Weiss said. “I go back to the stuff I was saying in spring training and at the end of camp. It’s just a really good vibe and the guys have a really good look in their eyes. They’re playing that way.”  Bryce Elder pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings Wednesday to lower his ERA to 0.77, while Matt Olson, Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies all hit home runs for Atlanta.  “It’s good offense,” said Weiss, whose team is the only one with a winning record in the National League East. “Especially when we get everyone rolling, it’s going to be a really good offense.”  Philadelphia has lost three series in a row, dropping two of three against the San Francisco Giants, Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs. The Phillies were pounded 11-2 by the Cubs on Wednesday as Jesus Luzardo gave up nine runs (eight earned) on 12 hits in 5 1/3 innings.  “You’ve got to keep grinding,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. “We’re going through a tough time right now in all phases of the game. I don’t think that’s any secret, but we’re going to get better. We’re a good club.”  Trea Turner and Bryce Harper hit solo home runs for Philadelphia, while Adolis Garcia notched two hits. Still, the Phillies lost their third home series of the season — as many as they lost at home all of last year.   “Obviously, we want to win,” Harper said. “It’s the main goal of why we’re here. You never want to lose games. Obviously, it’s early in the season, but I don’t like that notion because I like to win games in April as much as I like to win games in September.”  Harper will face Atlanta left-hander Martin Perez (0-1, 3.14 ERA), who was designated for assignment on Sunday but brought back after he passed through waivers and elected free agency. The 35-year-old allowed one run and two hits in five innings against Cleveland on Saturday.  Perez has made 10 appearances (nine starts) against Philadelphia, going 4-1 with a 3.78 ERA.  The Phillies will give the nod to right-hander Taijuan Walker (1-2, 7.36), who has given up nine first-inning runs in his three starts, but just four runs outside of the first. He allowed two runs in the first inning against the Diamondbacks on Saturday before following that up with four scoreless frames in a 4-3 triumph.  “Yeah, we’ve been trying a few things — we’re trying to figure it out, just haven’t gotten it yet,” Walker said. “I feel like after the first inning, everything is good, I get in a little groove. So, just got to figure out that first inning.”  In 11 career appearances (10 starts) against Atlanta, Walker is 3-2 with a 4.63 ERA.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Surging #Braves #set #open #series #grinding #PhilliesApr 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) hits a home run against the Miami Marlins during the seventh inning at Truist Park. All players are wearing number 42 today in honor of Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies are trending in opposite directions heading into their first matchup of the season Friday.

The visiting Braves have won three series in a row, taking two of three from the Los Angeles Angels, Cleveland Guardians and Miami Marlins over the last two weeks. Most recently, Atlanta won its final two against Miami, including a 6-3 victory Wednesday.

“When you start to win games and you start to win series, you start to believe,” Braves manager Walt Weiss said. “I go back to the stuff I was saying in spring training and at the end of camp. It’s just a really good vibe and the guys have a really good look in their eyes. They’re playing that way.”

Bryce Elder pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings Wednesday to lower his ERA to 0.77, while Matt Olson, Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies all hit home runs for Atlanta.

“It’s good offense,” said Weiss, whose team is the only one with a winning record in the National League East. “Especially when we get everyone rolling, it’s going to be a really good offense.”

Philadelphia has lost three series in a row, dropping two of three against the San Francisco Giants, Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs. The Phillies were pounded 11-2 by the Cubs on Wednesday as Jesus Luzardo gave up nine runs (eight earned) on 12 hits in 5 1/3 innings.

“You’ve got to keep grinding,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. “We’re going through a tough time right now in all phases of the game. I don’t think that’s any secret, but we’re going to get better. We’re a good club.”


Trea Turner and Bryce Harper hit solo home runs for Philadelphia, while Adolis Garcia notched two hits. Still, the Phillies lost their third home series of the season — as many as they lost at home all of last year.

“Obviously, we want to win,” Harper said. “It’s the main goal of why we’re here. You never want to lose games. Obviously, it’s early in the season, but I don’t like that notion because I like to win games in April as much as I like to win games in September.”

Harper will face Atlanta left-hander Martin Perez (0-1, 3.14 ERA), who was designated for assignment on Sunday but brought back after he passed through waivers and elected free agency. The 35-year-old allowed one run and two hits in five innings against Cleveland on Saturday.

Perez has made 10 appearances (nine starts) against Philadelphia, going 4-1 with a 3.78 ERA.

The Phillies will give the nod to right-hander Taijuan Walker (1-2, 7.36), who has given up nine first-inning runs in his three starts, but just four runs outside of the first. He allowed two runs in the first inning against the Diamondbacks on Saturday before following that up with four scoreless frames in a 4-3 triumph.

“Yeah, we’ve been trying a few things — we’re trying to figure it out, just haven’t gotten it yet,” Walker said. “I feel like after the first inning, everything is good, I get in a little groove. So, just got to figure out that first inning.”

In 11 career appearances (10 starts) against Atlanta, Walker is 3-2 with a 4.63 ERA.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Surging #Braves #set #open #series #grinding #Phillies

Apr 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) hits a home run against the Miami Marlins during the seventh inning at Truist Park. All players are wearing number 42 today in honor of Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies are trending in opposite directions heading into their first matchup of the season Friday.

The visiting Braves have won three series in a row, taking two of three from the Los Angeles Angels, Cleveland Guardians and Miami Marlins over the last two weeks. Most recently, Atlanta won its final two against Miami, including a 6-3 victory Wednesday.

“When you start to win games and you start to win series, you start to believe,” Braves manager Walt Weiss said. “I go back to the stuff I was saying in spring training and at the end of camp. It’s just a really good vibe and the guys have a really good look in their eyes. They’re playing that way.”

Bryce Elder pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings Wednesday to lower his ERA to 0.77, while Matt Olson, Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies all hit home runs for Atlanta.

“It’s good offense,” said Weiss, whose team is the only one with a winning record in the National League East. “Especially when we get everyone rolling, it’s going to be a really good offense.”

Philadelphia has lost three series in a row, dropping two of three against the San Francisco Giants, Arizona Diamondbacks and Chicago Cubs. The Phillies were pounded 11-2 by the Cubs on Wednesday as Jesus Luzardo gave up nine runs (eight earned) on 12 hits in 5 1/3 innings.

“You’ve got to keep grinding,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. “We’re going through a tough time right now in all phases of the game. I don’t think that’s any secret, but we’re going to get better. We’re a good club.”

Trea Turner and Bryce Harper hit solo home runs for Philadelphia, while Adolis Garcia notched two hits. Still, the Phillies lost their third home series of the season — as many as they lost at home all of last year.

“Obviously, we want to win,” Harper said. “It’s the main goal of why we’re here. You never want to lose games. Obviously, it’s early in the season, but I don’t like that notion because I like to win games in April as much as I like to win games in September.”

Harper will face Atlanta left-hander Martin Perez (0-1, 3.14 ERA), who was designated for assignment on Sunday but brought back after he passed through waivers and elected free agency. The 35-year-old allowed one run and two hits in five innings against Cleveland on Saturday.

Perez has made 10 appearances (nine starts) against Philadelphia, going 4-1 with a 3.78 ERA.

The Phillies will give the nod to right-hander Taijuan Walker (1-2, 7.36), who has given up nine first-inning runs in his three starts, but just four runs outside of the first. He allowed two runs in the first inning against the Diamondbacks on Saturday before following that up with four scoreless frames in a 4-3 triumph.

“Yeah, we’ve been trying a few things — we’re trying to figure it out, just haven’t gotten it yet,” Walker said. “I feel like after the first inning, everything is good, I get in a little groove. So, just got to figure out that first inning.”

In 11 career appearances (10 starts) against Atlanta, Walker is 3-2 with a 4.63 ERA.

–Field Level Media

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Ayush Shetty: Asian Championship run gives me confidence that I can maintain level for longer period <div id="content-body-70870302" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Last month, when India’s squad for the Thomas & Uber Cup was announced, Ayush Shetty was a young-and-upcoming 20-year-old who was getting his maiden call up.</p><p>When India takes to the court in Denmark from April 24, he will be its most in-form player, having made a stirring run to the Badminton Asia Championships (BAC) final in China last week.</p><p>He has broken into the world’s top-20 and there will be expectations galore. But he is confidence personified, despite 2026 being only his second full year on the senior circuit.</p><p>“My expectations [from myself] are always high, and I take people’s expectations as a challenge,” Ayush said at the Centre for Badminton Excellence here on Thursday.</p><p>“When I won the Super 300 [U.S. Open in 2025], I did not see it as a surprise. Even when I got a confirmed medal at the Asian Championship, I believed that I could win the tournament,” the World No. 18 added.</p><p>This confidence manifested in three straight victories over top-10 players at BAC – the then World No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn, No. 4 Jonatan Christie and No. 7 Li Shi Feng.</p><p>“I had never beaten three top-10 players,” stated Ayush, who was No. 25 then. “It has always been like one victory [over an elite player] and then a loss. This run gives me the confidence that I can maintain my level for a longer period. Even my second round opponent Chi Yu Jen (No. 20) was a very tricky player.</p><p>“Going into the All England [in early March], I felt that I was at my 100%. But the results were different (first round defeat). That is why BAC was important – to keep my confidence and belief high.”</p><p>The one dull moment in an otherwise golden few days for Ayush was the retirement on Tuesday of double Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen, whom he idolises and has even trained with in Dubai.</p><p>“It’s a bit sad. I always wanted him to retire on the court. He deserved it,” said Ayush about the great Dane who last played competitively in October 2025.</p><p>“I had told him in 2024 that we will play [competitively] soon. He said ‘sure, I have a couple of more years’. I will always have the regret that I could never play him.”</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 16, 2026</p></div> #Ayush #Shetty #Asian #Championship #run #confidence #maintain #level #longer #period

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The decision continues a recent trend of Kentucky Derby winners skipping the Preakness. Golden Tempo is now the fourth Kentucky Derby winning horse to skip the Preakness joining Mandaloun (2021), Rich Strike (2022) and Sovereignty last year.

And the decision is the latest bit of evidence that the schedule needs to be changed.

For years, trainers and analysts alike have argued that the two-week turnaround between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness was simply too short for the horses. After Sovereignty’s win a year ago Michael Banahan, a member of the ownership team, said this:

“He ran really hard today. And especially when you get a closer from off the pace like that, they have to lay their body on the line a little bit. If he responds well, maybe we look at that, you know? But I don’t want to jump in straightaway. We’ll enjoy today. Today was the goal.”

And trainer Bill Mott laid the groundwork as well, saying this after Sovereignity won the Kentucky Derby: “We want to do what’s best for the horse,” Mott told reporters. “Of course, you always think about a Triple Crown, and that’s not something we’re not going to think about.”

After skipping the Preakness, Sovereignty went on to win the Belmont Stakes. Even with a potential Triple Crown off the table, Mott stood by the decision.

Now we will see if Golden Tempo can match that feat.

And if the schedule gets changed in the future.

#Kentucky #Derby #winner #Golden #Tempo #Preakness">Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo to miss Preakness  When Golden Tempo took the victory at the Kentucky Derby, the win made history as Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the storied race.But that history will not extend to the Preakness.Citing Golden Tempo’s “health,” DeVaux announced on social media that the team will “bypass” the Preakness Stakes. “Golden gave us the race of a lifetime in the Kentucky Derby, and we believe the best decision for him moving forward is to give him a little more time following such a tremendous effort,” wrote DeVaux on social media. “His health, happiness, and long-term future will always remain our top priority.”DeVaux indicated that the team is “pointing” Golden Tempo toward the Belmont Stakes.You can see the entire message here:The decision continues a recent trend of Kentucky Derby winners skipping the Preakness. Golden Tempo is now the fourth Kentucky Derby winning horse to skip the Preakness joining Mandaloun (2021), Rich Strike (2022) and Sovereignty last year.And the decision is the latest bit of evidence that the schedule needs to be changed.For years, trainers and analysts alike have argued that the two-week turnaround between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness was simply too short for the horses. After Sovereignty’s win a year ago Michael Banahan, a member of the ownership team, said this:“He ran really hard today. And especially when you get a closer from off the pace like that, they have to lay their body on the line a little bit. If he responds well, maybe we look at that, you know? But I don’t want to jump in straightaway. We’ll enjoy today. Today was the goal.”And trainer Bill Mott laid the groundwork as well, saying this after Sovereignity won the Kentucky Derby: “We want to do what’s best for the horse,” Mott told reporters. “Of course, you always think about a Triple Crown, and that’s not something we’re not going to think about.”After skipping the Preakness, Sovereignty went on to win the Belmont Stakes. Even with a potential Triple Crown off the table, Mott stood by the decision.Now we will see if Golden Tempo can match that feat.And if the schedule gets changed in the future.  #Kentucky #Derby #winner #Golden #Tempo #Preakness

winners skipping the Preakness. Golden Tempo is now the fourth Kentucky Derby winning horse to skip the Preakness joining Mandaloun (2021), Rich Strike (2022) and Sovereignty last year.

And the decision is the latest bit of evidence that the schedule needs to be changed.

For years, trainers and analysts alike have argued that the two-week turnaround between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness was simply too short for the horses. After Sovereignty’s win a year ago Michael Banahan, a member of the ownership team, said this:

“He ran really hard today. And especially when you get a closer from off the pace like that, they have to lay their body on the line a little bit. If he responds well, maybe we look at that, you know? But I don’t want to jump in straightaway. We’ll enjoy today. Today was the goal.”

And trainer Bill Mott laid the groundwork as well, saying this after Sovereignity won the Kentucky Derby: “We want to do what’s best for the horse,” Mott told reporters. “Of course, you always think about a Triple Crown, and that’s not something we’re not going to think about.”

After skipping the Preakness, Sovereignty went on to win the Belmont Stakes. Even with a potential Triple Crown off the table, Mott stood by the decision.

Now we will see if Golden Tempo can match that feat.

And if the schedule gets changed in the future.

#Kentucky #Derby #winner #Golden #Tempo #Preakness">Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo to miss Preakness

When Golden Tempo took the victory at the Kentucky Derby, the win made history as Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the storied race.

But that history will not extend to the Preakness.

Citing Golden Tempo’s “health,” DeVaux announced on social media that the team will “bypass” the Preakness Stakes. “Golden gave us the race of a lifetime in the Kentucky Derby, and we believe the best decision for him moving forward is to give him a little more time following such a tremendous effort,” wrote DeVaux on social media. “His health, happiness, and long-term future will always remain our top priority.”

DeVaux indicated that the team is “pointing” Golden Tempo toward the Belmont Stakes.

You can see the entire message here:

The decision continues a recent trend of Kentucky Derby winners skipping the Preakness. Golden Tempo is now the fourth Kentucky Derby winning horse to skip the Preakness joining Mandaloun (2021), Rich Strike (2022) and Sovereignty last year.

And the decision is the latest bit of evidence that the schedule needs to be changed.

For years, trainers and analysts alike have argued that the two-week turnaround between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness was simply too short for the horses. After Sovereignty’s win a year ago Michael Banahan, a member of the ownership team, said this:

“He ran really hard today. And especially when you get a closer from off the pace like that, they have to lay their body on the line a little bit. If he responds well, maybe we look at that, you know? But I don’t want to jump in straightaway. We’ll enjoy today. Today was the goal.”

And trainer Bill Mott laid the groundwork as well, saying this after Sovereignity won the Kentucky Derby: “We want to do what’s best for the horse,” Mott told reporters. “Of course, you always think about a Triple Crown, and that’s not something we’re not going to think about.”

After skipping the Preakness, Sovereignty went on to win the Belmont Stakes. Even with a potential Triple Crown off the table, Mott stood by the decision.

Now we will see if Golden Tempo can match that feat.

And if the schedule gets changed in the future.

#Kentucky #Derby #winner #Golden #Tempo #Preakness

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