Three MLB Contenders That Need Answers Before It’s Too Late | Deadspin.com Apr 8, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Kyle Schwarber (12) celebrates a single in the top of the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images Good Major League Baseball organizations resist the urge to press the panic button, especially before MLB celebrates Jackie Robinson’s legacy on April 15.But good MLB franchises also do their best to ensure that poor starts don’t turn into lost seasons — both for their players and the collective. That’s why there are a few expected contenders that likely are watching every pitch and swing with more of a critical eye.Every team enters Sunday’s action with either 14 or 15 games under their belt, so there’s still 90 percent of the season to go. But here are three teams that aren’t coming close to living up to their potential — and why:PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (7-7)The two-time defending NL East champs didn’t spend huge dollars on Kyle Schwarber and Cristopher Sanchez and good money on setup man Brad Keller just so they can be mediocre.While they’re sitting at .500, their numbers suggest they should be worse. They’ve gotten outscored by 15 runs, which combines painful starts from Jesus Luzardo (6.23 ERA) and Taijuan Walker (9.31 ERA) with dreadful production from their infield.Leadoff man Trea Turner boasts a .237 average, a .591 OPS and just one stolen base in 14 games. That makes him the Phils’ second-hottest infielder as 2B Bryson Stott (.190 average, .477 OPS) and 3B Alec Bohm (.157 average, .470 OPS) are not exactly stinging the ball. Bohm has dropped from cleanup to eighth in the order, but that might not be far enough.Meanwhile, Schwarber has fanned a league-high 23 times in just 62 plate appearances (37.1%). In retrospect, it’s no wonder the Phillies recently went 20 straight innings without scoring against the scuffling San Francisco Giants.TORONTO BLUE JAYS (6-8) Mar 31, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) delivers a pitch against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images Speaking of spending big money, the Blue Jays went all-in to maximize their chances for a second consecutive World Series appearance — trying to join an American League list that consists of the Houston Astros (2021-22), Kansas City Royals (2014-15) and Texas Rangers (2010-11) over the last 25 years.The Blue Jays rank last in the AL in runs differential (-19) — not including the Chicago White Sox’s minus-31 because they’re not even trying to field a full roster of MLB-caliber players — but Toronto can take some solace that it ranks first in unlikely, ruinous injuries.Catcher Alejandro Kirk fractured the thumb on his glove hand while catching a pitch. New starting pitcher Cody Ponce suffered a season-ending knee sprain trying to field a bouncer between the mound and first.They joined a teeming injured list that also features starting pitchers Trey Yesavage, Jose Berrios, Shane Bieber and Bowden Francis and starting outfielders Addison Barger and Anthony Santander.The Jays have no choice but to be patient, but it must be tempting to spend some more millions each time they endure another start like Saturday’s — when Eric Lauer allowed seven earned runs in the third to spark a 7-4 loss to Minnesota.KANSAS CITY ROYALS (7-8) Apr 6, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen (22) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run off Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Peyton Pallette (41) during the sixth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images We’ll keep this brief because there’s one stat that sums up the Royals’ 3.27 runs per game through Saturday’s play:In the Royals’ first 14 games, All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt reached base 22 times (15 hits and seven walks) and stole eight bases. Somehow, though, he managed to score just one run. According to White Sox radio play-by-play man Len Kasper, that’s because the rest of the Royals batted .120 with Witt on base.Being a team-first guy, Witt figured out a way Saturday to keep his teammates from feeling worse about themselves: He elected to go 0-for-4 — just the second time this year he failed to get on base.That had to make Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez, who boast matching .164 batting averages, feel much better. #MLB #Contenders #Answers #Late #Deadspin.com

Three MLB Contenders That Need Answers Before It’s Too Late | Deadspin.com
$Three MLB Contenders That Need Answers Before It’s Too Late | Deadspin.com Apr 8, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Kyle Schwarber (12) celebrates a single in the top of the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images Good Major League Baseball organizations resist the urge to press the panic button, especially before MLB celebrates Jackie Robinson’s legacy on April 15.But good MLB franchises also do their best to ensure that poor starts don’t turn into lost seasons — both for their players and the collective. That’s why there are a few expected contenders that likely are watching every pitch and swing with more of a critical eye.Every team enters Sunday’s action with either 14 or 15 games under their belt, so there’s still 90 percent of the season to go. But here are three teams that aren’t coming close to living up to their potential — and why:PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (7-7)The two-time defending NL East champs didn’t spend huge dollars on Kyle Schwarber and Cristopher Sanchez and good money on setup man Brad Keller just so they can be mediocre.While they’re sitting at .500, their numbers suggest they should be worse. They’ve gotten outscored by 15 runs, which combines painful starts from Jesus Luzardo (6.23 ERA) and Taijuan Walker (9.31 ERA) with dreadful production from their infield.Leadoff man Trea Turner boasts a .237 average, a .591 OPS and just one stolen base in 14 games. That makes him the Phils’ second-hottest infielder as 2B Bryson Stott (.190 average, .477 OPS) and 3B Alec Bohm (.157 average, .470 OPS) are not exactly stinging the ball. Bohm has dropped from cleanup to eighth in the order, but that might not be far enough.Meanwhile, Schwarber has fanned a league-high 23 times in just 62 plate appearances (37.1%). In retrospect, it’s no wonder the Phillies recently went 20 straight innings without scoring against the scuffling San Francisco Giants.TORONTO BLUE JAYS (6-8) Mar 31, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) delivers a pitch against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images Speaking of spending big money, the Blue Jays went all-in to maximize their chances for a second consecutive World Series appearance — trying to join an American League list that consists of the Houston Astros (2021-22), Kansas City Royals (2014-15) and Texas Rangers (2010-11) over the last 25 years.The Blue Jays rank last in the AL in runs differential (-19) — not including the Chicago White Sox’s minus-31 because they’re not even trying to field a full roster of MLB-caliber players — but Toronto can take some solace that it ranks first in unlikely, ruinous injuries.Catcher Alejandro Kirk fractured the thumb on his glove hand while catching a pitch. New starting pitcher Cody Ponce suffered a season-ending knee sprain trying to field a bouncer between the mound and first.They joined a teeming injured list that also features starting pitchers Trey Yesavage, Jose Berrios, Shane Bieber and Bowden Francis and starting outfielders Addison Barger and Anthony Santander.The Jays have no choice but to be patient, but it must be tempting to spend some more millions each time they endure another start like Saturday’s — when Eric Lauer allowed seven earned runs in the third to spark a 7-4 loss to Minnesota.KANSAS CITY ROYALS (7-8) Apr 6, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen (22) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run off Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Peyton Pallette (41) during the sixth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images We’ll keep this brief because there’s one stat that sums up the Royals’ 3.27 runs per game through Saturday’s play:In the Royals’ first 14 games, All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt reached base 22 times (15 hits and seven walks) and stole eight bases. Somehow, though, he managed to score just one run. According to White Sox radio play-by-play man Len Kasper, that’s because the rest of the Royals batted .120 with Witt on base.Being a team-first guy, Witt figured out a way Saturday to keep his teammates from feeling worse about themselves: He elected to go 0-for-4 — just the second time this year he failed to get on base.That had to make Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez, who boast matching .164 batting averages, feel much better. #MLB #Contenders #Answers #Late #Deadspin.com$ Apr 8, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Kyle Schwarber (12) celebrates a single in the top of the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images

Good Major League Baseball organizations resist the urge to press the panic button, especially before MLB celebrates Jackie Robinson’s legacy on April 15.
But good MLB franchises also do their best to ensure that poor starts don’t turn into lost seasons — both for their players and the collective. That’s why there are a few expected contenders that likely are watching every pitch and swing with more of a critical eye.
Every team enters Sunday’s action with either 14 or 15 games under their belt, so there’s still 90 percent of the season to go. But here are three teams that aren’t coming close to living up to their potential — and why:
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (7-7)
The two-time defending NL East champs didn’t spend huge dollars on Kyle Schwarber and Cristopher Sanchez and good money on setup man Brad Keller just so they can be mediocre.
While they’re sitting at .500, their numbers suggest they should be worse. They’ve gotten outscored by 15 runs, which combines painful starts from Jesus Luzardo (6.23 ERA) and Taijuan Walker (9.31 ERA) with dreadful production from their infield.
Leadoff man Trea Turner boasts a .237 average, a .591 OPS and just one stolen base in 14 games. That makes him the Phils’ second-hottest infielder as 2B Bryson Stott (.190 average, .477 OPS) and 3B Alec Bohm (.157 average, .470 OPS) are not exactly stinging the ball. Bohm has dropped from cleanup to eighth in the order, but that might not be far enough.
Meanwhile, Schwarber has fanned a league-high 23 times in just 62 plate appearances (37.1%). In retrospect, it’s no wonder the Phillies recently went 20 straight innings without scoring against the scuffling San Francisco Giants.
TORONTO BLUE JAYS (6-8)

Mar 31, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) delivers a pitch against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Speaking of spending big money, the Blue Jays went all-in to maximize their chances for a second consecutive World Series appearance — trying to join an American League list that consists of the Houston Astros (2021-22), Kansas City Royals (2014-15) and Texas Rangers (2010-11) over the last 25 years.
The Blue Jays rank last in the AL in runs differential (-19) — not including the Chicago White Sox’s minus-31 because they’re not even trying to field a full roster of MLB-caliber players — but Toronto can take some solace that it ranks first in unlikely, ruinous injuries.
Catcher Alejandro Kirk fractured the thumb on his glove hand while catching a pitch. New starting pitcher Cody Ponce suffered a season-ending knee sprain trying to field a bouncer between the mound and first.
They joined a teeming injured list that also features starting pitchers Trey Yesavage, Jose Berrios, Shane Bieber and Bowden Francis and starting outfielders Addison Barger and Anthony Santander.
The Jays have no choice but to be patient, but it must be tempting to spend some more millions each time they endure another start like Saturday’s — when Eric Lauer allowed seven earned runs in the third to spark a 7-4 loss to Minnesota.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS (7-8)

Apr 6, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen (22) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run off Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Peyton Pallette (41) during the sixth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images

We’ll keep this brief because there’s one stat that sums up the Royals’ 3.27 runs per game through Saturday’s play:
In the Royals’ first 14 games, All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt reached base 22 times (15 hits and seven walks) and stole eight bases. Somehow, though, he managed to score just one run. According to White Sox radio play-by-play man Len Kasper, that’s because the rest of the Royals batted .120 with Witt on base.
Being a team-first guy, Witt figured out a way Saturday to keep his teammates from feeling worse about themselves: He elected to go 0-for-4 — just the second time this year he failed to get on base.
That had to make Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez, who boast matching .164 batting averages, feel much better.

#MLB #Contenders #Answers #Late #Deadspin.com

Sports news April 12, 2026

Apr 8, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Kyle Schwarber (12) celebrates a single in the top of the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images

Good Major League Baseball organizations resist the urge to press the panic button, especially before MLB celebrates Jackie Robinson’s legacy on April 15.

But good MLB franchises also do their best to ensure that poor starts don’t turn into lost seasons — both for their players and the collective. That’s why there are a few expected contenders that likely are watching every pitch and swing with more of a critical eye.

Every team enters Sunday’s action with either 14 or 15 games under their belt, so there’s still 90 percent of the season to go. But here are three teams that aren’t coming close to living up to their potential — and why:

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (7-7)

The two-time defending NL East champs didn’t spend huge dollars on Kyle Schwarber and Cristopher Sanchez and good money on setup man Brad Keller just so they can be mediocre.

While they’re sitting at .500, their numbers suggest they should be worse. They’ve gotten outscored by 15 runs, which combines painful starts from Jesus Luzardo (6.23 ERA) and Taijuan Walker (9.31 ERA) with dreadful production from their infield.

Leadoff man Trea Turner boasts a .237 average, a .591 OPS and just one stolen base in 14 games. That makes him the Phils’ second-hottest infielder as 2B Bryson Stott (.190 average, .477 OPS) and 3B Alec Bohm (.157 average, .470 OPS) are not exactly stinging the ball. Bohm has dropped from cleanup to eighth in the order, but that might not be far enough.

Meanwhile, Schwarber has fanned a league-high 23 times in just 62 plate appearances (37.1%). In retrospect, it’s no wonder the Phillies recently went 20 straight innings without scoring against the scuffling San Francisco Giants.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (6-8)

Mar 31, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) delivers a pitch against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Speaking of spending big money, the Blue Jays went all-in to maximize their chances for a second consecutive World Series appearance — trying to join an American League list that consists of the Houston Astros (2021-22), Kansas City Royals (2014-15) and Texas Rangers (2010-11) over the last 25 years.

The Blue Jays rank last in the AL in runs differential (-19) — not including the Chicago White Sox’s minus-31 because they’re not even trying to field a full roster of MLB-caliber players — but Toronto can take some solace that it ranks first in unlikely, ruinous injuries.

Catcher Alejandro Kirk fractured the thumb on his glove hand while catching a pitch. New starting pitcher Cody Ponce suffered a season-ending knee sprain trying to field a bouncer between the mound and first.

They joined a teeming injured list that also features starting pitchers Trey Yesavage, Jose Berrios, Shane Bieber and Bowden Francis and starting outfielders Addison Barger and Anthony Santander.

The Jays have no choice but to be patient, but it must be tempting to spend some more millions each time they endure another start like Saturday’s — when Eric Lauer allowed seven earned runs in the third to spark a 7-4 loss to Minnesota.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS (7-8)

Apr 6, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen (22) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run off Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Peyton Pallette (41) during the sixth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images

We’ll keep this brief because there’s one stat that sums up the Royals’ 3.27 runs per game through Saturday’s play:

In the Royals’ first 14 games, All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt reached base 22 times (15 hits and seven walks) and stole eight bases. Somehow, though, he managed to score just one run. According to White Sox radio play-by-play man Len Kasper, that’s because the rest of the Royals batted .120 with Witt on base.

Being a team-first guy, Witt figured out a way Saturday to keep his teammates from feeling worse about themselves: He elected to go 0-for-4 — just the second time this year he failed to get on base.

That had to make Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez, who boast matching .164 batting averages, feel much better.

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#MLB #Contenders #Answers #Late #Deadspin.com

Quiz: Can You Name the Song From Its Opening Lyrics? (1970s Edition)

Phone in IPL dugout controversy — RR manager Bhinder under scrutiny from Anti-Corruption Unit <div id="content-body-70854796" itemprop="articleBody">Rajasthan Royals’ long-time team manager Romi Bhinder has found himself in the middle of a controversy after television cameras caught him using a mobile phone in the team dugout during an Indian Premier League fixture against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati earlier this week.While the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) has swung into action and initiated a probe, Board secretary Devajit Saikia said the “veracity of the incident” would be established before any conclusion is drawn.“Managers using a mobile phone is permissible, but we need to find out whether there was any violation of rules. That fact-finding exercise is now on. Once it is complete, we will take necessary steps depending on the outcome,” Saikia told Sportstar.Footage of the incident, showing Bhinder on his phone with Vaibhav Suryavanshi seated beside him, quickly went viral on social media, prompting the ACU to take cognisance.However, Saikia reiterated that due process would be followed. “We will conduct an internal examination before reaching a logical conclusion. We need to review the video footage and gather evidence,” he added.According to the IPL’s official guidelines under the PMOA (Players and Match Officials Area) protocol (2026), “The Team Manager may use a phone in the dressing room but NOT in the dugout.”Ahead of every season, the IPL conducts mandatory briefings for team captains and managers, taking them through the PMOA framework and anti-corruption protocols.Bhinder, a long-serving figure with Rajasthan Royals, has been part of that system for years. During the franchise’s suspension between 2016 and 2018, he also worked with Rising Pune Supergiant as team manager, before returning to his old franchise in 2018.Published on Apr 12, 2026</div> #Phone #IPL #dugout #controversy #manager #Bhinder #scrutiny #AntiCorruption #Unit

After a wonderful opening two days at The Masters, it felt like Rory McIlroy was going to run away with a second green jacket; however, it wouldn’t be Augusta without a little drama. Rory was far less consistent on Saturday, with two more squares on his score card than the first two days combined.

Just one day ago, McIlroy broke the record for the largest lead ever after 36 holes at Augusta, and in just 18 holes, he finds himself tied with Cam Young. Rory’s no stranger to weekend struggles at Augusta, as during the 2011 Masters, he blew a 4-shot lead heading into Sunday, throwing an 80 on his card, to finish all the way down in a tie for 15th.

I’m not here to languish in Rory’s previous struggles; I’m actually here to talk about the best golfer on the planet, Scottie Scheffler. Through Friday, Scottie sat at even par after a tough Friday round where he finished +2. But that’s the thing with Scheffler, no matter how far back he may feel, he always gives himself a chance on Sunday.

Scottie started the weekend with a bogey-free 65, flying up 17 spots, putting him in a tie for 7th. In 2024, Scottie pulled off a 4-stroke final round comeback to win the Olympics and a 5-stroke come-from-behind victory at The Players Championship. He’s no stranger to massive comebacks, and he was playing out of his mind on Saturday.

There are some great golfers ahead of Scheffler, but when you can find +1000 odds on the best player on the planet when he’s in striking distance on Sunday, I think you have to take it. If Scottie can come out fast on Sunday and immediately put pressure on the guys at the top of the leaderboard, I really think he can pull off the massive upset.

Entering Saturday, Rory was a -250 favorite, and now finds himself at a much smaller +135 favorite. On the other hand, Scottie went from 60/1 to 10/1 in a single day, so the oddsmakers are at least getting concerned about a surging Scheffler.

Before the tournament started this week, I wrote that it’s never a bad bet to take Scottie when he’s playing. I never bet on a guy who opens at 5/1 to win a tournament, but now that he’s in striking distance and 10/1, I think it’s worth taking a shot.

#Scottie #Scheffler #Play #Sunday #Masters #Deadspin.com">

Why Scottie Scheffler Is the Play on Sunday at The Masters | Deadspin.com After a wonderful opening two days at The Masters, it felt like Rory McIlroy was going to run away with a second green jacket; however, it wouldn’t be Augusta without a little drama. Rory was far less consistent on Saturday, with two more squares on his score card than the first two days combined.Just one day ago, McIlroy broke the record for the largest lead ever after 36 holes at Augusta, and in just 18 holes, he finds himself tied with Cam Young. Rory’s no stranger to weekend struggles at Augusta, as during the 2011 Masters, he blew a 4-shot lead heading into Sunday, throwing an 80 on his card, to finish all the way down in a tie for 15th.I’m not here to languish in Rory’s previous struggles; I’m actually here to talk about the best golfer on the planet, Scottie Scheffler. Through Friday, Scottie sat at even par after a tough Friday round where he finished +2. But that’s the thing with Scheffler, no matter how far back he may feel, he always gives himself a chance on Sunday.Scottie started the weekend with a bogey-free 65, flying up 17 spots, putting him in a tie for 7th. In 2024, Scottie pulled off a 4-stroke final round comeback to win the Olympics and a 5-stroke come-from-behind victory at The Players Championship. He’s no stranger to massive comebacks, and he was playing out of his mind on Saturday.There are some great golfers ahead of Scheffler, but when you can find +1000 odds on the best player on the planet when he’s in striking distance on Sunday, I think you have to take it. If Scottie can come out fast on Sunday and immediately put pressure on the guys at the top of the leaderboard, I really think he can pull off the massive upset.Entering Saturday, Rory was a -250 favorite, and now finds himself at a much smaller +135 favorite. On the other hand, Scottie went from 60/1 to 10/1 in a single day, so the oddsmakers are at least getting concerned about a surging Scheffler.Before the tournament started this week, I wrote that it’s never a bad bet to take Scottie when he’s playing. I never bet on a guy who opens at 5/1 to win a tournament, but now that he’s in striking distance and 10/1, I think it’s worth taking a shot. #Scottie #Scheffler #Play #Sunday #Masters #Deadspin.com

mwasimuddin125 0

After a wonderful opening two days at The Masters, it felt like Rory McIlroy was going to run away with a second green jacket; however, it wouldn’t be Augusta without a little drama. Rory was far less consistent on Saturday, with two more squares on his score card than the first two days combined.
Just one day ago, McIlroy broke the record for the largest lead ever after 36 holes at Augusta, and in just 18 holes, he finds himself tied with Cam Young. Rory’s no stranger to weekend struggles at Augusta, as during the 2011 Masters, he blew a 4-shot lead heading into Sunday, throwing an 80 on his card, to finish all the way down in a tie for 15th.
I’m not here to languish in Rory’s previous struggles; I’m actually here to talk about the best golfer on the planet, Scottie Scheffler. Through Friday, Scottie sat at even par after a tough Friday round where he finished +2. But that’s the thing with Scheffler, no matter how far back he may feel, he always gives himself a chance on Sunday.
Scottie started the weekend with a bogey-free 65, flying up 17 spots, putting him in a tie for 7th. In 2024, Scottie pulled off a 4-stroke final round comeback to win the Olympics and a 5-stroke come-from-behind victory at The Players Championship. He’s no stranger to massive comebacks, and he was playing out of his mind on Saturday.
There are some great golfers ahead of Scheffler, but when you can find +1000 odds on the best player on the planet when he’s in striking distance on Sunday, I think you have to take it. If Scottie can come out fast on Sunday and immediately put pressure on the guys at the top of the leaderboard, I really think he can pull off the massive upset.
Entering Saturday, Rory was a -250 favorite, and now finds himself at a much smaller +135 favorite. On the other hand, Scottie went from 60/1 to 10/1 in a single day, so the oddsmakers are at least getting concerned about a surging Scheffler.
Before the tournament started this week, I wrote that it’s never a bad bet to take Scottie when he’s playing. I never bet on a guy who opens at 5/1 to win a tournament, but now that he’s in striking distance and 10/1, I think it’s worth taking a shot.

#Scottie #Scheffler #Play #Sunday #Masters #Deadspin.com">Why Scottie Scheffler Is the Play on Sunday at The Masters | Deadspin.com

#Scottie #Scheffler #Play #Sunday #Masters #Deadspin.com

Indian shuttler Ayush Shetty admitted that he was outplayed by China’s Shi Yuqi in the men’s singles final at the Badminton Asia Championships 2026 on Sunday in Ningbo.

The 20-year-old Ayush fell to a quick 8-21, 10-21 defeat in a summit clash which was wrapped up in 42 minutes.

“As for the final, I’m a bit disappointed. I really wanted to have a great match but Shi Yuqi was by far the better player. He really kept the pressure going and never let me come back into the match,” the Indian said after the match.

“Definitely, there have been lot of learnings from the tournament. I have to work on my endurance and strength, and my variations from the back. It’s a good lesson for me,” he concluded.

Barring the loss in the summit clash, it was a memorable week for World No. 25 Ayush who became the seventh Indian to win a men’s singles medal at the event after Dinesh Khanna (gold in 1965 and bronze in 1969), Suresh Goel (bronze in 1965), Prakash Padukone (bronze in 1976), Pullela Gopichand (bronze in 2000), Anup Sridhar (bronze in 2007) and H. S. Prannoy (bronze in 2018).

Published on Apr 12, 2026

#Badminton #Asia #Championships #Ayush #Shetty #Shi #Yuqi #player #final">

Badminton Asia Championships 2026: Ayush Shetty says Shi Yuqi was ‘by far the better player’ in final Indian shuttler Ayush Shetty admitted that he was outplayed by China’s Shi Yuqi in the men’s singles final at the Badminton Asia Championships 2026 on Sunday in Ningbo.The 20-year-old Ayush fell to a quick 8-21, 10-21 defeat in a summit clash which was wrapped up in 42 minutes.“As for the final, I’m a bit disappointed. I really wanted to have a great match but Shi Yuqi was by far the better player. He really kept the pressure going and never let me come back into the match,” the Indian said after the match.“Definitely, there have been lot of learnings from the tournament. I have to work on my endurance and strength, and my variations from the back. It’s a good lesson for me,” he concluded.Barring the loss in the summit clash, it was a memorable week for World No. 25 Ayush who became the seventh Indian to win a men’s singles medal at the event after Dinesh Khanna (gold in 1965 and bronze in 1969), Suresh Goel (bronze in 1965), Prakash Padukone (bronze in 1976), Pullela Gopichand (bronze in 2000), Anup Sridhar (bronze in 2007) and H. S. Prannoy (bronze in 2018).Published on Apr 12, 2026 #Badminton #Asia #Championships #Ayush #Shetty #Shi #Yuqi #player #final

mwasimuddin125 0

Indian shuttler Ayush Shetty admitted that he was outplayed by China’s Shi Yuqi in the men’s singles final at the Badminton Asia Championships 2026 on Sunday in Ningbo.
The 20-year-old Ayush fell to a quick 8-21, 10-21 defeat in a summit clash which was wrapped up in 42 minutes.
“As for the final, I’m a bit disappointed. I really wanted to have a great match but Shi Yuqi was by far the better player. He really kept the pressure going and never let me come back into the match,” the Indian said after the match.
“Definitely, there have been lot of learnings from the tournament. I have to work on my endurance and strength, and my variations from the back. It’s a good lesson for me,” he concluded.
Barring the loss in the summit clash, it was a memorable week for World No. 25 Ayush who became the seventh Indian to win a men’s singles medal at the event after Dinesh Khanna (gold in 1965 and bronze in 1969), Suresh Goel (bronze in 1965), Prakash Padukone (bronze in 1976), Pullela Gopichand (bronze in 2000), Anup Sridhar (bronze in 2007) and H. S. Prannoy (bronze in 2018).
Published on Apr 12, 2026

#Badminton #Asia #Championships #Ayush #Shetty #Shi #Yuqi #player #final">Badminton Asia Championships 2026: Ayush Shetty says Shi Yuqi was ‘by far the better player’ in final

Indian shuttler Ayush Shetty admitted that he was outplayed by China’s Shi Yuqi in the men’s singles final at the Badminton Asia Championships 2026 on Sunday in Ningbo.

The 20-year-old Ayush fell to a quick 8-21, 10-21 defeat in a summit clash which was wrapped up in 42 minutes.

“Definitely, there have been lot of learnings from the tournament. I have to work on my endurance and strength, and my variations from the back. It’s a good lesson for me,” he concluded.

Published on Apr 12, 2026

#Badminton #Asia #Championships #Ayush #Shetty #Shi #Yuqi #player #final

Deadspin | Willson Contreras hammers former team as Red Sox rout Cards Apr 12, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (40) is congratulated by third base coach Kyle Hudson (84) after hitting a two run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images Willson Contreras had four hits, including a two-run home run, and drove in three runs to lead the visiting Boston Red Sox to a 9-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday. Jarren Duran also collected three RBIs for Boston, which received four hits and two RBIs from Trevor Story. After losing 3-2 on Friday night, Red Sox won the final two games in the three-game series. Jordan Walker and Alec Burleson each hit a solo home run and a single for the Cardinals, who trailed 7-1 after four innings. Walker’s home run was his MLB-leading seventh of the season. He homered six times in 363 at-bats during the 2025 season. Brayan Bello (1-1) limited the Cardinals to two runs on six hits in 6 2/3 innings. He struck out two and walked two. St. Louis starter Andre Pallante (1-1) gave up seven runs on 10 hits in five innings and took the loss. Pallante issued one walk and struck out two. Contreras handed Boston a 2-0 lead when he homered against Pallante with Caleb Durbin aboard in the first. It was his third home run of the season. The Red Sox extended their lead to 3-0 in the second when Story scored on Roman Anthony’s groundout to third with the bases loaded. It was 3-1 after Walker homered in the bottom of the second. The Red Sox added three runs in the fourth on Duran’s bases-loaded double, and Duran increased the lead to 7-1 by scoring when Contreras singled. The Cardinals pushed a run across in the bottom of the sixth. Ivan Herrera scored on Nolan Gorman’s sacrifice fly to make it 7-2. After Burleson homered against Zack Kelly to cut Boston’s lead to 7-3 in the eighth, Story hit a two-run double that drove in Wilyer Abreu and Duran in the ninth. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Willson #Contreras #hammers #team #Red #Sox #rout #Cards

#Deadspin #Willson #Contreras #hammers #team #Red #Sox #rout #Cards">

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Apr 12, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (40) is congratulated by third base coach Kyle Hudson (84) after hitting a two run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Willson Contreras had four hits, including a two-run home run, and drove in three runs to lead the visiting Boston Red Sox to a 9-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday.

Jarren Duran also collected three RBIs for Boston, which received four hits and two RBIs from Trevor Story. After losing 3-2 on Friday night, Red Sox won the final two games in the three-game series.

Jordan Walker and Alec Burleson each hit a solo home run and a single for the Cardinals, who trailed 7-1 after four innings. Walker’s home run was his MLB-leading seventh of the season. He homered six times in 363 at-bats during the 2025 season.

Brayan Bello (1-1) limited the Cardinals to two runs on six hits in 6 2/3 innings. He struck out two and walked two.

St. Louis starter Andre Pallante (1-1) gave up seven runs on 10 hits in five innings and took the loss. Pallante issued one walk and struck out two.

Contreras handed Boston a 2-0 lead when he homered against Pallante with Caleb Durbin aboard in the first. It was his third home run of the season.

The Red Sox extended their lead to 3-0 in the second when Story scored on Roman Anthony’s groundout to third with the bases loaded. It was 3-1 after Walker homered in the bottom of the second.

The Red Sox added three runs in the fourth on Duran’s bases-loaded double, and Duran increased the lead to 7-1 by scoring when Contreras singled.

The Cardinals pushed a run across in the bottom of the sixth. Ivan Herrera scored on Nolan Gorman’s sacrifice fly to make it 7-2.

After Burleson homered against Zack Kelly to cut Boston’s lead to 7-3 in the eighth, Story hit a two-run double that drove in Wilyer Abreu and Duran in the ninth.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Willson #Contreras #hammers #team #Red #Sox #rout #Cards">Deadspin | Willson Contreras hammers former team as Red Sox rout Cards

Apr 12, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (40) is congratulated by third base coach Kyle Hudson (84) after hitting a two run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Willson Contreras had four hits, including a two-run home run, and drove in three runs to lead the visiting Boston Red Sox to a 9-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday.

Jarren Duran also collected three RBIs for Boston, which received four hits and two RBIs from Trevor Story. After losing 3-2 on Friday night, Red Sox won the final two games in the three-game series.

Jordan Walker and Alec Burleson each hit a solo home run and a single for the Cardinals, who trailed 7-1 after four innings. Walker’s home run was his MLB-leading seventh of the season. He homered six times in 363 at-bats during the 2025 season.

Brayan Bello (1-1) limited the Cardinals to two runs on six hits in 6 2/3 innings. He struck out two and walked two.

St. Louis starter Andre Pallante (1-1) gave up seven runs on 10 hits in five innings and took the loss. Pallante issued one walk and struck out two.

Contreras handed Boston a 2-0 lead when he homered against Pallante with Caleb Durbin aboard in the first. It was his third home run of the season.

The Red Sox extended their lead to 3-0 in the second when Story scored on Roman Anthony’s groundout to third with the bases loaded. It was 3-1 after Walker homered in the bottom of the second.

The Red Sox added three runs in the fourth on Duran’s bases-loaded double, and Duran increased the lead to 7-1 by scoring when Contreras singled.

The Cardinals pushed a run across in the bottom of the sixth. Ivan Herrera scored on Nolan Gorman’s sacrifice fly to make it 7-2.

After Burleson homered against Zack Kelly to cut Boston’s lead to 7-3 in the eighth, Story hit a two-run double that drove in Wilyer Abreu and Duran in the ninth.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Willson #Contreras #hammers #team #Red #Sox #rout #Cards

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