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Deadspin | ‘We’re right there’: Ducks hungry to even series with Oilers Apr 20, 2026; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center Matt Savoie (22) with center Connor McDavid (97) attempt to stop Anaheim Ducks right winger Troy Terry (19) in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs during the second period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images After feeling like they let a win slip from their grasp in the series opener, the Anaheim Ducks will try to regroup for Game 2 of their Western Conference first-round matchup against the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday night. The Oilers took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series on Monday when they scored twice in the final nine minutes to rally back for a 4-3 win in Edmonton. Edmonton had blown a 2-0 lead when it surrendered three goals in the second period. “It’s unfortunate the result of that game, and it’s going to be tough to swallow, but we’ve got to put it behind us,” Ducks forward Troy Terry said. “We kind of got our feet under us, and we’re into this thing now.” Terry had two goals and an assist in his first playoff game in his ninth year in the NHL. Leo Carlsson contributed a goal and an assist. Terry, Carlsson and rookie Beckett Sennecke combined to take 21 of Anaheim’s 28 shots on goal in Game 1. The Ducks could use better performances from their most veteran players, however. Chris Kreider had a turnover in the neutral zone that led to the second goal by Edmonton; Radko Gudas fell while skating backwards defending a rush, leading to the third goal; and Jacob Trouba lost track of Kasperi Kapanen on the go-ahead goal with 1:54 left. Alex Killorn also committed the only two penalties by Anaheim. “I thought, as a group, we proved to ourselves, we’re right there,” Terry said. “These little mental mistakes can sway a series one way or the other.” The Oilers benefited from secondary scoring in the Game 1 win. Kapanen, who scored twice, is a second-line wing, and Jason Dickinson, who scored the other two goals, centered the third line. “Just very important for this team,” Kapanen said of the secondary scoring. “And other guys stepping up and making big defensive plays that you don’t really see on the highlight reel, but that are just as important.” The Oilers welcomed back forward Leon Draisaitl for Game 1 after he missed the final 14 games of the regular season with a lower-body injury, and he contributed two assists in the win. Draisaitl had 97 points in 65 games during the regular season. “I felt OK,” Draisaitl said. “Certainly going to take a couple games to really be myself and really trust myself again, but for a start, I thought it was OK.” Just as Draisaitl was returning, however, Edmonton forward Adam Henrique left in the first period with a lower-body injury after colliding shin-on-shin with a teammate. “We will find out (Tuesday) how long he will be out,” Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch said. “We will miss him.” The Oilers still have Connor McDavid, however, and he’ll be extra hungry after going without a point for just the 15th time in 83 games this season and the first time in a victory. McDavid, who led the NHL with 138 points during the regular season, has only been held off the scoresheet in back-to-back games once this season. “Connor is going to get his chances and get his looks, and we’re not worried about that,” Kapanen said. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Ducks #hungry #series #Oilers

Deadspin | ‘We’re right there’: Ducks hungry to even series with Oilers
Deadspin | ‘We’re right there’: Ducks hungry to even series with Oilers Apr 20, 2026; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center Matt Savoie (22) with center Connor McDavid (97) attempt to stop Anaheim Ducks right winger Troy Terry (19) in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs during the second period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images After feeling like they let a win slip from their grasp in the series opener, the Anaheim Ducks will try to regroup for Game 2 of their Western Conference first-round matchup against the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday night. The Oilers took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series on Monday when they scored twice in the final nine minutes to rally back for a 4-3 win in Edmonton. Edmonton had blown a 2-0 lead when it surrendered three goals in the second period. “It’s unfortunate the result of that game, and it’s going to be tough to swallow, but we’ve got to put it behind us,” Ducks forward Troy Terry said. “We kind of got our feet under us, and we’re into this thing now.” Terry had two goals and an assist in his first playoff game in his ninth year in the NHL. Leo Carlsson contributed a goal and an assist. Terry, Carlsson and rookie Beckett Sennecke combined to take 21 of Anaheim’s 28 shots on goal in Game 1. The Ducks could use better performances from their most veteran players, however. Chris Kreider had a turnover in the neutral zone that led to the second goal by Edmonton; Radko Gudas fell while skating backwards defending a rush, leading to the third goal; and Jacob Trouba lost track of Kasperi Kapanen on the go-ahead goal with 1:54 left. Alex Killorn also committed the only two penalties by Anaheim. “I thought, as a group, we proved to ourselves, we’re right there,” Terry said. “These little mental mistakes can sway a series one way or the other.” The Oilers benefited from secondary scoring in the Game 1 win. Kapanen, who scored twice, is a second-line wing, and Jason Dickinson, who scored the other two goals, centered the third line. “Just very important for this team,” Kapanen said of the secondary scoring. “And other guys stepping up and making big defensive plays that you don’t really see on the highlight reel, but that are just as important.” The Oilers welcomed back forward Leon Draisaitl for Game 1 after he missed the final 14 games of the regular season with a lower-body injury, and he contributed two assists in the win. Draisaitl had 97 points in 65 games during the regular season. “I felt OK,” Draisaitl said. “Certainly going to take a couple games to really be myself and really trust myself again, but for a start, I thought it was OK.” Just as Draisaitl was returning, however, Edmonton forward Adam Henrique left in the first period with a lower-body injury after colliding shin-on-shin with a teammate. “We will find out (Tuesday) how long he will be out,” Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch said. “We will miss him.” The Oilers still have Connor McDavid, however, and he’ll be extra hungry after going without a point for just the 15th time in 83 games this season and the first time in a victory. McDavid, who led the NHL with 138 points during the regular season, has only been held off the scoresheet in back-to-back games once this season. “Connor is going to get his chances and get his looks, and we’re not worried about that,” Kapanen said. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Ducks #hungry #series #OilersApr 20, 2026; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center Matt Savoie (22) with center Connor McDavid (97) attempt to stop Anaheim Ducks right winger Troy Terry (19) in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs during the second period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images

After feeling like they let a win slip from their grasp in the series opener, the Anaheim Ducks will try to regroup for Game 2 of their Western Conference first-round matchup against the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday night.

The Oilers took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series on Monday when they scored twice in the final nine minutes to rally back for a 4-3 win in Edmonton.

Edmonton had blown a 2-0 lead when it surrendered three goals in the second period.

“It’s unfortunate the result of that game, and it’s going to be tough to swallow, but we’ve got to put it behind us,” Ducks forward Troy Terry said. “We kind of got our feet under us, and we’re into this thing now.”

Terry had two goals and an assist in his first playoff game in his ninth year in the NHL. Leo Carlsson contributed a goal and an assist.

Terry, Carlsson and rookie Beckett Sennecke combined to take 21 of Anaheim’s 28 shots on goal in Game 1.

The Ducks could use better performances from their most veteran players, however.

Chris Kreider had a turnover in the neutral zone that led to the second goal by Edmonton; Radko Gudas fell while skating backwards defending a rush, leading to the third goal; and Jacob Trouba lost track of Kasperi Kapanen on the go-ahead goal with 1:54 left.

Alex Killorn also committed the only two penalties by Anaheim.

“I thought, as a group, we proved to ourselves, we’re right there,” Terry said. “These little mental mistakes can sway a series one way or the other.”


The Oilers benefited from secondary scoring in the Game 1 win.

Kapanen, who scored twice, is a second-line wing, and Jason Dickinson, who scored the other two goals, centered the third line.

“Just very important for this team,” Kapanen said of the secondary scoring. “And other guys stepping up and making big defensive plays that you don’t really see on the highlight reel, but that are just as important.”

The Oilers welcomed back forward Leon Draisaitl for Game 1 after he missed the final 14 games of the regular season with a lower-body injury, and he contributed two assists in the win.

Draisaitl had 97 points in 65 games during the regular season.

“I felt OK,” Draisaitl said. “Certainly going to take a couple games to really be myself and really trust myself again, but for a start, I thought it was OK.”

Just as Draisaitl was returning, however, Edmonton forward Adam Henrique left in the first period with a lower-body injury after colliding shin-on-shin with a teammate.

“We will find out (Tuesday) how long he will be out,” Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch said. “We will miss him.”

The Oilers still have Connor McDavid, however, and he’ll be extra hungry after going without a point for just the 15th time in 83 games this season and the first time in a victory.

McDavid, who led the NHL with 138 points during the regular season, has only been held off the scoresheet in back-to-back games once this season.

“Connor is going to get his chances and get his looks, and we’re not worried about that,” Kapanen said.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Ducks #hungry #series #Oilers

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Apr 20, 2026; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center Matt Savoie (22) with center Connor McDavid (97) attempt to stop Anaheim Ducks right winger Troy Terry (19) in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs during the second period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images

After feeling like they let a win slip from their grasp in the series opener, the Anaheim Ducks will try to regroup for Game 2 of their Western Conference first-round matchup against the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday night.

The Oilers took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series on Monday when they scored twice in the final nine minutes to rally back for a 4-3 win in Edmonton.

Edmonton had blown a 2-0 lead when it surrendered three goals in the second period.

“It’s unfortunate the result of that game, and it’s going to be tough to swallow, but we’ve got to put it behind us,” Ducks forward Troy Terry said. “We kind of got our feet under us, and we’re into this thing now.”

Terry had two goals and an assist in his first playoff game in his ninth year in the NHL. Leo Carlsson contributed a goal and an assist.

Terry, Carlsson and rookie Beckett Sennecke combined to take 21 of Anaheim’s 28 shots on goal in Game 1.

The Ducks could use better performances from their most veteran players, however.

Chris Kreider had a turnover in the neutral zone that led to the second goal by Edmonton; Radko Gudas fell while skating backwards defending a rush, leading to the third goal; and Jacob Trouba lost track of Kasperi Kapanen on the go-ahead goal with 1:54 left.

Alex Killorn also committed the only two penalties by Anaheim.

“I thought, as a group, we proved to ourselves, we’re right there,” Terry said. “These little mental mistakes can sway a series one way or the other.”

The Oilers benefited from secondary scoring in the Game 1 win.

Kapanen, who scored twice, is a second-line wing, and Jason Dickinson, who scored the other two goals, centered the third line.

“Just very important for this team,” Kapanen said of the secondary scoring. “And other guys stepping up and making big defensive plays that you don’t really see on the highlight reel, but that are just as important.”

The Oilers welcomed back forward Leon Draisaitl for Game 1 after he missed the final 14 games of the regular season with a lower-body injury, and he contributed two assists in the win.

Draisaitl had 97 points in 65 games during the regular season.

“I felt OK,” Draisaitl said. “Certainly going to take a couple games to really be myself and really trust myself again, but for a start, I thought it was OK.”

Just as Draisaitl was returning, however, Edmonton forward Adam Henrique left in the first period with a lower-body injury after colliding shin-on-shin with a teammate.

“We will find out (Tuesday) how long he will be out,” Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch said. “We will miss him.”

The Oilers still have Connor McDavid, however, and he’ll be extra hungry after going without a point for just the 15th time in 83 games this season and the first time in a victory.

McDavid, who led the NHL with 138 points during the regular season, has only been held off the scoresheet in back-to-back games once this season.

“Connor is going to get his chances and get his looks, and we’re not worried about that,” Kapanen said.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | LAFC, Rapids have quick turnaround to brush off losses <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-900/28769971.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28769971.jpg" alt="MLS: San Jose Earthquakes at LAFC" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 19, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Football Club forward Denis Bouanga (99) takes a shot at goal during the match against San Jose Earthquakes at BMO Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Navarro-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>After a week of highs and lows, Los Angeles FC are set for another midweek match when they play host to the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>LAFC (5-2-1, 16 points) advanced to the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals last Tuesday but will enter off a 4-1 home loss to the upstart San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday. LAFC were steamrolled by a barrage of second-half goals in the defeat.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>“I have been here many times praising us but (Sunday) was not good,” LAFC head coach Marc Dos Santos said. “We have to take the game as a lesson and move forward. If I only talk about tiredness (from Champions Cup), that’s an excuse. It was not good. We have to see why and try to improve on Wednesday.”</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris not only gave up his first goals of the season to end a 593-minute scoreless streak, Heung-Min Son remains without a goal through his first seven league games. Son does have two goals in Champions Cup play.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Denis Bouanga leads the club with four goals and has four assists in MLS play, while Son has seven assists.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-6"> <p>The Rapids (4-4-0, 12 points) had their inconsistencies on full display in a 3-2 home loss to Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami on Saturday. Colorado forced the action but Messi scored twice, including the game-winner in the 79th minute.</p> </section> <section id="section-7"> <p>“I saw a team that performed like a big team with a proper mentality with a huge personality,” Rapids head coach Matt Wells said, while looking at the positives after his team had 15 shots to five for Miami. “… That gives me massive hope that if we keep building and stick on this path, it won’t be long before you’re asking me a question about us being the top team around Vancouver and LAFC.”</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Dynamic on offense this season, Colorado’s 21 goals are second most in league play, one behind the Western Conference-leading Vancouver Whitecaps.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Rafael Navarro leads the Rapids with six goals and four assists, including a goal on Saturday.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Colorado’s loss to Inter Miami came in front of a crowd of 75,824 at the home of the NFL’s Denver Broncos, the second-largest to watch a match in MLS history. It came one week after a resounding 6-2 home victory over the Houston Dynamo when Navarro scored twice.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>But while the offense has been solid, the Rapids have allowed 15 goals, with only three Western Conference teams allowing more.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-12"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #LAFC #Rapids #quick #turnaround #brush #losses

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France will host the men’s basketball World Cup for the first time after being awarded the 2031 finals, the sport’s governing body FIBA announced on Wednesday.

The tournament will run from August 29-September 14, 2031, in Paris, Lyon and the northern city of Lille. The final phase will be held in the French capital.

France won men’s Olympic silver on home soil at the 2024 Summer Games.

FIBA also named Japan as host of the women’s 2030 World Cup with the tournament taking place, from November 26 to December 8, solely in Tokyo.

“Japan and France are two basketball-loving nations, two destinations extremely popular with our fans, players and partners,” said FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis.

“But what makes us more excited for both 2030 and 2031 is that really rare quality that Japan and France possess, of adding their local, unique touch of excellence and flavor to make the events truly unforgettable in time.”

Published on Apr 22, 2026

#France #Japan #host #basketball #World #Cup #editions">France, Japan to host next basketball World Cup editions France will host the men’s basketball World Cup for the first time after being awarded the 2031 finals, the sport’s governing body FIBA announced on Wednesday.The tournament will run from August 29-September 14, 2031, in Paris, Lyon and the northern city of Lille. The final phase will be held in the French capital.France won men’s Olympic silver on home soil at the 2024 Summer Games.FIBA also named Japan as host of the women’s 2030 World Cup with the tournament taking place, from November 26 to December 8, solely in Tokyo.“Japan and France are two basketball-loving nations, two destinations extremely popular with our fans, players and partners,” said FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis.“But what makes us more excited for both 2030 and 2031 is that really rare quality that Japan and France possess, of adding their local, unique touch of excellence and flavor to make the events truly unforgettable in time.”Published on Apr 22, 2026 #France #Japan #host #basketball #World #Cup #editions

Deadspin | Reds go against ex-teammate, Rays’ Nick Martinez, in pursuit of sweep Apr 21, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Cincinnati Reds infielder Elly De La Cruz (44) celebrates a home run with coach Willie Harris (99) during the ninth inning against Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images The Cincinnati Reds have struggled at the plate this season, languishing at or near the bottom of several key offensive statistics. That changed a bit, though, after their cold bats caught fire over the past 20 innings. Fresh off posting a season-high run total, the Reds will look to complete an undefeated six-game road trip on Wednesday afternoon when they square off against former teammate Nick Martinez and the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg, Fla. The Reds began the trek by winning all three games vs. the Minnesota Twins, capped by scoring six runs over the final two frames of a 7-4, 10-inning victory on Sunday. Cincinnati followed with a 6-1 win in the series opener against Tampa Bay on Monday and a five-homer performance in a 12-6 victory on Tuesday. Elly De La Cruz recorded his sixth career multi-homer performance, and Ke’Bryan Hayes, Dane Myers and Spencer Steer also went deep on Tuesday. Myers reached base four times as the Reds improved to 10-2 on the road. “I’m really happy for our hitters. If they can breathe a little bit, they’ll be better hitters,” said Cincinnati manager Terry Francona, who is celebrating his 67th birthday on Wednesday. Martinez (0-1, 2.45 ERA), who set career highs in wins (11), losses (14) and innings pitched (165 2/3) last season with the Reds, will be tasked with slowing down Francona’s charges on Wednesday. “It’s gonna be a lot of fun, right?” Martinez said. “It adds another layer to the pitching game. More of a cat-and-mouse (situation).” The 35-year-old right-hander compared his former manager (Francona) to his current skipper (Kevin Cash). “I feel like — not a knock on Tito whatsoever — I’m playing for a younger Tito,” Martinez said of Cash, 48. “It’s been a lot of fun. Obviously, a lot of similarities. They both manage to win the game. Communication is great with both those guys. It really feels like both those guys are really rooting for their players; they care about the players. They want to see us succeed. “And they understand how hard this game is. That’s refreshing. Knowing your manager has your back allows you to play with a certain aggressiveness that usually leads to reward.” Martinez would like to be rewarded on Wednesday after receiving his first decision of the season in his latest trip to the mound. He yielded two runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings during a 5-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday. The veteran is 1-0 with a 4.00 ERA in four career appearances (one start) vs. the Reds. Cincinnati will send left-hander Brandon Williamson (2-1, 4.35 ERA) to the mound on Wednesday. Williamson improved to 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in three starts this month after allowing one run on three hits in 5 1/3 innings of a 2-1 win over the Twins on Friday. While likely happy with the victory, Williamson has struggled with his control. He has permitted 10 walks over his past two outings (9 1/3 innings). Williamson, 28, has yet to face the Rays in his career. Jonathan Aranda belted a two-run homer as part of a three-RBI night on Tuesday for Tampa Bay, which has been outscored 24-10 during a three-game losing streak. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Reds #exteammate #Rays #Nick #Martinez #pursuit #sweepApr 21, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Cincinnati Reds infielder Elly De La Cruz (44) celebrates a home run with coach Willie Harris (99) during the ninth inning against Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Reds have struggled at the plate this season, languishing at or near the bottom of several key offensive statistics.

That changed a bit, though, after their cold bats caught fire over the past 20 innings.

Fresh off posting a season-high run total, the Reds will look to complete an undefeated six-game road trip on Wednesday afternoon when they square off against former teammate Nick Martinez and the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg, Fla.

The Reds began the trek by winning all three games vs. the Minnesota Twins, capped by scoring six runs over the final two frames of a 7-4, 10-inning victory on Sunday. Cincinnati followed with a 6-1 win in the series opener against Tampa Bay on Monday and a five-homer performance in a 12-6 victory on Tuesday.

Elly De La Cruz recorded his sixth career multi-homer performance, and Ke’Bryan Hayes, Dane Myers and Spencer Steer also went deep on Tuesday. Myers reached base four times as the Reds improved to 10-2 on the road.

“I’m really happy for our hitters. If they can breathe a little bit, they’ll be better hitters,” said Cincinnati manager Terry Francona, who is celebrating his 67th birthday on Wednesday.

Martinez (0-1, 2.45 ERA), who set career highs in wins (11), losses (14) and innings pitched (165 2/3) last season with the Reds, will be tasked with slowing down Francona’s charges on Wednesday.

“It’s gonna be a lot of fun, right?” Martinez said. “It adds another layer to the pitching game. More of a cat-and-mouse (situation).”


The 35-year-old right-hander compared his former manager (Francona) to his current skipper (Kevin Cash).

“I feel like — not a knock on Tito whatsoever — I’m playing for a younger Tito,” Martinez said of Cash, 48. “It’s been a lot of fun. Obviously, a lot of similarities. They both manage to win the game. Communication is great with both those guys. It really feels like both those guys are really rooting for their players; they care about the players. They want to see us succeed.

“And they understand how hard this game is. That’s refreshing. Knowing your manager has your back allows you to play with a certain aggressiveness that usually leads to reward.”

Martinez would like to be rewarded on Wednesday after receiving his first decision of the season in his latest trip to the mound. He yielded two runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings during a 5-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday.

The veteran is 1-0 with a 4.00 ERA in four career appearances (one start) vs. the Reds.

Cincinnati will send left-hander Brandon Williamson (2-1, 4.35 ERA) to the mound on Wednesday. Williamson improved to 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in three starts this month after allowing one run on three hits in 5 1/3 innings of a 2-1 win over the Twins on Friday.

While likely happy with the victory, Williamson has struggled with his control. He has permitted 10 walks over his past two outings (9 1/3 innings).

Williamson, 28, has yet to face the Rays in his career.

Jonathan Aranda belted a two-run homer as part of a three-RBI night on Tuesday for Tampa Bay, which has been outscored 24-10 during a three-game losing streak.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Reds #exteammate #Rays #Nick #Martinez #pursuit #sweep">Deadspin | Reds go against ex-teammate, Rays’ Nick Martinez, in pursuit of sweep Apr 21, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Cincinnati Reds infielder Elly De La Cruz (44) celebrates a home run with coach Willie Harris (99) during the ninth inning against Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images The Cincinnati Reds have struggled at the plate this season, languishing at or near the bottom of several key offensive statistics. That changed a bit, though, after their cold bats caught fire over the past 20 innings. Fresh off posting a season-high run total, the Reds will look to complete an undefeated six-game road trip on Wednesday afternoon when they square off against former teammate Nick Martinez and the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg, Fla. The Reds began the trek by winning all three games vs. the Minnesota Twins, capped by scoring six runs over the final two frames of a 7-4, 10-inning victory on Sunday. Cincinnati followed with a 6-1 win in the series opener against Tampa Bay on Monday and a five-homer performance in a 12-6 victory on Tuesday. Elly De La Cruz recorded his sixth career multi-homer performance, and Ke’Bryan Hayes, Dane Myers and Spencer Steer also went deep on Tuesday. Myers reached base four times as the Reds improved to 10-2 on the road. “I’m really happy for our hitters. If they can breathe a little bit, they’ll be better hitters,” said Cincinnati manager Terry Francona, who is celebrating his 67th birthday on Wednesday. Martinez (0-1, 2.45 ERA), who set career highs in wins (11), losses (14) and innings pitched (165 2/3) last season with the Reds, will be tasked with slowing down Francona’s charges on Wednesday. “It’s gonna be a lot of fun, right?” Martinez said. “It adds another layer to the pitching game. More of a cat-and-mouse (situation).” The 35-year-old right-hander compared his former manager (Francona) to his current skipper (Kevin Cash). “I feel like — not a knock on Tito whatsoever — I’m playing for a younger Tito,” Martinez said of Cash, 48. “It’s been a lot of fun. Obviously, a lot of similarities. They both manage to win the game. Communication is great with both those guys. It really feels like both those guys are really rooting for their players; they care about the players. They want to see us succeed. “And they understand how hard this game is. That’s refreshing. Knowing your manager has your back allows you to play with a certain aggressiveness that usually leads to reward.” Martinez would like to be rewarded on Wednesday after receiving his first decision of the season in his latest trip to the mound. He yielded two runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings during a 5-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday. The veteran is 1-0 with a 4.00 ERA in four career appearances (one start) vs. the Reds. Cincinnati will send left-hander Brandon Williamson (2-1, 4.35 ERA) to the mound on Wednesday. Williamson improved to 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in three starts this month after allowing one run on three hits in 5 1/3 innings of a 2-1 win over the Twins on Friday. While likely happy with the victory, Williamson has struggled with his control. He has permitted 10 walks over his past two outings (9 1/3 innings). Williamson, 28, has yet to face the Rays in his career. Jonathan Aranda belted a two-run homer as part of a three-RBI night on Tuesday for Tampa Bay, which has been outscored 24-10 during a three-game losing streak. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Reds #exteammate #Rays #Nick #Martinez #pursuit #sweep

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