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Madrid Open 2026: Andreeva overcomes Baptiste to secure final spot A disciplined Mirra Andreeva saw off a late challenge from Hailey Baptiste to ​prevail 6-4 7-6(8) in a battle of nerves on ‌Thursday to reach the final of the Madrid ​Open.Andreeva, who turned 19 on Wednesday, will ⁠face Marta Kostyuk or Anastasia Potapova in the final of the claycourt tournament, with the two set to face off ‌later in the day.“I feel so much adrenaline inside, I feel like I’m still nervous,” ‌Andreeva said in the post-match interview.“Honestly, I’m ‌just ⁠so happy that I won… I’m very happy ⁠with how I served today.”Baptiste had shocked world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the quarter-finals, but the 24-year-old struggled as ninth ​seed Andreeva conceded only ‌two points on serve in the first set.The American stood firm until the seventh game, when Baptiste’s forehand landed wide, handing Andreeva a break point. ‌The former French Open semi-finalist sent a perfect ​backhand down the line to earn the decisive break that sealed the set.ALSO READ: Blockx upsets Ruud to enter first Masters 1000 semifinal of his career at Madrid OpenBaptiste, who made ⁠16 unforced errors in the first set, continued to struggle in the second, handing Andreeva a break for ‌a 3-2 lead.But the American fended off a match point in the ninth game before Andreeva, serving for the set, double faulted and botched a smash before Baptiste landed two perfect winners to get her first break of the match, making it 5-5.The ‌second set reached a tiebreak and a newly confident Baptiste ​won four points straight before Andreeva fought back with precise backhands near the sidelines and ⁠saved three set points.Baptiste fired down an ace to save ⁠a match point but hit a return long as Andreeva clinched victory, reaching the final ‌of a WTA 1000 tournament for the third time after winning the Dubai Championships and the ​Indian Wells Open last year.Published on Apr 30, 2026 #Madrid #Open #Andreeva #overcomes #Baptiste #secure #final #spot

Madrid Open 2026: Andreeva overcomes Baptiste to secure final spot

A disciplined Mirra Andreeva saw off a late challenge from Hailey Baptiste to ​prevail 6-4 7-6(8) in a battle of nerves on ‌Thursday to reach the final of the Madrid ​Open.

Andreeva, who turned 19 on Wednesday, will ⁠face Marta Kostyuk or Anastasia Potapova in the final of the claycourt tournament, with the two set to face off ‌later in the day.

“I feel so much adrenaline inside, I feel like I’m still nervous,” ‌Andreeva said in the post-match interview.

“Honestly, I’m ‌just ⁠so happy that I won… I’m very happy ⁠with how I served today.”

Baptiste had shocked world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the quarter-finals, but the 24-year-old struggled as ninth ​seed Andreeva conceded only ‌two points on serve in the first set.

The American stood firm until the seventh game, when Baptiste’s forehand landed wide, handing Andreeva a break point. ‌The former French Open semi-finalist sent a perfect ​backhand down the line to earn the decisive break that sealed the set.

ALSO READ: Blockx upsets Ruud to enter first Masters 1000 semifinal of his career at Madrid Open

Baptiste, who made ⁠16 unforced errors in the first set, continued to struggle in the second, handing Andreeva a break for ‌a 3-2 lead.

But the American fended off a match point in the ninth game before Andreeva, serving for the set, double faulted and botched a smash before Baptiste landed two perfect winners to get her first break of the match, making it 5-5.

The ‌second set reached a tiebreak and a newly confident Baptiste ​won four points straight before Andreeva fought back with precise backhands near the sidelines and ⁠saved three set points.

Baptiste fired down an ace to save ⁠a match point but hit a return long as Andreeva clinched victory, reaching the final ‌of a WTA 1000 tournament for the third time after winning the Dubai Championships and the ​Indian Wells Open last year.

Published on Apr 30, 2026

#Madrid #Open #Andreeva #overcomes #Baptiste #secure #final #spot

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A disciplined Mirra Andreeva saw off a late challenge from Hailey Baptiste to ​prevail 6-4 7-6(8) in a battle of nerves on ‌Thursday to reach the final of the Madrid ​Open.

Andreeva, who turned 19 on Wednesday, will ⁠face Marta Kostyuk or Anastasia Potapova in the final of the claycourt tournament, with the two set to face off ‌later in the day.

“I feel so much adrenaline inside, I feel like I’m still nervous,” ‌Andreeva said in the post-match interview.

“Honestly, I’m ‌just ⁠so happy that I won… I’m very happy ⁠with how I served today.”

Baptiste had shocked world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the quarter-finals, but the 24-year-old struggled as ninth ​seed Andreeva conceded only ‌two points on serve in the first set.

The American stood firm until the seventh game, when Baptiste’s forehand landed wide, handing Andreeva a break point. ‌The former French Open semi-finalist sent a perfect ​backhand down the line to earn the decisive break that sealed the set.

ALSO READ: Blockx upsets Ruud to enter first Masters 1000 semifinal of his career at Madrid Open

Baptiste, who made ⁠16 unforced errors in the first set, continued to struggle in the second, handing Andreeva a break for ‌a 3-2 lead.

But the American fended off a match point in the ninth game before Andreeva, serving for the set, double faulted and botched a smash before Baptiste landed two perfect winners to get her first break of the match, making it 5-5.

The ‌second set reached a tiebreak and a newly confident Baptiste ​won four points straight before Andreeva fought back with precise backhands near the sidelines and ⁠saved three set points.

Baptiste fired down an ace to save ⁠a match point but hit a return long as Andreeva clinched victory, reaching the final ‌of a WTA 1000 tournament for the third time after winning the Dubai Championships and the ​Indian Wells Open last year.

Published on Apr 30, 2026

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Rockets Still Facing Uphill Battle Following Game 5 Upset Against Lakers | Deadspin.com <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-0 py-0 pb-4 undefined"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1777561100381" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1777561100381" alt="Apr 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) looks on from the court in the second half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) looks on from the court in the second half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James lost his first home court closeout game in 18 years on Wednesday night.</p><p>The Houston Rockets, even without Kevin Durant, defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 99-93 to force a Game 6 on Friday night in Houston.</p><p>According to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48636781/sources-rockets-kevin-durant-miss-game-6-vs-lakers" target="_blank">ESPN’s Shams Charania</a>, Durant has already been ruled out for Game 6. That news dropped at a devastating time for the Rockets, who found a way to steal a huge victory in Los Angeles without Durant on the night <a href="https://deadspin.com/lebron-james-needs-one-more-miracle-to-carry-lakers-without-doncic-reaves/" target="_blank">Austin Reaves made his return</a> to the Lakers.</p><p>As the Lakers regain health to support 41-year-old LeBron James, prediction markets are not showing Houston any respect, even fresh off the heels of a quality upset.</p><p>On Thursday morning, Kalshi gives the Rockets a 27% probability of winning this series. Without Durant, the Rockets aren’t getting any love to build momentum and attempt a rare 3-1 comeback in the NBA Playoffs.</p><p>Even with the series shifting back to Texas, the Lakers have a 73% chance of winning this series. A contract on the Rockets would earn 3.25% interest, as they’re massive underdogs down 3-2 in this series.</p> </section><p><span class="inline-block mr-3 uppercase shrink-0 font-bold">Our Current Best Offers</span></p><p>Channel debug: <span class="font-semibold text-gray-700">basketball</span></p> <section id="section-3"> <p>The Rockets still find themselves in this deep hole because of Durant. The 37-year-old is dealing with a bone bruise in his left ankle. It’s a separate injury than the tendon bruise that sidelined Durant in Game 1.</p><p>In Game 2, he was able to play his lone action in this series. Durant played 41 minutes and scored 23 points in the defeat. But that’s when he suffered this ankle injury, which has had just about 10 days to heal. If a Game 7 is forced, there’s a chance that Durant could return, even though it’ll still be less than two weeks since the initial injury.</p><p>Without Durant, Houston’s young core has played well against the Lakers. It’s the youngest starting five to win a game in the history of the NBA Playoffs. Remember, it was Los Angeles that was <a href="https://deadspin.com/which-nba-playoffs-game-1-loser-is-most-likely-to-win-their-series/" target="_blank">supposed to be facing an uphil battle</a> due to Reaves and Luka Doncic’s injuries during the final week of the NBA season. </p><p>Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson will be tasked with keeping Houston’s series alive on their home floor during Game 6. If they can do it? That at least gives Durant a chance at making a return for Game 7, which would decide this highly-contested first-round series.</p><p>If Houston wins Game 6 at home, their probability of winning this series will dramatically increase because of the idea that Durant could potentially make a return for a win-or-go-home matchup on Friday.</p> </section><p><span class="inline-block mr-3 uppercase shrink-0 font-bold">Our Current Best Offers</span></p><p>Channel debug: <span class="font-semibold text-gray-700">basketball</span></p> </div> #Rockets #Facing #Uphill #Battle #Game #Upset #Lakers #Deadspin.com

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The FIFA Congress opened on Thursday without Iran, its delegation’s absence underscoring ​the geopolitical tensions and logistical fault lines hanging over the ‌upcoming World Cup.

Iranian football federation officials, including president ​Mehdi Taj, were due to attend the ⁠gathering but turned back at Toronto airport after what Tehran described as “unacceptable behaviour” by Canadian immigration authorities, despite travelling with valid ‌visas.

A source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters two members of the delegation could ‌have attended the FIFA congress but chose not ‌to ⁠after one of their delegation was denied ⁠entry into Canada.

READ | Canadian official backs up report that Iranian football chiefs were denied entry for FIFA event

No seats were set up for Iran at the Vancouver Convention Centre, a Reuters reporter witnessed, as 210 of the 211 ​member associations were shown ‌as present.

Canadian officials said entry decisions were made on a case-by-case basis and reiterated that individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Ottawa designates as ‌a terrorist organisation, are inadmissible.

Taj is a former ​member of the IRGC.

The incident leaves one of the most politically sensitive delegations absent from ⁠FIFA’s annual gathering, depriving the congress of direct representation from a country whose presence at the 2026 World Cup ‌is already shaping behind-the-scenes discussions.

The issue is particularly acute given the tournament’s cross-border nature.

The expanded 48-team World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico, will require teams, officials and support staff to move repeatedly between jurisdictions, raising the prospect that visa restrictions or diplomatic ‌frictions could complicate planning for certain nations.

Iran has already qualified for ​the tournament, but its participation has been fraught, with Tehran requesting alternative venues for matches ⁠on U.S. soil.

FIFA has rejected the request, insisting the schedule ⁠would stand.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said last week Washington had no objections to Iranian ‌players participating in the World Cup but added that the players would not be allowed to bring with ​them people with ties to the IRGC. 

Published on Apr 30, 2026

#Iran #delegation #attended #FIFA #congress #chose #source">Two of Iran delegation could have attended FIFA congress but chose not to, source says The FIFA Congress opened on Thursday without Iran, its delegation’s absence underscoring ​the geopolitical tensions and logistical fault lines hanging over the ‌upcoming World Cup.Iranian football federation officials, including president ​Mehdi Taj, were due to attend the ⁠gathering but turned back at Toronto airport after what Tehran described as “unacceptable behaviour” by Canadian immigration authorities, despite travelling with valid ‌visas.A source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters two members of the delegation could ‌have attended the FIFA congress but chose not ‌to ⁠after one of their delegation was denied ⁠entry into Canada.READ | Canadian official backs up report that Iranian football chiefs were denied entry for FIFA eventNo seats were set up for Iran at the Vancouver Convention Centre, a Reuters reporter witnessed, as 210 of the 211 ​member associations were shown ‌as present.Canadian officials said entry decisions were made on a case-by-case basis and reiterated that individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Ottawa designates as ‌a terrorist organisation, are inadmissible.Taj is a former ​member of the IRGC.The incident leaves one of the most politically sensitive delegations absent from ⁠FIFA’s annual gathering, depriving the congress of direct representation from a country whose presence at the 2026 World Cup ‌is already shaping behind-the-scenes discussions.The issue is particularly acute given the tournament’s cross-border nature.The expanded 48-team World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico, will require teams, officials and support staff to move repeatedly between jurisdictions, raising the prospect that visa restrictions or diplomatic ‌frictions could complicate planning for certain nations.Iran has already qualified for ​the tournament, but its participation has been fraught, with Tehran requesting alternative venues for matches ⁠on U.S. soil.FIFA has rejected the request, insisting the schedule ⁠would stand.U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said last week Washington had no objections to Iranian ‌players participating in the World Cup but added that the players would not be allowed to bring with ​them people with ties to the IRGC. Published on Apr 30, 2026 #Iran #delegation #attended #FIFA #congress #chose #source

Canadian official backs up report that Iranian football chiefs were denied entry for FIFA event

No seats were set up for Iran at the Vancouver Convention Centre, a Reuters reporter witnessed, as 210 of the 211 ​member associations were shown ‌as present.

Canadian officials said entry decisions were made on a case-by-case basis and reiterated that individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Ottawa designates as ‌a terrorist organisation, are inadmissible.

Taj is a former ​member of the IRGC.

The incident leaves one of the most politically sensitive delegations absent from ⁠FIFA’s annual gathering, depriving the congress of direct representation from a country whose presence at the 2026 World Cup ‌is already shaping behind-the-scenes discussions.

The issue is particularly acute given the tournament’s cross-border nature.

The expanded 48-team World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico, will require teams, officials and support staff to move repeatedly between jurisdictions, raising the prospect that visa restrictions or diplomatic ‌frictions could complicate planning for certain nations.

Iran has already qualified for ​the tournament, but its participation has been fraught, with Tehran requesting alternative venues for matches ⁠on U.S. soil.

FIFA has rejected the request, insisting the schedule ⁠would stand.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said last week Washington had no objections to Iranian ‌players participating in the World Cup but added that the players would not be allowed to bring with ​them people with ties to the IRGC. 

Published on Apr 30, 2026

#Iran #delegation #attended #FIFA #congress #chose #source">Two of Iran delegation could have attended FIFA congress but chose not to, source says

The FIFA Congress opened on Thursday without Iran, its delegation’s absence underscoring ​the geopolitical tensions and logistical fault lines hanging over the ‌upcoming World Cup.

Iranian football federation officials, including president ​Mehdi Taj, were due to attend the ⁠gathering but turned back at Toronto airport after what Tehran described as “unacceptable behaviour” by Canadian immigration authorities, despite travelling with valid ‌visas.

A source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters two members of the delegation could ‌have attended the FIFA congress but chose not ‌to ⁠after one of their delegation was denied ⁠entry into Canada.

READ | Canadian official backs up report that Iranian football chiefs were denied entry for FIFA event

No seats were set up for Iran at the Vancouver Convention Centre, a Reuters reporter witnessed, as 210 of the 211 ​member associations were shown ‌as present.

Canadian officials said entry decisions were made on a case-by-case basis and reiterated that individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Ottawa designates as ‌a terrorist organisation, are inadmissible.

Taj is a former ​member of the IRGC.

The incident leaves one of the most politically sensitive delegations absent from ⁠FIFA’s annual gathering, depriving the congress of direct representation from a country whose presence at the 2026 World Cup ‌is already shaping behind-the-scenes discussions.

The issue is particularly acute given the tournament’s cross-border nature.

The expanded 48-team World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico, will require teams, officials and support staff to move repeatedly between jurisdictions, raising the prospect that visa restrictions or diplomatic ‌frictions could complicate planning for certain nations.

Iran has already qualified for ​the tournament, but its participation has been fraught, with Tehran requesting alternative venues for matches ⁠on U.S. soil.

FIFA has rejected the request, insisting the schedule ⁠would stand.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said last week Washington had no objections to Iranian ‌players participating in the World Cup but added that the players would not be allowed to bring with ​them people with ties to the IRGC. 

Published on Apr 30, 2026

#Iran #delegation #attended #FIFA #congress #chose #source
Deadspin | A’s Lawrence Butler eager to heat up as finale vs. Royals approaches Apr 29, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler (4) reacts after hitting a three-run home run against the Kansas City Royals in the fourth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images Lawrence Butler’s bat has been in a deep slumber, and the 25-year-old outfielder hasn’t resembled the player who topped 20 homers in each of his first two full major league seasons. Perhaps that’s why Athletics manager Mark Kotsay was so excited to see the “Law Dog” deliver a pivotal three-run homer in Wednesday’s 5-2 triumph over the Kansas City Royals. Now Butler and the A’s will look to beat the Royals again on Thursday afternoon in the finale of a three-game series at West Sacramento, Calif. Butler broke a 1-1 tie with his three-run homer, in the fourth inning, to help propel the Athletics on Wednesday. “It’s nice to see the results and the joy,” Kotsay said of Butler. “It’s always great to see the Law Dog smiling, for sure.” The left-handed-hitting Butler had just two homers and nine RBIs entering the contest. He hit 22 homers in 2024 and 21 last season. Butler is batting just .187 this season after going 1-for-4 on Wednesday. Yet his bat barked loudly with that 404-foot blast to right center off Royals right-hander Michael Wacha. “That felt great. It’s been kind of a slow start for me,” Butler said. “To be able to help the team out offensively, it feels amazing. Each and every one of us, all we want to do is help us get a win.” Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz had an RBI double in Wednesday’s victory to stretch his on-base streak to 24 games. Kurtz also drew a walk for the 18th straight game, the third-best streak in American League history. Legendary Ted Williams walked in 19 straight games for the Boston Red Sox in 1941, and Roy Cullenbine of the Detroit Tigers set an AL and major league record by drawing one in 22 games in a row in 1947. The Royals won the opening game of the series on Tuesday when Bobby Witt Jr. slammed a three-run homer in the top of the 10th during a 4-1 victory. Witt went 2-for-4 and scored twice on Wednesday to stretch his hitting streak to 10 games. He has five two-hit outings during the streak while raising his batting average 34 points to .297. But Kansas City couldn’t land the big hit on Wednesday and had just two official at-bats with runners in scoring position. Three batters came up in that situation in the ninth, and it resulted in Michael Massey’s RBI sacrifice fly, Isaac Collins’ walk and Jac Caglianone’s game-ending strikeout. “They were grinding out those at-bats,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “They battled and we got the tying run to the plate in the ninth. Very competitive at-bats.” Kansas City first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (lower back) sat out Wednesday after being injured during the series opener. Left-hander Jeffrey Springs (3-2, 3.79 ERA) will take the mound for the Athletics in the finale. Springs, 33, has served up five homers while losing his last two starts after giving up none while going 3-0 over his first four outings. He gave up four homers against the Chicago White Sox on April 19 and gave up another last Saturday when he lost to the Texas Rangers 4-3. He surrendered four runs and five hits over six innings against Texas. Springs is 0-0 with a 3.07 ERA in six career appearances (two starts) against Kansas City. Witt is 3-for-4 with two RBIs against Springs. Left-hander Noah Cameron (2-1, 5.13 ERA) will start for the Royals on Thursday, and he defeated the Los Angeles Angels 6-3 last Friday in his most recent start. Cameron gave up three runs and eight hits over 6 1/3 innings. Cameron, 26, has no-decisions in both career starts against the A’s. He has struck out 13 over 9 2/3 innings. Brent Rooker is 2-for-3 with two walks against Cameron. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Lawrence #Butler #eager #heat #finale #Royals #approachesApr 29, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler (4) reacts after hitting a three-run home run against the Kansas City Royals in the fourth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Lawrence Butler’s bat has been in a deep slumber, and the 25-year-old outfielder hasn’t resembled the player who topped 20 homers in each of his first two full major league seasons.

Perhaps that’s why Athletics manager Mark Kotsay was so excited to see the “Law Dog” deliver a pivotal three-run homer in Wednesday’s 5-2 triumph over the Kansas City Royals.

Now Butler and the A’s will look to beat the Royals again on Thursday afternoon in the finale of a three-game series at West Sacramento, Calif.

Butler broke a 1-1 tie with his three-run homer, in the fourth inning, to help propel the Athletics on Wednesday.

“It’s nice to see the results and the joy,” Kotsay said of Butler. “It’s always great to see the Law Dog smiling, for sure.”

The left-handed-hitting Butler had just two homers and nine RBIs entering the contest. He hit 22 homers in 2024 and 21 last season.

Butler is batting just .187 this season after going 1-for-4 on Wednesday.

Yet his bat barked loudly with that 404-foot blast to right center off Royals right-hander Michael Wacha.

“That felt great. It’s been kind of a slow start for me,” Butler said. “To be able to help the team out offensively, it feels amazing. Each and every one of us, all we want to do is help us get a win.”

Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz had an RBI double in Wednesday’s victory to stretch his on-base streak to 24 games.

Kurtz also drew a walk for the 18th straight game, the third-best streak in American League history. Legendary Ted Williams walked in 19 straight games for the Boston Red Sox in 1941, and Roy Cullenbine of the Detroit Tigers set an AL and major league record by drawing one in 22 games in a row in 1947.


The Royals won the opening game of the series on Tuesday when Bobby Witt Jr. slammed a three-run homer in the top of the 10th during a 4-1 victory.

Witt went 2-for-4 and scored twice on Wednesday to stretch his hitting streak to 10 games. He has five two-hit outings during the streak while raising his batting average 34 points to .297.

But Kansas City couldn’t land the big hit on Wednesday and had just two official at-bats with runners in scoring position. Three batters came up in that situation in the ninth, and it resulted in Michael Massey’s RBI sacrifice fly, Isaac Collins’ walk and Jac Caglianone’s game-ending strikeout.

“They were grinding out those at-bats,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “They battled and we got the tying run to the plate in the ninth. Very competitive at-bats.”

Kansas City first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (lower back) sat out Wednesday after being injured during the series opener.

Left-hander Jeffrey Springs (3-2, 3.79 ERA) will take the mound for the Athletics in the finale. Springs, 33, has served up five homers while losing his last two starts after giving up none while going 3-0 over his first four outings.

He gave up four homers against the Chicago White Sox on April 19 and gave up another last Saturday when he lost to the Texas Rangers 4-3. He surrendered four runs and five hits over six innings against Texas.

Springs is 0-0 with a 3.07 ERA in six career appearances (two starts) against Kansas City. Witt is 3-for-4 with two RBIs against Springs.

Left-hander Noah Cameron (2-1, 5.13 ERA) will start for the Royals on Thursday, and he defeated the Los Angeles Angels 6-3 last Friday in his most recent start. Cameron gave up three runs and eight hits over 6 1/3 innings.

Cameron, 26, has no-decisions in both career starts against the A’s. He has struck out 13 over 9 2/3 innings.

Brent Rooker is 2-for-3 with two walks against Cameron.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Lawrence #Butler #eager #heat #finale #Royals #approaches">Deadspin | A’s Lawrence Butler eager to heat up as finale vs. Royals approaches Apr 29, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler (4) reacts after hitting a three-run home run against the Kansas City Royals in the fourth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images Lawrence Butler’s bat has been in a deep slumber, and the 25-year-old outfielder hasn’t resembled the player who topped 20 homers in each of his first two full major league seasons. Perhaps that’s why Athletics manager Mark Kotsay was so excited to see the “Law Dog” deliver a pivotal three-run homer in Wednesday’s 5-2 triumph over the Kansas City Royals. Now Butler and the A’s will look to beat the Royals again on Thursday afternoon in the finale of a three-game series at West Sacramento, Calif. Butler broke a 1-1 tie with his three-run homer, in the fourth inning, to help propel the Athletics on Wednesday. “It’s nice to see the results and the joy,” Kotsay said of Butler. “It’s always great to see the Law Dog smiling, for sure.” The left-handed-hitting Butler had just two homers and nine RBIs entering the contest. He hit 22 homers in 2024 and 21 last season. Butler is batting just .187 this season after going 1-for-4 on Wednesday. Yet his bat barked loudly with that 404-foot blast to right center off Royals right-hander Michael Wacha. “That felt great. It’s been kind of a slow start for me,” Butler said. “To be able to help the team out offensively, it feels amazing. Each and every one of us, all we want to do is help us get a win.” Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz had an RBI double in Wednesday’s victory to stretch his on-base streak to 24 games. Kurtz also drew a walk for the 18th straight game, the third-best streak in American League history. Legendary Ted Williams walked in 19 straight games for the Boston Red Sox in 1941, and Roy Cullenbine of the Detroit Tigers set an AL and major league record by drawing one in 22 games in a row in 1947. The Royals won the opening game of the series on Tuesday when Bobby Witt Jr. slammed a three-run homer in the top of the 10th during a 4-1 victory. Witt went 2-for-4 and scored twice on Wednesday to stretch his hitting streak to 10 games. He has five two-hit outings during the streak while raising his batting average 34 points to .297. But Kansas City couldn’t land the big hit on Wednesday and had just two official at-bats with runners in scoring position. Three batters came up in that situation in the ninth, and it resulted in Michael Massey’s RBI sacrifice fly, Isaac Collins’ walk and Jac Caglianone’s game-ending strikeout. “They were grinding out those at-bats,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “They battled and we got the tying run to the plate in the ninth. Very competitive at-bats.” Kansas City first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (lower back) sat out Wednesday after being injured during the series opener. Left-hander Jeffrey Springs (3-2, 3.79 ERA) will take the mound for the Athletics in the finale. Springs, 33, has served up five homers while losing his last two starts after giving up none while going 3-0 over his first four outings. He gave up four homers against the Chicago White Sox on April 19 and gave up another last Saturday when he lost to the Texas Rangers 4-3. He surrendered four runs and five hits over six innings against Texas. Springs is 0-0 with a 3.07 ERA in six career appearances (two starts) against Kansas City. Witt is 3-for-4 with two RBIs against Springs. Left-hander Noah Cameron (2-1, 5.13 ERA) will start for the Royals on Thursday, and he defeated the Los Angeles Angels 6-3 last Friday in his most recent start. Cameron gave up three runs and eight hits over 6 1/3 innings. Cameron, 26, has no-decisions in both career starts against the A’s. He has struck out 13 over 9 2/3 innings. Brent Rooker is 2-for-3 with two walks against Cameron. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Lawrence #Butler #eager #heat #finale #Royals #approaches

A middle order collapse by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru batters helped the Gujarat Titans defeat the visitor by four wickets at the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday night.

Earlier in the evening, Gujarat Titans won the toss and chose to bowl first.

Put into bat, RCB got off to a flying start thanks to some fluent shots by Virat Kohli but GT’s bowlers struck on regular occasions and the fielders held onto every catch that came their way as the home side bowled out RCB for 155, marking the first time RCB were bowled out this season.

GT chased down the total with 4.1 overs to spare.

Published on Apr 30, 2026

#RCB #IPL #Holder #allround #show #helps #Gujarat #Titans #defeat #Royal #Challengers #Bengaluru">GT vs RCB, IPL 2026: Holder all-round show helps Gujarat Titans defeat Royal Challengers Bengaluru A middle order collapse by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru batters helped the Gujarat Titans defeat the visitor by four wickets at the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday night.Earlier in the evening, Gujarat Titans won the toss and chose to bowl first.Put into bat, RCB got off to a flying start thanks to some fluent shots by Virat Kohli but GT’s bowlers struck on regular occasions and the fielders held onto every catch that came their way as the home side bowled out RCB for 155, marking the first time RCB were bowled out this season.GT chased down the total with 4.1 overs to spare.Published on Apr 30, 2026 #RCB #IPL #Holder #allround #show #helps #Gujarat #Titans #defeat #Royal #Challengers #Bengaluru

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