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Wesley shines as USWNT beats Japan 3-0 in series decider  United States women’s national team delivered a commanding second-half performance to beat Japan 3-0 in a friendly, with substitute Kennedy Wesley scoring her first international goal and providing an assist.After a goalless first half despite a 9-1 shot advantage, the breakthrough came immediately after the restart. Wesley, introduced at halftime for Tierna Davidson, headed the ball across goal for Naomi Girma to finish from close range in the 47th minute.Head coach Emma Hayes credited the team’s intensity after the interval, suggesting the shift in momentum left Japan with little room to recover.The second goal followed in the 56th minute, when Trinity Rodman capitalised on a midfield turnover to release Rose Lavelle, who drove through the centre and slotted home. Lavelle’s contribution continued a strong run of form, with the midfielder now involved in 10 goals across her last 10 appearances.Wesley capped her standout cameo in the 64th minute, converting a volley from a corner delivered by Jaedyn Shaw. Reflecting on the moment, Wesley described the delivery as “perfect” and her finish as instinctive.In goal, Claudia Dickey made three saves to preserve the clean sheet.The match, played in near-freezing conditions at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, concluded a three-game series between the sides. The United States had won the opener 2-1 before Japan responded with a 1-0 victory, ending a 10-game U.S. winning streak.Japan entered the series in strong form, fresh off a dominant AFC Women’s Asian Cup triumph, underlining the significance of the U.S. response in the decider.Published on Apr 18, 2026  #Wesley #shines #USWNT #beats #Japan #series #decider

Wesley shines as USWNT beats Japan 3-0 in series decider

United States women’s national team delivered a commanding second-half performance to beat Japan 3-0 in a friendly, with substitute Kennedy Wesley scoring her first international goal and providing an assist.

After a goalless first half despite a 9-1 shot advantage, the breakthrough came immediately after the restart. Wesley, introduced at halftime for Tierna Davidson, headed the ball across goal for Naomi Girma to finish from close range in the 47th minute.

Head coach Emma Hayes credited the team’s intensity after the interval, suggesting the shift in momentum left Japan with little room to recover.

The second goal followed in the 56th minute, when Trinity Rodman capitalised on a midfield turnover to release Rose Lavelle, who drove through the centre and slotted home. Lavelle’s contribution continued a strong run of form, with the midfielder now involved in 10 goals across her last 10 appearances.

Wesley capped her standout cameo in the 64th minute, converting a volley from a corner delivered by Jaedyn Shaw. Reflecting on the moment, Wesley described the delivery as “perfect” and her finish as instinctive.

In goal, Claudia Dickey made three saves to preserve the clean sheet.

The match, played in near-freezing conditions at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, concluded a three-game series between the sides. The United States had won the opener 2-1 before Japan responded with a 1-0 victory, ending a 10-game U.S. winning streak.

Japan entered the series in strong form, fresh off a dominant AFC Women’s Asian Cup triumph, underlining the significance of the U.S. response in the decider.

Published on Apr 18, 2026

#Wesley #shines #USWNT #beats #Japan #series #decider

United States women’s national team delivered a commanding second-half performance to beat Japan 3-0 in a friendly, with substitute Kennedy Wesley scoring her first international goal and providing an assist.

After a goalless first half despite a 9-1 shot advantage, the breakthrough came immediately after the restart. Wesley, introduced at halftime for Tierna Davidson, headed the ball across goal for Naomi Girma to finish from close range in the 47th minute.

Head coach Emma Hayes credited the team’s intensity after the interval, suggesting the shift in momentum left Japan with little room to recover.

The second goal followed in the 56th minute, when Trinity Rodman capitalised on a midfield turnover to release Rose Lavelle, who drove through the centre and slotted home. Lavelle’s contribution continued a strong run of form, with the midfielder now involved in 10 goals across her last 10 appearances.

Wesley capped her standout cameo in the 64th minute, converting a volley from a corner delivered by Jaedyn Shaw. Reflecting on the moment, Wesley described the delivery as “perfect” and her finish as instinctive.

In goal, Claudia Dickey made three saves to preserve the clean sheet.

The match, played in near-freezing conditions at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, concluded a three-game series between the sides. The United States had won the opener 2-1 before Japan responded with a 1-0 victory, ending a 10-game U.S. winning streak.

Japan entered the series in strong form, fresh off a dominant AFC Women’s Asian Cup triumph, underlining the significance of the U.S. response in the decider.

Published on Apr 18, 2026

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OpenAI’s former Sora boss is leaving<div id=""><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup ewrhy38 _1xwtict1">I am immensely grateful to Sam, Mark, Aditya and Jakub for fostering a research environment that allowed us to pursue ideas off-the-beaten path from the company’s mainline roadmap. It’s tempting in life to mode collapse to the most important thing, but cultivating entropy is the only way for a research lab to thrive long-term, and Sam deeply understands this. Sora was a project that could not have happened anywhere but OpenAI, and I will always deeply love this place for that.</p></div>#OpenAIs #Sora #boss #leavingAI,News,OpenAI

Deadspin | Jake deGrom, Rangers extend Mariners’ skid in shutout  Apr 17, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images   Brandon Nimmo homered leading off the game and that was enough as six Texas Rangers pitchers combined for a six-hitter in a 5-0 victory against the host Seattle Mariners on Friday night.  Reliever Gavin Collyer (1-0), a rookie right-hander, pitched 1 1/3 innings to earn his first major league victory in just his second appearance.   In the opener of a three-game series, the Rangers improved to 4-0 against Seattle this season and have outscored the Mariners 13-3. Texas has won four of its last six, while Seattle has lost four in a row.  Nimmo jumped on a 2-0 fastball from Mariners right-hander Logan Gilbert (1-3) in the first, lining it over the right field fence for his fourth homer of 2026.  Texas extended its lead in the third as Corey Seager led off with a double to right and Wyatt Langford followed with a run-scoring single to left to make it 2-0.  The Mariners threatened in the sixth but came up empty. Josh Naylor lined a leadoff single to center and took second on Randy Arozarena’s groundout. Pinch hitter Rob Refsnyder hit a comebacker to the mound, preventing Naylor from advancing. J.P. Crawford lined a single to left, but Naylor was thrown out easily at the plate by Langford to end the inning.   With one out in the seventh, Seager lined a double into the gap in left-center off reliever Jose A. Ferrer. Langford singled to left, sending Seager to third, and Jake Burger lined a single to center to make it 3-0.  The Rangers added two runs in the ninth off Casey Legumina. Langford and Burger led off with singles and advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Evan Carter. Andrew McCutchen lifted a sacrifice fly to right and Josh Jung hit a run-scoring double into the left field corner to make it 5-0.  Rangers right-hander Jacob deGrom didn’t allow a run but an elevated pitch count knocked him out after four innings. He gave up four hits, walked two and struck out three, throwing 88 pitches.  Gilbert gave up two runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. He walked one and struck out seven.  Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan left after the third inning with an apparent injury. There was no update on his condition by the time the game ended. Leo Rivas replaced Donovan.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Jake #deGrom #Rangers #extend #Mariners #skid #shutoutApr 17, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Brandon Nimmo homered leading off the game and that was enough as six Texas Rangers pitchers combined for a six-hitter in a 5-0 victory against the host Seattle Mariners on Friday night.

Reliever Gavin Collyer (1-0), a rookie right-hander, pitched 1 1/3 innings to earn his first major league victory in just his second appearance.

In the opener of a three-game series, the Rangers improved to 4-0 against Seattle this season and have outscored the Mariners 13-3. Texas has won four of its last six, while Seattle has lost four in a row.

Nimmo jumped on a 2-0 fastball from Mariners right-hander Logan Gilbert (1-3) in the first, lining it over the right field fence for his fourth homer of 2026.

Texas extended its lead in the third as Corey Seager led off with a double to right and Wyatt Langford followed with a run-scoring single to left to make it 2-0.


The Mariners threatened in the sixth but came up empty. Josh Naylor lined a leadoff single to center and took second on Randy Arozarena’s groundout. Pinch hitter Rob Refsnyder hit a comebacker to the mound, preventing Naylor from advancing. J.P. Crawford lined a single to left, but Naylor was thrown out easily at the plate by Langford to end the inning.

With one out in the seventh, Seager lined a double into the gap in left-center off reliever Jose A. Ferrer. Langford singled to left, sending Seager to third, and Jake Burger lined a single to center to make it 3-0.

The Rangers added two runs in the ninth off Casey Legumina. Langford and Burger led off with singles and advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Evan Carter. Andrew McCutchen lifted a sacrifice fly to right and Josh Jung hit a run-scoring double into the left field corner to make it 5-0.

Rangers right-hander Jacob deGrom didn’t allow a run but an elevated pitch count knocked him out after four innings. He gave up four hits, walked two and struck out three, throwing 88 pitches.

Gilbert gave up two runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. He walked one and struck out seven.

Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan left after the third inning with an apparent injury. There was no update on his condition by the time the game ended. Leo Rivas replaced Donovan.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Jake #deGrom #Rangers #extend #Mariners #skid #shutout">Deadspin | Jake deGrom, Rangers extend Mariners’ skid in shutout  Apr 17, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) pitches to the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images   Brandon Nimmo homered leading off the game and that was enough as six Texas Rangers pitchers combined for a six-hitter in a 5-0 victory against the host Seattle Mariners on Friday night.  Reliever Gavin Collyer (1-0), a rookie right-hander, pitched 1 1/3 innings to earn his first major league victory in just his second appearance.   In the opener of a three-game series, the Rangers improved to 4-0 against Seattle this season and have outscored the Mariners 13-3. Texas has won four of its last six, while Seattle has lost four in a row.  Nimmo jumped on a 2-0 fastball from Mariners right-hander Logan Gilbert (1-3) in the first, lining it over the right field fence for his fourth homer of 2026.  Texas extended its lead in the third as Corey Seager led off with a double to right and Wyatt Langford followed with a run-scoring single to left to make it 2-0.  The Mariners threatened in the sixth but came up empty. Josh Naylor lined a leadoff single to center and took second on Randy Arozarena’s groundout. Pinch hitter Rob Refsnyder hit a comebacker to the mound, preventing Naylor from advancing. J.P. Crawford lined a single to left, but Naylor was thrown out easily at the plate by Langford to end the inning.   With one out in the seventh, Seager lined a double into the gap in left-center off reliever Jose A. Ferrer. Langford singled to left, sending Seager to third, and Jake Burger lined a single to center to make it 3-0.  The Rangers added two runs in the ninth off Casey Legumina. Langford and Burger led off with singles and advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Evan Carter. Andrew McCutchen lifted a sacrifice fly to right and Josh Jung hit a run-scoring double into the left field corner to make it 5-0.  Rangers right-hander Jacob deGrom didn’t allow a run but an elevated pitch count knocked him out after four innings. He gave up four hits, walked two and struck out three, throwing 88 pitches.  Gilbert gave up two runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. He walked one and struck out seven.  Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan left after the third inning with an apparent injury. There was no update on his condition by the time the game ended. Leo Rivas replaced Donovan.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Jake #deGrom #Rangers #extend #Mariners #skid #shutout

South Africa great Jonty Rhodes has seen fielding evolve from instinct to innovation, from sharp reflexes in the ring to choreographed brilliance at the boundary. And yet, even he found himself in awe.

During Punjab Kings’ IPL 2026 clash against Mumbai Indians, PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer produced a moment that felt both modern and inevitable. In the 18th over, with MI captain Hardik Pandya looking to launch Marco Jansen into the stands, the ball soared towards long-on. Iyer sprinted across, judged the trajectory, and completed a juggling act at the rope, catching the ball, tossing it back mid-air as he lost balance, and relaying it to Xavier Bartlett to complete a “team catch”.

Watching it unfold, Rhodes could not help but reflect. “Watching Shreyas Iyer perform that acrobatic fielding to assist in taking the ‘team catch’ made me appreciate how fielding has evolved since my retirement,” he wrote on X. For a man long dubbed the gold standard, the shift is personal. “For a long time, I felt like the ‘father of fielding’… but watching these modern athletes… makes me feel like the ‘grandfather of fielding’.”

Rhodes’ own career was defined by inner-circle brilliance, but he admits the boundary was once an afterthought. “There was no focus on the modern day ‘hotspots’ on the boundaries,” he said, before tracing the change to his coaching days with Mumbai Indians. Encounters with players like Kieron Pollard and Glenn Maxwell reshaped the approach, introducing the now-familiar art of airborne saves and relay catches.

In an era of relentless hitting and Impact Players, Rhodes sees fielding as cricket’s last line of resistance. Iyer’s effort, he believes, was not just spectacular but necessary. And perhaps, fittingly, it came under the watch of Ricky Ponting, “one of the greatest fielders in the game.”

Published on Apr 18, 2026

#Shreyas #Iyers #relay #catch #leaves #Jonty #Rhodes #awe #fieldings #evolution">Shreyas Iyer’s relay catch leaves Jonty Rhodes in awe of fielding’s evolution  South Africa great Jonty Rhodes has seen fielding evolve from instinct to innovation, from sharp reflexes in the ring to choreographed brilliance at the boundary. And yet, even he found himself in awe.During Punjab Kings’ IPL 2026 clash against Mumbai Indians, PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer produced a moment that felt both modern and inevitable. In the 18th over, with MI captain Hardik Pandya looking to launch Marco Jansen into the stands, the ball soared towards long-on. Iyer sprinted across, judged the trajectory, and completed a juggling act at the rope, catching the ball, tossing it back mid-air as he lost balance, and relaying it to Xavier Bartlett to complete a “team catch”.Watching it unfold, Rhodes could not help but reflect. “Watching Shreyas Iyer perform that acrobatic fielding to assist in taking the ‘team catch’ made me appreciate how fielding has evolved since my retirement,” he wrote on X. For a man long dubbed the gold standard, the shift is personal. “For a long time, I felt like the ‘father of fielding’… but watching these modern athletes… makes me feel like the ‘grandfather of fielding’.”Rhodes’ own career was defined by inner-circle brilliance, but he admits the boundary was once an afterthought. “There was no focus on the modern day ‘hotspots’ on the boundaries,” he said, before tracing the change to his coaching days with Mumbai Indians. Encounters with players like Kieron Pollard and Glenn Maxwell reshaped the approach, introducing the now-familiar art of airborne saves and relay catches.In an era of relentless hitting and Impact Players, Rhodes sees fielding as cricket’s last line of resistance. Iyer’s effort, he believes, was not just spectacular but necessary. And perhaps, fittingly, it came under the watch of Ricky Ponting, “one of the greatest fielders in the game.”Published on Apr 18, 2026  #Shreyas #Iyers #relay #catch #leaves #Jonty #Rhodes #awe #fieldings #evolution

he wrote on X. For a man long dubbed the gold standard, the shift is personal. “For a long time, I felt like the ‘father of fielding’… but watching these modern athletes… makes me feel like the ‘grandfather of fielding’.”

Rhodes’ own career was defined by inner-circle brilliance, but he admits the boundary was once an afterthought. “There was no focus on the modern day ‘hotspots’ on the boundaries,” he said, before tracing the change to his coaching days with Mumbai Indians. Encounters with players like Kieron Pollard and Glenn Maxwell reshaped the approach, introducing the now-familiar art of airborne saves and relay catches.

In an era of relentless hitting and Impact Players, Rhodes sees fielding as cricket’s last line of resistance. Iyer’s effort, he believes, was not just spectacular but necessary. And perhaps, fittingly, it came under the watch of Ricky Ponting, “one of the greatest fielders in the game.”

Published on Apr 18, 2026

#Shreyas #Iyers #relay #catch #leaves #Jonty #Rhodes #awe #fieldings #evolution">Shreyas Iyer’s relay catch leaves Jonty Rhodes in awe of fielding’s evolution

South Africa great Jonty Rhodes has seen fielding evolve from instinct to innovation, from sharp reflexes in the ring to choreographed brilliance at the boundary. And yet, even he found himself in awe.

During Punjab Kings’ IPL 2026 clash against Mumbai Indians, PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer produced a moment that felt both modern and inevitable. In the 18th over, with MI captain Hardik Pandya looking to launch Marco Jansen into the stands, the ball soared towards long-on. Iyer sprinted across, judged the trajectory, and completed a juggling act at the rope, catching the ball, tossing it back mid-air as he lost balance, and relaying it to Xavier Bartlett to complete a “team catch”.

Watching it unfold, Rhodes could not help but reflect. “Watching Shreyas Iyer perform that acrobatic fielding to assist in taking the ‘team catch’ made me appreciate how fielding has evolved since my retirement,” he wrote on X. For a man long dubbed the gold standard, the shift is personal. “For a long time, I felt like the ‘father of fielding’… but watching these modern athletes… makes me feel like the ‘grandfather of fielding’.”

Rhodes’ own career was defined by inner-circle brilliance, but he admits the boundary was once an afterthought. “There was no focus on the modern day ‘hotspots’ on the boundaries,” he said, before tracing the change to his coaching days with Mumbai Indians. Encounters with players like Kieron Pollard and Glenn Maxwell reshaped the approach, introducing the now-familiar art of airborne saves and relay catches.

In an era of relentless hitting and Impact Players, Rhodes sees fielding as cricket’s last line of resistance. Iyer’s effort, he believes, was not just spectacular but necessary. And perhaps, fittingly, it came under the watch of Ricky Ponting, “one of the greatest fielders in the game.”

Published on Apr 18, 2026

#Shreyas #Iyers #relay #catch #leaves #Jonty #Rhodes #awe #fieldings #evolution

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