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WADA chief meets CBI special director to discuss cooperation in doping crackdown  World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) President, Witold Banka, who is on a whirlwind tour of India, met Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) special director Manoj Sashidhar here on Wednesday to discuss cooperation in tackling organised doping and the criminal networks behind the menace.Banka had met National Anti-Doping Agency officials on Monday for “urgent and serious” discussions on protecting the “integrity of sport” in India. Banka is scheduled to hold a press conference in Delhi on Thursday in which he is expected to address India’s poor doping numbers.“An important meeting with Mr. Manoj Sashidhar, special director of the CBI, in Delhi. As part of the Global Anti-Doping Intelligence and Investigations Network, we emphasized close cooperation with law enforcement to tackle organized doping and the criminal networks behind it,” Banka posted on social media.On Tuesday, he had met sports secretary Hari Ranjan Rao.“Our exchange underlined the importance of effective governance and policy in strengthening anti-doping efforts and supporting the integrity of sport in India,” he had stated.Last year, India became the country with the second worst record of doping cases in a 10-year global study of WADA.The country also topped the list of highest number of dope violations for a third successive year.India returned a positivity rate of 3.6 per cent, accounting for 260 Adverse Analytical Findings (AAF), the highest among all major countries.Sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya has repeatedly promised an aggressive crackdown on doping, and while speaking in the Parliament recently he stated that agencies like the CBI are being involved for strengthening NADA’s intelligence and investigative infrastructure.Published on Apr 15, 2026  #WADA #chief #meets #CBI #special #director #discuss #cooperation #doping #crackdown

WADA chief meets CBI special director to discuss cooperation in doping crackdown

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) President, Witold Banka, who is on a whirlwind tour of India, met Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) special director Manoj Sashidhar here on Wednesday to discuss cooperation in tackling organised doping and the criminal networks behind the menace.

Banka had met National Anti-Doping Agency officials on Monday for “urgent and serious” discussions on protecting the “integrity of sport” in India. Banka is scheduled to hold a press conference in Delhi on Thursday in which he is expected to address India’s poor doping numbers.

“An important meeting with Mr. Manoj Sashidhar, special director of the CBI, in Delhi. As part of the Global Anti-Doping Intelligence and Investigations Network, we emphasized close cooperation with law enforcement to tackle organized doping and the criminal networks behind it,” Banka posted on social media.

On Tuesday, he had met sports secretary Hari Ranjan Rao.

“Our exchange underlined the importance of effective governance and policy in strengthening anti-doping efforts and supporting the integrity of sport in India,” he had stated.

Last year, India became the country with the second worst record of doping cases in a 10-year global study of WADA.

The country also topped the list of highest number of dope violations for a third successive year.

India returned a positivity rate of 3.6 per cent, accounting for 260 Adverse Analytical Findings (AAF), the highest among all major countries.

Sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya has repeatedly promised an aggressive crackdown on doping, and while speaking in the Parliament recently he stated that agencies like the CBI are being involved for strengthening NADA’s intelligence and investigative infrastructure.

Published on Apr 15, 2026

#WADA #chief #meets #CBI #special #director #discuss #cooperation #doping #crackdown

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) President, Witold Banka, who is on a whirlwind tour of India, met Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) special director Manoj Sashidhar here on Wednesday to discuss cooperation in tackling organised doping and the criminal networks behind the menace.

Banka had met National Anti-Doping Agency officials on Monday for “urgent and serious” discussions on protecting the “integrity of sport” in India. Banka is scheduled to hold a press conference in Delhi on Thursday in which he is expected to address India’s poor doping numbers.

“An important meeting with Mr. Manoj Sashidhar, special director of the CBI, in Delhi. As part of the Global Anti-Doping Intelligence and Investigations Network, we emphasized close cooperation with law enforcement to tackle organized doping and the criminal networks behind it,” Banka posted on social media.

On Tuesday, he had met sports secretary Hari Ranjan Rao.

“Our exchange underlined the importance of effective governance and policy in strengthening anti-doping efforts and supporting the integrity of sport in India,” he had stated.

Last year, India became the country with the second worst record of doping cases in a 10-year global study of WADA.

The country also topped the list of highest number of dope violations for a third successive year.

India returned a positivity rate of 3.6 per cent, accounting for 260 Adverse Analytical Findings (AAF), the highest among all major countries.

Sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya has repeatedly promised an aggressive crackdown on doping, and while speaking in the Parliament recently he stated that agencies like the CBI are being involved for strengthening NADA’s intelligence and investigative infrastructure.

Published on Apr 15, 2026

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#WADA #chief #meets #CBI #special #director #discuss #cooperation #doping #crackdown

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Deadspin | Avalanche down Flames, tie franchise’s season mark for points <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28730266.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28730266.jpg" alt="NHL: Colorado Avalanche at Calgary Flames" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 14, 2026; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Colorado Avalanche left wing Artturi Lehkonen (62) and Calgary Flames defenseman Hunter Brzustewicz (48) battle for the puck during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Gabriel Landeskog scored a tiebreaking goal late in the third period, Martin Necas had an assist to reach 100 points for the first time in his career, and the visiting Colorado Avalanche beat the Calgary Flames 3-1 on Tuesday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Artturi Lehkonen and Nathan MacKinnon scored goals and Mackenzie Blackwood turned away 30 shots for Colorado (54-16-11). The Avalanche have 119 points, tying the franchise record set during the 2021-22 season, when they won the Stanley Cup.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>MacKinnon notched his NHL-leading 53rd goal of the season in his battle for the Rocket Richard Trophy. He has a two-goal lead over the Montreal Canadiens’ Cole Caufield. Both have one game remaining.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Cale Makar logged three assists for the Avalanche in his return to the lineup after missing seven games due to an upper-body injury. Devon Toews and Brock Nelson were healthy scratches, and Nazem Kadri (finger) and Josh Manson (upper-body injury) remain sidelined.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Colorado coach Jared Bednar missed his second consecutive game. Bednar didn’t travel on the two-game trip due to facial fractures and a corneal abrasion sustained when he was hit by a puck during the Avalanche’s Saturday game against the Vegas Golden Knights.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-6"> <p>Blake Coleman had a goal and Dustin Wolf made 36 saves for Calgary (33-39-9, 75 points).</p> </section> <section id="section-7"> <p>The Avalanche got the winner when Landeskog won an offensive-zone faceoff back to Makar, who sent it to Brett Kulak. Landeskog, stationed in front of the crease, deflected Kulak’s shot past Wolf at 15:07.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Wolf came off for an extra skater and MacKinnon scored into the empty net at 19:43. Necas got the second assist on the goal to reach his personal milestone.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>After a scoreless first period, the Flames broke through early in the second. Mikael Backlund had the puck at the point and sent a shot to the front of the net. Coleman, batting in the slot, got his stick on the puck as it glided on the ice, and it deflected over Blackwood’s shoulder at 7:22.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>It was Coleman’s 20th goal of the season.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>The Avalanche tied it when Makar fed Lehkonen for a one-timer at 11:25 of the second.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-12"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Avalanche #Flames #tie #franchises #season #mark #points

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College basketball transfer portal rankings for 11 best men’s players still available <div id="zephr-anchor"><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The transfer portal has completely changed men’s college basketball, essentially making every player a free agent at the end of each season. Regulation is probably coming down the pipeline, but it’s not here yet, and prices are <a href="https://x.com/EvanMiya/status/2044083260670857245">reportedly skyrocketing 65 percent from this time last year</a>.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Michigan won the national championship this past season off the backs of four key transfers after landing Yaxel Lendeborg from UAB, Morez Johnson from Illinois, Aday Mara from UCLA, and Elliot Cadeau from North Carolina. <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2025/4/14/24406281/transfer-portal-team-rankings-mens-college-basketball-2025">I wrote that Michigan had the country’s best transfer portal haul this time last year</a>, so I nailed that one. Unfortunately, I praised the portal hauls from programs like Creighton, Georgetown, and Washington in the same column, and none of those teams even made the 2026 NCAA tournament.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Teams need to hunt for talent that fits their system in the portal to really see big results — or maybe it’s more important that they tailor the system to the talent they can get. There’s still a long way to go before the portal closes on April 21, and that’s only the deadline to <em>enter</em>, not commit. The race for transfers is already on, and <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/1110562/louisville-transfer-portal-flory-bidunga-shelstad-mens-college-basketball">some of the best ones have already committed</a>. Here are the best players still available in the portal.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><strong>Former school</strong>: Penn State</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Mingo’s younger brother Dylan has a case as the best available player in college basketball right now <a href="https://www.tarheelblog.com/unc-basketball/55013/unc-basketball-parted-ways-with-dylan-mingo">after the 5-star incoming freshman decommitted from North Carolina</a> last week. Could the Mingo brothers be a packaged deal at their next home? Their games are pretty similar as big point guards who can’t shoot, so it might not be the best idea. Kayden Mingo had a nice freshman season at Penn State where he established himself as a quality playmaker (27 percent assist rate and +2.1 assist-to-turnover ratio), a defensive terror (3.8 percent steal rate), and a promising on-ball creator. Mingo made nearly 62 percent of his rim looks with only 20 percent of those being assisted, and he also showed off a nice self-created mid-range game. Dylan Mingo has a chance to be a top-5 pick in the 2027 NBA Draft, but Kayden is a good player and a real catch in the portal in his own right.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Scharnowski’s per-game numbers (10.7 points, six rebounds) don’t do him justice. The 6’9 big man was one of the most efficient players in the country at Belmont this past season, and he has real two-way utility. Scharnowski was a super efficient scorer (68.3 effective field goal percentage), a great rebounder on both ends, and a fearsome rim protector with an eight percent block rate. He finishes everything inside with 75 percent shooting at the rim buoyed by 44 dunks in 30 games, and he’s also a good passer. There’s a ton of green flags in his profile, but his 43.6 percent free throw stroke is a big red flag. Improving his free throw shooting over the offseason would take Scharnowski’s game to the next level.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">McNeil is one of the best shooters in the country combining deadly accuracy with super high volume. He hit 42.7 percent of his threes on 14.6 attempts from deep per 100 possessions this past season at NC State. McNeil isn’t just a spot-up shooter, he can dart off screens and hit shots from tough angles with deep range. He doesn’t have much creation ability and he’s not much of a playmaker, but his turnover avoidance and elite shooting should draw plenty of interest in the portal.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Wright left Baylor for BYU for a huge bag last year, and now he’s about to get paid again with Kentucky and BYU reportedly vying for him. The 6’1 guard is a speedy ball handler who can generate paint touches while also hitting 41 percent of his threes. He has a good mid-range game (41.4 percent on non-rim twos) even if he struggles to finish when he gets all the way to the rim. He’s a dependable floor general, too, posting a 24 percent assist rate and a +2.1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Every team wants a trusty veteran point guard, and Wright might be the best one on the market right now.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/1105461/march-madness-top-50-players-2026-mens-ncaa-tournament">I named Hill one of the 50 best players in the 2026 NCAA tournament</a> despite coming off the bench all year for VCU. He rewarded my faith by hitting the game-winner in their first-round upset against North Carolina, and now he’s ready for an even bigger role. Hill is a walking bucket at his best with self-creation ability, high-volume three-point shooting (37 percent from deep), and a very good mid-range game. Hill is also a solid passer who avoids turnovers, making him a perfect secondary creator. He’s not a plus defender, but a scorer this talented will be in demand on the market.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Freeman was a McDonald’s All-American out of high school who has battled foot injuries in both of his college seasons. If he can stay healthy, Freeman has a desirable skill set as a 6’9 forward who can launch threes with volume while also crushing the defensive glass. Part of this ranking is believing that Freeman is a better shooter than he’s shown so far after making 30.2 percent of his threes on 86 attempts in 23 games last season. He’s a career 77.5 percent free throw shooter and has shown good touch from mid-range (44.4 percent), so I think a leap is coming. Freeman also finishes well at the rim and holds his own on defense. I predict a breakout junior season if he lands in the right spot.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Blackwell scores points in bunches without sacrificing efficiency. <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/1106304/wisconsin-college-basketball-best-backcourt-nick-boyd-john-blackwell-big-ten-tournament">The 6’4 guard was part of dynamic duos at Wisconsin the last two seasons</a>, and his shooting touch combined with on/off ball versatility will make him arguably the most coveted guard in the portal this year. Blackwell averaged 19 points per game on 59.3 percent true shooting by ripping the nets from deep (39 percent from three on 247 attempts) and showing off a skilled mid-range game. He’s more of a combo guard than a pure point, but his ability to create good looks for himself allows him to play on or off the ball. Duke and Illinois are believed to be the frontrunners.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><strong>Former school:</strong> Wake Forest</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Harris also declared for the NBA Draft when he announced he was leaving Marquette, but he will likely get a lot more money in the transfer portal for next season as a projected early second round pick. The 6’7 wing is bristling with upside with three-level scoring touch, some self-creation ability, and a knack for getting points at the foul line. He’s an excellent mid-range scorer who made nearly 48 percent on non-rim twos with more than 90 percent of them being unassisted. He should be a better outside shooter than his 33 percent three-point stroke indicates. It feels like Harris will be a solid first-round pick in the 2027 NBA Draft if he chooses the right school. Will he go for the biggest bag in the portal this year, or prioritize the place that could make him the most money long-term?</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><strong>Former school</strong>: Arizona State</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/1109445/college-basketball-isnt-a-point-guards-game-anymore-size-is-king-at-final-four-once-again">College basketball is a big man’s game once again</a>, and there’s few players bigger than Diop. Listed at 7’1, 230 pounds with a 7’4 wingspan, the native of Senegal proved he could score efficiently inside, protect the rim, and make enough of his free throws (71.5 percent) to not be a total liability at the end of games. Diop crushed 53 dunks last season, which helped him shoot above 71 percent at the rim. He’s a legitimate defensive anchor with a nearly eight percent block rate, but would benefit from being paired with better rebounders. Given the race for size throughout the sport, Diop should be highly sought after coming off a good freshman year at Arizona State.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><strong>Former school</strong>: Iowa State</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">There might not be a better shooter in college basketball than Momcilovic. The Iowa State forward made 48.7 percent of his threes on 14.4 attempts per 100 possessions from deep last season at Iowa State. He’s also declared for the draft, but his athletic limitations likely make him a second rounder, which means the money will be better in college. While his outside shooting gets all the attention, Momcilovic is also incredible from midrange, making 47 percent of his looks with nearly three-quarters of them being unassisted. All the heavy hitters in the sport could use a shooter like this.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><strong>Former school</strong>: Santa Clara</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">No one knew who Graves was coming into the season, and now he’s either going to be a first-round NBA draft pick or the most coveted player in the transfer portal after a breakout redshirt freshman year at Santa Clara. Graves should have been a March Madness hero, but his go-ahead three-pointer against Kentucky was quickly wiped away with <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/1107336/kentucky-payroll-nil-basketball-otega-oweh-santa-clara-video">Otega Oweh’s deep buzzer-beater</a>. The 6’9 forward is a hyper-aggressive defender who simply rips the ball away from opponents. His defensive playmaking is second-to-none with a five percent block rate and 4.9 percent steal rate, and he also uses his great hands and keen instincts to corral rebounds at an elite rate on both ends. Graves also hit 40.7 percent of his threes on 91 attempts, mostly on pick-and-pops and catch-and-shoot attempts. The size, motor, feel, and efficiency are there. He’s <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/1109861/nba-mock-draft-2026-updated-projection-after-march-madness-ends">projected to be a first-round pick in our latest NBA mock draft</a>, but the money in college might be too good to pass up if the bluebloods get involved.</p></div></div> #College #basketball #transfer #portal #rankings #mens #players

Deadspin | Red Sox sliding, Rangers rising ahead of weekend series  Jun 8, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA;  Boston Red Sox third baseman Caleb Durbin (5) fields a ground ball in the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays  at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images   Third baseman Caleb Durbin is hot, but the same can’t be said for the Boston Red Sox.  Boston will enter its Friday night home game against the Texas Rangers, the opener of a three-game series, looking to end a four-game losing streak. Most recently, the Red Sox fell 7-5 at Tampa Bay on Wednesday, when Durbin went 3-for-4 and homered twice.  Durbin struggled at the plate for most of the season, as he is batting .204 with three home runs and 25 RBIs in 60 games. However, he is hitting .333 (9-for-27) in June, and he is 15-for-44 (.341) dating back to May 28.  “Honestly, the last couple days felt really good,” Durbin said after the Wednesday loss to the Rays. “Felt like I was really getting good swings on the ball, and when I was going to hit them, it was going to be good results. Not just feeling like I’m putting good swings on the ball but trusting that the result would be good and trending in the right direction. But obviously still a lot of work to be done.  “Obviously, I haven’t been in the big leagues super long, but playing this game for most of my life, I’ve struggled at every level, so I haven’t gone a season without struggling. Just knowing that’s part of the process helps me continue to focus on the work I’m putting in.”  Wednesday was the first multi-homer game of Durbin’s major league career, but the loss left the Red Sox a season-worst 12 games below .500. Boston dropped four games on its five-game road trip, but things haven’t gone well for the Red Sox at home this season, either. Boston is 10-21 at Fenway Park — the worst home record in the big leagues.  “Really tough,” Durbin said when asked about the road trip, “but we’ve got to bounce back. Off day (Thursday) will be a good reset, for sure. But then, obviously, you have to get something going at home. It’s not really a choice at this point. Got to get it going.”  Texas is expected to start right-hander Jack Leiter (3-5, 4.69 ERA) on the mound Friday. He is 1-1 with a 4.35 ERA in two career starts against Boston, both last year.   In his latest outing, Leiter gave up five runs on six hits in 4 2/3 innings during a 6-0 loss to the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday.  Right-hander Sonny Gray (7-1, 3.20 ERA) is Boston’s probable starter. Gray is 11-5 with a 2.87 ERA in 19 career games (18 starts) vs. the Rangers.  Over his past six starts, Gray is 5-0 with a 2.43 ERA. On June 5 against the New York Yankees, Gray yielded three runs on eight hits in 6 1/3 innings en route to a 5-3 win.  Texas is coming off back-to-back victories to complete a three-game series at Kansas City. A rain-delayed 4-2 win over the Royals on Thursday gave the Rangers a .500 record (34-34) for the first time since May 1.  The Rangers have won nine of their past 12 games and each of their past four series.  “Some guys have really stepped up in the bullpen,” Texas manager Skip Schumaker said. “Our starting pitching, for the most part, has been really good as well, but we’ve had some timely hits, played small-ball, played the long ball, so I think we’re finally coming together as a team and finding different ways to win. That’s the biggest difference than maybe the beginning of the year.”  Texas’ Joc Pederson sat out on Thursday. The designated hitter left the Rangers’ 6-4, 10-inning win over Kansas City on Wednesday due to left hip discomfort.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Red #Sox #sliding #Rangers #rising #ahead #weekend #seriesJun 8, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Caleb Durbin (5) fields a ground ball in the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

Third baseman Caleb Durbin is hot, but the same can’t be said for the Boston Red Sox.

Boston will enter its Friday night home game against the Texas Rangers, the opener of a three-game series, looking to end a four-game losing streak. Most recently, the Red Sox fell 7-5 at Tampa Bay on Wednesday, when Durbin went 3-for-4 and homered twice.

Durbin struggled at the plate for most of the season, as he is batting .204 with three home runs and 25 RBIs in 60 games. However, he is hitting .333 (9-for-27) in June, and he is 15-for-44 (.341) dating back to May 28.

“Honestly, the last couple days felt really good,” Durbin said after the Wednesday loss to the Rays. “Felt like I was really getting good swings on the ball, and when I was going to hit them, it was going to be good results. Not just feeling like I’m putting good swings on the ball but trusting that the result would be good and trending in the right direction. But obviously still a lot of work to be done.

“Obviously, I haven’t been in the big leagues super long, but playing this game for most of my life, I’ve struggled at every level, so I haven’t gone a season without struggling. Just knowing that’s part of the process helps me continue to focus on the work I’m putting in.”

Wednesday was the first multi-homer game of Durbin’s major league career, but the loss left the Red Sox a season-worst 12 games below .500. Boston dropped four games on its five-game road trip, but things haven’t gone well for the Red Sox at home this season, either. Boston is 10-21 at Fenway Park — the worst home record in the big leagues.

“Really tough,” Durbin said when asked about the road trip, “but we’ve got to bounce back. Off day (Thursday) will be a good reset, for sure. But then, obviously, you have to get something going at home. It’s not really a choice at this point. Got to get it going.”


Texas is expected to start right-hander Jack Leiter (3-5, 4.69 ERA) on the mound Friday. He is 1-1 with a 4.35 ERA in two career starts against Boston, both last year.

In his latest outing, Leiter gave up five runs on six hits in 4 2/3 innings during a 6-0 loss to the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday.

Right-hander Sonny Gray (7-1, 3.20 ERA) is Boston’s probable starter. Gray is 11-5 with a 2.87 ERA in 19 career games (18 starts) vs. the Rangers.

Over his past six starts, Gray is 5-0 with a 2.43 ERA. On June 5 against the New York Yankees, Gray yielded three runs on eight hits in 6 1/3 innings en route to a 5-3 win.

Texas is coming off back-to-back victories to complete a three-game series at Kansas City. A rain-delayed 4-2 win over the Royals on Thursday gave the Rangers a .500 record (34-34) for the first time since May 1.

The Rangers have won nine of their past 12 games and each of their past four series.

“Some guys have really stepped up in the bullpen,” Texas manager Skip Schumaker said. “Our starting pitching, for the most part, has been really good as well, but we’ve had some timely hits, played small-ball, played the long ball, so I think we’re finally coming together as a team and finding different ways to win. That’s the biggest difference than maybe the beginning of the year.”

Texas’ Joc Pederson sat out on Thursday. The designated hitter left the Rangers’ 6-4, 10-inning win over Kansas City on Wednesday due to left hip discomfort.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Red #Sox #sliding #Rangers #rising #ahead #weekend #series">Deadspin | Red Sox sliding, Rangers rising ahead of weekend series  Jun 8, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA;  Boston Red Sox third baseman Caleb Durbin (5) fields a ground ball in the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays  at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images   Third baseman Caleb Durbin is hot, but the same can’t be said for the Boston Red Sox.  Boston will enter its Friday night home game against the Texas Rangers, the opener of a three-game series, looking to end a four-game losing streak. Most recently, the Red Sox fell 7-5 at Tampa Bay on Wednesday, when Durbin went 3-for-4 and homered twice.  Durbin struggled at the plate for most of the season, as he is batting .204 with three home runs and 25 RBIs in 60 games. However, he is hitting .333 (9-for-27) in June, and he is 15-for-44 (.341) dating back to May 28.  “Honestly, the last couple days felt really good,” Durbin said after the Wednesday loss to the Rays. “Felt like I was really getting good swings on the ball, and when I was going to hit them, it was going to be good results. Not just feeling like I’m putting good swings on the ball but trusting that the result would be good and trending in the right direction. But obviously still a lot of work to be done.  “Obviously, I haven’t been in the big leagues super long, but playing this game for most of my life, I’ve struggled at every level, so I haven’t gone a season without struggling. Just knowing that’s part of the process helps me continue to focus on the work I’m putting in.”  Wednesday was the first multi-homer game of Durbin’s major league career, but the loss left the Red Sox a season-worst 12 games below .500. Boston dropped four games on its five-game road trip, but things haven’t gone well for the Red Sox at home this season, either. Boston is 10-21 at Fenway Park — the worst home record in the big leagues.  “Really tough,” Durbin said when asked about the road trip, “but we’ve got to bounce back. Off day (Thursday) will be a good reset, for sure. But then, obviously, you have to get something going at home. It’s not really a choice at this point. Got to get it going.”  Texas is expected to start right-hander Jack Leiter (3-5, 4.69 ERA) on the mound Friday. He is 1-1 with a 4.35 ERA in two career starts against Boston, both last year.   In his latest outing, Leiter gave up five runs on six hits in 4 2/3 innings during a 6-0 loss to the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday.  Right-hander Sonny Gray (7-1, 3.20 ERA) is Boston’s probable starter. Gray is 11-5 with a 2.87 ERA in 19 career games (18 starts) vs. the Rangers.  Over his past six starts, Gray is 5-0 with a 2.43 ERA. On June 5 against the New York Yankees, Gray yielded three runs on eight hits in 6 1/3 innings en route to a 5-3 win.  Texas is coming off back-to-back victories to complete a three-game series at Kansas City. A rain-delayed 4-2 win over the Royals on Thursday gave the Rangers a .500 record (34-34) for the first time since May 1.  The Rangers have won nine of their past 12 games and each of their past four series.  “Some guys have really stepped up in the bullpen,” Texas manager Skip Schumaker said. “Our starting pitching, for the most part, has been really good as well, but we’ve had some timely hits, played small-ball, played the long ball, so I think we’re finally coming together as a team and finding different ways to win. That’s the biggest difference than maybe the beginning of the year.”  Texas’ Joc Pederson sat out on Thursday. The designated hitter left the Rangers’ 6-4, 10-inning win over Kansas City on Wednesday due to left hip discomfort.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Red #Sox #sliding #Rangers #rising #ahead #weekend #series

One of the biggest sporting events on the planet is about to begin.

Starting on Thursday, the FIFA World Cup gets underway in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. The World Cup begins with the group stage, as the 48 teams in the field battle it out to secure one of the 32 spots in the knockout stage.

Here is the full schedule, along with television information, for the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All times listed are Eastern.

World Cup group stage schedule and scores

Group A: Mexico 2, South Africa 0
Group A: South Korea vs. Czechia, 10:oo p.m., FS1

Group B: Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, 3:00 p.m., FOX
Group D: United States vs. Paraguay, 9:00 p.m., FOX

Group B: Qatar vs. Switzerland, 3:00 p.m., FOX
Group C: Brazil vs. Morocco, 6:00 p.m., FOX
Group C: Haiti vs. Scotland, 9:00 p.m., FOX

Group D: Australia vs. Türkiye, 12:00 a.m., FS1
Group E: Germany vs. Curaçao, 1:00 p.m., FOX
Group F: Netherlands vs. Japan, 4:00 p.m., FOX
Group E: Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador, 7:00 p.m., FS1
Group F: Sweden vs. Tunisia, 10:00 p.m., FS1

Group H: Spain vs. Cabo Verde, 12:00 p.m., FOX
Group G: Belgium vs. Egypt, 3:00 p.m., FOX
Group H: Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay, 6:00 p.m., FS1
Group G: Iran vs. New Zealand, 9:00 p.m., FS1

Group I: France vs. Senegal, 3:oo p.m., FOX
Group I: Iraq vs. Norway, 6:00 p.m., FOX
Group J: Argentina vs. Algeria, 9:00 p.m., FOX

Group J: Austria vs. Jordan, 12:00 a.m., FS1
Group K: Portugal vs. DR Congo, 1:00 p.m., FOX
Group L: England vs. Croatia, 4:00 p.m., FOX
Group L: Ghana vs. Panama, 7:00 p.m., FS1
Group K: Uzbekistan vs. Colombia, 10:00 p.m., FS1

Group A: Czechia vs. South Africa, 12:00 p.m., FOX
Group B: Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, 3:00 p.m, FOX
Group B: Canada vs. Qatar, 6:00 p.m., FS1
Group A: Mexico vs. South Korea, 9:00 p.m., FOX

Group D: United States vs. Australia, 3:00 p.m., FOX
Group C: Scotland vs. Morocco, 6:00 p.m., FOX
Group C: Brazil vs. Haiti, 8:30 p.m., FOX
Group D: Türkiye vs. Paraguay, 11:00 p.m., FS1

Group F: Netherlands vs. Sweden, 1:00 p.m., FOX
Group E: Germany vs. Ivory Coast, 4:00 p.m. FOX
Group E: Ecuador vs. Curaçao, 8:00 p.m., FS1

Group F: Tunisia vs. Japan, 12:00 a.m., FS1
Group H: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia, 12:00 p.m., FOX
Group G: Belgium vs. Iran, 3:00 p.m., FS1
Group H: Uruguay vs. Cabo Verde, 6:00 p.m., FS1
Group G: New Zealand vs. Egypt, 9:00 p.m., FS1

Group J: Argentina vs. Austria, 1:00 p.m., FOX
Group I: France vs. Iraq, 5:00 p.m., FOX
Group I: Norway vs. Senegal, 8:00 p.m, FOX
Group J: Jordan vs. Algeria, 11:00 p.m., FS1

Group K: Portugal vs. Uzbekistan, 1:00 p.m., FOX
Group L: England vs. Ghana, 4:00 p.m., FOX
Group L: Panama vs. Croatia, 7:oo p.m., FOX
Group K: Colombia vs. DR Congo, 10:00 p.m., FS1

Group B: Switzerland vs. Canada, 3:00 p.m., FOX
Group B: Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Qatar, 3:00 p.m., FS1
Group C: Morocco vs. Haiti, 6:00 p.m., FS1
Group C: Scotland vs. Brazil, 6:00 p.m., FOX
Group A: South Africa vs. South Korea, 9:00 p.m., FS1
Group A: Czechia vs. Mexico, 9:00 p.m., FOX

Group E: Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast, 4:00 p.m., FS1
Group E: Ecuador vs. Germany, 4:00 p.m., FOX
Group F: Tunisia vs. Netherlands, 7:00 p.m., FOX
Group F: Japan vs. Sweden, 7:00 p.m., FS1
Group D: Türkiye vs. United States, 10:00 p.m., FOX
Group D: Paraguay vs. Australia, 10:00 p.m., FS1

Group I: Norway vs. France, 3:00 p.m., FOX
Group I: Senegal vs. Iraq, 3:00 p.m., FS1
Group H: Cabo Verde vs. Saudi Arabia, 8:00 p.m., FS1
Group H: Uruguay vs. Spain, 8:00 p.m., FOX
Group G: New Zealand vs. Belgium, 11:00 p.m., FOX
Group G: Egypt vs. Iran, 11:00 p.m., FS1

Group L: Panama vs. England, 5:00 p.m., FOX
Group L: Croatia vs. Ghana, 5:00 p.m., FS1
Group K: Colombia vs. Portugal, 7:30 p.m., FOX
Group K: DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan, 7:30 p.m., FS1
Group J: Algeria vs. Austria, 10:00 p.m., FS1
Group J: Jordan vs. Argentina, 10:00 p.m., FOX

#World #Cup #Group #Stage #Schedule #scores #watch">World Cup Group Stage: Schedule, scores and how to watch  One of the biggest sporting events on the planet is about to begin.Starting on Thursday, the FIFA World Cup gets underway in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. The World Cup begins with the group stage, as the 48 teams in the field battle it out to secure one of the 32 spots in the knockout stage.Here is the full schedule, along with television information, for the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All times listed are Eastern.World Cup group stage schedule and scoresGroup A: Mexico 2, South Africa 0Group A: South Korea vs. Czechia, 10:oo p.m., FS1Group B: Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, 3:00 p.m., FOXGroup D: United States vs. Paraguay, 9:00 p.m., FOXGroup B: Qatar vs. Switzerland, 3:00 p.m., FOXGroup C: Brazil vs. Morocco, 6:00 p.m., FOXGroup C: Haiti vs. Scotland, 9:00 p.m., FOXGroup D: Australia vs. Türkiye, 12:00 a.m., FS1Group E: Germany vs. Curaçao, 1:00 p.m., FOXGroup F: Netherlands vs. Japan, 4:00 p.m., FOXGroup E: Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador, 7:00 p.m., FS1Group F: Sweden vs. Tunisia, 10:00 p.m., FS1Group H: Spain vs. Cabo Verde, 12:00 p.m., FOXGroup G: Belgium vs. Egypt, 3:00 p.m., FOXGroup H: Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay, 6:00 p.m., FS1Group G: Iran vs. New Zealand, 9:00 p.m., FS1Group I: France vs. Senegal, 3:oo p.m., FOXGroup I: Iraq vs. Norway, 6:00 p.m., FOXGroup J: Argentina vs. Algeria, 9:00 p.m., FOXGroup J: Austria vs. Jordan, 12:00 a.m., FS1Group K: Portugal vs. DR Congo, 1:00 p.m., FOXGroup L: England vs. Croatia, 4:00 p.m., FOXGroup L: Ghana vs. Panama, 7:00 p.m., FS1Group K: Uzbekistan vs. Colombia, 10:00 p.m., FS1Group A: Czechia vs. South Africa, 12:00 p.m., FOXGroup B: Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, 3:00 p.m, FOXGroup B: Canada vs. Qatar, 6:00 p.m., FS1Group A: Mexico vs. South Korea, 9:00 p.m., FOXGroup D: United States vs. Australia, 3:00 p.m., FOXGroup C: Scotland vs. Morocco, 6:00 p.m., FOXGroup C: Brazil vs. Haiti, 8:30 p.m., FOXGroup D: Türkiye vs. Paraguay, 11:00 p.m., FS1Group F: Netherlands vs. Sweden, 1:00 p.m., FOXGroup E: Germany vs. Ivory Coast, 4:00 p.m. FOXGroup E: Ecuador vs. Curaçao, 8:00 p.m., FS1Group F: Tunisia vs. Japan, 12:00 a.m., FS1Group H: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia, 12:00 p.m., FOXGroup G: Belgium vs. Iran, 3:00 p.m., FS1Group H: Uruguay vs. Cabo Verde, 6:00 p.m., FS1Group G: New Zealand vs. Egypt, 9:00 p.m., FS1Group J: Argentina vs. Austria, 1:00 p.m., FOXGroup I: France vs. Iraq, 5:00 p.m., FOXGroup I: Norway vs. Senegal, 8:00 p.m, FOXGroup J: Jordan vs. Algeria, 11:00 p.m., FS1Group K: Portugal vs. Uzbekistan, 1:00 p.m., FOXGroup L: England vs. Ghana, 4:00 p.m., FOXGroup L: Panama vs. Croatia, 7:oo p.m., FOXGroup K: Colombia vs. DR Congo, 10:00 p.m., FS1Group B: Switzerland vs. Canada, 3:00 p.m., FOXGroup B: Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Qatar, 3:00 p.m., FS1Group C: Morocco vs. Haiti, 6:00 p.m., FS1Group C: Scotland vs. Brazil, 6:00 p.m., FOXGroup A: South Africa vs. South Korea, 9:00 p.m., FS1Group A: Czechia vs. Mexico, 9:00 p.m., FOXGroup E: Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast, 4:00 p.m., FS1Group E: Ecuador vs. Germany, 4:00 p.m., FOXGroup F: Tunisia vs. Netherlands, 7:00 p.m., FOXGroup F: Japan vs. Sweden, 7:00 p.m., FS1Group D: Türkiye vs. United States, 10:00 p.m., FOXGroup D: Paraguay vs. Australia, 10:00 p.m., FS1Group I: Norway vs. France, 3:00 p.m., FOXGroup I: Senegal vs. Iraq, 3:00 p.m., FS1Group H: Cabo Verde vs. Saudi Arabia, 8:00 p.m., FS1Group H: Uruguay vs. Spain, 8:00 p.m., FOXGroup G: New Zealand vs. Belgium, 11:00 p.m., FOXGroup G: Egypt vs. Iran, 11:00 p.m., FS1Group L: Panama vs. England, 5:00 p.m., FOXGroup L: Croatia vs. Ghana, 5:00 p.m., FS1Group K: Colombia vs. Portugal, 7:30 p.m., FOXGroup K: DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan, 7:30 p.m., FS1Group J: Algeria vs. Austria, 10:00 p.m., FS1Group J: Jordan vs. Argentina, 10:00 p.m., FOX  #World #Cup #Group #Stage #Schedule #scores #watch

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