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Michigan vs. UConn instant prediction for 2026 men’s national championship game

Michigan vs. UConn instant prediction for 2026 men’s national championship game

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INDIANAPOLIS — The Michigan Wolverines have been the best team in men’s college basketball all season. The UConn Huskies have been the sport’s main character from the moment they hired Dan Hurley, and he has two national championship rings to prove it. The 2026 national championship game is going to be a stunner, but only one team can cut down the nets on Monday night.

Michigan has been throttling teams all year, but it saved its best performance of the season for its Final Four rout of Arizona. In a matchup of the top-2 teams on KenPom’s rankings, the Wolverines flexed their power even while superstar forward Yaxel Lendeborg was limited to only five minutes in the first half with foul trouble and injury. Arizona only had two losses on its resume entering the night, and had not trailed by more than 12 points this season. Michigan was still up 18 going into halftime, and it was a blowout from there.

UConn looked like it might make an early tournament exit after losing its regular season finale to a bad Marquette team, then getting crushed by 20 points by St. John’s in the Big East tournament championship game. Dan Hurley turned it on once the NCAA tournament started, and Braylon Mullins’ miracle three to stun Duke in the Elite Eight saved the season. The Final Four win against Illinois was more proof he’s the best postseason coach in all of sports.

Hurley picked apart Illinois size by running shooters off screens all night, and letting the Illini big men fire away from three. UConn looked like a team that was used to playing games in a football stadium in their third Final Four appearance in the last four years. Maybe the sightlines messed with the Illini, or maybe it was just a cold shooting night, but the Huskies got every bounce they needed while Brad Underwood’s team couldn’t buy a bucket.

Hurley and UConn are going for three national championships in four years. Michigan wants to solidify its place as one of the most dominant college teams in recent memory. Who has the edge?

How UConn can win the 2026 national championship

The Huskies have the best coaching staff in America. Hurley is so good that he turned down $70 million to coach the Los Angeles Lakers and it doesn’t even seem like a regrettable move. Top assistant Luke Murray is a schematic genius, and he’ll be Boston College’s head coach after Monday night. Kimani Young is another elite assistant who has been with Hurley throughout this run.

UConn’s offense is hard to prepare for because no one plays like them. The Huskies finished in the 100th percentile of off-screen play types, and also mix in a whirling combination of back-cuts and dribble-handoffs. Hurley won a national championship with Jordan Hawkins running off those screens to hit shots. Then he did it with Cam Spencer. Now Braylon Mullins is his latest gunner. It doesn’t matter who is in the role, the offense produces great shots and Hurley recruits players who can hit them.

Alex Karaban has been Hurley’s rock the entire time. He was a freshman starter on the 2023 national champions led by Andre Jackson and Adama Sanogo, and then he was next to Stephon Castle and Donovan Clingan on the 2024 championship run. Hurley tried to make Karaban the focal point last season, and it wasn’t the right fit as the team was eliminated in the round of 32 by eventual champ Florida. Karaban is back playing his old role this year, and UConn has returned to being a postseason monster.

The Huskies upgraded at point guard over the offseason by bringing in Silas Demary, a fierce point of attack defender who also makes 39 percent of his threes. Demary helped tighten up the ball pressure, and the defense suddenly took off, going from No. 75 last season to No. 8 this year.

Tarris Reed has been the team’s best player, and one of the very best in this NCAA tournament. He uses his strength and 7’5 wingspan to eat inside. He gets UConn so many second chances on the offensive glass, and he’s become really good at challenging shots at the rim without fouling. Reed started his career at Michigan, and winning on Monday night would be the ultimate validation for him.

Michigan could have trouble getting over UConn’s maze of screens with such a big lineup. The Huskies hold opponents to 30.1 percent shooting from three on the year. If the Wolverines are cold from deep and the game is close late, Hurley will have a chance to work his late game magic again.

Why Michigan will win the 2026 national championship

Michigan showed it had a chance to be an all-time great college team in November at the Players Era Fest when it blasted San Diego State by 40, Auburn by 30, and Gonzaga by 40. From that point on, the national championship race has been running through the Wolverines.

Arizona felt like one of the few teams with the talent to actually have a chance against Michigan. The game was only competitive for a few minutes despite the Wolverines’ three best players all getting in early foul trouble. It didn’t matter. Michigan showed its more than just Lendeborg’s team with an incredible team effort that showed off the full extent of their might. Elliot Cadeau dominated with his speed and playmaking despite a cold shooting night. Aday Mara proved you can’t teach 7’3 with a 7’7 wingspan by dominating the rim at both ends. Morez Johnson is all heart, hustle, and muscle — which is a cliche way to describe college basketball’s best and most versatile defender. Freshman Trey McKenney ripped the nets from three, Roddy Gayle uncorked a huge dunk or two. Arizona had been a steamroller all year, and this time they were the team that got steamrolled.

Michigan is uniquely equipped to defend Tarris Reed. It can match his strength with Johnson, and let Mara roam off the ball as a help-side shot blocker. It could also let Mara try to smother him with length. The Wolverines should have the advantage on the glass, and they will almost certainly draw more free throws. Demary could give Cadeau some trouble, but as long as he plays within himself, Michigan should win comfortably.

Michigan’s transition game is so hard to stop with Mara has the trigger man on outlet passes. Cadeau’s passing vision is second to none, and even a hobbled Lendeborg looked pretty great in the second half against Arizona.

Lendeborg’s injury is an issue if he doesn’t heal quickly. Michigan also showed it doesn’t really need him to roll a great team.

It’s been Michigan’s year all season long. It will lock it in on Monday night.

Prediction: Michigan 91, UConn 79

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Deadspin | Angel Martinez blasts pair of 2-run HRs as Guardians top Blue Jays Apr 24, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Guardians center fielder Angel Martínez (1) celebrates hitting a home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning with teammates at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images Angel Martinez launched a pair of two-run home runs Friday night and the visiting Cleveland Guardians held on to defeat the Toronto Blue Jays 8-6. Daniel Schneemann had a solo shot for the Guardians in the opener of a three-game series. Jesus Sanchez and Kazuma Okamoto homered for the Blue Jays. The Guardians led 5-2 after one inning. Schneemann led off with a homer to right against Max Scherzer (1-3) on a 3-2 fastball. Jose Ramirez walked with one out, Rhys Hoskins singled with two out and George Valera poked a two-run double to right. Martinez homered to right on a 1-2 slider. Nathan Lukes led off the Toronto first against Gavin Williams (4-1) with a double to right but hobbled into second with left hamstring discomfort. He was replaced by pinch runner Davis Schneider, who took third on a flyout and scored on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s ground out. Sanchez homered to center on a 2-2 curveball. Okamoto homered to right center on a 1-1 fastball in the second. Hoskins walked in the third and Martinez homered to right on a 3-2 fastball in a determined, 11-pitch at-bat. Joe Mantiply replaced Scherzer, who allowed seven runs, six hits and three walks with no strikeouts in 2 1/3 innings. Williams retired 10 consecutive batters before Schneider walked with two out in the fifth and scored on Ernie Clement’s double to left. Cleveland added a run in the sixth. Brayan Rocchio singled, stopped at third on Schneeman’s double to left center and slid home to beat the throw home on Chase DeLauter’s fielder’s-choice grounder to first. Toronto scored twice in the home sixth. Lenyn Sosa singled, Okamoto walked and Andres Gimenez blooped a two-run double down the left-field line. Williams allowed six runs, seven hits and two walks with four strikeouts in six innings. Hunter Gaddis and Erik Sabrowski were perfect for the Guardians in the seventh and eighth, respectively. Okamoto led off the home ninth with a single off the left-field wall against Cade Smith. Gimenez followed with a single. Pinch hitter Eloy Jimenez grounded into a double play. The game ended when Schneider popped out to second to give Smith his sixth save. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Angel #Martinez #blasts #pair #2run #HRs #Guardians #top #Blue #JaysApr 24, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Guardians center fielder Angel Martínez (1) celebrates hitting a home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning with teammates at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images

Angel Martinez launched a pair of two-run home runs Friday night and the visiting Cleveland Guardians held on to defeat the Toronto Blue Jays 8-6.

Daniel Schneemann had a solo shot for the Guardians in the opener of a three-game series.

Jesus Sanchez and Kazuma Okamoto homered for the Blue Jays.

The Guardians led 5-2 after one inning.

Schneemann led off with a homer to right against Max Scherzer (1-3) on a 3-2 fastball. Jose Ramirez walked with one out, Rhys Hoskins singled with two out and George Valera poked a two-run double to right. Martinez homered to right on a 1-2 slider.

Nathan Lukes led off the Toronto first against Gavin Williams (4-1) with a double to right but hobbled into second with left hamstring discomfort. He was replaced by pinch runner Davis Schneider, who took third on a flyout and scored on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s ground out. Sanchez homered to center on a 2-2 curveball.

Okamoto homered to right center on a 1-1 fastball in the second.


Hoskins walked in the third and Martinez homered to right on a 3-2 fastball in a determined, 11-pitch at-bat. Joe Mantiply replaced Scherzer, who allowed seven runs, six hits and three walks with no strikeouts in 2 1/3 innings.

Williams retired 10 consecutive batters before Schneider walked with two out in the fifth and scored on Ernie Clement’s double to left.

Cleveland added a run in the sixth. Brayan Rocchio singled, stopped at third on Schneeman’s double to left center and slid home to beat the throw home on Chase DeLauter’s fielder’s-choice grounder to first.

Toronto scored twice in the home sixth. Lenyn Sosa singled, Okamoto walked and Andres Gimenez blooped a two-run double down the left-field line.

Williams allowed six runs, seven hits and two walks with four strikeouts in six innings.

Hunter Gaddis and Erik Sabrowski were perfect for the Guardians in the seventh and eighth, respectively.

Okamoto led off the home ninth with a single off the left-field wall against Cade Smith. Gimenez followed with a single. Pinch hitter Eloy Jimenez grounded into a double play. The game ended when Schneider popped out to second to give Smith his sixth save.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Angel #Martinez #blasts #pair #2run #HRs #Guardians #top #Blue #Jays">Deadspin | Angel Martinez blasts pair of 2-run HRs as Guardians top Blue Jays Apr 24, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Guardians center fielder Angel Martínez (1) celebrates hitting a home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning with teammates at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images Angel Martinez launched a pair of two-run home runs Friday night and the visiting Cleveland Guardians held on to defeat the Toronto Blue Jays 8-6. Daniel Schneemann had a solo shot for the Guardians in the opener of a three-game series. Jesus Sanchez and Kazuma Okamoto homered for the Blue Jays. The Guardians led 5-2 after one inning. Schneemann led off with a homer to right against Max Scherzer (1-3) on a 3-2 fastball. Jose Ramirez walked with one out, Rhys Hoskins singled with two out and George Valera poked a two-run double to right. Martinez homered to right on a 1-2 slider. Nathan Lukes led off the Toronto first against Gavin Williams (4-1) with a double to right but hobbled into second with left hamstring discomfort. He was replaced by pinch runner Davis Schneider, who took third on a flyout and scored on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s ground out. Sanchez homered to center on a 2-2 curveball. Okamoto homered to right center on a 1-1 fastball in the second. Hoskins walked in the third and Martinez homered to right on a 3-2 fastball in a determined, 11-pitch at-bat. Joe Mantiply replaced Scherzer, who allowed seven runs, six hits and three walks with no strikeouts in 2 1/3 innings. Williams retired 10 consecutive batters before Schneider walked with two out in the fifth and scored on Ernie Clement’s double to left. Cleveland added a run in the sixth. Brayan Rocchio singled, stopped at third on Schneeman’s double to left center and slid home to beat the throw home on Chase DeLauter’s fielder’s-choice grounder to first. Toronto scored twice in the home sixth. Lenyn Sosa singled, Okamoto walked and Andres Gimenez blooped a two-run double down the left-field line. Williams allowed six runs, seven hits and two walks with four strikeouts in six innings. Hunter Gaddis and Erik Sabrowski were perfect for the Guardians in the seventh and eighth, respectively. Okamoto led off the home ninth with a single off the left-field wall against Cade Smith. Gimenez followed with a single. Pinch hitter Eloy Jimenez grounded into a double play. The game ended when Schneider popped out to second to give Smith his sixth save. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Angel #Martinez #blasts #pair #2run #HRs #Guardians #top #Blue #Jays

Deadspin | Michael Harris comes off Braves bench for clutch hit, win vs. Phillies Apr 24, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) hits a home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Michael Harris delivered a pinch-hit double to drive in two runs and help the Atlanta Braves rally for a 5-3 win on Friday and hand the visiting Philadelphia Phillies their 10th straight loss. The losing streak is the longest for Philadelphia since it dropped 11 in a row in 1999. The Braves have won all four games against the Phillies and have won nine of their last 10 games. Harris was a late scratch from the starting lineup due to a strained left quad but came off the bench to deliver the key hit in the sixth inning. Facing rookie Andrew Painter, Harris batted for Eli White and slapped a fastball that just got over the glove of center fielder Brandon Marsh, allowing Dominic Smith and Mauricio Dubon to score. Pinch-runner Jorge Mateo entered for Harris, stole third base and scored on Painter’s wild pitch. The winning pitcher was Grant Holmes (2-1). He threw six innings and allowed three runs on seven hits and three walks, fanning four. A key strikeout came against slugger Kyle Schwarber with the bases loaded to end the fourth. Aaron Bummer, Joel Payamps and Robert Suarez each finished the game with one inning of scoreless relief. Suarez allowed runners to reach second and third in the ninth, but retired Marsh on a comebacker to end the game. Suarez earned his third save. Painter (1-2) pitched 5 2/3 innings and allowed five runs on nine hits and two walks with one strikeout. Trae Turner got the Phillies on the board with a two-run homer, his third, in the third inning, but the Braves tied the game in the bottom of the inning when Ronald Acuna crushed a two-run homer, his second. Bryce Harper hit an opposite-field solo homer in the fifth inning, his sixth, to put the Phillies ahead 3-2. It was the 800th extra-base hit of his career and he became only the 27th player, and 10th left-handed hitter, to reach that milestone prior to his 34th birthday. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Michael #Harris #Braves #bench #clutch #hit #win #PhilliesApr 24, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) hits a home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Michael Harris delivered a pinch-hit double to drive in two runs and help the Atlanta Braves rally for a 5-3 win on Friday and hand the visiting Philadelphia Phillies their 10th straight loss.

The losing streak is the longest for Philadelphia since it dropped 11 in a row in 1999. The Braves have won all four games against the Phillies and have won nine of their last 10 games.

Harris was a late scratch from the starting lineup due to a strained left quad but came off the bench to deliver the key hit in the sixth inning. Facing rookie Andrew Painter, Harris batted for Eli White and slapped a fastball that just got over the glove of center fielder Brandon Marsh, allowing Dominic Smith and Mauricio Dubon to score.

Pinch-runner Jorge Mateo entered for Harris, stole third base and scored on Painter’s wild pitch.


The winning pitcher was Grant Holmes (2-1). He threw six innings and allowed three runs on seven hits and three walks, fanning four. A key strikeout came against slugger Kyle Schwarber with the bases loaded to end the fourth.

Aaron Bummer, Joel Payamps and Robert Suarez each finished the game with one inning of scoreless relief. Suarez allowed runners to reach second and third in the ninth, but retired Marsh on a comebacker to end the game. Suarez earned his third save.

Painter (1-2) pitched 5 2/3 innings and allowed five runs on nine hits and two walks with one strikeout.

Trae Turner got the Phillies on the board with a two-run homer, his third, in the third inning, but the Braves tied the game in the bottom of the inning when Ronald Acuna crushed a two-run homer, his second.

Bryce Harper hit an opposite-field solo homer in the fifth inning, his sixth, to put the Phillies ahead 3-2. It was the 800th extra-base hit of his career and he became only the 27th player, and 10th left-handed hitter, to reach that milestone prior to his 34th birthday.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Michael #Harris #Braves #bench #clutch #hit #win #Phillies">Deadspin | Michael Harris comes off Braves bench for clutch hit, win vs. Phillies Apr 24, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) hits a home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Michael Harris delivered a pinch-hit double to drive in two runs and help the Atlanta Braves rally for a 5-3 win on Friday and hand the visiting Philadelphia Phillies their 10th straight loss. The losing streak is the longest for Philadelphia since it dropped 11 in a row in 1999. The Braves have won all four games against the Phillies and have won nine of their last 10 games. Harris was a late scratch from the starting lineup due to a strained left quad but came off the bench to deliver the key hit in the sixth inning. Facing rookie Andrew Painter, Harris batted for Eli White and slapped a fastball that just got over the glove of center fielder Brandon Marsh, allowing Dominic Smith and Mauricio Dubon to score. Pinch-runner Jorge Mateo entered for Harris, stole third base and scored on Painter’s wild pitch. The winning pitcher was Grant Holmes (2-1). He threw six innings and allowed three runs on seven hits and three walks, fanning four. A key strikeout came against slugger Kyle Schwarber with the bases loaded to end the fourth. Aaron Bummer, Joel Payamps and Robert Suarez each finished the game with one inning of scoreless relief. Suarez allowed runners to reach second and third in the ninth, but retired Marsh on a comebacker to end the game. Suarez earned his third save. Painter (1-2) pitched 5 2/3 innings and allowed five runs on nine hits and two walks with one strikeout. Trae Turner got the Phillies on the board with a two-run homer, his third, in the third inning, but the Braves tied the game in the bottom of the inning when Ronald Acuna crushed a two-run homer, his second. Bryce Harper hit an opposite-field solo homer in the fifth inning, his sixth, to put the Phillies ahead 3-2. It was the 800th extra-base hit of his career and he became only the 27th player, and 10th left-handed hitter, to reach that milestone prior to his 34th birthday. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Michael #Harris #Braves #bench #clutch #hit #win #Phillies

Deadspin | Athletics’ 5 home runs bury Rangers Apr 24, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Athletics left fielder Carlos Cortes (26) is greeted at home plate by first baseman Nick Kurtz (16), second baseman Zack Gelof (20) and left fielder Tyler Soderstrom (21) after hitting a three-run home run against the Texas Rangers during the fifth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images Nick Kurtz, Carlos Cortes and Tyler Soderstrom each hit solo homers in the first inning as the Athletics opened a three-game series against the Texas Rangers with an 8-1 victory on Friday in Arlington. Cortes also hit a three-run homer and Zack Gelof slugged a two-run shot among his two hits for the Athletics, who have won three of their last four games. Jeff McNeil went 2-for-4, and Kurtz also singled, walked and scored two runs. Luis Severino (1-2) allowed one run on six hits with one walk and five strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings. Josh Jung doubled in a run and Corey Seager and Josh Smith had two hits apiece for Texas, which entered the game tied with the Athletics for first place in the AL West standings. The Athletics jumped on Texas starter Nathan Eovaldi (2-4) for three runs in the first inning on seven pitches. Kurtz deposited Eovaldi’s first offering of the game into the right-field seats for his fifth homer of the season. Shea Langeliers grounded out before Cortes turned on a 2-0 splitter for a 390-foot homer to right-center field. Soderstrom followed by sending Eovaldi’s first pitch over the center-field wall for his third homer this season. Texas got on the board with a run in the fourth. Seager doubled with one out and scored on Jung’s two-out, ground-rule double. Eovaldi settled in and retired 11 straight batters before allowing Gelof’s one-out single in the fifth. Kurtz walked on five pitches and Langeliers popped out before Cortes crushed a three-run homer to right field. Cortes’ 409-foot blast was his third homer in his last four games and fourth of the season. Eovaldi gave up six runs on six hits over six innings. He walked one and struck out three. After allowing a total of 10 home runs in 22 starts last season, Eovaldi has yielded nine across his first six outings this season. The Athletics extended their lead with two outs in the ninth on Gelof’s two-run homer against Cal Quantrill. The 375-foot liner was Gelof’s first homer since Sept. 1, 2025. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Athletics #home #runs #bury #RangersApr 24, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Athletics left fielder Carlos Cortes (26) is greeted at home plate by first baseman Nick Kurtz (16), second baseman Zack Gelof (20) and left fielder Tyler Soderstrom (21) after hitting a three-run home run against the Texas Rangers during the fifth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Nick Kurtz, Carlos Cortes and Tyler Soderstrom each hit solo homers in the first inning as the Athletics opened a three-game series against the Texas Rangers with an 8-1 victory on Friday in Arlington.

Cortes also hit a three-run homer and Zack Gelof slugged a two-run shot among his two hits for the Athletics, who have won three of their last four games. Jeff McNeil went 2-for-4, and Kurtz also singled, walked and scored two runs.

Luis Severino (1-2) allowed one run on six hits with one walk and five strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings.

Josh Jung doubled in a run and Corey Seager and Josh Smith had two hits apiece for Texas, which entered the game tied with the Athletics for first place in the AL West standings.

The Athletics jumped on Texas starter Nathan Eovaldi (2-4) for three runs in the first inning on seven pitches. Kurtz deposited Eovaldi’s first offering of the game into the right-field seats for his fifth homer of the season.

Shea Langeliers grounded out before Cortes turned on a 2-0 splitter for a 390-foot homer to right-center field. Soderstrom followed by sending Eovaldi’s first pitch over the center-field wall for his third homer this season.


Texas got on the board with a run in the fourth. Seager doubled with one out and scored on Jung’s two-out, ground-rule double.

Eovaldi settled in and retired 11 straight batters before allowing Gelof’s one-out single in the fifth. Kurtz walked on five pitches and Langeliers popped out before Cortes crushed a three-run homer to right field.

Cortes’ 409-foot blast was his third homer in his last four games and fourth of the season.

Eovaldi gave up six runs on six hits over six innings. He walked one and struck out three.

After allowing a total of 10 home runs in 22 starts last season, Eovaldi has yielded nine across his first six outings this season.

The Athletics extended their lead with two outs in the ninth on Gelof’s two-run homer against Cal Quantrill. The 375-foot liner was Gelof’s first homer since Sept. 1, 2025.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Athletics #home #runs #bury #Rangers">Deadspin | Athletics’ 5 home runs bury Rangers Apr 24, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Athletics left fielder Carlos Cortes (26) is greeted at home plate by first baseman Nick Kurtz (16), second baseman Zack Gelof (20) and left fielder Tyler Soderstrom (21) after hitting a three-run home run against the Texas Rangers during the fifth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images Nick Kurtz, Carlos Cortes and Tyler Soderstrom each hit solo homers in the first inning as the Athletics opened a three-game series against the Texas Rangers with an 8-1 victory on Friday in Arlington. Cortes also hit a three-run homer and Zack Gelof slugged a two-run shot among his two hits for the Athletics, who have won three of their last four games. Jeff McNeil went 2-for-4, and Kurtz also singled, walked and scored two runs. Luis Severino (1-2) allowed one run on six hits with one walk and five strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings. Josh Jung doubled in a run and Corey Seager and Josh Smith had two hits apiece for Texas, which entered the game tied with the Athletics for first place in the AL West standings. The Athletics jumped on Texas starter Nathan Eovaldi (2-4) for three runs in the first inning on seven pitches. Kurtz deposited Eovaldi’s first offering of the game into the right-field seats for his fifth homer of the season. Shea Langeliers grounded out before Cortes turned on a 2-0 splitter for a 390-foot homer to right-center field. Soderstrom followed by sending Eovaldi’s first pitch over the center-field wall for his third homer this season. Texas got on the board with a run in the fourth. Seager doubled with one out and scored on Jung’s two-out, ground-rule double. Eovaldi settled in and retired 11 straight batters before allowing Gelof’s one-out single in the fifth. Kurtz walked on five pitches and Langeliers popped out before Cortes crushed a three-run homer to right field. Cortes’ 409-foot blast was his third homer in his last four games and fourth of the season. Eovaldi gave up six runs on six hits over six innings. He walked one and struck out three. After allowing a total of 10 home runs in 22 starts last season, Eovaldi has yielded nine across his first six outings this season. The Athletics extended their lead with two outs in the ninth on Gelof’s two-run homer against Cal Quantrill. The 375-foot liner was Gelof’s first homer since Sept. 1, 2025. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Athletics #home #runs #bury #Rangers

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