×
IPL 2026: Lungi Ngidi hails Delhi Capitals teammate Auqib Nabi as ‘complete cricketer’ When Lungisani Ngidi was picked for Delhi Capitals during the IPL 2026 mini-auction in December, the South African pacer immediately looked up Auqib Nabi – searching for and reading about the Jammu & Kashmir fast bowler.“I started reading about him and his performances. He’s done very well recently, and I was excited to meet him,” Ngidi said in a select media roundtable on Thursday.Nabi took 60 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 12.56 and was the highest wicket-taker in the recently concluded Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, leading J&K to its maiden red-ball title.“When I met him, I realised how skilful he is,” Ngidi said, adding that he found Nabi’s swing similar to that of Bhuvneshwar Kumar.“He can swing the ball both ways, bowl yorkers, operate at a good pace, and also contribute with the bat. He’s a complete cricketer,” the South African added.“I enjoy meeting players who are trying to come through the system and make a name for themselves. Those are the stories I really appreciate.”The 30-year-old Ngidi has been part of nine IPL seasons since making his debut in 2018 for Chennai Super Kings, but has featured in only 20 matches so far.“This is my ninth IPL season, and there were about three years where I didn’t play a game,” Ngidi said. “It’s frustrating, but you don’t select yourself. I focus on what I can control, which is performing when I get the opportunity.”Ngidi used that time to train and develop his game, while preparing for national duty in Proteas colours.He added that making his IPL debut under a calm captain like MS Dhoni helped him as a 21-year-old. “Having a captain who is calm and not emotional helps you stay composed. They backed me and trusted me. I opened the bowling in a final in my first season, so clearly they had confidence in me,” he said.ALSO READ | From MRF Pace Foundation to IPL spotlight—Charting Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain’s meteoric riseIt was during the same season that he learned the art of slower balls from Dwayne Bravo. “I asked him to teach me his variation, and he showed me a couple of things. It wasn’t perfect straight away, but over the years I developed it,” he recalled.Eight years later, Ngidi has mastered that craft, using slower, dipping deliveries to trouble batters looking to swing big.“Now it’s one of my weapons. It takes confidence to run in and bowl it, especially trying to make it dip on a yorker length. There are times I’ll get it wrong, and world-class batters will punish it. But when I get it right, it creates chances,” he said.Delhi Capitals will next face Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, an away fixture. For Ngidi, however, it’s a return to a venue that was his home in IPL 2025.Asked if there would be any emotions playing against his former side, Ngidi made it clear that it’s strictly professional. “This is my ninth IPL season, and there were about three years where I didn’t play a game,” Ngidi said. “It’s frustrating, but you don’t select yourself. I focus on what I can control, which is performing when I get the opportunity.” | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement “This is my ninth IPL season, and there were about three years where I didn’t play a game,” Ngidi said. “It’s frustrating, but you don’t select yourself. I focus on what I can control, which is performing when I get the opportunity.” | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement “I don’t take emotions into the game. When I play, it’s purely professional; strictly business. I’m representing Delhi Capitals now, and my responsibility is to perform for them, the team that has shown faith in me,” he said.“I had a great time at RCB, and we won the title, but that chapter is over.”Delhi Capitals has lost two of its four games so far and sits fifth on the points table. But Ngidi, while honest in his assessment, remains optimistic.“The games we’ve lost have been close, and if we analyse them honestly, there were moments where we let ourselves down. That’s also the positive. If you can identify those mistakes and fix them, you have a good chance in the tournament,” he said.“I can’t predict the future, but we definitely have the squad to go far.”Published on Apr 16, 2026 #IPL #Lungi #Ngidi #hails #Delhi #Capitals #teammate #Auqib #Nabi #complete #cricketer

IPL 2026: Lungi Ngidi hails Delhi Capitals teammate Auqib Nabi as ‘complete cricketer’

When Lungisani Ngidi was picked for Delhi Capitals during the IPL 2026 mini-auction in December, the South African pacer immediately looked up Auqib Nabi – searching for and reading about the Jammu & Kashmir fast bowler.

“I started reading about him and his performances. He’s done very well recently, and I was excited to meet him,” Ngidi said in a select media roundtable on Thursday.

Nabi took 60 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 12.56 and was the highest wicket-taker in the recently concluded Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, leading J&K to its maiden red-ball title.

“When I met him, I realised how skilful he is,” Ngidi said, adding that he found Nabi’s swing similar to that of Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

“He can swing the ball both ways, bowl yorkers, operate at a good pace, and also contribute with the bat. He’s a complete cricketer,” the South African added.

“I enjoy meeting players who are trying to come through the system and make a name for themselves. Those are the stories I really appreciate.”

The 30-year-old Ngidi has been part of nine IPL seasons since making his debut in 2018 for Chennai Super Kings, but has featured in only 20 matches so far.

“This is my ninth IPL season, and there were about three years where I didn’t play a game,” Ngidi said. “It’s frustrating, but you don’t select yourself. I focus on what I can control, which is performing when I get the opportunity.”

Ngidi used that time to train and develop his game, while preparing for national duty in Proteas colours.

He added that making his IPL debut under a calm captain like MS Dhoni helped him as a 21-year-old. “Having a captain who is calm and not emotional helps you stay composed. They backed me and trusted me. I opened the bowling in a final in my first season, so clearly they had confidence in me,” he said.

ALSO READ | From MRF Pace Foundation to IPL spotlight—Charting Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain’s meteoric rise

It was during the same season that he learned the art of slower balls from Dwayne Bravo. “I asked him to teach me his variation, and he showed me a couple of things. It wasn’t perfect straight away, but over the years I developed it,” he recalled.

Eight years later, Ngidi has mastered that craft, using slower, dipping deliveries to trouble batters looking to swing big.

“Now it’s one of my weapons. It takes confidence to run in and bowl it, especially trying to make it dip on a yorker length. There are times I’ll get it wrong, and world-class batters will punish it. But when I get it right, it creates chances,” he said.

Delhi Capitals will next face Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, an away fixture. For Ngidi, however, it’s a return to a venue that was his home in IPL 2025.

Asked if there would be any emotions playing against his former side, Ngidi made it clear that it’s strictly professional.

IPL 2026: Lungi Ngidi hails Delhi Capitals teammate Auqib Nabi as ‘complete cricketer’ When Lungisani Ngidi was picked for Delhi Capitals during the IPL 2026 mini-auction in December, the South African pacer immediately looked up Auqib Nabi – searching for and reading about the Jammu & Kashmir fast bowler.“I started reading about him and his performances. He’s done very well recently, and I was excited to meet him,” Ngidi said in a select media roundtable on Thursday.Nabi took 60 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 12.56 and was the highest wicket-taker in the recently concluded Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, leading J&K to its maiden red-ball title.“When I met him, I realised how skilful he is,” Ngidi said, adding that he found Nabi’s swing similar to that of Bhuvneshwar Kumar.“He can swing the ball both ways, bowl yorkers, operate at a good pace, and also contribute with the bat. He’s a complete cricketer,” the South African added.“I enjoy meeting players who are trying to come through the system and make a name for themselves. Those are the stories I really appreciate.”The 30-year-old Ngidi has been part of nine IPL seasons since making his debut in 2018 for Chennai Super Kings, but has featured in only 20 matches so far.“This is my ninth IPL season, and there were about three years where I didn’t play a game,” Ngidi said. “It’s frustrating, but you don’t select yourself. I focus on what I can control, which is performing when I get the opportunity.”Ngidi used that time to train and develop his game, while preparing for national duty in Proteas colours.He added that making his IPL debut under a calm captain like MS Dhoni helped him as a 21-year-old. “Having a captain who is calm and not emotional helps you stay composed. They backed me and trusted me. I opened the bowling in a final in my first season, so clearly they had confidence in me,” he said.ALSO READ | From MRF Pace Foundation to IPL spotlight—Charting Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain’s meteoric riseIt was during the same season that he learned the art of slower balls from Dwayne Bravo. “I asked him to teach me his variation, and he showed me a couple of things. It wasn’t perfect straight away, but over the years I developed it,” he recalled.Eight years later, Ngidi has mastered that craft, using slower, dipping deliveries to trouble batters looking to swing big.“Now it’s one of my weapons. It takes confidence to run in and bowl it, especially trying to make it dip on a yorker length. There are times I’ll get it wrong, and world-class batters will punish it. But when I get it right, it creates chances,” he said.Delhi Capitals will next face Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, an away fixture. For Ngidi, however, it’s a return to a venue that was his home in IPL 2025.Asked if there would be any emotions playing against his former side, Ngidi made it clear that it’s strictly professional. “This is my ninth IPL season, and there were about three years where I didn’t play a game,” Ngidi said. “It’s frustrating, but you don’t select yourself. I focus on what I can control, which is performing when I get the opportunity.” | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement “This is my ninth IPL season, and there were about three years where I didn’t play a game,” Ngidi said. “It’s frustrating, but you don’t select yourself. I focus on what I can control, which is performing when I get the opportunity.” | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement “I don’t take emotions into the game. When I play, it’s purely professional; strictly business. I’m representing Delhi Capitals now, and my responsibility is to perform for them, the team that has shown faith in me,” he said.“I had a great time at RCB, and we won the title, but that chapter is over.”Delhi Capitals has lost two of its four games so far and sits fifth on the points table. But Ngidi, while honest in his assessment, remains optimistic.“The games we’ve lost have been close, and if we analyse them honestly, there were moments where we let ourselves down. That’s also the positive. If you can identify those mistakes and fix them, you have a good chance in the tournament,” he said.“I can’t predict the future, but we definitely have the squad to go far.”Published on Apr 16, 2026 #IPL #Lungi #Ngidi #hails #Delhi #Capitals #teammate #Auqib #Nabi #complete #cricketer

“This is my ninth IPL season, and there were about three years where I didn’t play a game,” Ngidi said. “It’s frustrating, but you don’t select yourself. I focus on what I can control, which is performing when I get the opportunity.” | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

lightbox-info

“This is my ninth IPL season, and there were about three years where I didn’t play a game,” Ngidi said. “It’s frustrating, but you don’t select yourself. I focus on what I can control, which is performing when I get the opportunity.” | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

“I don’t take emotions into the game. When I play, it’s purely professional; strictly business. I’m representing Delhi Capitals now, and my responsibility is to perform for them, the team that has shown faith in me,” he said.

“I had a great time at RCB, and we won the title, but that chapter is over.”

Delhi Capitals has lost two of its four games so far and sits fifth on the points table. But Ngidi, while honest in his assessment, remains optimistic.

“The games we’ve lost have been close, and if we analyse them honestly, there were moments where we let ourselves down. That’s also the positive. If you can identify those mistakes and fix them, you have a good chance in the tournament,” he said.

“I can’t predict the future, but we definitely have the squad to go far.”

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#IPL #Lungi #Ngidi #hails #Delhi #Capitals #teammate #Auqib #Nabi #complete #cricketer

Sports news , , , , , , , , , ,

When Lungisani Ngidi was picked for Delhi Capitals during the IPL 2026 mini-auction in December, the South African pacer immediately looked up Auqib Nabi – searching for and reading about the Jammu & Kashmir fast bowler.

“I started reading about him and his performances. He’s done very well recently, and I was excited to meet him,” Ngidi said in a select media roundtable on Thursday.

Nabi took 60 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 12.56 and was the highest wicket-taker in the recently concluded Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season, leading J&K to its maiden red-ball title.

“When I met him, I realised how skilful he is,” Ngidi said, adding that he found Nabi’s swing similar to that of Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

“He can swing the ball both ways, bowl yorkers, operate at a good pace, and also contribute with the bat. He’s a complete cricketer,” the South African added.

“I enjoy meeting players who are trying to come through the system and make a name for themselves. Those are the stories I really appreciate.”

The 30-year-old Ngidi has been part of nine IPL seasons since making his debut in 2018 for Chennai Super Kings, but has featured in only 20 matches so far.

“This is my ninth IPL season, and there were about three years where I didn’t play a game,” Ngidi said. “It’s frustrating, but you don’t select yourself. I focus on what I can control, which is performing when I get the opportunity.”

Ngidi used that time to train and develop his game, while preparing for national duty in Proteas colours.

He added that making his IPL debut under a calm captain like MS Dhoni helped him as a 21-year-old. “Having a captain who is calm and not emotional helps you stay composed. They backed me and trusted me. I opened the bowling in a final in my first season, so clearly they had confidence in me,” he said.

ALSO READ | From MRF Pace Foundation to IPL spotlight—Charting Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain’s meteoric rise

It was during the same season that he learned the art of slower balls from Dwayne Bravo. “I asked him to teach me his variation, and he showed me a couple of things. It wasn’t perfect straight away, but over the years I developed it,” he recalled.

Eight years later, Ngidi has mastered that craft, using slower, dipping deliveries to trouble batters looking to swing big.

“Now it’s one of my weapons. It takes confidence to run in and bowl it, especially trying to make it dip on a yorker length. There are times I’ll get it wrong, and world-class batters will punish it. But when I get it right, it creates chances,” he said.

Delhi Capitals will next face Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, an away fixture. For Ngidi, however, it’s a return to a venue that was his home in IPL 2025.

Asked if there would be any emotions playing against his former side, Ngidi made it clear that it’s strictly professional.

“This is my ninth IPL season, and there were about three years where I didn’t play a game,” Ngidi said. “It’s frustrating, but you don’t select yourself. I focus on what I can control, which is performing when I get the opportunity.”
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

lightbox-info

“This is my ninth IPL season, and there were about three years where I didn’t play a game,” Ngidi said. “It’s frustrating, but you don’t select yourself. I focus on what I can control, which is performing when I get the opportunity.”
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

“I don’t take emotions into the game. When I play, it’s purely professional; strictly business. I’m representing Delhi Capitals now, and my responsibility is to perform for them, the team that has shown faith in me,” he said.

“I had a great time at RCB, and we won the title, but that chapter is over.”

Delhi Capitals has lost two of its four games so far and sits fifth on the points table. But Ngidi, while honest in his assessment, remains optimistic.

“The games we’ve lost have been close, and if we analyse them honestly, there were moments where we let ourselves down. That’s also the positive. If you can identify those mistakes and fix them, you have a good chance in the tournament,” he said.

“I can’t predict the future, but we definitely have the squad to go far.”

Published on Apr 16, 2026

Source link
#IPL #Lungi #Ngidi #hails #Delhi #Capitals #teammate #Auqib #Nabi #complete #cricketer

Tag
Previous post

Israel: ‘हमास को आतंकवादी संगठन घोषित करे भारत, लश्कर-ए-तैयबा से हैं संबंध’, इस्राली विदेश मंत्री का दावा

Next post

Deadspin | Dodgers acquire RHP Chayce McDermott from Orioles <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-900/26227296.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/26227296.jpg" alt="MLB: Game Two-Minnesota Twins at Baltimore Orioles" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">May 14, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Chayce McDermott (59) throws during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired right-hander Chayce McDermott from the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday in exchange for right-hander Axel Perez.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>A well-regarded prospect in the Orioles’ system as recently as the start of last year, McDermott, 27, was converted into a reliever in 2025. He is 0-1 with a 12.79 ERA in five appearances (two starts) with Baltimore over the previous two seasons.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-3"> <p>McDermott did not make the Orioles’ Opening Day roster and was 1-0 with a 6.75 ERA in five relief appearances at Triple-A Norfolk this season before he was designated for assignment on Saturday. The Dodgers assigned him to Triple-A Oklahoma City.</p> </section> <section id="section-4"> <p>Perez, 20, was 1-1 with a 5.48 ERA in 10 appearances (nine starts) last season with the Dodgers’ Dominican Summer League club.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Dodgers #acquire #RHP #Chayce #McDermott #Orioles

Related Posts

Deadspin | Errors prove costly in Nationals’ 10-inning win over Pirates Apr 16, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Nasim Nuñez (26) slides into Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (6) at second base forcing an error and allowing two runs to score during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images James Wood had two hits, including a two-out go-ahead RBI single in the 10th inning to lead the Washington Nationals to an 8-7 extra-inning win over the host Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday afternoon. Wood’s hit off Pirates closer Dennis Santana (2-1) scored automatic runner Jorbit Vivas and gave the Nationals their eventual winning margin and a split of the four-game series. Washington had a chance to add a second run, but left runners at the corners when Brady House flew out to left. Konnor Griffin legged out an infield single against Nationals reliever Orlando Ribalta in the bottom of the inning, putting runners at the corners with no outs. But Ribalta struck out Bryan Reynolds and induced a game-ending double play grounder by Jake Mangum to record his first career save. The Nationals took advantage of a mistake-riddled performance by the Pirates, who committed four errors. Two of those errors, a hit batter and a wild pitch led to six of the Nationals’ runs. Trailing 7-6, Mangum drew a walk to lead off the ninth and stole second. Nationals reliever Clayton Beeter (1-0) then hit Ryan O’Hearn with a pitch. Oneil Cruz grounded into a fielder’s choice, setting up runners at the corners with one out. Beeter struck out Marcell Ozuna before walking Nick Yorke to load the bases. Brandon Lowe hit a liner back up the middle that hit Beeter’s glove and the glove of Nasim Nunez for an infield single to tie the game at 7. Daylen Lile and Drew Millas also had two hits for the Nationals. Mangum led the Pirates with three of their 15 hits. Cruz, Griffin, Brandon Lowe and Nick Gonzales each had two hits and an RBI. The most costly of the errors came in the fifth when Griffin fielded what should have been an inning-ending double play grounder by Luis Garcia Jr. Griffin tagged second late and spiked the intended throw to first into the ground. The ball bounced into right field, clearing the bases and giving the Nationals a 3-0 lead. Garcia Jr. then scored on a throwing error by Pirates starter Braxton Ashcraft, who allowed five runs (two earned) over 5 2/3 innings, striking out seven and walking two. The Pirates tied the game at 4 in the bottom of the fourth, highlighted by a 423-foot, three-run home run to left by Ozuna – his first as a Pirate – off Nationals starter Foster Griffin, who gave up four runs over 5 1/3 innings, walking one and striking out seven. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Errors #prove #costly #Nationals #10inning #win #PiratesApr 16, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Nasim Nuñez (26) slides into Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (6) at second base forcing an error and allowing two runs to score during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

James Wood had two hits, including a two-out go-ahead RBI single in the 10th inning to lead the Washington Nationals to an 8-7 extra-inning win over the host Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday afternoon.

Wood’s hit off Pirates closer Dennis Santana (2-1) scored automatic runner Jorbit Vivas and gave the Nationals their eventual winning margin and a split of the four-game series.

Washington had a chance to add a second run, but left runners at the corners when Brady House flew out to left.

Konnor Griffin legged out an infield single against Nationals reliever Orlando Ribalta in the bottom of the inning, putting runners at the corners with no outs. But Ribalta struck out Bryan Reynolds and induced a game-ending double play grounder by Jake Mangum to record his first career save.

The Nationals took advantage of a mistake-riddled performance by the Pirates, who committed four errors. Two of those errors, a hit batter and a wild pitch led to six of the Nationals’ runs.


Trailing 7-6, Mangum drew a walk to lead off the ninth and stole second. Nationals reliever Clayton Beeter (1-0) then hit Ryan O’Hearn with a pitch. Oneil Cruz grounded into a fielder’s choice, setting up runners at the corners with one out. Beeter struck out Marcell Ozuna before walking Nick Yorke to load the bases.

Brandon Lowe hit a liner back up the middle that hit Beeter’s glove and the glove of Nasim Nunez for an infield single to tie the game at 7.

Daylen Lile and Drew Millas also had two hits for the Nationals. Mangum led the Pirates with three of their 15 hits. Cruz, Griffin, Brandon Lowe and Nick Gonzales each had two hits and an RBI.

The most costly of the errors came in the fifth when Griffin fielded what should have been an inning-ending double play grounder by Luis Garcia Jr. Griffin tagged second late and spiked the intended throw to first into the ground. The ball bounced into right field, clearing the bases and giving the Nationals a 3-0 lead. Garcia Jr. then scored on a throwing error by Pirates starter Braxton Ashcraft, who allowed five runs (two earned) over 5 2/3 innings, striking out seven and walking two.

The Pirates tied the game at 4 in the bottom of the fourth, highlighted by a 423-foot, three-run home run to left by Ozuna – his first as a Pirate – off Nationals starter Foster Griffin, who gave up four runs over 5 1/3 innings, walking one and striking out seven.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Errors #prove #costly #Nationals #10inning #win #Pirates">Deadspin | Errors prove costly in Nationals’ 10-inning win over Pirates Apr 16, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Nasim Nuñez (26) slides into Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (6) at second base forcing an error and allowing two runs to score during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images James Wood had two hits, including a two-out go-ahead RBI single in the 10th inning to lead the Washington Nationals to an 8-7 extra-inning win over the host Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday afternoon. Wood’s hit off Pirates closer Dennis Santana (2-1) scored automatic runner Jorbit Vivas and gave the Nationals their eventual winning margin and a split of the four-game series. Washington had a chance to add a second run, but left runners at the corners when Brady House flew out to left. Konnor Griffin legged out an infield single against Nationals reliever Orlando Ribalta in the bottom of the inning, putting runners at the corners with no outs. But Ribalta struck out Bryan Reynolds and induced a game-ending double play grounder by Jake Mangum to record his first career save. The Nationals took advantage of a mistake-riddled performance by the Pirates, who committed four errors. Two of those errors, a hit batter and a wild pitch led to six of the Nationals’ runs. Trailing 7-6, Mangum drew a walk to lead off the ninth and stole second. Nationals reliever Clayton Beeter (1-0) then hit Ryan O’Hearn with a pitch. Oneil Cruz grounded into a fielder’s choice, setting up runners at the corners with one out. Beeter struck out Marcell Ozuna before walking Nick Yorke to load the bases. Brandon Lowe hit a liner back up the middle that hit Beeter’s glove and the glove of Nasim Nunez for an infield single to tie the game at 7. Daylen Lile and Drew Millas also had two hits for the Nationals. Mangum led the Pirates with three of their 15 hits. Cruz, Griffin, Brandon Lowe and Nick Gonzales each had two hits and an RBI. The most costly of the errors came in the fifth when Griffin fielded what should have been an inning-ending double play grounder by Luis Garcia Jr. Griffin tagged second late and spiked the intended throw to first into the ground. The ball bounced into right field, clearing the bases and giving the Nationals a 3-0 lead. Garcia Jr. then scored on a throwing error by Pirates starter Braxton Ashcraft, who allowed five runs (two earned) over 5 2/3 innings, striking out seven and walking two. The Pirates tied the game at 4 in the bottom of the fourth, highlighted by a 423-foot, three-run home run to left by Ozuna – his first as a Pirate – off Nationals starter Foster Griffin, who gave up four runs over 5 1/3 innings, walking one and striking out seven. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Errors #prove #costly #Nationals #10inning #win #Pirates

Deadspin | Offenses for Mets, Cubs trending in opposite directions entering series Apr 10, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets designated hitter Bo Bichette (19) runs out a single against the Athletics during the sixth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images The New York Mets are mired in their worst offensive slump in almost a decade — just in time to meet the Chicago Cubs, who are in the midst of a much-needed lineup revival. The Mets will look to snap a lengthy skid Friday afternoon when they visit the Cubs in the opener of a three-game series between the longtime National League rivals. Kodai Senga (0-2, 7.07 ERA) is slated to start for the Mets against Edward Cabrera (1-0, 1.62 ERA) in a battle of right-handers. Both teams were off Thursday after completing road series Wednesday. The Mets continued sinking with an 8-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers while the Cubs remained hot with an 11-2 rout of the Philadelphia Phillies. The loss was the eighth straight for the Mets, who have been blanked three times while being outscored 44-12 during a tailspin that began April 8, five days after Juan Soto sustained a strained right calf against the San Francisco Giants. Soto has begun his running progression at Citi Field and could return during a nine-game homestand for New York slated to begin next Tuesday. Twelve runs are the fewest for the Mets in an eight-game span since they also had 12 runs while going 1-7 from June 5-14, 2018. New York, which is batting .175 during the losing streak, has scored in just 10 of the last 72 innings and has ended a frame with a lead just seven times since its most recent win, a 10-inning 4-3 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 7. Offseason acquisitions Bo Bichette, Marcus Semien, Luis Robert Jr. and Jorge Polanco are batting a combined .212. Two of the Mets’ five hits Wednesday were recorded by MJ Melendez, who was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse earlier in the day. “It’s tough right now … everybody’s upset,” Bichette said. “I don’t really have much to say, other than I can’t explain it and we’ll keep on working and figure it out.” The Cubs appeared to finish figuring out their offensive issues against the Phillies, whom they outscored 28-19 over the three-game series, including 21-6 over the final two games they won. Chicago has scored 35 runs in its last four games dating to a 7-6 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday. The Cubs opened the season with 59 runs in their first 14 games, including 35 runs in the nine games prior to Sunday’s outburst. The Cubs also have at least 10 hits in each of the last four games after reaching double figures just three times in the first 14 games. Three players — Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson and Matt Shaw — had three hits apiece Wednesday. Shaw recorded three doubles and is just the fifth player in team history to collect three extra-base hits while batting ninth. “When your nine hitter hits three doubles, that’s a good sign,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “We just did a nice job on offense again (Wednesday).” Senga took the loss in his most recent start last Saturday, giving up a career-high seven runs over 2 1/3 innings as the Mets fell to the Athletics, 11-6. Cabrera didn’t factor into the decision last Saturday after allowing three runs on eight hits over five innings in the Cubs’ extra-innings loss to the Pirates. Senga is 1-1 with a 4.09 ERA in two career starts against the Cubs. Cabrera is 2-2 with a 5.09 ERA in 10 starts against the Mets. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Offenses #Mets #Cubs #trending #directions #entering #seriesApr 10, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets designated hitter Bo Bichette (19) runs out a single against the Athletics during the sixth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

The New York Mets are mired in their worst offensive slump in almost a decade — just in time to meet the Chicago Cubs, who are in the midst of a much-needed lineup revival.

The Mets will look to snap a lengthy skid Friday afternoon when they visit the Cubs in the opener of a three-game series between the longtime National League rivals.

Kodai Senga (0-2, 7.07 ERA) is slated to start for the Mets against Edward Cabrera (1-0, 1.62 ERA) in a battle of right-handers.

Both teams were off Thursday after completing road series Wednesday. The Mets continued sinking with an 8-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers while the Cubs remained hot with an 11-2 rout of the Philadelphia Phillies.

The loss was the eighth straight for the Mets, who have been blanked three times while being outscored 44-12 during a tailspin that began April 8, five days after Juan Soto sustained a strained right calf against the San Francisco Giants. Soto has begun his running progression at Citi Field and could return during a nine-game homestand for New York slated to begin next Tuesday.

Twelve runs are the fewest for the Mets in an eight-game span since they also had 12 runs while going 1-7 from June 5-14, 2018. New York, which is batting .175 during the losing streak, has scored in just 10 of the last 72 innings and has ended a frame with a lead just seven times since its most recent win, a 10-inning 4-3 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 7.

Offseason acquisitions Bo Bichette, Marcus Semien, Luis Robert Jr. and Jorge Polanco are batting a combined .212. Two of the Mets’ five hits Wednesday were recorded by MJ Melendez, who was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse earlier in the day.


“It’s tough right now … everybody’s upset,” Bichette said. “I don’t really have much to say, other than I can’t explain it and we’ll keep on working and figure it out.”

The Cubs appeared to finish figuring out their offensive issues against the Phillies, whom they outscored 28-19 over the three-game series, including 21-6 over the final two games they won.

Chicago has scored 35 runs in its last four games dating to a 7-6 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday. The Cubs opened the season with 59 runs in their first 14 games, including 35 runs in the nine games prior to Sunday’s outburst.

The Cubs also have at least 10 hits in each of the last four games after reaching double figures just three times in the first 14 games. Three players — Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson and Matt Shaw — had three hits apiece Wednesday.

Shaw recorded three doubles and is just the fifth player in team history to collect three extra-base hits while batting ninth.

“When your nine hitter hits three doubles, that’s a good sign,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “We just did a nice job on offense again (Wednesday).”

Senga took the loss in his most recent start last Saturday, giving up a career-high seven runs over 2 1/3 innings as the Mets fell to the Athletics, 11-6. Cabrera didn’t factor into the decision last Saturday after allowing three runs on eight hits over five innings in the Cubs’ extra-innings loss to the Pirates.

Senga is 1-1 with a 4.09 ERA in two career starts against the Cubs. Cabrera is 2-2 with a 5.09 ERA in 10 starts against the Mets.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Offenses #Mets #Cubs #trending #directions #entering #series">Deadspin | Offenses for Mets, Cubs trending in opposite directions entering series Apr 10, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets designated hitter Bo Bichette (19) runs out a single against the Athletics during the sixth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images The New York Mets are mired in their worst offensive slump in almost a decade — just in time to meet the Chicago Cubs, who are in the midst of a much-needed lineup revival. The Mets will look to snap a lengthy skid Friday afternoon when they visit the Cubs in the opener of a three-game series between the longtime National League rivals. Kodai Senga (0-2, 7.07 ERA) is slated to start for the Mets against Edward Cabrera (1-0, 1.62 ERA) in a battle of right-handers. Both teams were off Thursday after completing road series Wednesday. The Mets continued sinking with an 8-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers while the Cubs remained hot with an 11-2 rout of the Philadelphia Phillies. The loss was the eighth straight for the Mets, who have been blanked three times while being outscored 44-12 during a tailspin that began April 8, five days after Juan Soto sustained a strained right calf against the San Francisco Giants. Soto has begun his running progression at Citi Field and could return during a nine-game homestand for New York slated to begin next Tuesday. Twelve runs are the fewest for the Mets in an eight-game span since they also had 12 runs while going 1-7 from June 5-14, 2018. New York, which is batting .175 during the losing streak, has scored in just 10 of the last 72 innings and has ended a frame with a lead just seven times since its most recent win, a 10-inning 4-3 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 7. Offseason acquisitions Bo Bichette, Marcus Semien, Luis Robert Jr. and Jorge Polanco are batting a combined .212. Two of the Mets’ five hits Wednesday were recorded by MJ Melendez, who was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse earlier in the day. “It’s tough right now … everybody’s upset,” Bichette said. “I don’t really have much to say, other than I can’t explain it and we’ll keep on working and figure it out.” The Cubs appeared to finish figuring out their offensive issues against the Phillies, whom they outscored 28-19 over the three-game series, including 21-6 over the final two games they won. Chicago has scored 35 runs in its last four games dating to a 7-6 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday. The Cubs opened the season with 59 runs in their first 14 games, including 35 runs in the nine games prior to Sunday’s outburst. The Cubs also have at least 10 hits in each of the last four games after reaching double figures just three times in the first 14 games. Three players — Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson and Matt Shaw — had three hits apiece Wednesday. Shaw recorded three doubles and is just the fifth player in team history to collect three extra-base hits while batting ninth. “When your nine hitter hits three doubles, that’s a good sign,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “We just did a nice job on offense again (Wednesday).” Senga took the loss in his most recent start last Saturday, giving up a career-high seven runs over 2 1/3 innings as the Mets fell to the Athletics, 11-6. Cabrera didn’t factor into the decision last Saturday after allowing three runs on eight hits over five innings in the Cubs’ extra-innings loss to the Pirates. Senga is 1-1 with a 4.09 ERA in two career starts against the Cubs. Cabrera is 2-2 with a 5.09 ERA in 10 starts against the Mets. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Offenses #Mets #Cubs #trending #directions #entering #series

Former Celtic free-kick specialist Shunsuke Nakamura will join Japan’s World Cup coaching staff, the Japan Football Association (JFA) said on Thursday.

The former midfielder was known for his set-piece prowess and scored a memorable curling free-kick against Manchester United in the Champions League.

The JFA said Nakamura would join coach Hajime Moriyasu’s backroom staff for the World Cup, where Japan has been drawn in Group F with the Netherlands, Tunisia and Sweden.

“I gave a lot of thought to the impact my involvement might have at this crucial stage, with the World Cup finals just around the corner,” the 47-year-old said.

“But after receiving a passionate and encouraging message from Moriyasu, I decided to accept.”

Nakamura won 98 caps for Japan, scoring 24 goals, and played at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.

ALSO READ: New Zealand qualifies for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027

He joined Celtic in 2005 from Italian side Reggina and went on to win three Scottish league titles during his four seasons in Glasgow.

He retired in 2022 and became an assistant coach with Japanese side Yokohama FC.

“I am committed to sharing the same vision as the Japan players as they compete on the world stage, and I will do everything to help them achieve their goals,” Nakamura said.

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #ExCeltic #midfielder #Nakamura #joins #Japan #coaching #staff #World #Cup">FIFA World Cup 2026: Ex-Celtic midfielder Nakamura joins Japan coaching staff for World Cup Former Celtic free-kick specialist Shunsuke Nakamura will join Japan’s World Cup coaching staff, the Japan Football Association (JFA) said on Thursday.The former midfielder was known for his set-piece prowess and scored a memorable curling free-kick against Manchester United in the Champions League.The JFA said Nakamura would join coach Hajime Moriyasu’s backroom staff for the World Cup, where Japan has been drawn in Group F with the Netherlands, Tunisia and Sweden.“I gave a lot of thought to the impact my involvement might have at this crucial stage, with the World Cup finals just around the corner,” the 47-year-old said.“But after receiving a passionate and encouraging message from Moriyasu, I decided to accept.”Nakamura won 98 caps for Japan, scoring 24 goals, and played at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.ALSO READ: New Zealand qualifies for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027He joined Celtic in 2005 from Italian side Reggina and went on to win three Scottish league titles during his four seasons in Glasgow.He retired in 2022 and became an assistant coach with Japanese side Yokohama FC.“I am committed to sharing the same vision as the Japan players as they compete on the world stage, and I will do everything to help them achieve their goals,” Nakamura said.Published on Apr 16, 2026 #FIFA #World #Cup #ExCeltic #midfielder #Nakamura #joins #Japan #coaching #staff #World #Cup

New Zealand qualifies for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027

He joined Celtic in 2005 from Italian side Reggina and went on to win three Scottish league titles during his four seasons in Glasgow.

He retired in 2022 and became an assistant coach with Japanese side Yokohama FC.

“I am committed to sharing the same vision as the Japan players as they compete on the world stage, and I will do everything to help them achieve their goals,” Nakamura said.

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #ExCeltic #midfielder #Nakamura #joins #Japan #coaching #staff #World #Cup">FIFA World Cup 2026: Ex-Celtic midfielder Nakamura joins Japan coaching staff for World Cup

Former Celtic free-kick specialist Shunsuke Nakamura will join Japan’s World Cup coaching staff, the Japan Football Association (JFA) said on Thursday.

The former midfielder was known for his set-piece prowess and scored a memorable curling free-kick against Manchester United in the Champions League.

The JFA said Nakamura would join coach Hajime Moriyasu’s backroom staff for the World Cup, where Japan has been drawn in Group F with the Netherlands, Tunisia and Sweden.

“I gave a lot of thought to the impact my involvement might have at this crucial stage, with the World Cup finals just around the corner,” the 47-year-old said.

“But after receiving a passionate and encouraging message from Moriyasu, I decided to accept.”

Nakamura won 98 caps for Japan, scoring 24 goals, and played at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.

ALSO READ: New Zealand qualifies for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027

He joined Celtic in 2005 from Italian side Reggina and went on to win three Scottish league titles during his four seasons in Glasgow.

He retired in 2022 and became an assistant coach with Japanese side Yokohama FC.

“I am committed to sharing the same vision as the Japan players as they compete on the world stage, and I will do everything to help them achieve their goals,” Nakamura said.

Published on Apr 16, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #ExCeltic #midfielder #Nakamura #joins #Japan #coaching #staff #World #Cup

Post Comment