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ISL 2025-26: New managers take centrestage in Bengaluru-Blasters clash  These are new tidings at both Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters FC, who will meet in a high-profile Indian Super League (ISL) clash at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Saturday.Both have new managers in place. BFC will welcome Spaniard Pep Munoz to the dugout for the first time this season while Blasters will be marshalled by BFC old hand Ashley Westwood for only the second time.But the fortunes of the respective teams couldn’t be more divergent. After seven games, BFC sits fourth in the table (14 points) while Blasters are languishing in 13th place (one) in the 14-team league. It’s a no-brainer which of the two camps is happier.“I am always intrigued when some fresh ideas come in,” said BFC talisman Sunil Chhetri, while welcoming Munoz, on match-eve. “Especially when I’m 42, I need that!READ  |         Kerala Blasters — Once a title contender under Ivan Vukomanovic now struggles for relevance in ISL“When a new coach comes, there’s a preconceived notion that everything has to change. But he has kept telling us that things are going to be different in future, but right now, it’s just some adjustments so that boys don’t feel overwhelmed.“And I’ve told him that we are adaptable and we do exactly what the coach wants. If I do it, everyone will do it,” Chettri added.For Westwood though, a lot has to change. The 49-year-old, who built his coaching career on the back of the three golden years at BFC from 2013 to 2016, was impressed with his team’s performance in the second half of the 0-2 reverse against Sporting Delhi last Sunday, and hoped to further that improvement.“It is always difficult coming into a team midway through the season,” Westwood told        Sportstar. “Most times, you come in because the manager before you has had poor results. But you have to instil some confidence and put some ideas in without overloading.”The methodologies of the coaches differ too. After Westwood’s departure, BFC broke away from the Englishman’s template and appointed Albert Roca, who was schooled in the possession-heavy tactics of Barcelona. Munoz has the same lineage.“Football is a game for the fans and my team should be able to create chances because that’s how supporters have fun,” Munoz said. “I come from Barca, and I like to manage the game with ball possession. I understand that that’s the only way to be closer to a win.”Published on Apr 10, 2026  #ISL #managers #centrestage #BengaluruBlasters #clash

ISL 2025-26: New managers take centrestage in Bengaluru-Blasters clash

These are new tidings at both Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters FC, who will meet in a high-profile Indian Super League (ISL) clash at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Saturday.

Both have new managers in place. BFC will welcome Spaniard Pep Munoz to the dugout for the first time this season while Blasters will be marshalled by BFC old hand Ashley Westwood for only the second time.

But the fortunes of the respective teams couldn’t be more divergent. After seven games, BFC sits fourth in the table (14 points) while Blasters are languishing in 13th place (one) in the 14-team league. It’s a no-brainer which of the two camps is happier.

“I am always intrigued when some fresh ideas come in,” said BFC talisman Sunil Chhetri, while welcoming Munoz, on match-eve. “Especially when I’m 42, I need that!

READ | Kerala Blasters — Once a title contender under Ivan Vukomanovic now struggles for relevance in ISL

“When a new coach comes, there’s a preconceived notion that everything has to change. But he has kept telling us that things are going to be different in future, but right now, it’s just some adjustments so that boys don’t feel overwhelmed.

“And I’ve told him that we are adaptable and we do exactly what the coach wants. If I do it, everyone will do it,” Chettri added.

For Westwood though, a lot has to change. The 49-year-old, who built his coaching career on the back of the three golden years at BFC from 2013 to 2016, was impressed with his team’s performance in the second half of the 0-2 reverse against Sporting Delhi last Sunday, and hoped to further that improvement.

“It is always difficult coming into a team midway through the season,” Westwood told Sportstar. “Most times, you come in because the manager before you has had poor results. But you have to instil some confidence and put some ideas in without overloading.”

The methodologies of the coaches differ too. After Westwood’s departure, BFC broke away from the Englishman’s template and appointed Albert Roca, who was schooled in the possession-heavy tactics of Barcelona. Munoz has the same lineage.

“Football is a game for the fans and my team should be able to create chances because that’s how supporters have fun,” Munoz said. “I come from Barca, and I like to manage the game with ball possession. I understand that that’s the only way to be closer to a win.”

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#ISL #managers #centrestage #BengaluruBlasters #clash

These are new tidings at both Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters FC, who will meet in a high-profile Indian Super League (ISL) clash at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Saturday.

Both have new managers in place. BFC will welcome Spaniard Pep Munoz to the dugout for the first time this season while Blasters will be marshalled by BFC old hand Ashley Westwood for only the second time.

But the fortunes of the respective teams couldn’t be more divergent. After seven games, BFC sits fourth in the table (14 points) while Blasters are languishing in 13th place (one) in the 14-team league. It’s a no-brainer which of the two camps is happier.

“I am always intrigued when some fresh ideas come in,” said BFC talisman Sunil Chhetri, while welcoming Munoz, on match-eve. “Especially when I’m 42, I need that!

READ | Kerala Blasters — Once a title contender under Ivan Vukomanovic now struggles for relevance in ISL

“When a new coach comes, there’s a preconceived notion that everything has to change. But he has kept telling us that things are going to be different in future, but right now, it’s just some adjustments so that boys don’t feel overwhelmed.

“And I’ve told him that we are adaptable and we do exactly what the coach wants. If I do it, everyone will do it,” Chettri added.

For Westwood though, a lot has to change. The 49-year-old, who built his coaching career on the back of the three golden years at BFC from 2013 to 2016, was impressed with his team’s performance in the second half of the 0-2 reverse against Sporting Delhi last Sunday, and hoped to further that improvement.

“It is always difficult coming into a team midway through the season,” Westwood told Sportstar. “Most times, you come in because the manager before you has had poor results. But you have to instil some confidence and put some ideas in without overloading.”

The methodologies of the coaches differ too. After Westwood’s departure, BFC broke away from the Englishman’s template and appointed Albert Roca, who was schooled in the possession-heavy tactics of Barcelona. Munoz has the same lineage.

“Football is a game for the fans and my team should be able to create chances because that’s how supporters have fun,” Munoz said. “I come from Barca, and I like to manage the game with ball possession. I understand that that’s the only way to be closer to a win.”

Published on Apr 10, 2026

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#ISL #managers #centrestage #BengaluruBlasters #clash

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Why KC Concepcion is flying up NFL Draft boards <div id="zephr-anchor"><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The weeks leading up to the NFL Draft are all about smoke and mirrors, but one player has absolutely caught fire in the lead up to the first round. Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion has moved from the late-first round pick, potentially even waiting until day two to hear his name, to now having a very real potential he could be taken as high as No. 11 — maybe even sneaking into the Top 10. <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/48378778/2026-nfl-draft-latest-buzz-rumors-news-answering-questions-all-32-teams-picks">ESPN has noted that Concepcion is one of the draft’s biggest risers right now</a>.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">There’s one very real reason this is happening: Everyone is starting to realize who KC Concepcion is, and how good he could be in the NFL.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">If you simply pull up Concepcion’s season stats there’s not much to write home about. He finished with 61 catches on the season in 2025, putting up 919 yards (37th in CFB), and finishing with nine touchdowns. In a world where top receivers routinely put up more than 1,000 yards on the outside to be top picks, it’s considerably more difficult to justify a predominant slot receiver with these numbers alone.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The big thing about Concepcion’s play exists outside the numbers, with the considerable number of plays which were left on the field in 2025. The Aggies had below-average QB play last year, with sophomore Marcel Reed being a good talent, but one that operates entirely opposed to what makes Concepcion a good player. Reed’s ability to extend plays and throw off platform is great for leveraging positive plays in broken coverage situations, but poor when it comes to precision throws out of the playbook.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">That matters a huge deal when it comes to KC Concepcion.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">When we look at the 2026 NFL Draft receiver class there’s a common thread that runs through Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, and Jordyn Tyson as the top prospects: They all have extremely good ball skills and an ability to make catches in traffic. These are undeniably great traits to have, but all are lacking what Concepcion brings to the table when it comes to separation and quick-twitch speed.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">This is Concepcion’s unicorn trait, and why we’re seeing him fly up the board.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">What makes this so fascinating is that Concepcion is unlikely to be a team’s No. 1 receiver like the aforementioned prospects, but the issue is that Tate, Lemon, and Tyson aren’t <em>really</em> convincing No. 1s. All three have some risk associated with them. While Concepcion doesn’t map as well onto the No. 1 receiver role, he looks like a home-run No. 2 option in the NFL.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">This means that teams who already have a solid foundational No. 1 receiver are beginning to realize that pairing a ball-skill pass catcher on the outside with Concepcion’s separation in the slot or slacks could completely open up an offense. There is a very real chance that the Texas A&M rookie could evolve into the ultimate 2nd read in the NFL because of his ability to shake DBs at the snap, with a QB seeing their primary covered, and then quickly pivoting into Concepcion as a second option.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">That is a vastly underrated quality he brings to the table, and a huge reason why film is leading to him flying up the boards.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h4 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">How high could Concepcion go and who makes sense?</h4></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">We’re really zeroing in on teams with established top receivers who need more weapons on offense. The Miami Dolphins already have a private meeting set up with Concepcion, which is an extremely weird fit after trading away Jaylen Waddle. With Waddle it would have made a lot of sense, but now I think No. 11 would carry weird expectations and fail to work.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Washington Commanders at No. 7 is the highest possible spot I see Concepcion going. In this role he would be a fantastic progression option after Terry McLaurin and give Jayden Daniels a much-needed weapon. It’s more likely that Washington looks at a defensive player, but if they go offense then he makes a ton of sense for them.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">After that theres a feeding frenzy as we hit the teens. The Rams (No. 13) make a ton of sense, the Jets (No. 16) would be a good fit with Garrett Wilson, the Panthers (N0. 19) could also go receiver for a third year in a row as they try to give Bryce Young the best chance to prove his ability.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">In short, any hope of getting Concepcion in the late 20s is out the window at this point. Teams are seeing the value in his ability to separate at the snap, and diving deeper into this class is revealing that he possesses skills nobody else really does. In a draft class full of question marks Concepcion isn’t ideal as a No. 1 receiver, but he is the <em>perfect</em> second option. That will cause him to get taken much higher than a lot of people expect.</p></div></div> #Concepcion #flying #NFL #Draft #boards

Deadspin | MLB roundup: Phillies sweep DH vs. Giants with pair of walk-offs  Apr 30, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies infielder Alec Bohm (28) celebrates with outfielder Brandon Marsh (16) and outfielder Justin Crawford (2) after the game against the San Francisco Giants at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images   Bryson Stott delivered a game-tying triple in the ninth inning and scored on Justin Crawford’s infield single as the Philadelphia Phillies rallied to nip the visiting San Francisco Giants 3-2 in the opener of a day-night doubleheader.  Kyle Schwarber hit his 350th career home run while Phillies starter Cristopher Sanchez allowed two runs and struck out seven in 6 2/3 innings.  With Philadelphia trailing 2-1 in the ninth, Adolis Garcia led off with a single and scored easily on Stott’s one-out hit into the right field corner. After Edmundo Sosa was retired, Crawford followed with a grounder to the left side and beat out shortstop Willy Adames’ one-hop throw to first.  Giants starter Logan Webb allowed one run and struck out six in seven innings. He was in line for the victory before Ryan Walker (0-1) blew the save in the ninth.  Phillies 6, Giants 5 (10 innings, Game 2)  Alec Bohm’s 10th-inning sacrifice fly drove in the winning run, giving Philadelphia its second walk-off win in the doubleheader.  Kyle Schwarber capped a 4-for-4 game with a two-out, game-tying hit in the ninth inning. Trea Turner and Schwarber homered to open the first inning. Chase Shugart (2-0) became the first Phillies pitcher since 2022 to win both games of a doubleheader.  Drew Gilbert piled up three hits for the Giants, who were swept in the three-game series. Matt Gage (2-1) lost despite retiring both batters he faced.  Tigers 5, Braves 2  Gleyber Torres had three hits and capped a two-run eighth-inning rally with a sacrifice fly to help visiting Detroit score a comeback win over Atlanta.  Matt Vierling had a double, three hits, two runs and two RBIs for the Tigers, who snapped a 10-game losing streak against the Braves. Rookie sensation Kevin McGonigle walked three times to stretch his on-base streak to 26 games but saw his hit streak halted at 13.  Atlanta jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the third inning on RBI singles from Eli White and Mauricio Dubon in consecutive innings. Atlanta right-hander Bryce Elder allowed one run on six hits over six innings, maintaining a stellar 1.88 ERA.  Orioles 10, Astros 3 (Game 1)  Adley Rutschman and Jeremiah Jackson slugged grand slams Baltimore’s victory against visiting Houston in the first game of a doubleheader.  Orioles starter Chris Bassitt pitched 6 2/3 strong innings and Jackson drove in five runs.  Rutschman’s blast came in the fifth to break open the game. Jackson’s slam came in the seventh. It’s the first time the Orioles have smacked multiple grand slams in the same game since Sept. 11, 2015, when they hit two in one inning of a 14-8 home win over the Kansas City Royals.  Astros 11, Orioles 5 (Game 2)  Cam Smith hit a three-run home run during a five-run first inning as Houston and Baltimore exchanged blowout wins to split the doubleheader.  Yordan Alvarez drilled his 12th homer among his three hits and three runs scored, Dustin Harris drove in three runs and Yainer Diaz collected three hits as the Astros avoided being swept in the three-game series.  Houston won for the first time in starter Lance McCullers Jr.’s five April starts. McCullers (2-2) held the Orioles to three runs on two hits with nine strikeouts and four walks across six innings before three relievers finished with one inning apiece.  Cardinals 10, Pirates 5  JJ Wetherholt and Jordan Walker both homered during a three-run first inning off Paul Skenes and Alec Burleson went 3-for-5 with three RBIs as visiting St. Louis completed a four-game series sweep of Pittsburgh.  Pedro Pages and Nolan Gorman also had two hits for the Cardinals, who finished with 14 hits. Gordon Graceffo (2-0) picked up the win with 1 1/3 innings of hitless relief.   Skenes (4-2) took the loss, allowing five runs (four earned) on eight hits over five innings. He didn’t walk a batter and struck out a season-high nine batters.  Nationals 5, Mets 4  CJ Abrams hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning and drove in three runs as visiting Washington rallied for a victory over New York.  After Luis Garcia Jr. opened the inning with a single and Daylen Lile avoided hitting into a double play on a fielder’s choice, Abrams gave Washington a 5-4 lead by driving a 2-1 changeup from Luke Weaver (2-1) over the right field fence. Right fielder James Wood robbed Juan Soto of a home run as the Nationals won for the fourth time in five games.  The Mets’ MJ Melendez hit a tying three-run homer and Mark Vientos had an RBI double to make it 4-3 in the sixth, but New York still lost for the 17th time in 20 games.  Reds 6, Rockies 4  TJ Friedl belted a go-ahead two-run home run and Andrew Abbott allowed two runs over six innings to lead host Cincinnati past Colorado.  Nathaniel Lowe homered, doubled and scored twice and Spencer Steer went 2-for-3 with two RBIs for the Reds, who captured the rubber game of the series and won for the ninth time in 12 games to reach the 20-win plateau before May 1 for the first time in team history.  Cincinnati has its best 31-game start (20-11) since the 2006 team also began the season 20-11.  Brewers 13, Diamondbacks 1  William Contreras had four hits with a home run and four RBIs as Milwaukee hammered visiting Arizona to win the rubber game of the series.  Sal Frelick homered, Brice Turang and Garrett Mitchell each had two hits and scored three runs, and Tyler Black and Luis Rengifo had three RBIs for the Brewers. Contreras reached base five times, scored three runs and finished a triple short of the cycle.  Ildemaro Vargas of the Diamondbacks had two hits and extended his season-opening hitting streak to 23 games. Brewers right-hander Brandon Woodruff left the game in the second inning due to low velocity on his fastball and is scheduled to undergo an MRI exam.  Athletics 6, Royals 3  Nick Kurtz highlighted a four-run second inning with a two-RBI double, four relievers combined for six strong innings and the Athletics finished off a series win over visiting Kansas City in Sacramento, Calif.  Jacob Wilson and Shea Langeliers combined for five hits and four runs atop the lineup, helping the A’s capture their third consecutive 2-1 series win.  A’s starter Jeffrey Springs threw a scoreless third inning before handing the ball off to the bullpen, which allowed just one run and five hits the rest of the way. Luis Medina (1-1), who threw 2 2/3 innings of shutout ball, was credited with the win.  Royals starter Noah Cameron (2-2) took the loss, charged with five runs (four earned) on nine hits in 5 1/3 innings.  Twins 7, Blue Jays 1  Byron Buxton went 3-for-4 with a double, a homer and an RBI, and Minnesota pulled away from visiting Toronto to take the opener of a four-game set in Minneapolis.  Ryan Jeffers hit a two-run homer for Minnesota while Austin Martin, Josh Bell and Luke Keaschall drove in one run apiece for the Twins. Daulton Varsho hit a solo homer for Toronto’s lone run.  Twins right-hander Bailey Ober (3-1) limited the Blue Jays to one run on four hits in six innings. He walked two and struck out two. Blue Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman (2-2) allowed four runs on four hits in 5 2/3 innings. He also walked two and struck out two.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #MLB #roundup #Phillies #sweep #Giants #pair #walkoffsApr 30, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies infielder Alec Bohm (28) celebrates with outfielder Brandon Marsh (16) and outfielder Justin Crawford (2) after the game against the San Francisco Giants at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Bryson Stott delivered a game-tying triple in the ninth inning and scored on Justin Crawford’s infield single as the Philadelphia Phillies rallied to nip the visiting San Francisco Giants 3-2 in the opener of a day-night doubleheader.

Kyle Schwarber hit his 350th career home run while Phillies starter Cristopher Sanchez allowed two runs and struck out seven in 6 2/3 innings.

With Philadelphia trailing 2-1 in the ninth, Adolis Garcia led off with a single and scored easily on Stott’s one-out hit into the right field corner. After Edmundo Sosa was retired, Crawford followed with a grounder to the left side and beat out shortstop Willy Adames’ one-hop throw to first.

Giants starter Logan Webb allowed one run and struck out six in seven innings. He was in line for the victory before Ryan Walker (0-1) blew the save in the ninth.

Phillies 6, Giants 5 (10 innings, Game 2)

Alec Bohm’s 10th-inning sacrifice fly drove in the winning run, giving Philadelphia its second walk-off win in the doubleheader.

Kyle Schwarber capped a 4-for-4 game with a two-out, game-tying hit in the ninth inning. Trea Turner and Schwarber homered to open the first inning. Chase Shugart (2-0) became the first Phillies pitcher since 2022 to win both games of a doubleheader.

Drew Gilbert piled up three hits for the Giants, who were swept in the three-game series. Matt Gage (2-1) lost despite retiring both batters he faced.

Tigers 5, Braves 2

Gleyber Torres had three hits and capped a two-run eighth-inning rally with a sacrifice fly to help visiting Detroit score a comeback win over Atlanta.

Matt Vierling had a double, three hits, two runs and two RBIs for the Tigers, who snapped a 10-game losing streak against the Braves. Rookie sensation Kevin McGonigle walked three times to stretch his on-base streak to 26 games but saw his hit streak halted at 13.

Atlanta jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the third inning on RBI singles from Eli White and Mauricio Dubon in consecutive innings. Atlanta right-hander Bryce Elder allowed one run on six hits over six innings, maintaining a stellar 1.88 ERA.

Orioles 10, Astros 3 (Game 1)

Adley Rutschman and Jeremiah Jackson slugged grand slams Baltimore’s victory against visiting Houston in the first game of a doubleheader.

Orioles starter Chris Bassitt pitched 6 2/3 strong innings and Jackson drove in five runs.

Rutschman’s blast came in the fifth to break open the game. Jackson’s slam came in the seventh. It’s the first time the Orioles have smacked multiple grand slams in the same game since Sept. 11, 2015, when they hit two in one inning of a 14-8 home win over the Kansas City Royals.

Astros 11, Orioles 5 (Game 2)

Cam Smith hit a three-run home run during a five-run first inning as Houston and Baltimore exchanged blowout wins to split the doubleheader.

Yordan Alvarez drilled his 12th homer among his three hits and three runs scored, Dustin Harris drove in three runs and Yainer Diaz collected three hits as the Astros avoided being swept in the three-game series.

Houston won for the first time in starter Lance McCullers Jr.’s five April starts. McCullers (2-2) held the Orioles to three runs on two hits with nine strikeouts and four walks across six innings before three relievers finished with one inning apiece.

Cardinals 10, Pirates 5

JJ Wetherholt and Jordan Walker both homered during a three-run first inning off Paul Skenes and Alec Burleson went 3-for-5 with three RBIs as visiting St. Louis completed a four-game series sweep of Pittsburgh.


Pedro Pages and Nolan Gorman also had two hits for the Cardinals, who finished with 14 hits. Gordon Graceffo (2-0) picked up the win with 1 1/3 innings of hitless relief.

Skenes (4-2) took the loss, allowing five runs (four earned) on eight hits over five innings. He didn’t walk a batter and struck out a season-high nine batters.

Nationals 5, Mets 4

CJ Abrams hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning and drove in three runs as visiting Washington rallied for a victory over New York.

After Luis Garcia Jr. opened the inning with a single and Daylen Lile avoided hitting into a double play on a fielder’s choice, Abrams gave Washington a 5-4 lead by driving a 2-1 changeup from Luke Weaver (2-1) over the right field fence. Right fielder James Wood robbed Juan Soto of a home run as the Nationals won for the fourth time in five games.

The Mets’ MJ Melendez hit a tying three-run homer and Mark Vientos had an RBI double to make it 4-3 in the sixth, but New York still lost for the 17th time in 20 games.

Reds 6, Rockies 4

TJ Friedl belted a go-ahead two-run home run and Andrew Abbott allowed two runs over six innings to lead host Cincinnati past Colorado.

Nathaniel Lowe homered, doubled and scored twice and Spencer Steer went 2-for-3 with two RBIs for the Reds, who captured the rubber game of the series and won for the ninth time in 12 games to reach the 20-win plateau before May 1 for the first time in team history.

Cincinnati has its best 31-game start (20-11) since the 2006 team also began the season 20-11.

Brewers 13, Diamondbacks 1

William Contreras had four hits with a home run and four RBIs as Milwaukee hammered visiting Arizona to win the rubber game of the series.

Sal Frelick homered, Brice Turang and Garrett Mitchell each had two hits and scored three runs, and Tyler Black and Luis Rengifo had three RBIs for the Brewers. Contreras reached base five times, scored three runs and finished a triple short of the cycle.

Ildemaro Vargas of the Diamondbacks had two hits and extended his season-opening hitting streak to 23 games. Brewers right-hander Brandon Woodruff left the game in the second inning due to low velocity on his fastball and is scheduled to undergo an MRI exam.

Athletics 6, Royals 3

Nick Kurtz highlighted a four-run second inning with a two-RBI double, four relievers combined for six strong innings and the Athletics finished off a series win over visiting Kansas City in Sacramento, Calif.

Jacob Wilson and Shea Langeliers combined for five hits and four runs atop the lineup, helping the A’s capture their third consecutive 2-1 series win.

A’s starter Jeffrey Springs threw a scoreless third inning before handing the ball off to the bullpen, which allowed just one run and five hits the rest of the way. Luis Medina (1-1), who threw 2 2/3 innings of shutout ball, was credited with the win.

Royals starter Noah Cameron (2-2) took the loss, charged with five runs (four earned) on nine hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Twins 7, Blue Jays 1

Byron Buxton went 3-for-4 with a double, a homer and an RBI, and Minnesota pulled away from visiting Toronto to take the opener of a four-game set in Minneapolis.

Ryan Jeffers hit a two-run homer for Minnesota while Austin Martin, Josh Bell and Luke Keaschall drove in one run apiece for the Twins. Daulton Varsho hit a solo homer for Toronto’s lone run.

Twins right-hander Bailey Ober (3-1) limited the Blue Jays to one run on four hits in six innings. He walked two and struck out two. Blue Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman (2-2) allowed four runs on four hits in 5 2/3 innings. He also walked two and struck out two.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #MLB #roundup #Phillies #sweep #Giants #pair #walkoffs">Deadspin | MLB roundup: Phillies sweep DH vs. Giants with pair of walk-offs  Apr 30, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies infielder Alec Bohm (28) celebrates with outfielder Brandon Marsh (16) and outfielder Justin Crawford (2) after the game against the San Francisco Giants at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images   Bryson Stott delivered a game-tying triple in the ninth inning and scored on Justin Crawford’s infield single as the Philadelphia Phillies rallied to nip the visiting San Francisco Giants 3-2 in the opener of a day-night doubleheader.  Kyle Schwarber hit his 350th career home run while Phillies starter Cristopher Sanchez allowed two runs and struck out seven in 6 2/3 innings.  With Philadelphia trailing 2-1 in the ninth, Adolis Garcia led off with a single and scored easily on Stott’s one-out hit into the right field corner. After Edmundo Sosa was retired, Crawford followed with a grounder to the left side and beat out shortstop Willy Adames’ one-hop throw to first.  Giants starter Logan Webb allowed one run and struck out six in seven innings. He was in line for the victory before Ryan Walker (0-1) blew the save in the ninth.  Phillies 6, Giants 5 (10 innings, Game 2)  Alec Bohm’s 10th-inning sacrifice fly drove in the winning run, giving Philadelphia its second walk-off win in the doubleheader.  Kyle Schwarber capped a 4-for-4 game with a two-out, game-tying hit in the ninth inning. Trea Turner and Schwarber homered to open the first inning. Chase Shugart (2-0) became the first Phillies pitcher since 2022 to win both games of a doubleheader.  Drew Gilbert piled up three hits for the Giants, who were swept in the three-game series. Matt Gage (2-1) lost despite retiring both batters he faced.  Tigers 5, Braves 2  Gleyber Torres had three hits and capped a two-run eighth-inning rally with a sacrifice fly to help visiting Detroit score a comeback win over Atlanta.  Matt Vierling had a double, three hits, two runs and two RBIs for the Tigers, who snapped a 10-game losing streak against the Braves. Rookie sensation Kevin McGonigle walked three times to stretch his on-base streak to 26 games but saw his hit streak halted at 13.  Atlanta jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the third inning on RBI singles from Eli White and Mauricio Dubon in consecutive innings. Atlanta right-hander Bryce Elder allowed one run on six hits over six innings, maintaining a stellar 1.88 ERA.  Orioles 10, Astros 3 (Game 1)  Adley Rutschman and Jeremiah Jackson slugged grand slams Baltimore’s victory against visiting Houston in the first game of a doubleheader.  Orioles starter Chris Bassitt pitched 6 2/3 strong innings and Jackson drove in five runs.  Rutschman’s blast came in the fifth to break open the game. Jackson’s slam came in the seventh. It’s the first time the Orioles have smacked multiple grand slams in the same game since Sept. 11, 2015, when they hit two in one inning of a 14-8 home win over the Kansas City Royals.  Astros 11, Orioles 5 (Game 2)  Cam Smith hit a three-run home run during a five-run first inning as Houston and Baltimore exchanged blowout wins to split the doubleheader.  Yordan Alvarez drilled his 12th homer among his three hits and three runs scored, Dustin Harris drove in three runs and Yainer Diaz collected three hits as the Astros avoided being swept in the three-game series.  Houston won for the first time in starter Lance McCullers Jr.’s five April starts. McCullers (2-2) held the Orioles to three runs on two hits with nine strikeouts and four walks across six innings before three relievers finished with one inning apiece.  Cardinals 10, Pirates 5  JJ Wetherholt and Jordan Walker both homered during a three-run first inning off Paul Skenes and Alec Burleson went 3-for-5 with three RBIs as visiting St. Louis completed a four-game series sweep of Pittsburgh.  Pedro Pages and Nolan Gorman also had two hits for the Cardinals, who finished with 14 hits. Gordon Graceffo (2-0) picked up the win with 1 1/3 innings of hitless relief.   Skenes (4-2) took the loss, allowing five runs (four earned) on eight hits over five innings. He didn’t walk a batter and struck out a season-high nine batters.  Nationals 5, Mets 4  CJ Abrams hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning and drove in three runs as visiting Washington rallied for a victory over New York.  After Luis Garcia Jr. opened the inning with a single and Daylen Lile avoided hitting into a double play on a fielder’s choice, Abrams gave Washington a 5-4 lead by driving a 2-1 changeup from Luke Weaver (2-1) over the right field fence. Right fielder James Wood robbed Juan Soto of a home run as the Nationals won for the fourth time in five games.  The Mets’ MJ Melendez hit a tying three-run homer and Mark Vientos had an RBI double to make it 4-3 in the sixth, but New York still lost for the 17th time in 20 games.  Reds 6, Rockies 4  TJ Friedl belted a go-ahead two-run home run and Andrew Abbott allowed two runs over six innings to lead host Cincinnati past Colorado.  Nathaniel Lowe homered, doubled and scored twice and Spencer Steer went 2-for-3 with two RBIs for the Reds, who captured the rubber game of the series and won for the ninth time in 12 games to reach the 20-win plateau before May 1 for the first time in team history.  Cincinnati has its best 31-game start (20-11) since the 2006 team also began the season 20-11.  Brewers 13, Diamondbacks 1  William Contreras had four hits with a home run and four RBIs as Milwaukee hammered visiting Arizona to win the rubber game of the series.  Sal Frelick homered, Brice Turang and Garrett Mitchell each had two hits and scored three runs, and Tyler Black and Luis Rengifo had three RBIs for the Brewers. Contreras reached base five times, scored three runs and finished a triple short of the cycle.  Ildemaro Vargas of the Diamondbacks had two hits and extended his season-opening hitting streak to 23 games. Brewers right-hander Brandon Woodruff left the game in the second inning due to low velocity on his fastball and is scheduled to undergo an MRI exam.  Athletics 6, Royals 3  Nick Kurtz highlighted a four-run second inning with a two-RBI double, four relievers combined for six strong innings and the Athletics finished off a series win over visiting Kansas City in Sacramento, Calif.  Jacob Wilson and Shea Langeliers combined for five hits and four runs atop the lineup, helping the A’s capture their third consecutive 2-1 series win.  A’s starter Jeffrey Springs threw a scoreless third inning before handing the ball off to the bullpen, which allowed just one run and five hits the rest of the way. Luis Medina (1-1), who threw 2 2/3 innings of shutout ball, was credited with the win.  Royals starter Noah Cameron (2-2) took the loss, charged with five runs (four earned) on nine hits in 5 1/3 innings.  Twins 7, Blue Jays 1  Byron Buxton went 3-for-4 with a double, a homer and an RBI, and Minnesota pulled away from visiting Toronto to take the opener of a four-game set in Minneapolis.  Ryan Jeffers hit a two-run homer for Minnesota while Austin Martin, Josh Bell and Luke Keaschall drove in one run apiece for the Twins. Daulton Varsho hit a solo homer for Toronto’s lone run.  Twins right-hander Bailey Ober (3-1) limited the Blue Jays to one run on four hits in six innings. He walked two and struck out two. Blue Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman (2-2) allowed four runs on four hits in 5 2/3 innings. He also walked two and struck out two.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #MLB #roundup #Phillies #sweep #Giants #pair #walkoffs

A psychologist charged in the trial over Diego Maradona’s death told an Argentine court ​on Thursday that the soccer great had bipolar disorder and ‌was a narcissist, and required a zero-alcohol ​treatment plan, Argentine media reported.

Carlos Diaz, 34, ⁠is facing the charge of manslaughter with reckless intent for prescribing the wrong medication. He is one of seven ‌defendants accused of criminal responsibility in the death of the former Argentine captain and national ‌coach.

“There was bipolar disorder and narcissism,” newspaper ‌El ⁠Clarin cited Diaz as saying at the ⁠trial in Buenos Aires. “He could bring a country to its knees, but one glass of alcohol could bring him to his ​knees.”

Diaz said he met ‌Maradona on October 26, 2020, 29 days before the former footballer died, and that Maradona was drinking wine on a couch at the time, La ‌Nacion Argentina reported.

“The first image shocked me ​because he was just like my father, an alcoholic, who had died a few ⁠months earlier,” the newspaper cited Diaz as saying.

Diaz told the court he believed Maradona wanted to change his ‌lifestyle and tailored the star’s treatment based on abstinence from alcohol, El Clarin reported. He also said the toxicology report showed Maradona’s life ended after 23 days without drug use.

The attacking player won trophies with teams including Boca Juniors, Barcelona and Napoli, ‌and captained Argentina to the World Cup title in 1986. ​He died on November 25, 2020, aged 60, after surgery for a subdural hematoma.

The trial ⁠is examining whether members of his medical and care ⁠team bear criminal responsibility for his death.

Neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, another defendant, also testified on Thursday, ‌saying Maradona’s home hospitalisation was appropriate and was not intended to function as an intensive-care unit, ​El Clarin reported.

Published on May 01, 2026

#Diego #Maradona #bipolar #disorder #narcissist #Psychologist #death #trial">Diego Maradona had bipolar disorder, was a narcissist: Psychologist in his death trial  A psychologist charged in the trial over Diego Maradona’s death told an Argentine court ​on Thursday that the soccer great had bipolar disorder and ‌was a narcissist, and required a zero-alcohol ​treatment plan, Argentine media reported.Carlos Diaz, 34, ⁠is facing the charge of manslaughter with reckless intent for prescribing the wrong medication. He is one of seven ‌defendants accused of criminal responsibility in the death of the former Argentine captain and national ‌coach.“There was bipolar disorder and narcissism,” newspaper ‌El ⁠Clarin cited Diaz as saying at the ⁠trial in Buenos Aires. “He could bring a country to its knees, but one glass of alcohol could bring him to his ​knees.”Diaz said he met ‌Maradona on October 26, 2020, 29 days before the former footballer died, and that Maradona was drinking wine on a couch at the time, La ‌Nacion Argentina reported.“The first image shocked me ​because he was just like my father, an alcoholic, who had died a few ⁠months earlier,” the newspaper cited Diaz as saying.Diaz told the court he believed Maradona wanted to change his ‌lifestyle and tailored the star’s treatment based on abstinence from alcohol, El Clarin reported. He also said the toxicology report showed Maradona’s life ended after 23 days without drug use.The attacking player won trophies with teams including Boca Juniors, Barcelona and Napoli, ‌and captained Argentina to the World Cup title in 1986. ​He died on November 25, 2020, aged 60, after surgery for a subdural hematoma.The trial ⁠is examining whether members of his medical and care ⁠team bear criminal responsibility for his death.Neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, another defendant, also testified on Thursday, ‌saying Maradona’s home hospitalisation was appropriate and was not intended to function as an intensive-care unit, ​El Clarin reported.Published on May 01, 2026  #Diego #Maradona #bipolar #disorder #narcissist #Psychologist #death #trial

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