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

All week long, the incoming weather for Sunday was a major focus of discussion. With forecasts calling for thunderstorms and heavy rain late on Sunday afternoon, coinciding with the scheduled start time for the Miami Grand Prix, F1 officials and even the drivers themselves wondering if the schedule would be altered.

This evening, that decision was made by race officials.

In a statement released Saturday night, following the qualifying session, the start time for the Miami Grand Prix was pushed up three hours, to 1:00 p.m. Eastern on Sunday. The statement cites the forecasts of “heavier rainstorms” close to the original start time, and notes that the decision was made to “ensure the maximum possible window to complete the Grand Prix in the best conditions and to [prioritize] the safety of drivers, fans, teams and staff:”

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, the current Drivers’ Championship leader, secured pole position for Sunday’s race. Four-time Drivers’ Champion Max Verstappen will start alongside him on the front row.

#Miami #Grand #Prix #Forecasted #weather #forces #earlier #start">

mwasimuddin125 0

Weather forecasts have forced an earlier start to Sunday’s Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix.

This evening, that decision was made by race officials.

#Miami #Grand #Prix #Forecasted #weather #forces #earlier #start">Miami Grand Prix: Forecasted weather forces earlier start

Weather forecasts have forced an earlier start to Sunday’s Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix.

This evening, that decision was made by race officials.

#Miami #Grand #Prix #Forecasted #weather #forces #earlier #start

There was relief for Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe in a week in which he met chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan to discuss the ‌club’s future plans as it defeated Brighton & Hove Albion 3-1 in the Premier League ⁠at St James’ Park on Saturday.

The victory ends a run of five straight defeats in all competitions for Newcastle ‌and will ease the pressure on Howe, at the same time catapulting the side back ‌into the equation for European football next ‌season.

Goals ⁠from William Osula, Dan Burn against his ⁠former side and Harvey Barnes sealed three points against an in-form Brighton team that had won six and drawn one of its previous eight Premier ‌League fixtures.

Newcastle rode its luck at times with uncertain goalkeeping from Nick Pope and several misses from Brighton, not least Yankuba Minteh, who blazed over ‌from a few metres out at the back post with the score at 2-1.

READ | Brentford batters relegation-threatened West Ham United to boost Europe hopes

“It felt very good, in the changing room ⁠before the game we knew today was important for us, chasing European football for next season. The points ‌are crucial, we keep dreaming and believing,” Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes said.

“It was a tough game, Brighton are a good team. Today for everything we have done, we deserve the win. They had a lot of chances. In the first half we ‌were better but second half they were better. I am glad we could keep three points.”

Newcastle climbs to 13th place with 45 points from 35 ⁠games, now five points behind seventh-placed Brighton.

“We are looking ⁠up not down. We can still play European football next season, we must win the ‌next three games,” Guimaraes said.

Newcastle travels to Nottingham Forest and Fulham, and has a home game against West Ham United remaining this season.

Published on May 02, 2026

#Premier #League #Relief #Howe #Newcastle #ends #losing #run #home #win #Brighton">

Premier League 2025-26: Relief for Howe as Newcastle ends losing run with home win over Brighton There was relief for Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe in a week in which he met chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan to discuss the ‌club’s future plans as it defeated Brighton & Hove Albion 3-1 in the Premier League ⁠at St James’ Park on Saturday.The victory ends a run of five straight defeats in all competitions for Newcastle ‌and will ease the pressure on Howe, at the same time catapulting the side back ‌into the equation for European football next ‌season.Goals ⁠from William Osula, Dan Burn against his ⁠former side and Harvey Barnes sealed three points against an in-form Brighton team that had won six and drawn one of its previous eight Premier ‌League fixtures.Newcastle rode its luck at times with uncertain goalkeeping from Nick Pope and several misses from Brighton, not least Yankuba Minteh, who blazed over ‌from a few metres out at the back post with the score at 2-1.READ | Brentford batters relegation-threatened West Ham United to boost Europe hopes“It felt very good, in the changing room ⁠before the game we knew today was important for us, chasing European football for next season. The points ‌are crucial, we keep dreaming and believing,” Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes said.“It was a tough game, Brighton are a good team. Today for everything we have done, we deserve the win. They had a lot of chances. In the first half we ‌were better but second half they were better. I am glad we could keep three points.”Newcastle climbs to 13th place with 45 points from 35 ⁠games, now five points behind seventh-placed Brighton.“We are looking ⁠up not down. We can still play European football next season, we must win the ‌next three games,” Guimaraes said.Newcastle travels to Nottingham Forest and Fulham, and has a home game against West Ham United remaining this season.Published on May 02, 2026 #Premier #League #Relief #Howe #Newcastle #ends #losing #run #home #win #Brighton

mwasimuddin125 0

There was relief for Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe in a week in which he met chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan to discuss the ‌club’s future plans as it defeated Brighton & Hove Albion 3-1 in the Premier League ⁠at St James’ Park on Saturday.
The victory ends a run of five straight defeats in all competitions for Newcastle ‌and will ease the pressure on Howe, at the same time catapulting the side back ‌into the equation for European football next ‌season.
Goals ⁠from William Osula, Dan Burn against his ⁠former side and Harvey Barnes sealed three points against an in-form Brighton team that had won six and drawn one of its previous eight Premier ‌League fixtures.
Newcastle rode its luck at times with uncertain goalkeeping from Nick Pope and several misses from Brighton, not least Yankuba Minteh, who blazed over ‌from a few metres out at the back post with the score at 2-1.
READ | Brentford batters relegation-threatened West Ham United to boost Europe hopes
“It felt very good, in the changing room ⁠before the game we knew today was important for us, chasing European football for next season. The points ‌are crucial, we keep dreaming and believing,” Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes said.
“It was a tough game, Brighton are a good team. Today for everything we have done, we deserve the win. They had a lot of chances. In the first half we ‌were better but second half they were better. I am glad we could keep three points.”
Newcastle climbs to 13th place with 45 points from 35 ⁠games, now five points behind seventh-placed Brighton.
“We are looking ⁠up not down. We can still play European football next season, we must win the ‌next three games,” Guimaraes said.
Newcastle travels to Nottingham Forest and Fulham, and has a home game against West Ham United remaining this season.
Published on May 02, 2026

#Premier #League #Relief #Howe #Newcastle #ends #losing #run #home #win #Brighton">Premier League 2025-26: Relief for Howe as Newcastle ends losing run with home win over Brighton

READ | Brentford batters relegation-threatened West Ham United to boost Europe hopes

Newcastle climbs to 13th place with 45 points from 35 ⁠games, now five points behind seventh-placed Brighton.

“We are looking ⁠up not down. We can still play European football next season, we must win the ‌next three games,” Guimaraes said.

Newcastle travels to Nottingham Forest and Fulham, and has a home game against West Ham United remaining this season.

Published on May 02, 2026

#Premier #League #Relief #Howe #Newcastle #ends #losing #run #home #win #Brighton

Deadspin | Struggling Mets look for rare series win against Angels Apr 26, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Nolan McLean (26) walks off the field after getting taken out of the game in the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images Hours after David Stearns said there were no plans to fire Carlos Mendoza, the New York Mets went out Friday night and finally authored the kind of victory necessary to ensure the heat is turned down on their manager. The Mets will look to earn a rare series win Saturday night when they visit the Los Angeles Angels in the middle game of a three-game interleague set in Anaheim, Calif. Right-hander Nolan McLean (1-2, 2.55 ERA) is slated to start for the Mets against Angels left-hander Reid Detmers (1-2, 4.28 ERA). The Mets mounted their biggest comeback win of the season Friday night, when Ronny Mauricio hit the tie-breaking homer in the seventh inning and five pitchers combined to retire the final the 21 Angels batters in a 4-3 victory. The win was just the fourth in the last 21 games for the Mets, who have the worst record in the major leagues at 11-21. The 32-game start is tied for the second-worst in franchise history behind only the 1981 team that opened 8-23-1. The extended skid has made Mendoza’s job security a regular topic at his news conferences. Mendoza is in the final guaranteed year of his contract and surrounded by a spate of first-year coaches hired by Stearns after the president of baseball operations overhauled the staff and playing roster following last year’s second-half collapse cost the Mets a playoff berth. But the Mets are off to their slow start in large part because many of Stearns’ off-season additions are hurt or ineffective. Jorge Polanco and Luis Robert Jr., the Mets’ Opening Day designated hitter and center fielder, are each on the injured list. Relievers Luke Weaver and Devin Williams, expected to man the final two innings after the Mets were outbid for Edwin Diaz by the Los Angeles Dodgers, had a scoreless outing in the same game Friday for just the sixth time this season — and the first time in a win since April 7. “We don’t view this as a manager problem and we don’t intend to make a change,” Stearns told MLB.com Friday. The Mets looked more energized during their rally Friday, when Angels starter Walbert Urena limited them to one hit through the first five innings. He left after Bo Bichette lined a single off his right knee leading off the sixth. New York tied the game later in the inning by scoring three runs off relievers Brent Suter and Chase Silseth before Mauricio went deep off Jose Fermin with one out in the seventh. “They fought back and they found a way,” Mendoza said. “That’s a good sign.” Good signs have been hard to find for the Angels, who are tied for last in the AL West with the Houston Astros. Los Angeles suffered its seventh straight loss Friday to fall to 1-11 since an 11-10 start. The Angels, whose 113 runs through Apr 17 were the second-most in baseball, have scored just 40 runs during their skid, the third-fewest in the majors ahead of only the San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers. The bullpen has been an even bigger problem for Los Angeles. Angels relievers haven’t combined on a scoreless effort since April 19, when Sam Bachman and Suter teamed up to throw three innings behind Urena in a 2-1 loss to the San Diego Padres. “What we can’t do is fold the tent,” Suter said. “Can’t do it. This is too hard of a league to fold the tent. We’ve got to stay the course, keep fighting, keep wanting the ball and then it’ll turn around. But it’s heavy right now, for sure.” McLean took the defeat in his most recent start last Sunday, when he allowed two runs (one earned) over five innings as the Mets fell to the Colorado Rockies, 3-1, in the first game of a doubleheader. Detmers didn’t factor into the decision Sunday after giving up three runs over five innings in the Angels’ 11-9, 10-inning loss to the Kansas City Royals. McLean has never opposed the Angels. Detmers gave up one run in one inning of relief in his lone appearance against the Mets last July 21, when Los Angeles suffered a 7-5 loss. -Field Level Media #Deadspin #Struggling #Mets #rare #series #win #Angels

#Deadspin #Struggling #Mets #rare #series #win #Angels">

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Apr 26, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Nolan McLean (26) walks off the field after getting taken out of the game in the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Hours after David Stearns said there were no plans to fire Carlos Mendoza, the New York Mets went out Friday night and finally authored the kind of victory necessary to ensure the heat is turned down on their manager.

The Mets will look to earn a rare series win Saturday night when they visit the Los Angeles Angels in the middle game of a three-game interleague set in Anaheim, Calif.

Right-hander Nolan McLean (1-2, 2.55 ERA) is slated to start for the Mets against Angels left-hander Reid Detmers (1-2, 4.28 ERA).

The Mets mounted their biggest comeback win of the season Friday night, when Ronny Mauricio hit the tie-breaking homer in the seventh inning and five pitchers combined to retire the final the 21 Angels batters in a 4-3 victory.

The win was just the fourth in the last 21 games for the Mets, who have the worst record in the major leagues at 11-21. The 32-game start is tied for the second-worst in franchise history behind only the 1981 team that opened 8-23-1.

The extended skid has made Mendoza’s job security a regular topic at his news conferences. Mendoza is in the final guaranteed year of his contract and surrounded by a spate of first-year coaches hired by Stearns after the president of baseball operations overhauled the staff and playing roster following last year’s second-half collapse cost the Mets a playoff berth.

But the Mets are off to their slow start in large part because many of Stearns’ off-season additions are hurt or ineffective. Jorge Polanco and Luis Robert Jr., the Mets’ Opening Day designated hitter and center fielder, are each on the injured list.

Relievers Luke Weaver and Devin Williams, expected to man the final two innings after the Mets were outbid for Edwin Diaz by the Los Angeles Dodgers, had a scoreless outing in the same game Friday for just the sixth time this season — and the first time in a win since April 7.

“We don’t view this as a manager problem and we don’t intend to make a change,” Stearns told MLB.com Friday.

The Mets looked more energized during their rally Friday, when Angels starter Walbert Urena limited them to one hit through the first five innings. He left after Bo Bichette lined a single off his right knee leading off the sixth. New York tied the game later in the inning by scoring three runs off relievers Brent Suter and Chase Silseth before Mauricio went deep off Jose Fermin with one out in the seventh.

“They fought back and they found a way,” Mendoza said. “That’s a good sign.”

Good signs have been hard to find for the Angels, who are tied for last in the AL West with the Houston Astros.

Los Angeles suffered its seventh straight loss Friday to fall to 1-11 since an 11-10 start. The Angels, whose 113 runs through Apr 17 were the second-most in baseball, have scored just 40 runs during their skid, the third-fewest in the majors ahead of only the San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers.

The bullpen has been an even bigger problem for Los Angeles. Angels relievers haven’t combined on a scoreless effort since April 19, when Sam Bachman and Suter teamed up to throw three innings behind Urena in a 2-1 loss to the San Diego Padres.

“What we can’t do is fold the tent,” Suter said. “Can’t do it. This is too hard of a league to fold the tent. We’ve got to stay the course, keep fighting, keep wanting the ball and then it’ll turn around. But it’s heavy right now, for sure.”

McLean took the defeat in his most recent start last Sunday, when he allowed two runs (one earned) over five innings as the Mets fell to the Colorado Rockies, 3-1, in the first game of a doubleheader.

Detmers didn’t factor into the decision Sunday after giving up three runs over five innings in the Angels’ 11-9, 10-inning loss to the Kansas City Royals.

McLean has never opposed the Angels. Detmers gave up one run in one inning of relief in his lone appearance against the Mets last July 21, when Los Angeles suffered a 7-5 loss.

-Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Struggling #Mets #rare #series #win #Angels">Deadspin | Struggling Mets look for rare series win against Angels

Apr 26, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Nolan McLean (26) walks off the field after getting taken out of the game in the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Hours after David Stearns said there were no plans to fire Carlos Mendoza, the New York Mets went out Friday night and finally authored the kind of victory necessary to ensure the heat is turned down on their manager.

The Mets will look to earn a rare series win Saturday night when they visit the Los Angeles Angels in the middle game of a three-game interleague set in Anaheim, Calif.

Right-hander Nolan McLean (1-2, 2.55 ERA) is slated to start for the Mets against Angels left-hander Reid Detmers (1-2, 4.28 ERA).

The Mets mounted their biggest comeback win of the season Friday night, when Ronny Mauricio hit the tie-breaking homer in the seventh inning and five pitchers combined to retire the final the 21 Angels batters in a 4-3 victory.

The win was just the fourth in the last 21 games for the Mets, who have the worst record in the major leagues at 11-21. The 32-game start is tied for the second-worst in franchise history behind only the 1981 team that opened 8-23-1.

The extended skid has made Mendoza’s job security a regular topic at his news conferences. Mendoza is in the final guaranteed year of his contract and surrounded by a spate of first-year coaches hired by Stearns after the president of baseball operations overhauled the staff and playing roster following last year’s second-half collapse cost the Mets a playoff berth.

But the Mets are off to their slow start in large part because many of Stearns’ off-season additions are hurt or ineffective. Jorge Polanco and Luis Robert Jr., the Mets’ Opening Day designated hitter and center fielder, are each on the injured list.

Relievers Luke Weaver and Devin Williams, expected to man the final two innings after the Mets were outbid for Edwin Diaz by the Los Angeles Dodgers, had a scoreless outing in the same game Friday for just the sixth time this season — and the first time in a win since April 7.

“We don’t view this as a manager problem and we don’t intend to make a change,” Stearns told MLB.com Friday.

The Mets looked more energized during their rally Friday, when Angels starter Walbert Urena limited them to one hit through the first five innings. He left after Bo Bichette lined a single off his right knee leading off the sixth. New York tied the game later in the inning by scoring three runs off relievers Brent Suter and Chase Silseth before Mauricio went deep off Jose Fermin with one out in the seventh.

“They fought back and they found a way,” Mendoza said. “That’s a good sign.”

Good signs have been hard to find for the Angels, who are tied for last in the AL West with the Houston Astros.

Los Angeles suffered its seventh straight loss Friday to fall to 1-11 since an 11-10 start. The Angels, whose 113 runs through Apr 17 were the second-most in baseball, have scored just 40 runs during their skid, the third-fewest in the majors ahead of only the San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers.

The bullpen has been an even bigger problem for Los Angeles. Angels relievers haven’t combined on a scoreless effort since April 19, when Sam Bachman and Suter teamed up to throw three innings behind Urena in a 2-1 loss to the San Diego Padres.

“What we can’t do is fold the tent,” Suter said. “Can’t do it. This is too hard of a league to fold the tent. We’ve got to stay the course, keep fighting, keep wanting the ball and then it’ll turn around. But it’s heavy right now, for sure.”

McLean took the defeat in his most recent start last Sunday, when he allowed two runs (one earned) over five innings as the Mets fell to the Colorado Rockies, 3-1, in the first game of a doubleheader.

Detmers didn’t factor into the decision Sunday after giving up three runs over five innings in the Angels’ 11-9, 10-inning loss to the Kansas City Royals.

McLean has never opposed the Angels. Detmers gave up one run in one inning of relief in his lone appearance against the Mets last July 21, when Los Angeles suffered a 7-5 loss.

-Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Struggling #Mets #rare #series #win #Angels

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