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Today — 16 April 2026Main stream

Insider Says Intel Wants To Rival AMD With Future Sockets In Longevity, Also Planning New Raptor Lake Refresh For LGA 1700

16 April 2026 at 12:40

A close-up of an Intel Core Ultra processor embedded in a motherboard with blue lighting.

Intel's existing and future CPU sockets will offer AMD-like support and longevity, this is the claim from leading insider, Jaykihn. Intel Doubles Down On Desktop CPU Socket Longevity, Future Sockets To House Multiple Generations While Also Releasing Refreshes on Existing Ones Chipzilla's new client team has started to rethink its desktop strategy. This much was made evident in the latest statements from Robert Hallock. And it looks like insiders also agree that the blue team is going with this approach. As per Jaykihn, Intel's CPU socket is similar to AMD in the sense that they don't technically end socket support […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/intel-to-rival-amd-with-future-sockets-in-longevity-plans-raptor-lake-refresh-lga-1700/

Hygon Lays Out Ground-Breaking Plans For China’s Domestic Tech Market: Next-Gen C86 Chips With +15% IPC, SMT4 & Tackle Intel Xeon 6

16 April 2026 at 12:00

Hygon Lays Outs Ground-Breaking Plans For China's Domestic Tech Market: Next-Gen C86 Chips With +15% IPC, SMT4 & Tackle Intel Xeon 6 1

China's premier chipmaker, Hygon, has disclosed its plans for six chips designed for the domestic tech market, including the next-gen C86 CPU. Hygon's Next-Gen C86 CPUs To Tackle Intel's Latest Xeon, Bringing a Double-Digit IPC Boost, SMT4 Support & AVX512 Instructions Hygon, based in Beijing, China, has been hard at work producing high-quality chips for the domestic markets. Their previous C86 solutions, designed in collaboration with AMD, have seen major interest by domestic players, and now, the next-generation C86 processor development is underway. In its latest report, Hygon has shared plans to develop six chips that will be offered to […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/hygon-ground-breaking-plans-for-china-next-gen-c86-cpu-more-ipc-smt4-new-chips/

Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss Review – Lovecraftian Puzzles and Goo

16 April 2026 at 12:00

An underwater scene from the game 'Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss' shows a diver in a helmet with tentacles and a monstrous face

Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss is the latest Lovecraftian-themed game to hit the shelves, and while I can’t speak for its contemporaries, I have to imagine it stands towards the top of any ranking list, because it is, in many ways, an incredible experience. There’s a lot here for puzzle fans to love, there’s a little for horror fans to love, and woven through all of it is a narrative that doesn’t ever try to reinvent the wheel but is able to solidly execute and deliver a good payoff by the time you hit credits. If you ever get there, that […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/review/cthulhu-the-cosmic-abyss-review-lovecraftian-puzzles-and-goo/

Geely KX21 flagship HEV crossover teased in China as Galaxy M9 sister model

16 April 2026 at 12:22

The Geely KX21 full-size crossover was teased in China as the brand’s new HEV line flagship. It's the sister model of the Galaxy M9.

The post Geely KX21 flagship HEV crossover teased in China as Galaxy M9 sister model appeared first on CarNewsChina.com.

One UI 8.5 Beta now live for Galaxy A55 and A54 in India – Don’t delay Enrolment

By:Yash
16 April 2026 at 12:26

Samsung quietly launched One UI 8.5 Beta for Galaxy A54 and A55 in India. It’s a great opportunity for those waiting for a refresh on their devices. A public rollout would follow in the month of May or June for all users worldwide.

Galaxy A55 initially joined One UI 8.5 Beta in South Korea, while the Galaxy A54 has joined the party along with the A55 in India. Beta 1 is also rolling out to users upon successful enrollment, which carries ZZD5 version, via TarunVats.

One UI 8.5 Beta goes live for more Galaxy A phones

Joining the One UI 8.5 Beta on Galaxy A55 and Galaxy A54 in India isn’t complicated, but it does require timing and a bit of luck since Samsung rolls it out in limited batches.

First, install the Samsung Members app from the Play Store if you haven’t already. Log in with your Samsung account, then keep an eye on the “Notices” or “Beta Program” banner section.

If Samsung opens the Beta for your device in India, you’ll see a dedicated One UI 8.5 Beta banner. Tap it, register your device, and agree to the terms carefully before proceeding.

Once enrolled, head to Settings, then Software Update, and tap Download and Install. The Beta update should appear like a normal OTA update, ready to install on your phone.

Keep in mind, beta builds can be unstable. Backup your data before installing, and expect occasional bugs, battery drain, or app compatibility issues during the testing phase.

The post One UI 8.5 Beta now live for Galaxy A55 and A54 in India – Don’t delay Enrolment appeared first on Sammy Fans.

April 2026 update now available for Galaxy Tab S10, Z Fold 4/5 and Z Flip 4/5

By:Yash
16 April 2026 at 11:35

Samsung’s April 2026 update is expanding, with the latest rollout covering various devices, including the Galaxy Z Fold 5, Flip 5, Fold 4, Flip 4, Tab S10+, and Tab S10 Ultra.

If you own any of the Galaxy devices (Z Fold 5, Flip 5, Fold 4, Flip 4, Tab S10+, and Tab S10 Ultra) in South Korea, the April 2026 update is available for download. The latest OTA carries forty-seven CVE and SVE items combined.

Samsung is continuously expanding the availability of its April patch. Recently, two Galaxy A phones, including the A53 and A55, received the OTA. In the past, Samsung updated the Galaxy A54 to the latest security patches.

Build versions:

  • Galaxy Tab S10+: X826NKOS7CZD3
  • Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra: X926NKOS7CZD3
  • Galaxy Z Fold 5: F946NKSS6FZCS
  • Galaxy Z Flip 5: F731NKSS6FZCS
  • Galaxy Z Fold 4: F936NKSS7IZCS
  • Galaxy Z Flip 4: F721NKSS7IZCS

The updates are initially dropped in South Korea (via Mohammed Khatri), with Global expansion following soon. In the meantime, you can manually trigger a check for updates through system Settings > Software update page.


One UI 8.5 update

Samsung is also optimizing One UI 8.5 for various devices. The company is running its biggest and longest Beta Program in history. However, Galaxy users are eagerly awaiting the beginning of a Stable rollout that will benefit millions.

One UI 8.5 Beta is limited to select models in up to six countries. Samsung sells Galaxy devices in almost every country on the planet. That said, the Beta Program isn’t the thing users are enjoying; they want a public release.

The post April 2026 update now available for Galaxy Tab S10, Z Fold 4/5 and Z Flip 4/5 appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Oppo releases two new smartphones with 7000 mAh batteries and 120 Hz screens

Oppo has launched two new smartphones, namely, the Oppo F33 and the Oppo F33 Pro, in the Indian market. Both smartphones come with a familiar set of features, including a 120 Hz AMOLED display, a large 7,000 mAh battery, and a Dimensity 6360 Max chipset paired with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage.

Onn 4K Pro (2026): Refreshed Google TV streaming device quietly debuts with higher pricing and sparse upgrades

16 April 2026 at 11:32
Walmart has quietly begun selling its latest Google TV device. After releasing the Onn 4K Streaming Stick a few weeks ago, the company is now also selling a new, refreshed Onn 4K Pro. This new device comes with a rather sizeable price hike, but most would not consider it an upgrade.

All-in-one system for balcony solar & PV systems launches with discount

SunEnergyXT 500 is a brand-new all-in-one storage system for balcony solar systems that offers a generous capacity starting at 5 kWh and is available for pre-order at a significantly lower price. The same applies to the SunEnergyXT 500 Pro, which is designed with up to 2.4 kW for smaller PV systems.

iPad Air with OLED display reportedly coming in 2027

16 April 2026 at 12:20

A report from November last year revealed that Apple plans to equip the iPad Air with an OLED display in the coming years. Now, a new report suggests that the OLED iPad Air is slated to debut in 2027. The OLED panels for the upcoming iPad Air models will reportedly be supplied by Samsung Display. Citing industry sources, the report claims that Samsung is expected to begin mass production later this year or by early January 2027. The next-generation iPad Air is said to feature an LTPS OLED panel. Apple is likely to unveil the tablet in March next year, around the same timeframe it...

vivo begins global rollout of the X300 Ultra and X300 FE

16 April 2026 at 11:21

Just as promised, vivo is releasing the X300 Ultra outside of China, and today it's announced the beginning of the phone's global rollout. Unfortunately, the company has remained shy about pricing and what exact markets are getting it and when. Recently, vivo's Spanish online store revealed that the X300 Ultra will be arriving in that specific market on April 24. It may be the same date for the rest of the EU, we can't be sure. vivo X300 Ultra The X300 FE is also getting a global release, vivo has confirmed today. This phone was initially launched in Russia last month, and will now be...

Andy Ruiz makes KO prediction for Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury: “He can take him out”

16 April 2026 at 12:03

Former foe Andy Ruiz Jr has laid out his prediction for a showdown between ‘AJ’ and , who directly called his countryman out after victory in his comeback fight. After 16 months of inactivity, Fury outclassed Arslanbek Makhmudov this past weekend, winning all 12 rounds on two of the judges’ scorecards as he handed the […]

The post Andy Ruiz makes KO prediction for Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury: “He can take him out” appeared first on Boxing News.

Mexico March 2026: Geely in Top 10, Chevrolet Aveo topples Nissan Versa

16 April 2026 at 10:05

The Chevrolet Aveo is the best-selling vehicle in Mexico in March.

New vehicle sales in Mexico edge up 2.4% year-on-year in March (on revised year-ago volume) to 131,569 units. This is the 2nd biggest March volume below the 137,021 units of March 2017. Q1 results are up 3.7% to 381,653 which is a new record, eclipsing the previous best of 378,275 in Q1 2017. Nissan (-6.2%) keeps the lead despite a year-on-year fall, which Chevrolet (+0.5%) is stable at #2. Volkswagen (+3.8%) repeats at #3 ahead of Toyota (-7%) and Kia (+4.6%). The best scores are below: Geely is up 321.5% to break into the Mexican Top 10 for the first time at #9, Ram gains 35.2%, MG is up 28.4% and Hyundai up 10.6%. Further down, Cupra (+185.2%), Peugeot (+56.5%) and Changan (+51.3%) stand out.

Over in the models ranking, the Chevrolet Aveo (+9.2%) topples the traditional leader, the Nissan Versa (-20.8%) in great difficulty. This is the first time since February 2022 that the Aveo leads the Mexican charts and the first time since April 2023 that the Versa isn’t the best-seller. The Kia K3 (+3.8%) stays in third place above the Nissan NP300 (-20.6%) and a surging Hyundai Grand i10 (+89.8%). The Nissan Magnite (+749.8%) and Ram 1200 (+144.1%) post surreal gains with the MG 5 (+15.6%) also strong and the Nissan Kicks (+3.7%) down just one spot on a record 5th place reached last month.

Previous month: Mexico February 2026: Nissan Kicks and Ram 1200 hit record rankings

One year ago: Chevrolet Aveo (+40.2%), Nissan Pickup (+23.3%) shine in best March volume in 8 years

Full March 2026 Top 54 All brands and Top 384 All models below.

Mexico March 2026 – brands:

PosBrandMar-26%/25Feb2026%/25PosFY25
1Nissan22,17116.9%– 6.2%167,13017.6%+ 2.7%11
2Chevrolet16,86012.8%+ 0.5%247,13212.3%+ 3.0%22
3Volkswagen11,4208.7%+ 3.8%333,4778.8%– 1.5%33
4Toyota10,1297.7%– 7.0%629,9147.8%– 0.6%44
5Kia9,2037.0%+ 4.6%427,4377.2%+ 4.3%55
6Mazda7,5075.7%– 17.0%524,5326.4%– 6.3%66
7MG5,1413.9%+ 28.4%1214,4513.8%+ 30.1%79
8Hyundai 4,7303.6%+ 10.6%1012,2203.2%– 1.2%107
9Geely4,2193.2%+ 321.5%1110,7822.8%+ 283.8%1216
10Ram4,2153.2%+ 35.2%713,2683.5%+ 55.9%812
11Ford4,1303.1%+ 2.2%812,3903.2%+ 1.8%98
12Honda3,6632.8%– 3.1%911,0922.9%+ 5.6%1110
13Mitsubishi3,6012.7%+ 37.4%148,2522.2%+ 22.4%1414
14Suzuki2,9212.2%– 14.5%139,1892.4%– 11.9%1311
15Renault2,5651.9%+ 5.9%157,6172.0%– 2.8%1513
16Peugeot2,0771.6%+ 56.5%165,0951.3%+ 14.4%1818
17JAC2,0351.5%+ 1.2%175,7601.5%– 5.0%1615
18Changan1,9191.5%+ 51.3%185,1041.3%+ 62.5%1717
19BMW1,1750.9%– 9.3%213,3480.9%– 8.6%2122
20GWM1,1580.9%– 13.5%203,4990.9%– 10.8%2021
21Jeep1,1080.8%– 6.7%223,0990.8%– 19.5%2220
22Seat1,0970.8%– 27.8%194,0351.1%– 14.9%1919
23Dodge1,0330.8%+ 31.8%232,6280.7%+ 1.0%2323
24Mercedes8220.6%– 39.1%262,1670.6%– 36.0%2524
25Audi8160.6%+ 0.4%242,1840.6%+ 5.7%2426
26Cupra7300.6%+ 185.2%271,7720.5%+ 137.2%2729
27GMC6640.5%– 4.3%252,0770.5%– 3.4%2625
28Fiat 4460.3%– 7.3%339920.3%– 38.2%3128
29Subaru4020.3%+ 16.2%301,0810.3%+ 18.8%2930
30Jetour3850.3%+ 466.2%281,2290.3%+ 369.1%2838
31Volvo3710.3%– 27.8%291,0410.3%– 34.1%3027
32Mini2980.2%– 14.6%328290.2%– 10.6%3331
33Porsche2920.2%+ 14.5%318370.2%+ 1.7%3234
34Isuzu2740.2%+ 110.8%376050.2%+ 43.4%3636
35Lexus2240.2%– 11.5%346860.2%+ 11.7%3435
36Foton2210.2%– 0.9%453190.1%– 58.1%4337
37Land Rover2030.2%+ 2.0%395470.1%– 0.2%3740
38Lynk & Co2030.2%new414580.1%new39 –
39Buick1970.1%– 44.4%356550.2%– 26.2%3532
40Zeekr1730.1%new365100.1%new38 –
41Lincoln1440.1%– 16.3%384500.1%– 8.9%4039
42Infiniti1330.1%+ 29.1%423540.1%+ 18.4%4243
43Cadillac1300.1%– 29.7%404070.1%– 23.9%4141
44Soueast800.1%new471460.0%new4648
45Deepal730.1%+ 143.3%432380.1%+ 201.3%4447
46Acura700.1%– 29.3%442040.1%– 12.4%4546
47JMC570.0%– 25.0%481220.0%– 44.8%4745
48Alfa Romeo470.0%+ 176.5%50840.0%+ 31.3%4950
49BAIC200.0%– 70.6%46870.0%– 28.7%4844
50IM110.0%new51530.0%new5051
51Bentley20.0%n/a5350.0%n/a5455
52DFSK20.0%– 95.0%49400.0%– 51.8%5149
53Auteco10.0%+ 0.0% –130.0%+ 85.7%5253
54Seres10.0%– 66.7%52100.0%+ 42.9%5354

Mexico March 2026 – models:

PosModelMar-26%/25Feb2026%/25PosFY25
1Chevrolet Aveo6,6435.0%+ 9.2%217,8514.7%+ 15.6%22
2Nissan Versa6,3294.8%– 20.8%121,2495.6%– 12.3%11
3Kia K34,7103.6%+ 3.8%313,9963.7%+ 6.6%34
4Nissan Pickup (NP300)4,5673.5%– 20.6%412,3533.2%– 18.2%43
5Hyundai Grand i103,3102.5%+ 89.8%166,7441.8%+ 30.3%810
6Nissan Kicks2,6822.0%+ 3.7%56,7171.8%– 2.8%98
7MG 52,5531.9%+ 15.6%357,5482.0%+ 59.6%514
8Nissan Magnite2,4391.9%+ 749.8%86,8981.8%+ 2303.5%720
9Ram 12002,2651.7%+ 144.1%67,0881.9%+ 143.8%637
10Mazda CX-302,2491.7%– 1.8%145,6281.5%– 14.8%146
11Nissan March2,2281.7%– 26.7%176,5211.7%– 21.9%115
12Chevrolet S101,9941.5%+ 30.5%135,2441.4%+ 25.6%1615
13Chevrolet Groove1,8621.4%+ 22.0%264,7981.3%+ 11.8%2023
14VW Virtus1,7701.3%– 1.0%105,9041.5%– 12.4%139
15VW Tiguan1,6861.3%+ 3.1%184,8991.3%+ 19.8%1819
16VW Taos1,6631.3%– 3.9%204,9011.3%– 4.1%1713
17Mazda21,6351.2%– 31.2%76,1171.6%– 9.3%127
18Mazda CX-51,5701.2%+ 67.7%244,4461.2%+ 42.0%2431
19Chevrolet Onix1,5621.2%+ 22.4%124,2801.1%+ 17.6%2641
20Renault Kwid1,5241.2%+ 24.0%294,4901.2%+ 13.9%2222
21Toyota Hilux1,4991.1%– 5.1%274,5691.2%– 6.2%2118
22Nissan X-Trail1,4751.1%+ 17.9%303,9851.0%+ 26.8%2926
23VW Jetta1,4401.1%– 31.1%254,0471.1%– 27.7%2816
24Ram 7001,3971.1%+ 4.6%154,8201.3%+ 29.8%1924
25VW Saveiro1,3581.0%+ 5.4%383,4360.9%– 7.5%3629
26Kia Seltos1,3401.0%+ 28.1%214,2841.1%+ 21.3%2527
27VW Tera1,3391.0%new283,7791.0%new3291
28Mitsubishi L2001,3241.0%+ 16.1%423,0800.8%+ 4.9%4038
29Nissan Sentra1,3111.0%– 25.3%116,6391.7%+ 33.2%1011
30Ford Territory1,3011.0%+ 45.5%233,8921.0%+ 31.7%3132
31Geely Emgrand1,2921.0%+ 239.1%224,4641.2%+ 339.8%2339
32Chevrolet Captiva1,2911.0%– 21.3%194,2601.1%– 9.6%2725
33Suzuki Swift1,2511.0%+ 27.4%373,7691.0%+ 26.0%3336
34Toyota Avanza1,2030.9%+ 59.5%413,7461.0%+ 42.8%3440
35Kia Sonet1,1220.9%+ 6.9%363,3020.9%+ 5.5%3834
36Geely EX51,1110.8%new772,1520.6%new54133
37Chevrolet Tornado Van1,0780.8%– 29.8%343,4210.9%– 16.6%3721
38Kia K41,0500.8%– 24.5%313,2560.9%– 18.1%3930
39Nissan Urvan1,0280.8%+ 43.2%472,4900.7%+ 49.8%4850
40Honda City1,0240.8%+ 163.9%482,9620.8%+ 174.0%4368
41Honda CR-V1,0110.8%– 15.8%453,0430.8%– 0.7%4142
42Geely EX29870.8%new631,4840.4%new66 –
43Ford F-Series/Lobo9360.7%– 4.6%323,0230.8%+ 3.8%4233
44Toyota Yaris9290.7%+ 39.7%393,9601.0%+ 56.8%3035
45Toyota Corolla9260.7%+ 6.2%492,6240.7%+ 5.6%4546
46VW Taigun9240.7%+ 26.4%402,8030.7%– 6.5%4444
47Mazda39220.7%– 57.6%95,3221.4%– 8.8%1517
48Dodge Nuevo Attitude8960.7%+ 87.8%572,2110.6%+ 42.8%5158
49MG 38830.7%+ 0.3%442,1010.6%– 31.1%5548
50Toyota Tacoma8760.7%– 12.4%462,6230.7%+ 18.6%4643
51Toyota Corolla Cross8620.7%+ 9.8%741,6520.4%– 3.4%6360
52MG ZS8360.6%+ 324.4%541,8600.5%+ 90.0%59119
53Mitsubishi Outlander Sport8340.6%+ 30.3%641,8690.5%+ 23.6%5856
54Hyundai Creta8210.6%– 52.3%333,6150.9%– 19.1%3512
55JAC Frison7910.6%– 3.2%502,3440.6%– 0.9%4949
56Toyota Raize7600.6%+ 25.2%722,0430.5%+ 39.7%5652
57GWM Haval Jolion7380.6%+ 20.0%512,2410.6%+ 26.0%5059
58Honda HR-V7170.5%– 24.7%532,1550.6%– 23.7%5345
59Kia Sportage7150.5%+ 52.1%611,9980.5%+ 32.8%5757
60Toyota RAV47150.5%– 64.6%3207270.2%– 85.8%9928
61Toyota Sienna6900.5%– 20.5%522,1600.6%– 0.6%5254
62Ford Ranger6560.5%+ 12.3%601,7290.5%– 12.9%6061
63Mitsubishi Xpander6120.5%+ 24.9%591,6620.4%+ 41.2%6273
64Seat Ibiza5970.5%– 23.9%432,5450.7%+ 0.2%4747
65Peugeot Partner5380.4%+ 60.6%671,2250.3%+ 6.7%7377
66Peugeot Rifter5340.4%+ 98.5%1917900.2%+ 27.6%9483
67Mazda CX-35310.4%– 6.5%751,2570.3%– 25.0%7255
68Suzuki Jimny5270.4%– 27.3%551,7200.5%– 12.4%6153
69Chevrolet Silverado/Cheyenne5200.4%– 32.6%621,6130.4%– 46.8%6451
70Chevrolet Trax5100.4%+ 8.3%661,4580.4%+ 14.4%6763
71Mitsubishi Mirage G45080.4%+ 108.2%948430.2%+ 6.2%89128
72Toyota Highlander4880.4%– 15.1%711,3540.4%– 31.1%6964
73Geely Coolray4840.4%+ 160.2%581,3430.4%+ 129.2%7094
74Peugeot Partner Rapid4530.3%+ 66.5%561,4060.4%+ 50.4%6892
75Chevrolet Spark EUV4420.3%new909290.2%new81179
76Toyota Camry4420.3%+ 262.3%691,2210.3%+ 82.5%7482
77Ram 1500-40004400.3%+ 64.8%701,0850.3%– 3.6%7776
78VW Teramont4270.3%– 11.2%651,3260.3%– 14.3%7170
79Toyota Prius4090.3%– 44.4%681,5030.4%+ 29.8%6571
80Cupra Terramar4050.3%new998430.2%new88151
81Fiat Pulse3670.3%+ 112.1%1416950.2%+ 13.2%102102
82Changan CS55 Plus3480.3%+ 228.3%878610.2%+ 181.4%8798
83Honda BR-V3470.3%– 24.6%791,1710.3%– 18.8%7566
84MG HS/eHS3420.3%+ 15.2%1628300.2%+ 14.2%90140
85Cupra Formentor3250.2%+ 27.0%819290.2%+ 24.4%8296
86Hyundai Tucson3170.2%– 22.5%761,0270.3%– 23.1%7972
87Changan Alsvin3150.2%– 26.6%898910.2%+ 4.7%8584
88Suzuki Ertiga3150.2%– 38.5%801,0820.3%– 19.3%7869
89Seat Leon3140.2%+ 6.8%829410.2%+ 3.3%8089
90Mitsubishi Outlander3130.2%+ 219.4%887660.2%+ 173.6%95201
91Suzuki Fronx2870.2%+ 12.5%859260.2%+ 37.4%8378
92Changan CS35 Plus2840.2%+ 14.1%1016790.2%+ 14.3%10399
93Jeep Compass2830.2%+ 32.2%987490.2%– 8.4%9786
94Isuzu Elf2740.2%+ 110.8%1106050.2%+ 43.4%110117
95JAC Sunray2740.2%+ 8.3%1336310.2%+ 11.5%107135
96Audi Q32730.2%+ 24.1%1115510.1%+ 7.2%119141
97Renault Kardian2730.2%+ 66.5%926260.2%– 1.1%108129
98Suzuki Baleno2710.2%+ 79.5%738870.2%+ 113.2%86137
99Changan Eado Plus2680.2%new1027310.2%new98152
100Suzuki Dzire2670.2%new847960.2%new93168
101Ford Maverick2650.2%– 10.2%977080.2%– 26.9%101103
102JAC 82590.2%+ 119.5%937630.2%+ 74.2%96104
103Ford Edge2560.2%n/a1065810.2%n/a114277
104GWM Poer2370.2%– 36.5%1196590.2%– 40.4%10480
105BMW X32360.2%+ 129.1%1046310.2%+ 88.9%106115
106Peugeot 20082290.2%– 6.9%1175900.2%– 37.1%11285
107Honda Civic2220.2%– 50.1%788980.2%– 23.4%8481
108Jeep Renegade2210.2%– 10.5%957260.2%– 7.6%10095
109Jeep Wrangler2150.2%– 5.7%1165060.1%– 30.6%124100
110Ford Transit2080.2%– 61.8%868000.2%– 23.7%9174
111Changan New Star Truck2020.2%+ 31.2%1006140.2%+ 29.8%109127
112Honda Pilot1990.2%+ 4.7%1564610.1%+ 8.5%135156
113GMC Sierra1970.1%– 10.9%1205470.1%– 25.5%12093
114Audi Q51920.1%+ 41.2%1435270.1%+ 50.6%122148
115Ford Bronco Sport1860.1%– 15.8%1305000.1%– 26.0%125123
116Hyundai HB201860.1%– 34.7%1324670.1%– 48.6%133108
117Mazda BT-501840.1%+ 308.9%915630.1%+ 155.9%117180
118GMC Terrain1820.1%+ 180.0%1075910.2%+ 163.8%111144
119Renault Arkana1820.1%– 3.7%966470.2%+ 2.9%105120
120Jetour T21800.1%+ 847.4%1055330.1%+ 2565.0%121177
121Renault Oroch1720.1%– 27.1%1085570.1%– 12.4%118111
122Mazda CX-501680.1%– 45.3%1444490.1%– 42.9%138106
123Subaru Forester1670.1%+ 108.8%1634440.1%+ 58.6%140146
124Chevrolet Montana1660.1%– 48.8%1095790.2%– 35.6%11587
125Geely Cityray1660.1%+ 12.2%1135850.2%+ 47.0%113150
126Mercedes Sprinter1660.1%– 33.1%1783690.1%– 41.8%157113
127BMW X11640.1%– 50.5%1354450.1%– 51.7%139126
128JAC 41630.1%– 29.4%1504770.1%– 39.2%128110
129Jeep Grand Cherokee1580.1%– 1.3%1264540.1%– 16.7%136125
130Subaru Crosstrek1570.1%– 21.5%1744200.1%– 8.5%146145
131Volvo EX301560.1%– 39.5%1124630.1%– 40.4%13497
132Mazda CX-901550.1%– 10.4%1374740.1%– 33.1%129101
133Changan CS751540.1%new1423580.1%new159218
134Renault Nueva Koleos1540.1%new1534040.1%new152172
135Mercedes GLE1530.1%– 27.5%1294690.1%– 18.9%131153
136Mercedes GLC1520.1%– 46.5%1344310.1%– 45.9%142131
137Renault Kangoo1520.1%– 6.2%1274810.1%– 4.2%127147
138Changan Hunter1470.1%+ 63.3%1554190.1%+ 75.3%147157
139MG 3 HEV1470.1%+ 8.9%1823090.1%+ 5.8%170224
140BMW X51430.1%+ 10.9%1603970.1%+ 15.7%154160
141JAC 21420.1%– 41.6%1664090.1%– 47.5%150109
142Chevrolet Colorado1410.1%– 9.6%1234940.1%+ 14.9%126136
143Seat Arona1410.1%– 47.6%1184310.1%– 45.6%143118
144VW Polo1410.1%– 68.4%1544690.1%– 74.6%13267
145VW Nivus1400.1%– 66.5%1394210.1%– 53.3%145121
146GWM Haval H61380.1%– 42.3%1594080.1%– 42.6%151105
147Lynk & Co 081380.1%new1733460.1%new162 –
148Chevrolet Tahoe1350.1%– 11.2%1155060.1%+ 1.2%123139
149Chevrolet Tracker1350.1%– 81.7%1364230.1%– 73.3%14462
150Audi A31340.1%– 21.6%1384140.1%– 8.2%149143
151VW Crafter1330.1%+ 241.0%1463650.1%+ 78.0%158107
152VW Transporter1280.1%+ 58.0%1284040.1%+ 51.9%153155
153Dodge Durango1270.1%+ 74.0%1223520.1%+ 90.3%160265
154Kia Niro1270.1%+ 64.9%2052050.1%– 16.7%202194
155Toyota 4Runner1250.1%new837980.2%new92165
156Chevrolet Suburban1240.1%– 53.6%1214690.1%– 40.0%130112
157Jeep Gladiator1240.1%+ 4.2%1473360.1%+ 4.0%165162
158Changan Honor S1210.1%– 19.9%1684530.1%– 8.1%137134
159Foton Tunland1210.1%+ 13.1% –1490.0%– 51.6%215205
160Kia Sorento1160.1%– 23.7%1613410.1%– 37.9%163154
161Jetour T11150.1%new1753080.1%new171274
162BMW 2 Series1140.1%+ 9.6%1583690.1%+ 38.7%156163
163GMC Canyon1130.1%– 36.5%1494150.1%+ 8.6%148159
164Ram ProMaster1090.1%+ 263.3%3461150.0%– 12.2%237296
165Ford Explorer1060.1%– 56.4%1514410.1%– 21.9%14188
166Porsche 9111050.1%+ 69.4%1483710.1%+ 118.2%155206
167Mini Cooper1040.1%– 50.2%1872760.1%– 44.5%177122
168MG RX91030.1%+ 123.9%2332200.1%+ 103.7%196291
169Peugeot Expert1010.1%+ 1583.3%1313350.1%+ 520.4%166216
170Chevrolet Traverse1000.1%– 40.1%1812770.1%– 34.0%176161
171MG RX5990.1%+ 62.3%1031,1090.3%+ 190.3%7679
172Zeekr 7X980.1%new1573190.1%new168 –
173MG 7970.1%+ 273.1%2672090.1%+ 88.3%198279
174Geely Monjaro950.1%new1653520.1%new161204
175Volvo XC60950.1%– 7.8%1962570.1%– 20.9%184174
176VW Golf/GTI950.1%+ 55.7%1722930.1%– 2.0%174166
177BMW X2940.1%– 9.6%1802590.1%– 9.8%182181
178JAC X350940.1%– 3.1%1882720.1%– 6.2%178176
179Peugeot 3008940.1%+ 13.3%1523000.1%– 9.9%173171
180Toyota Hiace940.1%– 50.5%1145640.1%– 14.5%116116
181Porsche Macan930.1%+ 36.8%2152050.1%+ 24.2%203213
182VW Caddy900.1%+ 3.4%1982070.1%– 28.6%200164
183Honda Odyssey890.1%– 10.1%1402610.1%– 16.3%180167
184Mini Countryman890.1%– 9.2%1712920.1%– 6.7%175185
185Buick Envista850.1%– 44.1%1673220.1%– 24.6%167130
186Ford Bronco850.1%– 13.3%1792680.1%+ 18.6%179188
187JAC 6830.1%+ 260.9%1942590.1%+ 208.3%183235
188Porsche Cayenne820.1%– 11.8%1902220.1%– 32.9%193191
189Lexus NX810.1%+ 17.4%1702310.1%+ 6.9%190189
190BMW 3 Series800.1%+ 77.8%1642600.1%+ 50.3%181207
191Infiniti QX60790.1%+ 97.5%2001810.0%+ 44.8%209257
192VW Amarok780.1%– 40.0%2012020.1%– 43.4%204138
193Fiat Fastback770.1%– 20.6%1772450.1%– 12.8%186190
194Jetour Dashing770.1%+ 102.6%1453370.1%+ 161.2%164280
195MG 4760.1%+ 204.0%2761940.1%+ 177.1%207281
196Lincoln Nautilus750.1%– 27.9%1952060.1%– 35.6%201187
197Deepal S07730.1%+ 143.3%1842380.1%+ 201.3%188223
198Peugeot Manager730.1%– 36.0%1253160.1%– 19.0%169173
199Changan UNI-K720.1%– 19.1%2191830.0%– 0.5%208214
200JAC Sunray City700.1%new1972300.1%new191306
201Lexus RX690.1%+ 130.0%1991980.1%+ 67.8%206233
202BMW X6680.1%– 25.3%1762560.1%– 16.1%185170
203Ford Expedition680.1%+ 0.0%1852010.1%+ 10.4%205197
204Audi A5660.1%+ 50.0%1692420.1%+ 106.8%187200
205Range Rover Sport650.0%– 33.0%2571420.0%– 34.6%219212
206Land Rover Defender630.0%+ 40.0%1892200.1%+ 54.9%195244
207Mercedes CLA630.0%– 13.7%2321390.0%– 12.0%221250
208Mercedes GLB630.0%– 22.2%2241370.0%– 2.1%223239
209Chevrolet Express/Max620.0%+ 44.2%1243050.1%+ 228.0%172186
210Mazda MX-5600.0%+ 66.7%2131760.0%– 4.9%210175
211Soueast S06590.0%new277920.0%new255320
212Nissan Pathfinder580.0%– 37.6%2021260.0%– 38.5%229221
213Hyundai Elantra560.0%+ 80.6%2281300.0%+ 18.2%227238
214Jeep Commander560.0%– 71.3%2102210.1%– 63.1%194124
215Lincoln Navigator560.0%+ 211.1%2111380.0%+ 170.6%222256
216GMC Acadia550.0%– 47.1%1862220.1%– 33.3%192184
217Mini E550.0%+ 139.1%2201430.0%+ 138.3%217286
218Toyota Tundra540.0%– 34.9%2071710.0%– 27.8%211211
219Cadillac Escalade ESV530.0%– 29.3%1931520.0%– 28.0%214226
220Volvo XC40520.0%– 35.8%2181290.0%– 46.9%228228
221Peugeot 5008510.0%n/a2531050.0%n/a243322
222Renault Duster510.0%– 73.0%1922090.1%– 41.3%199142
223Mini Aceman500.0%+ 177.8%2291180.0%+ 110.7%234284
224JMC Grand Avenue490.0%+ 40.0%328730.0%– 46.3%266271
225BMW 1 Series480.0%– 44.2%2651000.0%– 50.2%245208
226JAC Sei2480.0%+ 4.3%2361050.0%– 48.0%242258
227Nissan Frontier480.0%– 63.6%2061370.0%– 69.8%224169
228Subaru Outback480.0%+ 140.0%225950.0%+ 69.6%253351
229Zeekr X470.0%new2211080.0%new241 –
230Foton S3450.0%– 8.2%255730.0%+ 25.9%265298
231Geely Starray450.0%– 74.0%2092370.1%– 47.9%189178
232GMC Yukon450.0%– 11.8%2171340.0%– 37.1%225217
233Renault Master450.0%+ 221.4%1831690.0%+ 134.7%212227
234Seat Ateca450.0%– 73.7%2381180.0%– 76.2%235182
235Acura ADX440.0%+ 37.5%244980.0%+ 206.3%248329
236GMC Yukon XL440.0%– 27.9%2351230.0%– 40.3%230222
237Buick Enclave430.0%– 40.3%2031410.0%+ 7.6%220229
238Ford Mustang430.0%– 25.9%2042150.1%+ 20.1%197203
239Buick Encore420.0%– 23.6%2341090.0%– 19.9%239253
240Mercedes G-Class410.0%– 12.8%256950.0%– 26.4%252272
241Audi Q2400.0%– 33.3%2221080.0%– 20.6%240232
242Chevrolet Equinox EV400.0%+ 233.3%270770.0%+ 42.6%262311
243BMW iX2390.0%+ 56.0%280780.0%+ 50.0%261294
244BMW 4 Series380.0%– 34.5%2081420.0%– 26.4%218215
245Mercedes GLA380.0%– 9.5%2521030.0%+ 0.0%244249
246Volvo XC90380.0%+ 22.6%2301210.0%+ 19.8%232241
247Alfa Romeo Junior360.0%new –360.0%new305 –
248Mercedes A-Class360.0%– 57.6%262850.0%– 57.9%256240
249Geely GX3 Pro350.0%– 60.7%2401450.0%– 51.3%216195
250Range Rover Evoque350.0%+ 6.1%237830.0%– 24.5%259270
251Cadillac Escalade340.0%– 53.4%2261180.0%– 47.1%233220
252Audi A1330.0%– 44.1%2121210.0%– 9.7%231225
253JAC X200330.0%– 10.8%250990.0%– 22.0%247243
254Lynk & Co 02330.0%new378340.0%new310 –
255Mazda CX-70330.0%– 76.3%2511000.0%– 64.8%246245
256Foton Hi-Van320.0%n/a –320.0%– 59.5%313347
257JAC E10X320.0%+ 18.5%294540.0%– 33.3%279242
258Toyota Sequoia310.0%– 6.1%2631150.0%+ 69.1%238237
259Audi Q8290.0%– 39.6%223970.0%– 25.4%249247
260Volvo C40290.0%– 17.1%279700.0%– 44.9%267285
261Honda Accord280.0%– 41.7%2311150.0%– 35.8%236209
262Mercedes C-Class280.0%– 42.9%243950.0%– 39.1%251262
263Zeekr 001280.0%new248830.0%new260 –
264Buick Envision270.0%– 64.0%254830.0%– 57.0%258234
265GWM Tank 300270.0%– 55.7%241950.0%– 48.9%250198
266Honda Prelude260.0%new –260.0%new326 –
267Jeep Cherokee260.0%new242560.0%new277 –
268BMW iX250.0%+ 56.3%246690.0%+ 40.8%268326
269Jeep Wagoneer250.0%+ 0.0%307510.0%+ 0.0%286316
270Mercedes GLS250.0%– 59.0%275600.0%– 50.4%272289
271Hyundai Santa Fe240.0%– 66.7%2161310.0%– 56.2%226210
272Infiniti QX50230.0%+ 155.6%259690.0%+ 155.6%269293
273Lexus UX230.0%– 58.9%247520.0%– 53.6%284259
274Lynk & Co 01230.0%new299460.0%new292 –
275BMW Z4220.0%+ 633.3%288410.0%+ 192.9%297348
276JAC Traveler220.0%new287580.0%new276330
277Chevrolet Blazer210.0%– 56.3%272580.0%– 54.7%274252
278BMW iX1200.0%– 31.0%258510.0%+ 18.6%285292
279Lexus GX200.0%– 52.4%261930.0%+ 121.4%254305
280Audi Q7190.0%– 40.6%300490.0%– 63.2%289254
281Foton TM 3190.0%– 70.3%375200.0%– 85.1%338230
282GMC Hummer EV SUV180.0%+ 80.0%341280.0%+ 0.0%320355
283Infiniti QX80180.0%– 61.7%286460.0%– 52.1%291295
284Audi Q6 e-Tron170.0%– 22.7%291370.0%+ 68.2%303334
285BMW i4170.0%– 10.5%324260.0%– 38.1%324342
286BMW X4170.0%– 78.2%282730.0%– 68.5%264196
287Range Rover170.0%+ 325.0%283410.0%+ 115.8%299332
288Subaru Impreza/WRX170.0%+ 6.3%278680.0%+ 19.3%270297
289BMW X7160.0%– 55.6%249590.0%– 41.0%273266
290Lexus IS160.0%+ 300.0% –160.0%– 15.8%350397
291Mercedes CLE160.0%– 54.3%309380.0%– 55.8%302304
292Mercedes E-Class160.0%– 72.9%266630.0%– 53.7%271287
293Range Rover Velar160.0%– 11.1%284430.0%– 15.7%295341
294Acura MDX150.0%– 67.4%331380.0%– 60.4%301307
295Chevrolet Cavalier150.0%– 40.0%305350.0%– 78.9%307301
296GWM Tank 500140.0%– 12.5%264530.0%+ 1.9%281290
297Kia Telluride140.0%– 74.1%308370.0%– 76.0%304275
298Toyota GR Corolla140.0%new338340.0%new311 –
299BAIC X35130.0%– 13.3%271350.0%+ 34.6%306267
300BMW 5 Series130.0%+ 85.7%298410.0%+ 13.9%296331
301Cadillac Optiq130.0%+ 550.0%289410.0%+ 1950.0%298357
302Ford Mustang Mach-E130.0%+ 116.7%327220.0%+ 83.3%334338
303Infiniti QX55130.0%+ 85.7%290580.0%+ 13.7%275302
304Subaru BRZ130.0%– 56.7%268540.0%– 6.9%280309
305Audi A6110.0%+ 10.0%297310.0%+ 0.0%316337
306Chevrolet Corvette110.0%+ 266.7%301350.0%+ 66.7%308349
307IM LS7110.0%new306530.0%new282299
308Soueast S07110.0%new304310.0%new317313
309BMW i5100.0%– 9.1%325210.0%+ 10.5%336354
310Cadillac XT4100.0%– 54.5%311280.0%– 54.1%319319
311Dodge Journey100.0%– 95.0%293540.0%– 92.7%27865
312GMC Hummer EV Pickup100.0%+ 150.0%340170.0%– 43.3%348358
313Jetour X70100.0%+ 25.0%333350.0%– 46.2%309317
314Lincoln Corsair100.0%– 76.2%214840.0%– 5.6%257261
315Mitsubishi Montero Sport100.0%+ 25.0%296240.0%– 41.5%329327
316Soueast S09100.0%new351230.0%new331361
317Hyundai Ioniq 590.0%+ 200.0%274290.0%+ 107.1%318393
318JAC E Frison T890.0%new –90.0%new369 –
319JAC E30X90.0%– 50.0%312280.0%– 56.9%321325
320Kia EV690.0%+ 0.0%354180.0%– 30.8%344353
321Lexus LX90.0%– 57.1%295510.0%+ 34.2%287308
322Lynk & Co 0990.0%new318320.0%new315 –
323Renault Megane E-Tech90.0%new350150.0%new357394
324Cadillac Escalade IQL80.0%new315250.0%new327 –
325Changan CS9580.0%new316250.0%new328346
326JMC Vigus80.0%– 80.5%260470.0%– 43.4%290273
327VW ID.480.0%new313210.0%new337364
328Ford E-Transit70.0%+ 75.0%353100.0%+ 11.1%366264
329Hyundai Palisade70.0%– 50.0%227770.0%+ 54.0%263282
330Land Rover Discovery Sport70.0%+ 250.0%334180.0%+ 100.0%345371
331Mercedes SL-Class70.0%+ 133.3%336190.0%+ 111.1%342378
332Porsche Taycan70.0%n/a345160.0%+ 0.0%351377
333Toyota Supra70.0%+ 133.3%347230.0%+ 228.6%332386
334Cadillac Escalade IQ60.0%new326260.0%new325 –
335Lexus TX60.0%– 62.5%281330.0%– 5.7%312303
336Mercedes S-Class60.0%– 40.0%335200.0%+ 66.7%340385
337Nissan Z60.0%– 33.3%329150.0%+ 25.0%356395
338Acura RDX50.0%– 66.7%269430.0%– 35.8%293300
339BMW XM50.0%+ 66.7%332190.0%+ 35.7%341369
340Cadillac Lyriq50.0%– 28.6%357100.0%– 52.4%363374
341Chevrolet Blazer EV50.0%– 37.5%317170.0%– 29.2%347359
342Porsche Panamera50.0%+ 66.7%303230.0%+ 27.8%330372
343Toyota GR Yaris50.0%+ 150.0%319270.0%– 82.9%323278
344Acura Integra40.0%– 20.0%310220.0%– 31.3%333360
345Alfa Romeo Giulia40.0%+ 0.0%314150.0%+ 50.0%352379
346Alfa Romeo Stelvio40.0%+ 33.3%321180.0%+ 125.0%343368
347BAIC U540.0%– 90.9%239390.0%– 39.1%300288
348BMW 7 Series40.0%n/a34890.0%– 25.0%368384
349Foton View40.0%+ 33.3%359110.0%– 93.0%360260
350Geely Okavango40.0%– 83.3%339200.0%– 79.6%339315
351GWM Ora 0340.0%– 88.2%285430.0%– 53.3%294276
352MG Cyberster40.0%new349130.0%new358365
353Peugeot E-Partner40.0%n/a344270.0%+ 1250.0%322268
354Ram DS40.0%– 99.3%3691600.0%– 74.8%213149
355Alfa Romeo Tonale30.0%– 70.0%322150.0%– 67.4%353314
356Chevrolet Brightdrop30.0%n/a –30.0%+ 200.0%387421
357JAC J730.0%– 95.7%36080.0%– 95.0%371283
358Jetour X70 Plus30.0%+ 0.0% –160.0%– 67.3%349345
359Lincoln Aviator30.0%– 62.5%343220.0%– 35.3%335318
360Mercedes AMG GT30.0%+ 50.0%355120.0%+ 300.0%359396
361Mercedes EQE SUV30.0%– 88.0%36570.0%– 82.5%376340
362Renault Koleos30.0%– 91.9%330180.0%– 91.0%346248
363Acura TLX20.0%+ 100.0% –30.0%– 50.0%384399
364Audi A420.0%– 75.0%37050.0%– 82.1%381366
365BAIC BJ4020.0%– 33.3%37230.0%– 25.0%385407
366BMW iX320.0%– 75.0% –20.0%– 86.7%389387
367DFSK E520.0%– 83.3%302150.0%– 44.4%355328
368Fiat Argo20.0%– 98.0%273520.0%– 86.1%283192
369JAC Sei4 Pro20.0%– 71.4%342110.0%– 80.4%361339
370Mercedes EQB20.0%– 33.3%36450.0%– 16.7%382376
371Mercedes EQS SUV20.0%– 83.3%36670.0%– 69.6%377381
372Suzuki Ignis20.0%– 99.6%38260.0%– 99.7%38090
373Auteco E-Van S1.0 T PRO10.0%+ 0.0% –10.0%– 66.7%394408
374BAIC X5510.0%– 75.0%32390.0%– 50.0%367312
375Bentley Continental GT10.0%n/a35630.0%n/a386416
376Bentley Flying Spur10.0%n/a –10.0%n/a397437
377Cadillac XT510.0%– 83.3%35270.0%– 58.8%375367
378JAC Sei6 Pro10.0%– 75.0% –10.0%– 91.7%400398
379Mercedes EQS10.0%– 85.7% –10.0%– 87.5%402404
380Mercedes Vito10.0%– 85.7%36760.0%– 83.8%379344
381MG RX810.0%– 95.5%368500.0%– 54.5%288263
382Seres 5 Max10.0%– 50.0%33790.0%+ 50.0%370406
383Suzuki S-Cross10.0%– 97.7% –10.0%– 99.6%408255
384Volvo EX9010.0%– 83.3% –10.0%– 83.3%409363

Source: INEGI

Anadolu Efes, yarın deplasmanda Panathinaikos AKTOR'un konuğu olacak

Anadolu Efes, Basketbol Avrupa Ligi'nde normal sezonun 38. ve son haftasında yarın Yunanistan'ın Panathinaikos AKTOR takımıyla deplasmanda karşılaşacak.

Telekom Center'ın ev sahipliği yapacağı müsabaka, TSİ 21.15'te başlayacak.

Oynadığı 37 maçta 12 galibiyet ve 25 yenilgi yaşayan lacivert-beyazlılar, 20 takımın mücadele ettiği organizasyonda 19. sırada yer alıyor.

Haftaya 8. sırada giren Ergin Ataman yönetimindeki Panathinaikos AKTOR ise Anadolu Efes'e üstünlük sağlayıp diğer müsabakaların sonucuna göre ilk 6'da yer alarak doğrudan play-off bileti almaya çalışacak.

Avrupa kupalarında 913. maçına çıkacak

Anadolu Efes, Panathinaikos AKTOR mücadelesiyle Avrupa kupalarında 913. kez sahne alacak.

Lacivert-beyazlı ekip, Avrupa'daki 912 karşılaşmada 506 galibiyet, 406 yenilgi yaşadı.

2001-2002 sezonundan itibaren katıldığı Avrupa Ligi'nde ise Anadolu Efes, 665. maçını yapacak. Geride kalan 664 müsabakanın 349'unu kazanan lacivert-beyazlılar, 315'inde sahadan yenilgiyle ayrıldı.

Fenerbahçe'de 7 isim ateş hattında

Fenerbahçe, Trendyol Süper Lig'in 30. haftasında yarın Çaykur Rizespor'u ağırlayacak.

Chobani Stadı'nda oynanacak karşılaşma saat 20.00'de başlayacak.

Ligde son 3 maçını kazanan teknik direktör Domenico Tedesco yönetimindeki Fenerbahçe, haftaya 66 puanla 2. sırada girdi.

Zirvede yer alan Galatasaray'ın 2 puan gerisinde bulunan sarı-lacivertli ekip, yarın kazanması halinde maç fazlasıyla liderlik koltuğunu oturacak.

İki takım arasında sezonun ilk yarısında oynanan müsabakayı Fenerbahçe 5-2'lik skorla kazanmıştı.

2 eksik

Fenerbahçe, karşılaşmaya 2 oyuncusundan yoksun çıkacak.

Sarı-lacivertlilerde sakatlığı bulunan Marco Asensio ile henüz hazır olmayan Edson Alvarez, maçta forma giyemeyecek.

Sakatlığını atlatan İsmail Yüksek'in ise maç kadrosunda olması bekleniyor.

Derbi öncesi 7 isim ceza sınırında

Fenerbahçe'de Çaykur Rizespor maçı öncesinde 7 futbolcu sarı kart ceza sınırında bulunuyor.

Sarı-lacivertlilerde Nelson Semedo, Dorgeles Nene, Archie Brown, Anthony Musaba, Mert Müldür, Kerem Aktürkoğlu ve Matteo Guendouzi, kart görmeleri durumunda 31. haftadaki Galatasaray maçında forma giyemeyecek.

Leeds United Galatasaray'ı bekliyor: Hedef Yaser Asprilla

Galatasaray devre arasında Girona'dan Yaser Asprilla'yı kiralamıştı. Oyuncunun 23 milyon euroluk satın alma opsiyonunun kullanılması beklenmiyor. Ancak bu karar, Girona'ya henüz iletilmedi. Leeds United ise gelişmeleri takip ediyor.

Galatasaray ara transferde Yaser Asprilla'yı kiralık olarak kadrosuna katmıştı. Girona'yla yapılan anlaşmada 23 milyon euroluk satın alma opsiyonu bulunuyor. Bu madde mecburi değil... Yani Sarı-Kırmızılılar istemezse, oyuncu sezon sonunda Girona'ya dönecek. Ve kalması da beklenmiyor.

GÖRÜŞMELER İLERLEYECEK

Ancak Cim-Bom, konuyla ilgili kararını resmi şekilde Girona'ya iletmedi. Bu arada Premier Lig ekibi Leeds United da gelişmeleri takip ediyor. Galatasaray cephesi, oyuncudan resmen vazgeçtiği anda görüşmeleri ilerletecekler. Kolombiyalı kanat oyuncusunun İspanyol ekibiyle 30 Haziran 2030 tarihine kadar mukavelesi var.

İNGİLTERE'YE DÖNEBİLİR

22 yaşındaki futbolcu daha önce Watford forması giymişti. 2024 yazında 18 milyon euro karşılığında Girona'nın yolunu tuttu. Eğer Leeds United'la anlaşma sağlanırsa, kısa süre sonra İngiltere'ye geri dönüş yapmış olacak. 1.76 boyundaki oyuncu, Galatasaray'da beklentileri karşılayamadı. 7 Süper Lig maçında sadece 155 dakika görev yaptı. Gol veya asisti bulunmuyor.

Asprilla beraberliğe mi güldü? Okan Buruk'tan intikam mı aldı?

Jakobs'a ilgi var: Sıcak gelişmeler yaşanabilir

Galatasaray'ın Senegalli sol beki Ismail Jakobs'la bazı İngiliz ekiplerinin ilgilendiği öğrenildi. Yönetim, gelebilecek resmi tekliflerin seviyesine göre son kararını verecek.

Galatasaray, 2024 yazında 1 milyon euro bedelle Monaco'dan Ismail Jakobs'u kiralamıştı. Senegalli sol bekin 8 milyon euroluk satın alma maddesi sezon sonunda devreye girdi. 26 yaşındaki futbolcunun, Sarı-Kırmızılılar'la 30 Haziran 2027 tarihine kadar mukavelesi bulunuyor.

ŞAMPİYONLAR LİGİ FAKTÖRÜ

26 yaşındaki futbolcunun özellikle Şampiyonlar Ligi'ndeki performansları sonrasında bazı İngiliz ekiplerinin, Ismail Jakobs'u takip etmeye başladığı öğrenildi. Yönetim iyi bir teklif gelmesi halinde oyuncunun satışına sıcak bakıyor. Ayrıca bugün itibarıyla Jakobs, 2026 yazında sözleşmesinin son senesine girecek.

SAKATLIK PROBLEMLERİ

1.84 boyundaki futbolcunun kalitesiyle ilgili bir soru işareti yok. Fakat sık sık sakatlanması, onun en büyük eksisi... Galatasaray'ın Eren Elmalı hamlesinin en önemli sebeplerinden biri de Jakobs'un sakatlık durumuydu... Eğer Jakobs takımda kalırsa, sözleşmesinin yenilenmesi gerekecek. Aksi halde önümüzdeki sezonun ardından boşa çıkacak...

Kafalardaki o soru: Kaan Ayhan'ın sözleşmesi neden uzatıldı?

Ahmed Kutucu bu sezon toplam 90 dakika oynamadı! Sadece 9 maçı var

Galatasaray'ın bonservisine 5.96 milyon euro ödediği Ahmed Kutucu'dan beklentiler büyüktü. Ancak 26 yaşındaki futbolcunun bu sezon Süper Lig'de çıktığı maç sayısı 9! Toplamdaki forma süresi ise 90 dakikayı bulmuyor.

Galatasaray, 2025'in Ocak ayında Eyüpspor'a 5.96 milyon euro ödeyerek Ahmed Kutucu'yu kadrosuna katmıştı. 26 yaşındaki kanat oyuncusuyla 30 Haziran 2028 tarihine kadar mukavele yapıldı. İmzayı attığı andan itibaren de onun hakkındaki tartışmalar başladı. Eyüpspor dönemindeki performanslarını gösteremedi.

İŞTE O TABLO

Bu sezon durum daha da tartışmalı bir hale döndü. 1.81 boyundaki futbolcunun Süper Lig'de süreleri şöyle:

Gaziantep FK: Kadroda ama oynamadı

Karagümrük: Kadroda ama oynamadı

Kayserispor: Kadroda ama oynamadı

Çaykur Rizespor: Kadroda ama oynamadı

Eyüpspor: 20 dakika, 1 asist

Konyaspor: Kadroda ama oynamadı

Alanyaspor: Kadroda ama oynamadı

Beşiktaş: Kadroda ama oynamadı

Başakşehir: Kadroda ama oynamadı

Göztepe: 4 dakika

Trabzonspor: 5 dakika

Kocaelispor: Kadroda ama oynamadı

Gençlerbirliği: 10 dakika

Fenerbahçe: Kadroda ama oynamadı

Samsunspor: Kadroda ama oynamadı

Antalyaspor: 8 dakika

Kasımpaşa: 4 dakika

Gaziantep FK: 11 dakika

Karagümrük: Kadroda ama oynamadı

Kayserispor: 8 dakika

Çaykur Rizespor: Sakat

Eyüpspor: Sakat

Konyaspor: Kadroda yok

Alanyaspor: Kadroda ama oynamadı

Beşiktaş: Kadroda yok

Başakşehir: Kadroda ama oynamadı

Trabzonspor: 2 dakika

Göztepe: Kadroda ama oynamadı

Kocaelispor: Kadroda ama oynamadı

Toplam: 72 dakika

DEVRE ARASINDA GİDEBİLİRDİ

Ahmed Kutucu'nun ara transfer döneminde Trabzonspor veya Rus Ligi'ne transferi söz konusuydu. Ancak takımda kaldı. 2026 yazında ise satılması planlanıyor. Fakat oyuncunun mevcut durumu sebebiyle Galatasaray'ın ödediği rakam olan 5.96 milyon euroya yakın bir teklif gelmesi beklenmiyor.

Kafalardaki o soru: Kaan Ayhan'ın sözleşmesi neden uzatıldı?

Galatasaray, 30 Nisan 2025 tarihinde Kaan Ayhan'ın mukavelesini 30 Haziran 2028'e kadar uzatmıştı. Milli futbolcunun süreleri çok düşük. 2026 yazında ise satılması bekleniyor.

Galatasaray, 2023 yazında Sassuolo'ya 2.8 milyon euro ödeyerek Kaan Ayhan'ı kadrosuna katmıştı. Milli futbolcunun Sarı-Kırmızılı forma altındaki performansı her zaman tartışma konusu oldu. Ancak yönetim, 30 Nisan 2025'te, 31 yaşındaki oyuncunun kontratını 30 Haziran 2028'e kadar uzattı.

SADECE 287 DAKİKA

Kaan bu sezon bazı sakatlık sorunları yaşadı ancak sağlıklıyken de tercih edilmedi. Tecrübeli isim bu sezon Süper Lig'de 16 karşılaşmaya çıktı. Ancak sahada sadece 287 dakika kalabildi. Bu kısıtlı süre içinde gol veya asist katkısında bulunamadı. İşin ilginç yanı; Galatasaray'daki durumun bir benzeri Milli Takım'da da yaşanıyor.

HEP ÇAĞRILIYOR

Ay Yıldızlı ekibimizin teknik patronu Montella, Kaan'ı oynatmasa da aday kadrolara çağırıyor... 2026 yazında uygun teklif gelmesi halinde milli futbolcunun satılacağı belirtildi. Ancak son mukavele yenilemenin sebebi hala bilinmiyor. 1.85 boyundaki futbolcu, Galatasaray kariyerinde tüm kulvarlarda 123 maça çıktı. 3 gol ve 7 asist üretti.

Her yerin yedeği Kaan Ayhan: Neden oyuna sokulmadı?

Galatasaray-Fenerbahçe derbisine Yasin Kol mu atanacak? Ortalık karıştı

Galatasaray, 26 Nisan'da ezeli rakibi Fenerbahçe'yi konuk edecek. Derbiye Yasin Kol'un atanacağı yönündeki iddialar, Sarı-Kırmızılılar'ı ciddi şekilde rahatsız etmiş durumda...

Şampiyonluk yarışı iyice kızışırken Galatasaray ve Fenerbahçe arasındaki puan farkı 2'ye düştü. Sarı-Kırmızılılar bu hafta Gençlerbirliği deplasmanına çıkacak. Fenerbahçe ise kendi evinde Çaykur Rizespor'u konuk edecek. Süper Lig'de sonraki maç; Galatasaray ve Fenerbahçe arasında oynanacak.

MERAKLA BEKLENİYOR

Sarı-Kırmızılılar, 26 Nisan'da ezeli rakibini konuk edecek. Dev derbinin sonucu şimdiden merakla bekleniyor. Bir başka merak edilen konu ise karşılaşmayı hangi hakemin yöneteceği... Şu anda birçok isim gündemde... Ancak Galatasaray cephesini rahatsız eden bir gelişme yaşandı...

ORTALIK FENA KARIŞABİLİR

Galatasaray'ın daha önce defalarca rahatsızlığını dile getirdiği Yasin Kol'un, Fenerbahçe derbisine atanabileceği iddia edildi. Hatırlanacağı üzere son olarak Kol'un, Fenerbahçe-Beşiktaş derbisinde verdiği penaltı, tartışma çıkarmıştı. Galatasaray Yönetimi'nin şu anda konuyu araştırdığı öğrenildi. Cim-Bom kesinlikle Yasin Kol'u istemiyor. Eğer derbide böyle bir karar alınırsa, ortalık ciddi şekilde karışabilir.

Bitcoin Coffee Spending Could Lead to 70+ Pages of Tax Paperwork

16 April 2026 at 11:47
Bitcoin Coffee Spending Could Lead to 70+ Pages of Tax Paperwork

The post Bitcoin Coffee Spending Could Lead to 70+ Pages of Tax Paperwork appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

A recent analysis from Cato Institute researcher Nicholas Anthony explains that US tax rules treat Bitcoin as property, meaning every payment is a taxable capital gains event. Even small daily purchases like buying coffee require tracking the purchase price, sale value, and profit or loss, then reporting it on IRS forms. Over time, frequent use can generate more than 70 pages of tax documentation. The report argues this complexity discourages Bitcoin from being used as everyday money and calls for reforms like exemptions or the removal of capital gains tax on small transactions.

Bitcoin Eyes $78,000 Resistance—Will the BTC Price Rise Above the October Bearish Trend?

16 April 2026 at 11:02
Bitcoin Struggles at $70K

The post Bitcoin Eyes $78,000 Resistance—Will the BTC Price Rise Above the October Bearish Trend? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Easing geopolitical tensions have strengthened bullish momentum, pushing Bitcoin price to test $76,000 for the first time in two months. At the same time, the Fear & Greed Index has climbed to a six-month high, signaling a shift in sentiment from fear toward neutral. As a result, BTC is now approaching a critical turning point, pressing into a key resistance zone.

Meanwhile, bearish positioning continues to build, with traders increasingly betting on downside even as prices hold firm. This divergence creates a high-stakes setup: a breakout that could invalidate the multi-month bearish structure or a rejection that reinforces it.

Bitcoin Price Analysis in the Short Time Frame

The Bitcoin price is currently attempting to reclaim a critical range between $74K and $78K, a zone that previously acted as support before the breakdown earlier this year. This area now serves as a strong resistance, making the current move a decisive test for the broader trend. Despite the recent recovery, Bitcoin remains below key structural levels, with the 100-day moving average acting as dynamic resistance. A confirmed breakout above this region could signal a shift in market structure, while failure to reclaim it may reinforce the ongoing bearish trend.

btc price

From a technical perspective, Bitcoin’s price action suggests a retest of a breakdown zone rather than a confirmed reversal. The price has been testing the 100-day MA a couple of times since the October bearish trend. During the previous tests, the RSI had reached the upper threshold or approached the range. Currently, the levels are forming constant higher highs and lows, which point towards a breakout beyond the $78,000 resistance. 

Bitcoin Price Analysis in the Long Term 

Bitcoin’s momentum indicators are beginning to show signs of recovery, with the weekly RSI bouncing from lower levels and turning upward. This shift suggests that selling pressure is easing and buyers are gradually stepping back in. Historically, similar RSI reversals from sub-40 levels have marked the early stages of trend recovery, but not immediate breakouts. The current move reflects improving momentum, not confirmed bullish control.

btc price

However, the RSI remains below the key bullish threshold near 60, indicating that the market has not fully transitioned into an uptrend. Until momentum strengthens further, this recovery phase should be treated with caution. A continued push higher in RSI alongside a breakout above resistance would strengthen the bullish case, while failure to sustain this momentum could align with another rejection at current levels.

Bitcoin Funding Rates Signal Rising Short-Pressure

Bitcoin funding rates have turned persistently negative, indicating that short traders are increasingly dominating the derivatives market. This shift reflects a growing bearish bias, with traders actively betting on further downside as the price approaches a key resistance zone. Historically, such sustained negative funding suggests that market participants expect rejection rather than a breakout.

btc price

However, the current setup presents a notable divergence. Despite heavy short positioning, Bitcoin’s price has continued to hold its range and gradually push higher. This imbalance between bearish sentiment and stable price action often signals underlying strength, as selling pressure fails to drive the market lower. If this trend persists, it increases the probability of a short squeeze, especially if Bitcoin manages to break above resistance levels.

What’s Next for BTC Price: $78,000 Break or a Sharp Rejection?

The Bitcoin price is sitting at a high-conviction decision zone, where structure, momentum, and positioning are all converging. Price is testing the $74K–$78K resistance band while funding remains negative, signaling crowded shorts. For traders, the key trigger is clear: a confirmed reclaim above $78K and acceptance above the 100-day MA could unlock a squeeze toward $82K, followed by $88K and potentially $95K. This is where bearish positioning becomes fuel for upside, not confirmation of downside.

On the flip side, failure to break and hold this zone keeps the broader bearish structure intact. A rejection here, especially with a loss of $72K support, would validate short positioning and likely drive price back toward $68K and $64K. Until a breakout is confirmed, the scenario remains a bearish retest with bullish pressure building, making a reaction at current levels the defining signal for the next directional move.

Lido DAO Price Outlook: Is LDO About to Outperform the Market?

16 April 2026 at 10:53
Lido Founder Uses $85M Borrowing to Shift 15,800+ ETH on Exchange

The post Lido DAO Price Outlook: Is LDO About to Outperform the Market? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Lido DAO is breaking out at a time when traders are actively rotating into strength. A sharp 10% surge has pushed LDO out of its multi-week range, and the move is already attracting fresh demand across both price action and on-chain activity. Momentum is no longer building quietly; it is now visible, sustained, and gaining traction.

The shift matters because previous rallies failed to hold. This time, price is not rejecting higher levels, it is holding and stabilizing above them, a key signal that buyers are stepping in earlier and with stronger intent. With breakout confirmed and demand rising, attention is now shifting, Can Lido DAO turn this move into sustained outperformance?

Demand Expands as Network Activity Hits Two-Month High

Demand is no longer just visible on the chart, it is now showing up on-chain. Lido DAO recorded 141 new wallet addresses in a single day, marking its strongest network growth in nearly two months. This spike in activity aligns directly with the current price breakout, reinforcing that the move is being supported by new user participation rather than short-term speculation.

LDO price outlook

Such expansion in network activity often reflects renewed interest in staking and protocol usage, particularly when it follows a prolonged consolidation phase. The timing here is critical, fresh users are entering as price breaks higher, not after the move is extended. This alignment between price and participation strengthens the case for continuation, as it signals that demand is expanding, not fading.

Lido DAO Price Analysis: Breakout Holds, Structure Turns Constructive

LDO price chart now reflects a decisive shift in behavior. LDO spent several weeks trading inside a tight horizontal range, with repeated failures near resistance but no meaningful breakdown. That pattern indicated accumulation, with buyers gradually absorbing supply at higher levels.

Lido DAO price outlook

That phase has now been resolved. Now, LDO price has moved above the range high and is holding firmly above it, turning the previous resistance into support. The breakout is supported by strong continuation candles rather than a single spike, which signals acceptance by the market.

Importantly, the price is not showing signs of exhaustion. Instead, it is stabilizing at higher levels, a behaviour typically seen in early-stage trends rather than late rallies. A sustained hold above this zone keeps the structure intact, but a clean push above $0.40 is where momentum can accelerate quickly, opening the path toward $0.45 and beyond.

Key Levels Now Define Whether LDO Price Rally Extends

Focus now shifts to whether LDO can maintain its position above the breakout zone. That level acts as immediate support, and holding it confirms that buyers remain in control. As long as price stays above this region, the current move retains its bullish structure.

On the upside, $0.40 stands as the next critical resistance, followed by a broader supply zone near $0.45. A sustained move through this range would signal continuation and potentially trigger a stronger upside expansion.

On the downside, losing the breakout level would weaken momentum and risk pulling price back into the prior consolidation range. At this stage, however, the market is not showing rejection, it is building acceptance above resistance, which favors continuation.

Final Take: Momentum Builds as LDO Eyes Leadership

Momentum is already in motion, and the structure is holding. The breakout, combined with rising network activity, suggests that this move is supported by real demand rather than short-term positioning. Buyers are stepping in earlier, participation is increasing, and price is stabilizing above key levels, all signs of a strengthening trend.

If this alignment continues, LDO may not just extend its rally, it could begin leading within the altcoin segment. The breakout is done. The real question now is how far this momentum can carry.

Pi Network News: Can Pi Be Used on Amazon in 2026?

16 April 2026 at 10:50
Pi Network Mainnet Goes Live, But Pi Coin Price Reverses Sharply

The post Pi Network News: Can Pi Be Used on Amazon in 2026? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Pi Network is making noise again, and this time it is not about price or KYC. The latest discussion is about whether Pi could one day be used on Amazon. Nothing is confirmed yet. But the idea is spreading fast, and it is worth understanding where it comes from.

Amazon already runs blockchain infrastructure through AWS Managed Blockchain. The technical foundation exists. What has not happened is any decision by Amazon to actually accept crypto payments. That gap matters, but it is not impossible to close.

At the same time, Amazon does allow indirect crypto usage via third-party services like Bitrefill and Gyft. In simple terms, users can still spend crypto, just not natively on Amazon.

Here’s how that works:

  • Users buy vouchers or gift cards using crypto
  • These vouchers are then used for purchases on Amazon
  • Meanwhile, Amazon continues building its blockchain capabilities in the background

This setup shows that the infrastructure is already there. So, integrating a token like Pi doesn’t feel unrealistic, especially as crypto adoption keeps expanding globally.

“Pi is now aiming to become a cross-border payment currency, as envisioned by the Pi Core Team (PCT).”

Pi RPC

Pi’s Smart Contract Push

Another development is Pi Network’s upcoming smart contract launch, which is currently under third-party audit. This is a major step.

Smart contracts are the backbone of modern crypto ecosystems. They power decentralized apps, automate transactions, and enable real payment use cases. With this move, Pi aligns itself with broader industry standards.

Once live, this feature could significantly boost Pi’s utility and open doors for integrations with larger platforms.

From Mobile Mining to Payment Vision

There were also discussions about Pi Network’s evolution, from a mobile-based mining model to a functioning mainnet token. This transition is positioned as a unique approach to fair and transparent distribution, setting Pi apart from traditional cryptocurrencies.

More importantly, the long-term vision from the Pi Core Team is to establish Pi as a cross-border payment currency. Within that context, a potential integration with a global giant like Amazon fits naturally into the broader roadmap.

So for now, it’s a strong idea. Not a done deal.

While no official confirmation exists, the idea of Amazon integrating Pi is framed as “highly feasible” from a technical and strategic standpoint. However, for now, it remains speculative, dependent on further development, adoption, and regulatory clarity.

Top Reasons Why Crypto Prices Are Up Today?

16 April 2026 at 10:35
Why Crypto Market is Going Up Today

The post Top Reasons Why Crypto Prices Are Up Today? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

After 11 straight weeks of slow and sideways movement, the crypto market is finally showing signs of recovery. Today, the total market value has risen by about 1.5% to reach $2.54 trillion.

Bitcoin is leading this move, jumping around 7% this week and trading near $75,063. Other major coins like Ethereum, Solana, XRP, Dogecoin, and Hyperliquid are also moving up, gaining between 2% and 5%.

Now the big question is, why is the crypto market suddenly going up today?

Why Are Crypto Prices Up Today?

One of the key reasons behind today’s crypto rally is the strong surge in U.S. tech stocks, which pushed the Nasdaq to a new all-time high of 24,021.03,1. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 also reached a record 7,023, rising 0.77%. 

Investors are also feeling positive as tensions between the U.S. and Iran may ease soon. In a recent interview, President Donald Trump said the war is “very close to being over,” easing geopolitical concerns.

As fear goes down, money is moving back into stocks and crypto, pushing prices higher.

Also Read : Bitcoin Targets $80,000, Ethereum Eyes $2,700 and XRP Could Hit $1.55 Says Chart Analyst

CLARITY Act May Reach Senate Floor Soon

Another positive sign is that the CLARITY Act could soon reach the Senate floor.

Senator Thom Tillis said discussions are still ongoing, especially around stablecoin yield rules. He added that some points still need negotiation, but he remains optimistic about moving forward soon.

🚨NEW: @SenThomTillis (R-NC) told reporters on Capitol Hill this afternoon that he’s still “going back and forth” with stakeholders on whether stablecoin yield text will be released publicly this week.

“We’ve got some open switches that may require some more negotiation, but I’m… https://t.co/lkg1sJwJAD

— Eleanor Terrett (@EleanorTerrett) April 15, 2026

At the same time, White House crypto advisor Patrick Witt said both parts of the bill are close to the final stages, with key negotiations nearly complete.

This means clear crypto rules in the U.S. may arrive sooner than expected, possibly around Consensus 2026.

Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF Inflows Support Crypto Market Recovery

Another key reason crypto prices are rising today is the return of ETF inflows.

After several days of outflows, both Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs are seeing fresh investor interest again.

On April 14 and 15, Bitcoin ETFs recorded inflows of $411.4 million and $186.1 million. Fidelity led with $47.3 million, followed by Ark with $42.2 million, while BlackRock also continued to see steady inflows.

At the same time, Ethereum ETFs saw continued inflows for the week, led by Grayscale and BlackRock.

Massive Short Liquidations Accelerate Crypto Rally

Short liquidations also played a big role. As per CoinGlass data, in the last 24 hours, over $225 million in positions were wiped out, and most of them were short trades. This means traders who expected prices to fall were forced to buy back, pushing prices higher.

What Next For Bitcoin & Crypto Market

For the past two months, Bitcoin has tested the $76K level many times but failed to break it. If Bitcoin finally breaks this level, it could move up fast and target $90K.

Once Bitcoin breaks out, other major coins like ETH, XRP, Solana, and Doge are likely to follow with strong moves.  

Konfrans Liqasında 1/4 final mərhələsi başa çatır

16 April 2026 at 10:00

Bu gün futbol üzrə Avropa Konfrans Liqasında 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 1/4 final mərhələsinin cavab oyunları keçiriləcək.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu matçlardan sonra yarımfinalçıların adlarına aydınlıq gələcək.

Niderlandın “Alkmar” komandası Ukrayna “Şaxtyor”unu qəbul edəcək. “Fiorentina” doğma meydanda “Kristal Pelas”ı, AEK “Rayo Valyekano”nu sınağa çəkəcək. Almaniyanın “Maynts” komandası isə Fransada “Strasburq”la üz-üzə gələcək.

Xatırladaq ki, Konfrans Liqasında yarımfinal mərhələsinə aprelin 30-da start veriləcək.

Avropa Konfrans Liqası
1/4 final mərhələsinin cavab oyunları
16 aprel

20:45. Alkmar (Niderland) – Şaxtyor (Donetsk, Ukrayna)
İlk oyun 0:3

23:00. Fiorentina (İtaliya) – Kristal Pelas (İngiltərə)
İlk oyun – 0:3

23:00. AEK (Afina, Yunanıstan) – Rayo Valyekano (İspaniya)
İlk oyun – 0:3

23:00. Strasburq (Fransa) – Maynts (Almaniya)
İlk oyun – 0:2

Avroliqa: Yarımfinalçılar bu gün bəlli olacaq

16 April 2026 at 09:00

Bu gün futbol üzrə Avropa Liqasında (Avroliqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün yarımfinalçıları müəyyənləşəcək.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, buna turnirin 1/4 final mərhələsinin cavab qarşılaşmalarından sonra aydınlıq gələcək.

Oyunların hamısı eyni günə təsadüf edəcək. “Selta” doğma meydanda “Frayburq”u, “Betis” isə “Braqa”nı qəbul edəcək. “Nottingem Forest” İngiltərədə “Portu” ilə üz-üzə gələcək. “Aston Villa” isə “Bolonya”nı sınağa çəkəcək.

Xatırladaq ki, Avroliqa çərçivəsində yarımfinal görüşlərinə aprelin 30-da start veriləcək.

Avropa Liqası
1/4 final mərhələsinin cavab oyunları
16 aprel

20:45. Selta (İspaniya) – Frayburq (Almaniya)
İlk oyun – 0:3

23:00. Betis (İspaniya) – Braqa (Portuqaliya)
İlk oyun – 1:1

23:00. Nottingem Forest (İngiltərə) – Portu (Portuqaliya)
İlk oyun – 1:1

23:00. Aston Villa (İngiltərə) – Bolonya (İtaliya)
İlk oyun – 3:1

Nvidia CEO warns China’s “ghost datacenters” can rival U.S. AI power

16 April 2026 at 12:08
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has warned that China possesses the massive computing power and infrastructure necessary to match the capabilities of Anthropic’s high-level AI model, Claude Mythos. Speaking on the Dwarkesh Patel podcast on Wednesday, Huang dismissed the idea that…

World Liberty Financial investors revolt over four-year token lock-up proposal

16 April 2026 at 11:49
World Liberty Financial investors are pushing back against a controversial new governance plan that threatens to lock up their tokens for years or even indefinitely. According to the proposal posted to the platform’s governance forum on Wednesday, the Trump family-backed…

Nasdaq and S&P 500 reach record highs on optimism over U.S.-Iran peace talks

16 April 2026 at 11:20
Optimistic signs of a de-escalation in the U.S.-Iran conflict pushed the Nasdaq Composite and S&P 500 to new record highs on Wednesday as Bitcoin moved toward the $75,000 mark. Yahoo Finance data shows the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite climbed 1.59% to…

New BitMEX proposal challenges BIP-361 with reactive “early warning” system

16 April 2026 at 10:50
BitMEX Research has proposed a conditional “canary fund” that would only trigger a network-wide freeze of older Bitcoin wallets if a quantum computer is proven to have successfully stolen funds. BitMEX Research published the alternative strategy on Thursday, arguing that…

UAC-0247 Targets Ukrainian Clinics and Government in Data-Theft Malware Campaign

The Computer Emergencies Response Team of Ukraine (CERT-UA) has disclosed details of a new campaign that has targeted governments and municipal healthcare institutions, mainly clinics and emergency hospitals, to deliver malware capable of stealing sensitive data from Chromium-based web browsers and WhatsApp. The activity, which was observed between March and April

Okan Buruk: "Fenerbahçe'yi yenince ne diyecekler!"

Okan Buruk: "Fenerbahçe'yi yenince ne diyecekler!" Başkan Dursun Özbek'in tam destek verdiği Okan Buruk, "Üst üste çok yıpratıcı maçlar oynadık. Sakatlıklarına rağmen bandajla, iğne tedavisiyle sahaya çıkan oyunculara bu kadar yüklenmek yanlış. Fenerbahçe'yi yendiğimizde ne diyecekler?" yorumuyla sitemini dile getirdi.

“Kişi kimi davransa, dediyini qəbul edər”

16 April 2026 at 11:55

“Bavariya”nın futbolçusu Yosip Stanişiç açıqlama verib.

Futbolpress.az “Kicker”ə istinadən xəbər verir ki, müdafiəçi Çempionlar Liqasında “Real”a 1/4 final oyununda rəqib futbolçu Antonio Rüdigerin onu təhqir etdiyini deyib:

“Rüdiger məni təhqir etdi. Bu, qəbuledilməzdir. İki dəfə bir söz işlətdi. Mənim bunu deməyim doğru deyil. Ondan soruşun, kişi kimi davransa, dediyini qəbul edər”.

“Bavariya” “Real”ı 4:3 hesabıyla məğlub edib və adını yarımfinala yazdırıb.

Millinin baş məşqçisi jurnalistlərlə görüşəcək

16 April 2026 at 11:36

Qadınlar arasında dünya çempionatının seçmə mərhələsi çərçivəsində aprelin 18-də “Bank Respublika Arena”da Andorra yığması ilə qarşılaşacaq Azərbaycan milli komandasının oyunöncəsi mətbuat konfransının və açıq məşqinin vaxtı məlum olub.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, tədbir oyundan bir gün öncə – 17 apreldə olacaq. Millinin çalışdırıcısı Siyasət Əsgərovun mətbuat konfransı saat 17:15-də təşkil olunacaq. Açıq məşq isə 18:00-da olacaq.

Aprelin 18-də keçiriləcək Azərbaycan – Andorra oyunu saat 17:00-da start götürəcək. Milli qrupda 6 xalla ikincidir. Lider Macarıstanın 7 xalı var. Andorra isə 1 xalla qrup sonuncusudur.

“İnanıram ki, yüksək səviyyəli liqalarda oynamaq şansı qazanacağam”

16 April 2026 at 11:28

“Sabah”ın U-18 basketbol komandası ilk dəfə iştirak etdiyi Gənclər Çempionlar Liqasında 7-ci yeri tutub.

“Bayquşlar”ın üzvü Hüseyn Məmmədov turnir və karyerasındakı hədəfləri ilə bağlı “Futbolpress.az“ın suallarını cavablandırdı:

– İlk dəfə iştirak etdiyiniz turnirdə 7-ci oldunuz. Çıxışınızı necə şərh edərdin?
– Ümumi götürəndə pis alınmadı. Bəzi oyunlarda istədiyimiz nəticəni əldə edə bilməsək də, komandada böyük istək və ruh hiss olunurdu.

– Turnirlə bağlı fikirlərin nədir?
– Bu cür turnirlər səviyyəmizi görmək və çatışmazlıqlarımızı müəyyən etmək baxımından çox önəmlidir. İlk dəfə beynəlxalq turnirdə iştirak etdim. Bu, çox dəyərli təcrübə idi. Daha sürətli və fiziki baxımdan güclü komandalarla oynamaq öz üzərimdə işləməyin vacibliyini göstərdi. Eyni zamanda, belə turnirlər qarşıdakı oyunlara psixoloji baxımdan daha möhkəm hazırlaşmağa kömək edir.

– Azərbaycanda basketbol hələ çox inkişaf etməyib. İndiki məqamda ilkin hədəflərin nədir?
– Hədəfim oyunumu inkişaf etdirmək, millidə daha çox şans qazanmaqdır. Daim üzərimdə işləyirəm, çalışıram ki, fiziki və texniki cəhətdən inkişaf edim. İnanıram ki, zəhmətimin qarşılığını alacağam. Basketbolçu kimi maksimum potensialıma çatmaq istəyirəm.

– Ölkə xaricində çıxış etmək arzun var?
– Bəli, əsas hədəflərimdən biri budur. Daha yüksək səviyyəli liqalarda oynamaq, Azərbaycanı beynəlxalq arenada təmsil etmək istəyirəm. İnanıram ki, bu səviyyədə çıxış etmək şansı qazanacağam.

Şahin Cəfərov

Davin Cəfərov Portuqaliyada beynəlxalq kartinq yarışının qalibi oldu

16 April 2026 at 11:15

Azərbaycanın yüksələn motorsport istedadı, 16 yaşlı Davin Cəfərov beynəlxalq arenada sabit performansını və yüksək rəqabət qabiliyyətini bir daha nümayiş etdirib.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, Formula 4 üzrə uğurla keçdiyi iki test sessiyasından sonra o, yarış ritmini qorumaq və formasını yüksək səviyyədə saxlamaq məqsədilə Portuqaliyada, KIRO (“Karting International West Region trekində”) keçirilən “TAG Livre Portuguese Trophy” yarışında iştirak edib.

Yarışda Portuqaliya, İtaliya, Cənubi Afrika, Anqola və Böyük Britaniyadan olan pilotlar mübarizə apararaq güclü beynəlxalq rəqabət mühiti formalaşdırıblar. Güclü külək və arabir yağan yağış nəticəsində trasda tutumun və görünmənin əhəmiyyətli dərəcədə azalmasına baxmayaraq, Davin Cəfərov yüksək səviyyəli çıxış sərgiləyib.

Yarış həftəsonu gərgin mübarizə ilə yadda qalıb, ümumilikdə 8 qəza qeydə alınıb. Buna baxmayaraq, Davin Cəfərov hər üç yarışı səhvsiz və qəzasız başa vurub. Onun sabit və inamlı çıxışı yekunda birinci yerlə nəticələnib. Bununla da Davin Cəfərov yenidən podiumun ən yüksək pilləsinə yüksələrək motorsport dünyasında perspektivli pilot kimi mövqeyini daha da möhkəmləndirib.

Davin Cəfərov yalnız trekdə deyil, trekdən kənarda da Azərbaycanı qürurla təmsil etməyə davam edir. Onun artıq tanınan “44 qələbə jesti” bu dəfə də digər pilotların və komanda üzvlərinin diqqətini cəlb edib. Davin Cəfərov bildirib ki, bu jest Azərbaycanın 44 günlük Zəfərinə həsr olunub və dözümlülüyün, qətiyyətin, eləcə də milli qürurun rəmzidir.

KL: yarımfinalçılar məlum olacaq

16 April 2026 at 10:28

Bu gün UEFA Konfrans Liqasında 1/4 final mərhələsinin cavab oyunları keçiriləcək.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, türkiyəli mütəxəssis Arda Turanın rəhbərlik etdiyi “Şaxtyor” Niderlandda “Alkmaar”ın qonağı olacaq. İlk oyunda Ukrayna təmsilçisi qələbə qazanıb.

Konfrans Liqası
1/4 final mərhələsi, cavab oyunları

16 aprel

20:45. Alkmaar (Niderland) – “Şaxtyor” (Ukrayna)
İlk oyun 0:3

23:00. “Fiorentina” (İtaliya) – “Kristal Pelas” (İngiltərə)
İlk oyun – 0:3

23:00. AEK (Afina, Yunanıstan) – “Rayo Valyekano” (İspaniya)
İlk oyun – 0:3

23:00. “Strasburq” (Fransa) – “Maynts” (Almaniya)
İlk oyun – 0:2

Messi məhkəməyə verildi

16 April 2026 at 12:00
Mayamidə fəaliyyət göstərən və idman, musiqi tədbirlərinin təşkili üzrə ixtisaslaşan VID şirkəti “İnter Mayami”nin hücumçusu Lionel Messini və Argentina Futbol […]

Source

Halanddan sonra Keyn

16 April 2026 at 12:00
“Real”a qarşı 1/4 final cavab oyununun 38-ci dəqiqəsində vurduğu qol “Bavariya”nın hücumçusu Harri Keynin mövsümdəki 50-ci qolu olub. Msport.az xəbər […]

Source

Today’s Papers – Allegri’s frosty relationship with Milan, Yildiz’s knee problems

16 April 2026 at 11:35

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Roma tension, Ranieri could even leave

Gasp wants full trust

Inter, Bastoni takes a break

Chivu changes; the defender is tired and will miss Cagliari.

Devil of a nine

Juve slow down, Milan tempt Vlahovic

Comolli postpones the Serbian’s renewal to the end of the season. The Rossoneri are ready to finance the deal with Nkunku’s sale.

Italiano wants to win at Aston Villa. Viola’s assault to turn Crystal Palace around

Corriere dello Sport

Allegri decides

Frost

Max and Milan are increasingly distant: Where will Cardinale go?

Complicated rapport with Furlani and Ibra: the Champions can clarify the future

First the qualification, then the confrontation on the project: many misunderstandings on the table: Rumours on Italiano and D’Amico. The national team remains the big temptation.

Bologna and Viola: chasing a feat

In Birmingham with Berna, Castro and Rowe to try to turn the 1-3 around. Gud to Crystal Palace’s assault. They restart from 0-3.

Tuttosport

Toro, after the Arabs, the Americans are awaited

Juve, can you make it without Yildiz?

Injections in his knee for the Turkishman: he has to stop.

On Sunday, the first step of the final assault for a Champions League placement: the tendinopathy leaves Kenan in doubt. Spalletti must invent an alternative attack. Milik is out again, muscle injury: it’s the end. Rennes’ idea for Openda.

Bologna, Fiorentina and the impossible assaults on the English

Even Nadia pushes Inter

Our queen of middle-distance running: ‘Inter fan since I was a kid, now, I’m a super Lautaro fan.’

£80m star wants transfer this summer, Liverpool have edge over Arsenal

16 April 2026 at 11:48

Anthony Gordon is reportedly open to leaving Newcastle United this summer and has interest from Liverpool, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich.

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The England international could likely cost around £80m, and Liverpool fans may be interested to know that he comes from a Reds-supporting family, according to the Telegraph.

This looks like putting Liverpool in a strong position after they almost signed Gordon before, while our recent information was that the Merseyside giants were the frontrunners for the former Everton youngster.

The Telegraph also report that Arsenal are long-time admirers of Gordon, while Bayern could also be one to watch in the race for the 25-year-old.

Liverpool and Arsenal both need Anthony Gordon

With Mohamed Salah leaving Liverpool at the end of this season, a top class goal-scoring winger like Gordon looks like exactly what Arne Slot needs in his squad.

Arsenal also have issues in that department, with Gordon perhaps an ideal upgrade on the ageing Leandro Trossard and the inconsistent Gabriel Martinelli.

Still, NUFC won’t want to lose another star name after the departure of Alexander Isak last year, so this surely won’t be a deal that comes without paying a big price.

The Telegraph suggest this fee could be £80m, with Newcastle not currently informed directly by Gordon that he wants to leave, even if they are seemingly aware of interest in the player.

Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust

What Anthony Gordon has said about his future

Gordon recently played down transfer speculation over his future, but it may be that things have changed since then.

“It’s the same old, same old. I haven’t heard anything, they might want to tell me before they tell you (the media). I have gone through enough transfer stuff now to know that it is all a load of rubbish,” Gordon said, as quoted by Goal.

“I am focused on me and focused on the team, I am focused on right now. You look too far in the future and you start to underperform. And believe me I have done that (before) and I am not going to do that now.”

The post £80m star wants transfer this summer, Liverpool have edge over Arsenal appeared first on CaughtOffside.

‘He would be open to that’ – Romano confirms Premier League manager wants Man United job

16 April 2026 at 11:34

Manchester United have been desperately searching for long-term stability.

The Red Devils will look for a permanent manager at the end of the season and while Michael Carrick would be a contender to get the job, they are also looking at other options in the market.

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Following the troubles under former manager Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim, the Premier League giants are now looking to avoid the mistakes they made in the past and before making any decision, they are ready to take their time to full assess their options.

With the club’s sporting hierarchy, led by figures like Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox, watching closely, a highly intriguing candidate has emerged from the South Coast: Bournemouth’s departing mastermind, Andoni Iraola.

Romano confirms Iraola would be open to Man United move

Iraola’s name is suddenly generating serious buzz.

Having confirmed he will leave Bournemouth when his contract expires at the end of the season, the 43-year-old Spaniard is arguably the hottest managerial free agent on the market.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano recently confirmed that while formal negotiations haven’t officially kicked off, Iraola is firmly “open” to taking the reins at Man United.

Speaking on his Youtube channel, Romano said:

“From now to the end of the season, Man United will make a decision on their permanent manager, but at the moment, I’m not aware of Man Utd negotiating with Andoni Iraola.“

“If you ask me, ‘Would Andoni Iraola like to be the next Manchester United manager?’ I’m told that he would be open to that for sure. But at the moment, nothing more than this.“

“Let’s see what Man Utd decide to do with Michael Carrick, but the feeling remains optimistic and positive around him.”

Can Iraola take the Red Devils back to stability?

And why wouldn’t United be taking a look? Iraola has done a miraculous job with the Cherries.

Despite losing key talents like Antoine Semenyo, Milos Kerkez, and Dean Huijsen, he currently has Bournemouth riding a stunning 12-match unbeaten run in the league.

Iraola brings a high-octane, relentlessly aggressive pressing system that feels tailor-made for the modern Premier League.

Tactically speaking, his vertical, high-tempo style is a significant upgrade over Carrick’s more measured approach, offering the kind of clear, systematic identity United fans have been craving for a decade.

Securing that lucrative Champions League spot is the immediate priority, but establishing a long-term vision is what truly matters for INEOS.

Carrick may have the club’s DNA flowing through his veins, but Iraola possesses the modern tactical blueprint that could finally awaken the sleeping giant.

Man United leading race for €80m Man City-linked star as player pushes for move 

The post ‘He would be open to that’ – Romano confirms Premier League manager wants Man United job appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Report: Big boost for Liverpool as Chelsea & Man United cool transfer interest

16 April 2026 at 10:28

Liverpool reportedly look to be leading the race to sign Marcos Senesi on a free transfer this summer, with Chelsea and Manchester United not planning moves.

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The 28-year-old is nearing the end of his contract at Bournemouth, and Liverpool are eyeing him up as an option to strengthen at the back, according to iNews.

The Reds certainly look like they need more options in defence as the ageing Virgil van Dijk hasn’t quite been at his best in recent times, while Ibrahima Konate’s form has also dipped this term.

Konate’s future is also uncertain as he’s yet to sign a new contract and is also poised to become a free agent this summer.

There have, however, been more positive updates on Konate’s future recently, with RMC Sport claiming an agreement on a new LFC deal was close.

Fabrizio Romano also wrote exclusively for CaughtOffside about ongoing talks between Liverpool and Konate, saying a decision would come soon.

Marcos Senesi on a free transfer looks tempting

Senesi has shone for Bournemouth and looks like a tempting market opportunity this summer due to being out of contract.

The Argentine would surely strengthen Liverpool and it’s also a bit of a surprise that iNews claim Chelsea and Man Utd are no longer pursuing this deal.

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Our recent information was that Senesi to Chelsea could be a genuine possibility, though some sources indicated that a move to La Liga to either Barcelona or Atletico Madrid could be more likely.

Chelsea could do with more experience in their youthful squad, while Man Utd might also do well to strengthen due to the likes of Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez being pretty injury-prone.

Still, perhaps these clubs have other targets in mind for this summer, with Senesi admittedly not the youngest, so not the most long-term acquisition.

The post Report: Big boost for Liverpool as Chelsea & Man United cool transfer interest appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Ex AC Milan & Chelsea Star Desailly: “Inter Milan’s Bastoni Could Lift Barcelona To Next Level”

Ex AC Milan & Chelsea Star Desailly: “Inter Milan’s Bastoni Could Lift Barcelona To Next Level”
Ex AC Milan & Chelsea Star Desailly: “Inter Milan’s Bastoni Could Lift Barcelona To Next Level”

Ex AC Milan and Chelsea star Marcel Desailly believes Inter star Alessandro Bastoni should move to Barcelona and would lift the La Liga giants to the next level.

Marcel Desailly argued that Alessandro Bastoni should move to Barcelona this summer if he had the chance.

Furthermore, the former Marseille star believes that Bastoni would improve Barcelona so much they would be able to reach the next level.

Subsequently, Desailly argued that Bastoni has exactly what Barcelona are lacking: defensive solidity.

However, the former France star argued that Barcelona have fantastic players in every department bar the defence.

Therefore, signing Bastoni would be the missing piece to help them win the Champions League.

Desailly made these statements in an interview with SempreInter.com and The Italian Football Podcast, at an online event hosted by BetVictor Online Casino.

Ex AC Milan & Chelsea Star Desailly: “Inter Milan’s Bastoni Could Lift Barcelona To Next Level”

GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Alessandro Bastoni of Inter celebrates after the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

“Barcelona transfer? Yes I mean it is a good experience to match your level” Desailly began.

“He’s same as Leao. in that I don’t know about his winning mentality. He is a defender, he isn’t a creative player.

“But maybe he can lift the level to understand and adapt to Barcelona’s level. Where they are in need of a strong defensive attitude.

“You can see Barcelona, that in each position they are just amazing. But they are weak at the back. And that is why they don’t win the Champions League.

“So he could be that player that brings that consistency and that strength on the defensive block to bring Barcelona to another level.

“Because they definitely need defensive leaders in the squad” Desailly concluded.

Is LIV Golf shutting down? Everything we know as funding ‘set to be pulled’

LIV Golf is set to have its funding ‘pulled’, according to reports, after spending more than $5bn  (Getty)

The future of LIV Golf is in doubt amid reports that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is set to pull its funding for the rebel golf league after just four years.

Since its launch in June 2022, the PIF has thrown more than $5bn at LIV Golf attempting to overthrow the sport, signing some of the PGA Tour’s biggest stars in Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka, as well as European Ryder Cup stalwarts Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood.

But LIV Golf failed to make the splash that its big-money signing bonuses promised. And on Wednesday, league executives called an “emergency meeting” in New York, according to The Telegraph.

At the same time, senior LIV Golf figures insisted the league was going to continue and remain at “full throttle”. So what happens next?

What is LIV Golf and how did we get here?

The rebel golf league, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and founded in 2022, sparked a civil war in the sport and a bitter feud with the US-based PGA Tour, with numerous players making the controversial move, which saw signing bonuses in excess of nine figures. John Rahm, for example, was rumoured to have signed a $500m deal to join.

It also attracted strong criticism and controversy, with human rights groups claiming the league as sportswashing and a political strategy for Saudi Arabia to improve its global image through sports.

The league was run by the PIF’s governor, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, and two-time major winner Greg Norman, who operated as CEO until his departure in 2025, with Scott O'Neil replacing him.

Jon Rahm was one of LIV Golf’s biggest signings (Getty)
Jon Rahm was one of LIV Golf’s biggest signings (Getty)

Two-time major champion Dustin Johnson was one of the most significant initial signings in 2022, with major champions Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, and Patrick Reed among the biggest signings soon after.

Cameron Smith, weeks after winning The Open at St Andrews, joined later that year, with Rahm, the reigning Masters champion at the time, signing in December 2023. The Spaniard would win the individual championship in each of the last two seasons and leads the all-time prize money list at $74,976,946 (£55.3m).

What went wrong in golf’s ‘civil war’ with the PGA?

Despite investing billions of dollars into the league, LIV Golf remained isolated and it failed to capture wider attention, particularly in the United States and Europe. Golf, as a whole, also struggled to thrive with its best players failing to meet outside of the majors on a regular basis.

The PGA also retained the support of golf’s two biggest starts, Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, and it refused to lie down quietly. That led to a proposed merger of commercial rights of LIV, PGA and European Tours in 2023, with then PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and Al-Rumayyan in negotiations.

But after a deadline expired on 31 December, 2023, the PGA Tour eventually opted to pursue its own path, with investment worth $3bn for its for-profit arm, PGA Tour Enterprises, led by a Fenway Sports Group-backed consortium with major US professional sports owners.

While the main rivalry involved the PGA Tour, LIV Golf also engaged in a lengthy dispute with the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR), which operates and organises the sport’s rankings, which largely decides entry to the majors, golf’s most prestigious tournaments.

One of the main negatives to playing in the league was an initial absence of a route into the majors, beyond existing exemptions for recent champions, though The Masters did extend invitations to some players who did not qualify.

Several leading stars have since left LIV Golf and are attempting to rejoin the PGA Tour. Brooks Koepka was allowed to rejoin the PGA Tour after paying a $5m fine. Patrick Reed also left LIV and is playing a European tour schedule this year before potentially qualifying for a PGA Tour card in 2027.

Former Masters champion Patrick Reed quit LIV Golf and is set to return to the PGA Tour (Getty)
Former Masters champion Patrick Reed quit LIV Golf and is set to return to the PGA Tour (Getty)

How LIV Golf responded to reports of PIF ‘pulling funding’

Reports of an “emergency meeting” involving senior LIV Golf figures and questions about the league’s future followed the publication of the Public Investment Fund’s new five-year investment strategy. PIF said the new phase would explore “sustained value creation, with a strengthened focus on maximizing impact, raising the efficiency of investments”.

A memo sent to LIV Golf staff by its CEO Scott O'Neil was then shared by the Associated Press. It said: "I want to be crystal clear: Our season continues exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle. While the media landscape is often filled with speculation, our reality is defined by the work we do on the grass. We are heading into the heart of our 2026 schedule with the full energy of an organization that is bigger, louder, and more influential than ever before."

The next LIV Golf event is set to begin in Mexico on Thursday, and LIV Golf has continued to promote the event. "Slow news day? We are ON,” a social media post read. Meanwhile, former Masters champion Sergio Garcia was asked about the speculation ahead of the Mexico event. “Honestly, we haven’t heard anything other than what Yasir told us at the beginning of the year,” Garcia said at a press conference. “That he’s behind us, that they have a long-term project.”

LIV Golf in Mexico City is set to go ahead at ‘full throttle’ (Getty)
LIV Golf in Mexico City is set to go ahead at ‘full throttle’ (Getty)

What other sports projects has Saudi Arabia’s PIF invested in?

Through its Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in several major sports, as well as entertainment and tourism projects, in an attempt to diversify its revenue streams. The PIF has ownership in Premier League club Newcastle United, as well as several clubs in the Saudi Pro League such as Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr. Boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikhhas staged several major fights in Saudi Arabia, while the region has also staged events in Formula One, UFC, tennis and snooker.

Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2034 men’s World Cup, which would be, by far, its biggest and most expensive event since it began investing in sports. The suggestion of the PIF’s next five-year strategy is that the investment fund will look to focus on “raising the efficiency of investments”, concentrating on major events like the World Cup rather than throwing money at projects like LIV Golf for little returns. It remains to be seen, however, if LIV Golf will even have a future to fight for.

Comedy of errors in PSL! Chaos unfolds on free hit after yes-no call creates confusion - Watch

A chaotic moment on a free-hit delivery in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) became the talking point even as Peshawar Zalmi registered an eight-wicket win over Quetta Gladiators on Wednesday.


Abrar Ahmed was on strike for the free hit after Ali Raza bowled the waist-high no-ball. What followed was a mix-up in the middle. Abrar guided the ball towards backward point and initially looked for a single. Usman Tariq had already come well down the pitch before being sent back. The fielder collected the ball and moved in for a run-out attempt at the striker’s end, but then changed direction and threw towards the bowler’s end. The throw missed, and Usman would have been out had it hit the stumps.

— nibraz88cricket (@nibraz88cricket)


Despite the confusion in that moment, Zalmi controlled the match. Quetta were restricted to 154, with Sufiyan Muqeem and Iftikhar Ahmed leading the bowling effort.

In the chase, Babar Azam scored an unbeaten 71 off 51 balls, adding partnerships with Mohammad Haris and Kusal Mendis as Zalmi chased down the target with ease to record their fifth consecutive win.

The victory took Peshawar Zalmi closer to playoff qualification and kept them at the top of the table.

The victory marked Zalmi's sixth in seven matches and fifth consecutive after their washout against three-time champions Islamabad United in Lahore.

'It wasn't perfect - but I am certainly not going to write Arsenal off'

A tifo banner at Emirates Stadium reading 'History in our sights'
[Getty Images]

Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton says Arsenal are "still a capable team" and that he does not rule them out of ending the season with at least one of the Premier League and Champions League trophies.

The Gunners laboured to a goalless draw in Wednesday's quarter-final second leg against Sporting but their 1-0 first leg lead meant they reached successive semi-finals in the competition for the first time in their history and will take on Atletico Madrid for a place in the final.

"We know what the narrative will be; people will rip Arsenal to shreds for the way they attacked, or you could say how they didn't attack," Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"But I do understand towards the end of the game it is about seeing it through. Why should they go Gung ho? The objective was all about going through and finding a way.

"It wasn't perfect by any means but out of possession and defensively they do a lot right.

"It's been a struggle for a while now and things do need to change, and people will be looking ahead to the game against Manchester City and writing Arsenal off.

"They are not creating enough and that's a huge issue for Mikel Arteta. I'm sure he's thinking about it every hour of the day. The wide players are not decisive enough.

"They have a lot of work to do but I take my hat of to Arsenal in the way they defend, and recover when they lose the ball. They are not perfect at the moment but I am certainly not going to write them off and rule them out of winning trophies because they have been a little bit ineffective.

"I still think they are a capable team and it may well click now before the end of the season in that final third. Arsenal could see it through in the Premier League and the Champions League."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

On Match of the Day Champions League, Nedum Onuoha said: "In some ways, there is a lot of noise around Arsenal. Arteta and some of the players are hearing it. The questions are going to be more negative than maybe a month ago but that's because of the fact they've lost three of the last four.

"I think it's right for them to close up and say 'it's us against the world' but also it wasn't great against Sporting."

Stephen Warnock gave his view on Arteta pushing back in the media: "He obviously feels like media, everyone around and the fans, the anxiety in the crowd. He's trying to convince them that everything is good and fine. You don't have to convince everyone. If you're happy with what you're seeing.

"At this point of the season, I don't think you do enjoy football. I think you get over the line. The pressure is huge. To get over the line, for Arsenal to win a Champions League and Premier League is absolutely massive."

Tommy Fleetwood picks the golf tournament which he wants to win more than any other

Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images
Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images

Tommy Fleetwood returns to PGA Tour action this week, looking to bounce back from late disappointment at The Masters.

Fleetwood found himself in contention heading into the final round at Augusta, before a four-over 76 completely dashed his dreams of a maiden major championship win.

The Englishman ultimately finished in a tie for 33rd place, but now has a chance at redemption at the RBC Heritage.

The latest tournament in the 2026 PGA Tour schedule, the RBC Heritage has a high-quality field involving Fleetwood, Scottie Scheffler, Cameron Young and defending champion Justin Thomas among many others.

It is, however, The Open Championship that arrives this summer that Fleetwood really wants to win above all else.

Tommy Fleetwood dreams of winning The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale

Sharing his intimate connection with The Open at Royal Birkdale, he told Esquire: “I was born there, my family still live there or are from there, and it’s the tournament I dream the most of.

“With that comes a pressure, but you have to use it in a positive way.

“I’m not unaware of the fact that just playing at Birkdale is the most special thing ever. “Whatever happens, I have to remember it’s the most special thing just to play it.”

The 154th Open will take place at the iconic Southport course in mid-July, with Scheffler set to be out to defend his title from 2025.

Fleetwood finished in a tie for 16th at Royal Portrush last time out, with his runner-up spot in 2019 representing his best-ever finish at the tournament.

Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Tommy Fleetwood really proud of maiden win at the 2025 Tour Championship

This year could be huge for Fleetwood, but 2025 did involve a major milestone as he clinched his maiden PGA Tour win.

After countless near misses and heartbreaks, he finally emerged victorious, impressively winning the 2025 Tour Championship.

Looking back on that victory at East Lake, he said: “One of the things I was most proud of when I managed to win in Atlanta was that I could be proof that you keep saying the right things, doing the right things, and you will have success.”

It’s a fantastic attitude from Fleetwood, and one that finally paid dividends with his success at the FedEx Cup.

And it is an approach that many of his PGA Tour rivals should be trying to emulate, with plenty more glory likely heading his way given that belief and of course his superb ability.

Highlighting his determination was the fact that he failed to convert two 54-hole leads during the season, which undoubtedly left him devastated.

Read more:

Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood’s new OWGR confirmed after The Masters finishes

Tommy Fleetwood says what was ‘dreadful’ about his week at The Masters

Rich Beem responds when asked if Tommy Fleetwood will win a major championship in 2026

☕️🥐 FC Ptit Dej: PSG face their worst cold-weather nightmare, Donnarumma 😳

☕️
☕️🥐 FC Ptit Dej: PSG face their worst cold-weather nightmare, Donnarumma 😳

Top assists of the week in the UCL 🎯

UEFA has compiled the best assists from the second legs of the Champions League quarter-finals.


Paris facing its worst nightmare 🥶

After a completely crazy match, Bayern Munich knocked out Real Madrid (4-3) to join PSG in the Champions League semi-finals. Which is not good news, if the stats are anything to go by.

According to Opta, the two teams will face each other for the 16th and 17th time in the UCL. PSG have lost nine times to Bayern, at least four more defeats than against any other opponent in the competition.

Do you think PSG can do it?


Donnarumma’s Batman tattoo 😅

Not everyone knew it, but Gianluigi Donnarumma is a huge Batman fan. So much so that the Italian goalkeeper even got a massive Dark Knight tattoo on his left leg.

So, what do you think?


What you shouldn’t miss from yesterday 🍿

- Deschamps confirms Ekitike will miss the World Cup

PSG provide an update on Désiré Doué and Nuno Mendes

Hugo Ekitike injured, who could replace him at the 2026 World Cup?


TV schedule 📺

6:45pm: Celta Vigo - Freiburg (Canal+ Foot)

6:45pm: AZ - Shakhtar (Canal+ Sport)

9:00pm: Nottingham - Porto (Canal+ Live 3)

9:00pm: Real Betis - Braga (Canal+ Live 4)

9:00pm: Aston Villa - Bologna (Canal+ Foot)

9:00pm: Strasbourg - Mainz (Canal+)

9:00pm: Fiorentina - Crystal Palace (Canal+ Live 7)

9:00pm: AEK - Rayo Vallecano (Canal+ Live 8)

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.

'The Saints are coming' if rivals keep slipping up

Southampton fan voice graphic
[BBC]
Finn Azaz and Leo Scienza celebrate after a goal for Southampton
Southampton are unbeaten across their past 18 matches in all competitions [Shutterstock]

Just before Saints played Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter-final, I was asked on our Total Saints Podcast if I thought that automatic promotion was still a possibility?

My response was that, in the real world, it wasn't but let's have a look again if we can win our next two league games against play-off contenders, Wrexham and Derby.

Fast forward a couple of weeks and those games have been won, as has a further game at home to Blackburn and then you start looking at the teams around you.

Middlesbrough, Hull and Millwall all seem to be faltering to different degrees, which leaves Ipswich, who, on the night we comfortably dispatched Blackburn, managed to lose to Portsmouth.

No Saints fan is ever happy when Portsmouth win, but we were pleased that Ipswich lost.

Suddenly, we are just three points behind the Tractor Boys and we still have to play them.

Until that point, Saints can only take care of Swansea away and Bristol City at home, and as a long-suffering fan, I am just waiting for the wheels to fall off, with the 'game every four days' run of fixtures we are on at the moment.

If we take care of our own business and are still in touch with Ipswich going into that huge game on 28 April at St Mary's, then who knows?

Right now, Ipswich are still the favourites to go up automatically because they have a three-point lead and a game in hand, but they will be looking over their shoulders now and that brings pressure, especially when one team chasing you down is on an 18-game unbeaten run and has won six league matches in a row.

The fact we have to play Ipswich straight after we have had an emotional and energy-sapping day chasing Manchester City around at Wembley, will also be in their favour.

The most likely outcome is that Saints, Middlesbrough, Millwall and Hull will be in the play-offs.

At St Mary's, Saints walk out to a punk anthem by The Skids from 1978 called "The Saints are Coming".

Any more slips and our rivals for that second automatic promotion spot will be hearing those words.

For more from Glen and the Total Saints Podcast, head here.

Ellie Scotney made boxing history – now Jake Paul owes her a car

For Ellie Scotney, it all started with a Mars bar and a Ribena. As a “child of God”, Scotney now avoids temptation at all costs, but her nine-year-old self was somewhat less disciplined. In the long run, it was for the best; the allure of a sugar rush brought her to her first boxing gym, fuelling her journey to the present day, where she has just become Britain’s youngest-ever undisputed champion.

“I first walked into a gym at nine, because my brother boxed,” Scotney tells The Independent, “and I always mess around and tell the story that he came home with a Mars bar and a Ribena – and I was like: ‘I want that!’ He wouldn’t let me go with him, but my cousin ended up taking me. I stopped because women’s boxing wasn’t a thing; I was the only female, I couldn’t get fights. I only did it for a year.”

It’s strange to think this could have been the end of Scotney’s journey. But eight years later, the Catford local returned to the gym, and to the sport. At that time, women’s boxing may not have been the “thing” it is now, but Scotney is part of a new generation of role models, who have driven the sport through all predicted barriers.

Ellie Scotney looks to the sky after winning undisputed status at super-bantamweight (PA)
Ellie Scotney looks to the sky after winning undisputed status at super-bantamweight (PA)

“I walk in the gym now, and there’s probably as many girls as boys, and the girls are really good,” Scotney says with a smile – but then she always seems to be smiling. “I wish I was that good at that age! As long as we keep pushing doors open, the ones that come behind us will have it even smoother. And the ones that went before us really took the load.”

Indeed, the 28-year-old cites trailblazers like Jane Couch, Christy Martin and Katie Taylor, but in beating Mayelli Flores on 5 April to become the undisputed super-bantamweight champion, Scotney herself has emerged as a true role model.

It’s not necessarily a responsibility that Scotney has dwelled on, yet she says, “When I meet someone, I just want them to feel like they’re exactly the same as me. I want them to feel like, ‘I’ve known that girl forever.’ And I’m an encourager. My mum gets annoyed at me, because if I see someone in the street, I’ll just start talking to anyone! It’s not wanting to be a role model; it’s just making someone, who doesn’t feel like anything, feel like something. If I can do that by making a bit of time for them, that’s key.”

Scotney mentions her family often, highlighting her mother and stressing: “My mum loves it. I think she aged about 10 years [during the Flores fight], but the joy and the backing my family give... it’s just endless. They all play a role. Some give me tough love, some are a bit softer and carry my bags, some are like: ‘You carry mine!’”

Scotney’s family were the focus of a video package that played before she outfought Flores in a punishing yet technical showdown. And perhaps the most touching moment in that video saw Scotney receive a voice message from her late nan, who passed away in 2023.

Scotney dished out immense punishment to Mayelli Flores, who kept coming forward regardless (Getty)
Scotney dished out immense punishment to Mayelli Flores, who kept coming forward regardless (Getty)

“It’s really weird, because when I listened to it, I felt like she was in the room with me,” Scotney reflects. “She was genuinely my best friend, and she loved boxing. I’d go down [to see her] every weekend before I boxed, I still do now; my uncle lives in the house.

“I go into her room and talk to her like she’s there. It’s just a routine, and in her ways, I feel like she shows me she is [still there]. We talk about fighters in the family, who’s the natural one, and I always say my nan. We were blessed that she lived 99 years. She was so witty, so sharp, but she just had that warmth to her that would carry any room she was in. You’d feel safe.

“Any time I’d go down [to see her], she’d say: ‘You’re gonna win, you know? I’ll say a prayer for you.’ Thank God she was here to witness me win my first world title, and we made a little promise; she was like: ‘You complete the collection.’ I just pray that she was watching from up there, because we got there in the end.”

In this particular answer, Scotney’s faith arises as a topic once more. “It’s my firm foundation,” she explains.

“In my eyes, Jesus is at the centre of it all. I wasn’t born in a religious household, but when I was 19, I started to go to church. My mum got baptised in February. It’s been a journey. I’ve seen God really work through the people around me. Fight week, I really saw it. Around me, people who never believed in God, believed in God. Even fighting on the Day of Resurrection: I wasn’t meant to, [my fight had] got delayed.”

Scotney after the final bell of her 10-round shootout with Flores (Reuters)
Scotney after the final bell of her 10-round shootout with Flores (Reuters)

Throughout the night on which she beat Flores at London’s Olympia, Scotney’s faith remained a focal point.

“It was really hard, because one of my best friends opened the card and got stopped,” Scotney says of Emma Dolan. “My pastor was up to pray with me, and I went to say: ‘How’s Emma getting on?’ And Shane [McGuigan, coach] just beelined for me, like, ‘Ellie, Ellie.’ I was a bit confused, and he said: ‘Look, the towel’s come in.’

“To witness one of your best friends not fulfil their dream, it’s hard; it shows you the reality of boxing. You want to be there for your friend, but there’s so many elements to it.”

In light of the damage and disappointment in Dolan’s fight, and in comparison to bigger topics like faith, it feels odd to ask about Jake Paul’s offer to buy Scotney a car if she won – yet it was one of the main talking points on fight week.

Paul, a co-promoter of the fight card, has made no purchase yet, only because Scotney still needs a driving licence. “I’m terrible on the bumper cars!” she says, somewhat ominously. Let’s hope her driving skills grow to match her boxing skills.

Bayern Munich mock Real Madrid with brutal social media jab

Bayern Munich mock Real Madrid with brutal social media jab
Bayern Munich mock Real Madrid with brutal social media jab

Real Madrid’s Champions League exit did not end with the final whistle, as it spilled straight onto social media, where Bayern Munich delivered one final blow. 

In modern football, these battles no longer stop on the pitch, and this time, the Bavarians ensured they had the last word online as well.

After securing a dramatic victory over Real Madrid, Bayern’s official X account wasted no time in capitalising on the moment. 

With emotions still running high following the intense quarter-final clash, the German giants posted a message that quickly went viral, one that directly referenced a legendary phrase deeply associated with Madrid’s European identity.

What was the message?

The quote originates from club icon Juanito, who famously said, “90 minuti al Bernabéu sono molto lunghi” (90 minutes at the Bernabéu are very long), a line that has long symbolised Real Madrid’s history of dramatic comebacks. 

Bayern, however, cheekily flipped the script.

Reworking the phrase to suit their own triumph at the Allianz Arena, the Bundesliga champions posted, “90 minutes at the Allianz are very long.” 

It must be noted that for much of the match, Real Madrid had shown real intent and looked capable of turning the tie around. 

There was a sense that another famous European comeback could be on the cards, especially as Los Blancos pushed forward with urgency and belief.

However, everything changed following the sending-off of Eduardo Camavinga. The midfielder’s red card shifted the balance decisively, handing Bayern the control they needed to close out the tie. 

From that point on, Madrid’s momentum faded, and the German side seized their opportunity.

Regarding Bayern’s social media post, while some fans viewed the message as harmless banter, others saw it as a pointed dig at Real Madrid’s legacy and identity in European competition.

Either way, it achieved its purpose. 

📲 Thursday: Liberta, Sul-Americana, Europa League, Brazil +; guide

📲 Thursday: Liberta, Sul-Americana, Europa League, Brazil +; guide

Today’s Highlights 🔥

Libertadores

7:00 PM - Palmeiras vs Sporting Cristal - Paramount+


7:00 PM - Lanús vs Always Ready - ESPN 4 and Disney+

9:30 PM - Flamengo vs Ind. Medellín - ESPN and Disney+


9:30 PM - Peñarol vs Platense - Paramount+

Sudamericana

7:00 PM - Atlético-MG vs Juventud-URU - ESPN and Disney+


7:00 PM - Tigre vs Macará - Paramount+

9:30 PM - RB Bragantino vs Blooming - ESPN 4 and Disney+


9:30 PM - San Lorenzo vs Dep. Cuenca - Paramount+

11:00 PM - Cienciano vs Puerto Cabello - ESPN 2 and Disney+

Copa do Nordeste

7:00 PM - América-RN vs Fortaleza - SportyNet and YouTube/SportyNet


7:00 PM - Imperatriz vs ABC - YouTube/Canal do Benja

UEFA Europa League

1:45 PM - Celta de Vigo vs Freiburg - YouTube/CazéTV

4:00 PM - Nottingham Forest vs Porto - YouTube/CazéTV 2


4:00 PM - Aston Villa vs Bologna - YouTube/CazéTV

4:00 PM - Betis vs Braga - YouTube/CazéTV


AFC Champions League

1:15 PM - Al-Sadd vs Vissel Kobe - ESPN 4 and Disney+

UEFA Conference League

1:45 PM - AZ Alkmaar vs Shakhtar Donetsk - YouTube/CazéTV

4:00 PM - Fiorentina vs Crystal Palace - YouTube/CazéTV

4:00 PM - Strasbourg vs Mainz 05 - YouTube/CazéTV

4:00 PM - AEK vs Rayo Vallecano - YouTube/CazéTV 2

English League (4th division)

4:00 PM - Bromley vs Cambridge United - Disney+

Women’s Friendly

4:30 PM - Ivory Coast vs Pakistan - FIFA+

South American U-17 Championship

5:00 PM - Brazil vs Colombia - SporTV

8:00 PM - Ecuador vs Argentina - SporTV 4

Copa Centro-Oeste

6:00 PM - Tocantinópolis vs Atlético-GO - SportyNet+

8:30 PM - Operário-MS vs Primavera - YouTube/Canal do Benja

Brazilian U-20 Championship

9:30 PM - Corinthians vs Santos - SporTV

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

Barcelona reach verbal agreement with Hansi Flick over one-year extension

Barcelona reach verbal agreement with Hansi Flick over one-year extension
Barcelona reach verbal agreement with Hansi Flick over one-year extension

Barcelona’s long-term project under Hansi Flick has taken a major step forward, with fresh reports confirming that the club is closing in on securing the German coach’s future. 

According to Radio Cat (h/t The Touchline), a verbal agreement has already been reached between both parties to extend Flick’s contract by an additional year.

This development comes at a crucial stage for the club, as stability on the bench remains a top priority following an intense and demanding season. 

Flick, who is currently tied to Barcelona until 2027, has played a central role in defining the team’s identity, making his renewal one of the board’s key objectives.

Everyone on board

The importance of this deal was expressed publicly by president Joan Laporta during his recent campaign, where he addressed the situation and reassured supporters about the club’s intentions. 

Providing clarity on the negotiations, Laporta stated, “We want to renew Flick’s deal until 2028. 

“He’s in favour of extending as well. We will announce an agreement soon because he’s very happy here.”

Flick will renew his contract with Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Those words now appear to be materialising into reality. 

Notably, in the lead-up to the Champions League quarter-final clash against Atletico Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona hosted Flick’s agent, Pini Zahavi

That meeting was seen as a decisive moment in negotiations, with both sides expected to lay the groundwork for a renewal agreement.

While Flick has historically favoured shorter contracts, preferring to concentrate on immediate footballing objectives rather than long-term commitments, there appears to be a strong alignment between him and the club regarding the future. 

This mutual understanding has been key in accelerating talks and reaching a verbal agreement.

As such, the club views Flick as the cornerstone of its sporting project and securing his continuity ensures that the current rebuild remains consistent, with a clear philosophy guiding the team forward.

Champions League reaction and highlights: Arsenal through as semi-finals confirmed

Champions League reaction and highlights: Arsenal through as semi-finals confirmed

Anthony Gordon keen to explore his options to leave Newcastle United this summer

Anthony Gordon keen to explore his options to leave Newcastle United this summer
Anthony Gordon keen to explore his options to leave Newcastle United this summer

Newcastle United attacker Anthony Gordon is open to leaving the St James’ Park club this summer, according to the Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards. The England international has not told Newcastle that he wants to leave, but the feeling inside St James’ Park is that the Magpies star will seek a move in the summer. Gordon, a long-term Arsenal target, will not be short of suitors in the Premier League and across Europe, but the Toons’ asking price for him is likely to exceed £80 million.

The Gunners have a long-standing admiration for the Newcastle star and he has featured in recruitment planning meetings at the Emirates Stadium club. Liverpool have also been linked in the past while Bayern Munich have recently emerged as credible suitors ahead of the summer window. Gordon wants his future sorted before heading to the World Cup in June, and the Magpies are braced for early bids. The 25-year-old wants to play in the Champions League regularly and Newcastle are likely to miss out entirely on European football next season after an underwhelming campaign.

Warriors wake up the echoes of their championship past in vintage comeback win over Clippers

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Stephen Curry hit seven 3-pointers while scoring 35 points, holding every fan at Intuit Dome in his thrall with another dazzling display of his unmatched shooting skill.

In the fourth quarter of an elimination game, Draymond Green bodied up to Kawhi Leonard and utterly shut down one of the greatest scorers of their generation.

Curry and Green have already done it all and won it all during their 14 years and four championships together. The Golden State Warriors ' visit to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night was merely a play-in game for the right to travel to Phoenix after a trying regular season that ended with Golden State sitting eight games below .500 and in 10th place in the Western Conference.

And yet both the style and substance of this 126-121 comeback victory indelibly evoked the brilliance of the Warriors' golden era.

The few remaining men who have been around for the whole ride were thrilled to travel back in time.

“For one night, we’re us. We’re champions again,” coach Steve Kerr said. “And I know that may sound crazy to everybody out there. It’s a play-in game. I don’t care. Just absolutely beautiful to watch.”

Curry put it even more simply: “That’s what you live for right there."

Golden State overcame a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter behind Curry, who scored 27 points in a dominant second half. While he took care of the offense, Green took the defensive lead with a smothering effort against Leonard, who couldn't score in the fourth quarter until the Clippers were cooked.

The Warriors also got stellar contributions from two newcomers. Kristaps Porzingis had 20 points, five rebounds and five assists with an exciting series of big plays — and 39-year-old Al Horford shocked the entire arena when he hit four 3-pointers in the fourth quarter of just his third game since missing a month with a strained right calf.

Curry broke a tie with his final 3-pointer, falling into the front row of Clippers fans while the ball pierced the net with 50 seconds left. The superstar was playing just his fifth game since returning from a 27-game absence with a knee injury, and he demonstrated exactly why he rejected any notion that he should shut himself down for the summer.

“This is what you work all year for, all summer, offseason,” Curry said. “We’re not guaranteed a (playoff) series yet, but these nights make everything worth it, because you feel the anxiety of having to perform when the lights are bright, do-or-die game. ... Considering how our season has gone, all the injuries and all that, for us to play the way we did tonight was special.”

Green didn’t score in the fourth quarter, but the Warriors credited their defensive stopper for stifling Leonard, whose play for Toronto in the 2019 NBA Finals is still painful in the minds of Golden State fans.

With Green hounding his every move, Leonard got only two shots in the fourth quarter. Leonard finished with 21 points while having a fraction of his usual impact on Clippers games.

Leonard called Green a “Hall of Fame defender. It was hard to even get shots up.”

Green thought the Warriors could be a title contender going into this season, but it didn't happen. Jimmy Butler went down for the season in January, Moses Moody was sidelined in March, and Golden State finished the regular season on a 5-15 skid to its worst record in a full regular season since 2012.

But after knocking off Los Angeles, Golden State is one win away from making the playoffs anyway. Even for the Warriors who have already won everything, the chance to do the improbable is irresistible.

“I know we’re not satisfied,” Curry said. “We want to go to Phoenix and guarantee a playoff series against OKC. That’s the next goal, but for us to lock in on just 48 minutes, figure out how to get a win, knowing that the game was not going to be perfect, we were all pretty committed to that. The eight guys that got on the floor all had a part in making it happen.”

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA

Social media explodes with reactions to Warriors' comeback win over Clippers in play-in tournament

In vintage Steph Curry and Draymond Green fashion, the Golden State Warriors eliminated the Los Angeles Clippers with a thrilling comeback win in the play-in tournament, 126-121.

Wednesday's contest featured multiple Golden State staples — an explosive Curry flurry in the third quarter and a vintage Green defensive performance against Kawhi Leonard in the fourth quarter. Yet, it wasn't just Curry and Green; Golden State newcomers Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis each left their fingerprints all over their season-saving victory over the Clippers. Porzingis helped spark the Warriors' offense throughout the game with a pair of rim-rocking dunks and timely shots. While Horford drilled four 3-pointers in the fourth quarter.

After the Warriors punched their ticket to the next round of the play-in tournament, spectators on social media exploded with reactions. Here's a look at what different fans, writers and analysts were saying on X on Wednesday night.

STEPH CURRY GIVES THE WARRIORS THE LEAD!

GSW 120
LAC 117

50.4 TO PLAY IN A MUST-WIN GAME 🍿 pic.twitter.com/HgYTHtLlOp

— NBA (@NBA) April 16, 2026

New chain for SC30! pic.twitter.com/Q6aQYpK977

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) April 16, 2026

Steph Curry: The greatest show in sports. Still.

— Danny Emerman (@DannyEmerman) April 16, 2026

Draymond Green master class

— Grant Liffmann (@GrantLiffmann) April 16, 2026

Go plant some trees

— Brian Witt (@Wittnessed) April 16, 2026

30 pic.twitter.com/k9ZY6lkRBM

— warriorsworld (@warriorsworld) April 16, 2026

This is unbelievable.

Draymond Green completely shut down Kawhi Leonard in the 4th quarter. The Claw is scoreless in the 4th.

— Bonta Hill (@BontaHill) April 16, 2026

Dray turning back the clock to make big time stops down the stretch

— AJ S (@saelee0) April 16, 2026

IN STEPH WE TRUST

— Melissa (she/her)🍉 (@churameru) April 16, 2026

Draymond and Steph… never gets old.

— Saad (@saadgsw) April 16, 2026

Intuit is just Chase South just like SoFi is for the Niners 🤣

— Louisiana Dry Rub Stan Account (@christeauxpher) April 16, 2026

ERASED https://t.co/w0j1LLFKZApic.twitter.com/smUo22TiyL

— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) April 16, 2026

MVP chants for Curry, old-school Warriors echoes for the team, and Golden State will live to fight another day. What an effort from this squad, given the injuries they've suffered.

Onto Phoenix where they'll play for the 8th seed in the Western Conference Playoffs.

— Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) April 16, 2026

I cannot believe what I just witnessed

— 🇿🇦Denver🇵🇸 (@doubledworth) April 16, 2026

Draymond it's games like this we'll remember you by

— Alex 👋 (@Dubs408) April 16, 2026

Oh

My

Goodness#dubnation

— Mark Willard (@Mark_T_Willard) April 16, 2026

HOW DID THEY FLIP THIS GAME UNBELIEVABLE @warriors

— Joe Shasky (@ButcherBoy415) April 16, 2026

Stephen Curry improves his record in elimination games to 11-5.

He finishes with 35 points tonight, including 27 in the 2nd half. Unreal performance

— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) April 16, 2026

Vintage Draymond Green defense down the stretch on Kawhi Leonard. Steph Curry scores 35 in 36 minutes. Al Horford hits four mammoth fourth quarter 3s. Kristaps Porzingis scores 20.

Veteran Warriors save their season in LA and face Suns on Friday for shot at the eighth seed.

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) April 16, 2026

Draymond Green's defense on Kawhi, Horford's heater - and Curry leading the way.

We'll see you Friday night in Phoenix. WOW!

— Bonta Hill (@BontaHill) April 16, 2026

Fun Fact: Steph and Porzingus have never lost a post game together.

— Warriors Huddle (@WarriorsHuddle) April 16, 2026

MOOD pic.twitter.com/dzVzUoNfxm

— warriorsworld (@warriorsworld) April 16, 2026

Awesome game. Steph was amazing, Draymond played at a DPOY level. Horford erupted in the 4th after a rough 1st half and Podz hung in and made some clutch plays down the stretch. Turns out they really really wanted to win this one. On to Phoenix.

— Dan Dibley (@dandibley) April 16, 2026

gonna enjoy these two while they're still here pic.twitter.com/IWulm4STyM

— Chris Montano (@gswchris) April 16, 2026

A podcaster just single-handedly ended the best season of Kawhi’s career.

— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) April 16, 2026

I’m never ever ever taking Steph Curry for granted.

— De🅿️ressed Warriors Fan 💔 (@GoIdenState) April 16, 2026

Warriors pull off an unbelievable comeback late in LA.
An absolute meltdown late by the Clippers. And a reminder that the Warriors' standard is never going to disappear as long as Curry and Green are on the floor. Steph was Steph. Porzingis and Horford were huge. Phoenix on Fri

— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) April 16, 2026

STEPH CURRY VS THE CLIPPERS

🐐 pic.twitter.com/8ygzoKrZtm

— Guru (@DrGuru_) April 16, 2026

The Oklahoma City Thunder will now be in the lottery because of this Clippers loss. What have the Warriors just done.

— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) April 16, 2026

The Greatest Show in Sports Entertainment

— warriorsworld (@warriorsworld) April 16, 2026

New Jimmy Butler meme pic.twitter.com/GLSpHs9kwF

— Guru (@DrGuru_) April 16, 2026

No matter what happens from here, it was special to see the Warriors touch God one more time. Even if it was only for a few minutes at the end of a play-in game, that was very cool.

— Jay King (@ByJayKing) April 16, 2026

Dillon Brooks vs. Steph & Draymond sudden death game on deck. Everything is wrestling.

— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) April 16, 2026

These are the types of games that fans remember. This is why teams and players want to compete. This was meaningful basketball. #DubNation

— Dr. Nirav Pandya, M.D. (@DrNiravPandya) April 16, 2026

A Draymond and Steph absolute masterclass to earn the Warriors another game.

The 2 most important people in the Warriors dynasty fighting to the very end.

Championship level effort in the play-in.

You gotta love it.

— nick wright (@getnickwright) April 16, 2026

There's nobody like Stephen Curry in a play-in game. pic.twitter.com/uWrPUd1OTZ

— Nate Duncan (@NateDuncanNBA) April 16, 2026

No other team in my lifetime has delivered as many memorable high profile games and moments as Steph and Draymond’s Warriors. More than a decade into this and they still have nights like this in them.

— Adam Mares (@Adam_Mares) April 16, 2026

Harlan on the call for Steph is magic pic.twitter.com/xFtqF6YcVj

— warriorsworld (@warriorsworld) April 16, 2026

Stephen Curry…..simply one of the greatest to ever play the game

— Dr. Nirav Pandya, M.D. (@DrNiravPandya) April 16, 2026

Absolute dawgs pic.twitter.com/UIoE3tTvuG

— 🇿🇦Denver🇵🇸 (@doubledworth) April 16, 2026

CHRIS PAUL’S INSTAGRAM STORY LMAOOOOOO pic.twitter.com/EDXOMqBhr8

— 30🅿️roblemz (@30problemz) April 16, 2026

Draymond Green locking up Kawhi Leonard in the 4th quarter pic.twitter.com/tPPX9yoVIp

— Hater Report (@HaterReport) April 16, 2026

The greatest point guard of all-time. No debate. pic.twitter.com/r1YrxFuyg8

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 16, 2026

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Social media explodes with reactions to Warriors' win over Clippers

'Falkirk chase St Mirren's Tanser' - gossip

Falkirk reportedly want to sign St Mirren's Scott Tanser as Sivert Heltne Nilsen reveals his reasons for leaving Aberdeen.

Falkirk are eyeing a move for Scott Tanser from fellow Scottish Cup semi-finalists St Mirren, making the 31-year-old one of their top summer targets. (Daily Record)

While Celtic are considering a move for former Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Mathew Ryan, Levante hold the option to extend the 34-year-old's deal by a further year beyond this summer. (Football Insider)

Hibernian still hope to lure on-loan Dan Barlaser back to Easter Road when the 29-year-old midfielder's Middlesbrough contract ends this summer, but Elie Youan will exit the Leith club along with fellow forward Martin Boyle. (Edinburgh Evening News)

Hibs head coach David Gray is not surprised to see Miguel Chaiwa attracting interest from rival clubs, including repeated speculation linking the 21-year-old midfielder with a move to Celtic. (Edinburgh Evening News)

Rangers winger Oscar Cortes says cutting short his loan to Sporting Gijon for a similar move to Huracan in Argentina was the best decision he could have made. (WIN Sports)

In switching from Sporting Gijon to Huracan, Rangers winger Oscar Cortes utilised a special exemption to Fifa regulations that do not allow players to represent more than two teams in the same season as the 22-year-old was joining a club whose fixture schedule runs at a different time to his previous team. (AS Colombia via Daily Record)

Sivert Heltne Nilsen says he left Aberdeen because Haugesund offered him a contract - three years with a potential coaching role beyond that - he could not refuse and it came with the promise of more regular starts and in the 34-year-old's favoured central midfield role. (Daily Record)

Viljami Sinisalo says an agreement to have more Celtic game time this season was shelved during management changes this season - until the injury and form decline to fellow goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel pushed the 24-year-old into the first team. (The Herald)

Former Celtic coach Darren O'Dea says Bournemouth and Scotland winger Ben Gannon-Doak felt he was being held back by the Scottish champions' "duty of care" despite being handed his first-team debut at 16 - and that the 20-year-old is a "generational talent". (The Margins)

Brazil president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has revealed that national head coach Carlo Ancelotti sought his counsel over whether to recall 34-year-old Santos forward Neymar for this summer's World Cup, at which his side will face Scotland. (Football Transfers)

Heart of Midlothian are awaiting the scan results on defender Oisin McEntee's suspected hamstring injury - after the verdict came back in Spanish. (Edinburgh Evening News)

Hibs midfielder Josh Mulligan is "running out of weeks" to make his return from injury this season, but head coach David Gray thinks there is a "strong possibility" the Scotland international could still play. (Edinburgh Evening News)

Haiti players have been handed a £2m bonus from their government for qualifying for the World Cup, where they are in the same group as Scotland. (The National)

Ravens will adjust late-round draft plans as the board takes shape

Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta discussed how Baltimore approaches its later-round draft strategy, noting that while the team often leans on a best-player-available model, there are situations where positional context and roster decisions can influence how selections are made.

DeCosta also pointed to the challenges of navigating the back end of the draft, where hit rates decrease, and options can become more limited.

"That's a great question. There's a lot of different ways to do that, and we've tried different ways. Some years you just basically, we've thought maybe just [to] target to quote 'premium positions' maybe. Other years we're just going strictly off the draft board, best [player] available, and then some years it's probably more nuanced. It's the positions that we haven't addressed. So, if we've drafted players at certain positions, then we get into the later rounds, and we're probably not going to double dip because we've already taken guys at those positions. So, there's a lot of ways to do it. I think there's been an increased reliance on analytics in some ways, and every team does it differently, and maybe every team does it differently every year. So, that's a hard part of scouting. There's been some years where we've been very excited to get a guy, like in the sixth round, seventh round, and you're literally one pick away, and he gets picked. Then you're kind of like looking up at the board going, 'Man, we don't like any of these guys that are left.' So, that's just, it is what it is, and someone's calling you and they see somebody they love, and they want to trade. Sometimes that's the best possible scenario, especially if you could trade a pick for a future pick in another draft class where you might get additional value, you might get a discount. So, it's a hard part, [and] it's a fun part of the draft. It's a challenge, certainly, percentage-wise to hit on those guys, especially when you get into the fifth, sixth and seventh round. The percentages really kind of plummet from the fourth round – fourth round, you're OK. [In the] fifth round, sixth round, seventh round, we see the percentages really kind of go down. So, when you can hit on a guy like that, it can really make your draft class."

For Baltimore, the late-round approach remains flexible, with DeCosta emphasizing both the difficulty of projecting success and the value of finding contributors in the final rounds.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Eric DeCosta details Ravens approach in later draft rounds

The next Roberto Firmino is here and he’s everything Liverpool need right now

The next Roberto Firmino is here and he’s everything Liverpool need right now
The next Roberto Firmino is here and he’s everything Liverpool need right now

Michael Edwards will have dreamt about the second coming of Roberto Firmino, now he's here and he's arrived at the perfect time in light of Hugo Ekitike's injury.

When he walked away from Anfield, everyone knew there’d never be another No.9 quite like Bobby. He was truly one of a kind.

Of course, the Brazilian could score goals, but that was never what defined him. What set him apart was his selflessness.

Rather than chasing the spotlight, Firmino became the heartbeat of the attack, linking everything together and bringing the best out of Mo Salah and Sadio Mané.

His intelligence, his movement, the way he dropped deep and opened up space, it all made Liverpool tick.

He played with humility, with flair, and always with that unmistakable smile. Firmino wasn’t just a great player he embodied the spirit of the team.

It’s no coincidence that, since he left, Liverpool have struggled to truly replace what he gave them.

What truly set Firmino apart, and what Liverpool are missing most right now, was his pressing.

Few players in the modern game matched his relentless energy. It’s no surprise Michael Edwards held him in such high regard, so much so that he even named his dog “Bobby” after him.

But Firmino’s pressing wasn’t just about effort for effort’s sake. It was intelligent, calculated, and perfectly timed.

He had a natural instinct for when to pounce, when to close down, cut passing lanes, and force errors at exactly the right moment.

In Klopp’s gegenpressing system, Firmino was the key. He was the piece that made everything click. He turned defensive pressure into attacking opportunities, helping Liverpool play their signature high-octane, “heavy metal” football.

Since his departure, there’s been a clear drop-off in Liverpool’s ability to suffocate teams and win the ball back high up the pitch. Under Arne Slot, that intensity, especially in pressing, just hasn’t been the same.

And now with Hugo Ekitike potentially being ruled out for over nine months, Liverpool have to turn towards the attack again.

Which gives them the perfect opportunity to find their next Firmino - who plays for Hoffenheim.

The German side is where Firmino first made his mark in Europe and right now they are also the club that has one of the best pressing systems in Europe's top five leagues this season.

Currently, Hoffenheim have the highest PPDA and the most pressing sequences in the Bundesliga as per Opta Analyst.

At the apex of this pressing machine is Fisnik Asllani, who is quickly developing a reputation as one of the most underrated attackers in the league - just like Firmino was.

Asllani has 19 goal contributions for Hoffenheim this season, averaging a goal or assist 0.81 per 90 minutes.

He is more than just an attacking player though. Like Firmino Asllani is comfortable with his back to goal, he's extremely technical and brilliant at linking up with his teammates.

On top of that he's a threat inside the box, who can latch onto crosses and cut-backs and play in tight spaces, coming up with creative solutions to open defences up.

© IMAGO - Fisnik Asllani Liverpool

Video: Real Madrid captain erupts at match official after decisive call in Bayern defeat

Video: Real Madrid captain erupts at match official after decisive call in Bayern defeat
Video: Real Madrid captain erupts at match official after decisive call in Bayern defeat

Real Madrid’s Champions League elimination against Bayern Munich was defined by a storm of controversy in the closing minutes, with emotions spilling over as the game slipped out of their control. 

What had been a fiercely contested encounter quickly turned into a heated and chaotic finale, largely driven by one decisive refereeing call.

The flashpoint came when Eduardo Camavinga was shown a second yellow card for holding onto the ball after committing a foul. 

With the tie still hanging in the balance at that stage, the decision proved devastating. 

Reduced to ten men at a critical moment, Real Madrid lost their grip on the match, and within minutes, Bayern capitalised to deliver the knockout blow.

Dani Carvajal’s fury

The reaction from the Madrid camp was immediate and intense. 

Players surrounded the referee in disbelief, convinced that the decision had unfairly tilted the contest. 

Among those who could not hide his frustration was club captain Dani Carvajal. Although he did not feature on the pitch, Carvajal’s emotions boiled over from the sidelines. 

Cameras caught the defender confronting the referee in the aftermath of the decision, shouting, “This is all your f***ing fault,” as tensions escalated following the incident. 

The frustration did not stop there, as several key players made their feelings known after the match, each offering a glimpse into the dressing room mood after the final whistle. 

Eder Militao reportedly described the decision as unfair, while Antonio Rudiger said it was better not to speak in the heat of the moment. 

As for Camavinga himself, the midfielder left the area without addressing the media.

🗞️ Front pages: gloom in Madrid, joy in Munich, praise in Europe

🗞️ Front pages: gloom in Madrid, joy in Munich, praise in Europe

The sports front pages this Thursday, April 16, reflect a divided reality after a breathtaking European night. While the continent is still trying to process the "madness" seen on the pitch, Spanish newsstands show a complete split shaped by the Madrid-Barcelona axis.

In Spain, reality comes in a different color depending on where the newspaper is published. Marca and AS, from Madrid, are convinced that Camavinga’s action clearly changed the course of the match. "What an injustice!" leads Marca on the sending-off, while AS is blunt: "Until the referee wanted it."

Because in Barcelona, happiness is complete. Proof of that is Mundo Deportivo and Sport, which put Madrid’s debacle on the front page without hesitation. "White KO" and "Sent off" are the headlines they choose to start the day.

The contrast comes from Germany, where the local papers are bursting with happiness and joy. Kicker and Bild agree in their analysis of the match: "MADNESS". Meanwhile, Munich local paper Abendszeitung is very clear: "Thank you, Bayern!"

In the rest of Europe, prestigious outlets such as L'Équipe and Corriere Dello Sport agree on one common verdict: absolute madness. "Furious madness," headlines the French paper. Meanwhile, Tuttosport questions the refereeing. "Bayern and the referee knock out Real," the Italian paper highlights.

The international press highlights the unpredictability of modern football, surrendering to a spectacle that has left ties wide open and a level of intensity that is hard to match.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

‘His Biggest Strength And Weakness’ – Kaito Plans To Exploit Marat Grigorian’s Aggression At ONE SAMURAI 1

When an immovable object meets an unstoppable force, something has to break.

That is the dynamic awaiting fans when Japanese kickboxing star Kaito squares off against Armenian Marat Grigorian in a featherweight kickboxing clash at ONE SAMURAI 1, broadcasting live from Ariake Arena in Tokyo on Wednesday, April 29.

The contrast in styles could not be more distinct. Grigorian has built a terrifying reputation on suffocating, heavy-handed forward pressure. Kaito operates as a clinical tactician, a lightning-fast sniper who thrives on timing and precision.

Kaito acknowledges his opponent’s power but believes the Armenian’s aggression is a force that can be tamed.

He told onefc.com:

“I think he’s definitely one of the top fighters in the world, and his forward pressure, his physical strength [is dangerous], so I just want to overcome him and win. I think it’s his forward pressure. It’s very intense, and unless I break through that, I don’t think I can win. So I want to break it down.

“Honestly, if I had to say something, that’s really the main point. [His forward pressure is] both his biggest strength and weakness. From round one to round three, my speed, and sharpness, I don’t think Grigorian will be able to keep up with that, so I want to capitalize on those areas.”

Kaito sees a vulnerability within Grigorian’s forward-marching approach. Rather than retreat from the danger, he intends to plant his feet, set the trap, and make his opponent pay for every inch of forward momentum.

He said:

“Marat Grigorian is a very aggressive fighter, and he never stops moving forward. That’s why fans love his style. That is his great strength. But I think that is also his biggest weakness because if he is aggressive against me, I can catch him coming in. I think if he decides to attack, I can meet him in the middle and I can knock him out.”

A tactical, slow-paced affair seems unlikely. Kaito anticipates a firefight from the opening bell and steps into Ariake Arena with a definitive conclusion in mind.

He said:

“I think this fight will be very exciting and I believe our styles match up very well. Of course, I am confident I can beat him. Our styles guarantee an explosive fight, but I am supremely confident in my game plan. I think I will stop him in the second or third rounds. I am going for the knockout.”

Kaito’s Uncrackable Chin Faces Grigorian’s Ultimate Test

If Marat Grigorian manages to close the distance and land his signature power shots, he will test whether Kaito is as durable as advertised.

Despite spending years competing against elite competition, Kaito has never been knocked down or stopped. He is banking on that toughness to carry him through difficult stretches — and it is what makes his high-risk game plan viable.

He said:

“I’m not satisfied with my record. I’ve had nearly 70 fights, and I’ve lost 10. I’m not satisfied with that. But I’ve never been knocked down or knocked out, so I think that’s one of my strengths. What matters most to me is beating truly strong opponents. That’s always been my mindset. Beating the strongest, beating Grigorian — that’s all I’m focused on.”

Defeating Grigorian on home soil at ONE SAMURAI 1 represents more than another victory. For the perfectionist Japanese fighter, it is a necessary step toward validating his own greatness.

He said:

“It will not be easy, but I am going to finish him. I think this will be a very exciting fight, and I think it’s not going to go the distance. It’s going to be a good fight for the fans. But I see myself beating him, and knocking him out.”

Source

The 24-year-old manager who has won a top-flight promotion

Llandudno manager Jordan Hadaway celebrates with his fists clenched
Llandudno have been promoted to Welsh football's top division having lost just one game in the Cymru North this season [FAW]

Football has long disproven the notion that you can't win anything with kids.

It turns out it doesn't just apply to players.

Just ask Llandudno, the north Wales club who this weekend will celebrate the end of an all-conquering campaign that will see them return to the top-flight Cymru Premier after a seven-year absence that included genuine fears over their future.

At the helm? A manager younger than the majority of the promotion-winning team he selects.

At just 24, Jordan Hadaway has orchestrated Llandudno's revival, sealing the second-tier Cymru North title in style - and is likely to be the youngest top-division boss in Europe next season.

Incredibly, he will do so with a decade of coaching experience already to his name - including a touch of Real Madrid mentoring.

'He had an aura about him'

It's an impressive CV for someone who would still be considered young if he was in the starting XI rather than selecting it.

But it's even more eye-catching given the circumstances in which this Gen Z gaffer got his break.

Back in 2023, Llandudno were unable to use their own ground, had seen their entire coaching staff walk out and didn't have enough players to field a side with the second-tier season just weeks away.

Perceived football wisdom suggests you look to an old head at times of crisis but Llandudno chairman Dave Guinn turned to a 21-year-old youth team coach.

"I don't think you could print some of the things that were said to me on social media when we appointed him," Guinn recalls.

"But there was a gut feeling. Jordan just had an aura about him, that he wasn't just talking the talk."

Hadaway might have wondered what he had got himself into, with the club's financial situation at the time described as "dire".

"The pitch had been condemned and we were £100,000 short of paying for a new pitch," Hadaway says, the club forced to play home games in Bangor and Conwy, money going out without coming in.

"There were no revenue streams, I was working unpaid because the FAW had taken the academy away so we were in a bit of turmoil.

"I was asked to step in and that I had a £400 budget – the lowest in the league – just to get a squad to start the season. And we had to pay a physio out of that.

"That's what makes staying up that year so special."

Llandudno players in a team huddle on a floodlit pitch
As well as the Cymru North title, Llandudno reached the Welsh League Cup semi-finals and beat top-flight Connah's Quay Nomads in the Welsh Cup [FAW]

All a long way from the riches of the Bernabeu.

Not that Hadaway – inspired by his football-mad grandfather and whose parents are Everton season ticket holders – was going to take his place among the Galacticos.

An academy player at his local club in Holywell, he turned to coaching at 14 having decided he wasn't going to achieve what he wanted as a player and "didn't fancy refereeing".

It included working with the Real Madrid foundation - coaching their style of football on courses in the UK and Europe - and included a convention where he listened to coaching lectures from the likes of Roberto Carlos and Raul , while grabbing a selfie with Alvaro Arbeloa.

Hadaway laughs about whether the current Real boss has been in touch given the success at Llandudno which came after becoming a manager in the Welsh fifth-tier at 18, an assistant job in the Cymru Premier with Cefn Druids before finding his way to the Seasiders, where he also led the women's team to the Cymru North title in 2024 and only missed out on the top-flight after a play-off final defeat

Jordan Hadaway with two Llandudno Ladies FC players and the Cymru North trophy
Hadaway steered Llandudno's men's side to safety in his first season while also securing the 2023-24 Cymru North title for the women's team. [FAW]

Nothing has stopped the men's side this year, though, with only seven points dropped from 29 games. At home, they have been flawless with 50 goals scored and only six conceded.

"At the start of the season we wanted to finish in the top four and better last year's points," he says, with sights now set on making Llandudno a top-flight mainstay.

"I didn't think we'd win the league, perhaps as a manager I didn't think I'd be experienced enough."

Guinn – who had the agonising wait of making sure promotion was secured by the award of a tier-one licence – said there were some doubts he was doing the right thing in placing such faith in youth.

"His age was a bit of a worry, whether he could control the dressing room," says the former player who was at the club when they faced Swedish giants IFK Goteborg just ten years ago.

"But he had an old head on young shoulders and I'm glad my gut was right."

Hadaway adds: "I wasn't naive when I was appointed. It wasn't so much the players, but others asking why the chairman would put his faith in me when the club could fold if we went down.

"I knew what people were going to say and think but I've always tried to be honest and open and it wasn't about trying to prove anything, just hard work and letting people see. If you treat people with respect it goes a long way

"I'm not without flaws and I don't have everything but I've surrounded myself with good people and I'm able to still learn."

Including during the day job as a PE teacher at a local sixth form, where he says there's not much between the boisterous nature of the classroom or the dressing room.

After all, as football has shown once again, age is just a number.

Commanders would reportedly pass on Ohio State star if he falls

We are one week away from the 2026 NFL Draft. Who will the Washington Commanders pick with the No. 7 overall pick? That's a mystery, much of which stems from Washington's lack of control over it. The good news is that the Commanders will be able to land a high-quality player at a position of need.

Washington has visited with most of the top prospects in this class, many of whom play different positions. The Commanders' busy free agency period allows GM Adam Peters to focus on the best player available instead of forcing the pick at a position of need.

Many mock drafts have focused on Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, or LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane. There's a good chance at least two of these players will be available when Washington goes on the clock.

But what if the Commanders aren't interested in one of those players?

In his latest draft intel for Essentially Sports, NFL draft analyst Tony Pauline revealed that Washington would not take Downs if he made it to them at No. 7. Here's his explanation:

Most believe the team will not take Caleb Downs if the Ohio State safety is available to them. The team signed Nick Cross in free agency and still believes in Jartavius Martin despite a disappointing 2025 season. Those inside the building feel Martin’s upside is incredible and believe he can right the ship.

This is a bit shocking for multiple reasons. For one, Downs is a player many consider the top overall in the class. However, positional value could keep him from going as high as his talent suggests. Safety isn't considered a premium position in the NFL. However, Downs is not only an elite talent but a student of the game, who could be a green-dot player on Day 1 in the NFL.

Washington does have safeties on the roster. Quan Martin, newly signed Nick Cross, Will Harris, Jeremy Reaves, Percy Butler, Tyler Owens, and Robert McDaniel are on the current 90-man roster. But most shockingly, Pauline's revelation about the Commanders' confidence in Martin.

Martin was bad in 2025. His regression, as well as Mike Sainristil and Frankie Luvu's regression, was one of the top stories last season. But with new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones, everyone gets a clean slate. When he was hired, Jones spoke glowingly about Martin. Before last season, former defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. said he believed Martin could become one of the NFL's best safeties. Clearly, Peters and head coach Dan Quinn remain firm in their belief in Martin.

It will be interesting to see if the Commanders would actually pass on Downs if he falls in their laps at No. 7.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: NFL draft: Commanders to reportedly pass on Ohio State S Caleb Downs

Where to watch LOVB championship: Schedule, times, channel, live stream for 2026 volleyball finals

Madi Skinner LOVB

Where to watch LOVB championship: Schedule, times, channel, live stream for 2026 volleyball finals originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

This year's League One Volleyball playoffs have not been without drama. Now it's down to Salt Lake and Austin, who will battle it out for a title this week.

Four teams entered the LOVB playoffs, but only two have kept their season alive. Both semifinals split the series, which led to intense "golden set" tiebreakers on either side. Austin prevailed over Atlanta by winning the first match in a sweep, and then the second 15-8 in the golden set. Salt Lake lost its first match to Houston 3-2, but rebounded for the 3-0 sweep and golden set win to advance. 

Austin won League One's inaugural championship last year, and now will try for back-to-back titles. This will be Salt Lake's first time in the league final.

Who will claim the ultimate prize?

Here's everything you need to know about the League One Volleyball championship, including TV channel and streaming options for the title matches.

Where to watch LOVB championship: TV channel, live stream

  • TV channel: USA Network
  • Live stream:DIRECTV

Both championship matches will be broadcast live on USA Network. Cord-cutters can also stream the action live on DIRECTV.

Catch every game – try DIRECTV FREE today! Stream live MLB, March Madness, soccer and more with must-have sports channels like TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, FS1, and NFL Network—all included with DIRECTV.

Start your FREE trial now and never miss a moment of the action. No contracts, no hassle, just wall-to-wall sports and entertainment.

League One Volleyball championship start time

  • Date: Thursday, April 16 | Saturday, April 18
  • Time: 8 p.m. ET | 5 p.m. PT

The first championship match will take place on Thursday, April 16, followed by the final match on Saturday, April 18. Both will tip off at 8 p.m. ET from LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid in Long Beach, California. 

League One Volleyball playoffs schedule, scores 2026

Here's a look at the game schedule for each day of the 2026 playoffs.

Fri., April 10 - Semifinal round

MatchupTime (ET)Watch
Austin 3, Atlanta 0
Houston 3, Salt Lake 2

Sat., April 11 - Semifinal round

MatchupTime (ET)Watch
Austin 3, Atlanta 3 (Austin wins via Golden Set)

Sun., April 12 - Semifinal round

MatchupTime (ET)Watch
Salt Lake 4, Houston 0 (Salt Lake wins via Golden Set

Thurs., April 16 - Championship round

MatchupTime (ET)Watch
Austin vs. Salt Lake8 p.m.USA, DIRECTV

Sat., April 18 - Championship round

MatchupTime (ET)Watch
Austin vs. Salt Lake8 p.m.USA, DIRECTV

LOVB standings 2026

StandingTeamRecord
1Houston13-7
2Atlanta11-9
3Austin10-10
4Salt Lake10-10
5Nebraska10-10
6Madison6-14

Barcelona forced into serious rethink on attacking duo’s future after UCL exit exposes flaws

Barcelona forced into serious rethink on attacking duo’s future after UCL exit exposes flaws
Barcelona forced into serious rethink on attacking duo’s future after UCL exit exposes flaws

Barcelona’s Champions League elimination has triggered a moment of harsh reflection within the club, with the sporting department already shifting focus towards what comes next. 

In that context, a report from AS confirms that the club’s sporting committee has begun evaluating the squad with ruthless clarity, knowing that improvements are essential if the team is to compete at the highest European level again.

The quarter-final defeat against Atletico Madrid did not just end Barcelona’s European hopes, it exposed key weaknesses in the squad. 

According to the outlet, among those under the spotlight are Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski, two attackers whose performances have raised serious doubts behind the scenes.

Rashford’s situation

Rashford’s situation is particularly complex, as the English forward has shown flashes of brilliance since arriving. 

However, the decisive moments have repeatedly let him down. 

In the first leg, where he was handed a starting role, Rashford found himself in several promising positions but failed to convert, missing three clear opportunities that could have changed the tie entirely.

In the return leg at the Metropolitano, his reduced role did little to improve his case. 

Coming off the bench, Rashford struggled to influence the game, offering minimal impact at a time when Barcelona desperately needed attacking inspiration. 

Internally, there is a growing feeling that he has not passed the test in decisive matches. 

With Manchester United unwilling to compromise on a €30 million buy-back clause, Barcelona now face a difficult decision regarding his long-term future.

What about Lewandowski?

Lewandowski could leave Barcelona. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Lewandowski’s situation appears even more concerning. 

Once the focal point of Barcelona’s attack, the veteran striker is now facing increasing scrutiny over his ability to deliver in high-intensity fixtures. 

Against Atletico, his performance was widely viewed as ineffective, having failed to register a single clear-cut chance.

Furthermore, he did not test the goalkeeper meaningfully and struggled to link play with the rest of the team.

For a player of his calibre and experience, such a display has not gone unnoticed. 

At 37, questions about his physical level and suitability for elite competition are becoming harder to ignore. 

Given his well-known self-critical nature, there is also uncertainty over whether he would be willing to accept a reduced role and a lower salary moving forward.

As a result, one of the key conclusions emerging from the club’s internal review is that the club must sign a top-level centre-forward this summer. 

If that happens, it could end the Barcelona career of one of the two aforementioned names.

TST Best Bets: April 16, 2026

Anaheim Ducks players dive and fight to help save the puck from going into the goal in a game against the Nashville Predators on March 14th, 2025 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA.
Anaheim Ducks players dive and fight to help save the puck from going into the goal in a game against the Nashville Predators on March 14th, 2025 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA.

The NHL season wraps up today as contending teams will grind for the best postseason matchups possible. While the first round of the Eastern Conference playoff bracket is now set, the second and third seeds in the Pacific Division out West have yet to be finalized. The Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings are the few squads still looking to have their seeding decided. To come out like a Stanley Cup champion, here are tonight's best bets brought to you by BetOnline.org. Click here to join. All new players get a 50% welcome bonus and up to $250 in free bets. 

First Pick: Ducks Over 6.5 Goals

Rundown: The Anaheim Ducks (42-33-6) conclude their season against the Nashville Predators (38-33-10) at Bridgestone Arena.

Coming off a narrow 3-2 loss to Minnesota on Tuesday, Anaheim enters today's contest looking to regroup as they have their sights set on securing the No. 2 seed in the Pacific. Center Mason McTavish scored both goals for Anaheim, once on a power play during the first period and again on a tip-in as the clock in the third winded down to 45 seconds. Goalie Lukas Dostal finding his poise in the net again is key to the Ducks' chances after he conceded all three goals.

Meanwhile, the Predators will sit out this year's postseason following Monday's 3-2 loss to San José. Nonetheless, they will not hope to end their season passively. A win today could keep the Ducks in the Pacific's No. 3 seed and cement Edmonton's place just below the Golden Knights. 

With Anaheim eyeing a deep postseason run, expect them to step on the gas during the day that it matters most.

Second Pick: Kings Moneyline

Rundown: The Los Angeles Kings (35-26-20) cap off their season against the Calgary Flames (33-39-9) at Scotiabank Saddledome.

As with Anaheim, the Kings enter their season finale in a heated competition for the top-two remaining spots in the Pacific. In a slim 4-3 loss to the lesser Vancouver on Tuesday, Quinton Byfield and Alex Laferriere each tallied one goal and one assist. Adrian Kempe followed with a snap shot for the team's third goal. Defensively, goalie Darcy Kuemper thwarted 21 shots, but his efforts proved insufficient as the Canucks' Jake DeBrusk inflicted the dagger 2:58 into overtime. 

On the other hand, Calgary will miss the playoffs after they lost to Dallas in overtime, 4-3, nine days prior. In tonight's matchup, they will hope to play spoiler against the Kings' efforts to climb up from the No. 4 spot in the Pacific. Left winger Blake Coleman and goalie Dustin Wolf will aim to end their seasons on a high note after the former scored his 20th goal for the squad against Colorado while the latter stopped 36 shots.

With L.A. looking to redeem themselves from a humiliating defeat, expect them to unleash their full fury on the Flames. 

The Daily Hilario: Thursday

MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 15: General view inside the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between FC Bayern München and Real Madrid CF at Football Arena Munich on April 15, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by S. Mellar/FC Bayern via Getty Images) | FC Bayern via Getty Images

Hmm

Lamine Yamal for Barcelona across both legs against Atletico Madrid:

◉ Most duels won (30)
◉ Most touches in opp. box (25)
◉ Most successful take-ons (18)
◉ Most possessions won (17)
◉ Most fouls won (9)
◉ Most chances created (7)
◉= Most shots (7)
◉ Most big… pic.twitter.com/rBJK3F6ebl

— Squawka (@Squawka) April 15, 2026

Most

57 days to go – The most headed clearances by a player in a single FIFA World Cup since 1966 is 57 by Jack Charlton in England's victorious 1966 campaign. Giraffe. #OptaWorldCupCountdownpic.twitter.com/tldSq00S8y

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 15, 2026

Involved

Gabriel Martinelli has been directly involved in a goal every 63 minutes in the UEFA Champions League this season.

The best ratio by any Arsenal player with 500+ minutes played in a single edition of the competition. 👏 https://t.co/FS2rkIIXFz

— Squawka (@Squawka) April 15, 2026


Predicted Starting Line-Up: Manchester City vs Arsenal (Premier League)

Predicted Starting Line-Up: Manchester City vs Arsenal (Premier League)
Predicted Starting Line-Up: Manchester City vs Arsenal (Premier League)

Manchester City host Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday in a title-deciding clash for the ages as both sides know the result could define their season.

In their last outing, City brushed past Chelsea to re-ignite the title race after Arsenal‘s defeat to Bournemouth. The result leaves Pep Guardiola‘s side six points adrift of the Gunners with a game in hand ahead of this weekend’s titanic battle.

After a relatively subdued first-half, it was Nico O’Reilly who once again stepped up to the plate, rising highest to nod home from Rayan Cherki‘s delicious cross in the 51st minute and hand City a deserved breakthrough.

The momentum quickly snowballed and just six minutes later, Cherki glided effortlessly beyond a sea of blue shirts before squaring for former Chelsea man Marc Guehi, who made no mistake with a composed, clinical finish to give his new club some breathing room.

“I’m hoping for Antoine” – Bournemouth’s Alex Scott makes title race wish after Arsenal win

Jeremy Doku pounced on a costly lapse from Moises Caicedo on the edge of the Chelsea area to cap off a commanding display, nicking possession and coolly slotting home his fifth goal of the campaign to put the result beyond any doubt.

Up next for Guardiola’s men is a fixture that could turn out to be season-defining. After months of being all but written off by many, City have the chance to draw themselves to within just three points of the summit as they ready themselves to host Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Here’s how we predict Manchester City will line up against Arsenal on Sunday evening-

Starting XI

Gianluigi Donnarumma kept his 12th clean sheet of his debut Premier League campaign on Sunday – only five keepers in Europe’s top five leagues have kept more.

The Italian has been crucial to Manchester City’s title hunt this season, with some of his finest performances coming in the biggest matches. If City are to come out of this one unscathed, Donnarumma will have to bring his A-game once again.

Matheus Nunes has been in the form of his life this term, so much so that his place in the squad is almost guaranteed in a game of this magnitude. Only Erling Haaland and Gianluigi Donnarumma have played more minutes for City this season.

The Portugal international grabbed himself an assist in the Carabao Cup final against Mikel Arteta’s side in March after missing out on the starting line-up in the same fixture at the start of the season.

His link-up play with Antoine Semenyo on the right flank was crucial in the 2-0 final win at Wembley – and more of the same this weekend would no doubt go a long way if City are to be crowned Premier League champions for a seventh time under Guardiola.

Arsenal struck by squad crisis as FIVE key names miss training with Man City showdown days away

In the centre of defence, the partnership of Abdukodir Khusanov and Marc Guehi has been rock-solid in their short time together so far. Khusanov continues to impress fans and win over even his harshest critics, seemingly making improvements game after game.

As for Guehi, his goal on Sunday coupled with yet another clean sheet showcased exactly why City were so desperate to beat everyone else for his signature. It’s no coincidence that City’s defence looked revitalised with the signing of the England international.

With O’Reilly having been withdrawn with an injury on Sunday, it looks as if Rayan Ait-Nouri could be in line to start. Ait-Nouri has been fantastic with limited minutes this season, his appearance from the bench against Chelsea was yet another showcase of his exceptional on-ball talent.

Whilst O’Reilly will no doubt be a huge miss if he is indeed not fit for Arsenal, there are very few better back-up options at full-back in the world than Ait-Nouri.

Rodri looked a step or two off the pace at times against Chelsea but even still, the Spaniard looked at ease with mostly everything the opposition could throw his way.

There is definitely a case to be made that Nico Gonzalez is deserving of more gametime than he’s seen recently but a game of this magnitude is probably not the one to disrupt the current status quo. A match of this scale is the perfect opportunity for Manchester City’s Ballon d’Or winner to show exactly what he’s made of.

Rayan Cherki needs no introduction. There simply aren’t enough superlatives in the world to do any justice to the Frenchman’s recent performances. After spending some time away from the starting squad, Cherki has won his spot in the XI on pure merit. With a brace of assists on the weekend, there may be no one better to break the often impenetrable Arsenal defence.

Captain Bernardo Silva is sure to be the man to lead the team out this weekend. In his final season at City, the 31-year-old has already lifted silverware once and with two more trophies on the line, he’ll be more hungry than anyone to get his hands on both.

Match Officials: Anthony Taylor to referee Manchester City vs Arsenal

As if he wasn’t already guaranteed a place as a Manchester City legend, turning the tide here and bringing home a title that at one point looked impossible would surely cement Silva as an all-time great.

Antoine Semenyo may have gone goalless in the last match but it never feels like goals are far away when the former Bournemouth man is on the pitch.

Semenyo has yet to score against Arsenal in his career but in his last appearance against the Gunners, he gave Piero Hincapie plenty to think about down the right flank and he’ll surely look forward to more of the same on Sunday.

Who else but Erling Haaland up front? The Norwegian may have faced some criticism over his goalscoring form in recent times but it would never be wise to bet against him. If anyone knows that it takes to break the deadlock against the toughest defence in the league, it’s Erling Braut Haaland.

Jeremy Doku bagged his fifth goal of the campaign, his 14th goal involvement in all competitions, at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The Belgium forward admitted after the match that he’d like to be amongst the goals more often as well as stating his belief that the title race is well and truly on. There are few scarier prospects as a footballer than a fired-up Doku running at you for 90 minutes.

Starting XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, Ait-Nouri; Rodri, Bernardo, Cherki; Semenyo, Haaland, Doku

Substitutes: Trafford, Ake, Nico, Kovacic, O’Reilly, Reijnders, Foden, Savinho, Marmoush

Ryan Garcia Announces Benn As Next Opponent

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 21: Ryan Garcia lands a punch on Mario Barrios during their WBC Welterweight Title Fight at T-Mobile Arena on February 21, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Ryan Garcia is rededicated to boxing and looking to stay active.

A couple months ago, Garcia pummeled Mario Barrios to capture the WBC Welterweight title in a stunning performance (watch here). It was the performance many have been hoping for from the oft-troubled “King Ry,” and he earned world champion status as a result. There’s still a ton of major opportunity for the talented 27-year-old pugilist, who’s been trading barbs with Shakur Stevenson ever since beating up Barrios.

Despite that ongoing beef, Garcia is looking to go in another direction for his next bout. While streaming, Garcia announced his next fight, claiming that he’ll be fighting Conor Benn in Las Vegas, Nevada this coming August.

🚨 Ryan Garcia just announced he's fighting Conor Benn in August in Las Vegas

"We're gonna eat that up. Conor's about to get blasted, guys."

(via @RyanGarcia) pic.twitter.com/BJgmTVPIaK

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 16, 2026

“It’s going to be in August,” Garcia answered of his next bout. “We’re gonna have it in Vegas. His name’s Conor Benn, from the UK … We’re gonna eat that up. Conor’s about to get blasted.”

Just a few days ago, Conor Benn made good on his controversial $15 million signing with Zuffa Boxing, defeating Regis Prograis via decision on Netflix. Most fans and fellow boxers were not impressed by the performance, but Benn still returns to free agency as a much richer man riding a nice win streak.

CONNOR BUMM

— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) April 11, 2026

Of course, Ryan Garcia announcing the fight on a stream is not the same as an official signed contract. Garcia seemed confident, however, and it would be a very high-profile matchup between two of Welterweight’s top young stars. It’s an easy sell that makes plenty of sense, so stay tuned for official confirmation (or not) and further details in the days to come.

Was this the most dramatic relegation battle ever?

A captain's header, an overhead kick, a controversial decision, a saved penalty, a goalmouth scramble and three different teams in bottom spot.

All of this happened across two matches in the final six minutes of the Irish Premiership season in 2016, and it flipped the relegation battle on its head.

Miguel Chines' spectacular injury-time finish, as well as late controversy at Milltown, kept Carrick Rangers in the top flight and sent Warrenpoint Town down.

On Saturday, Crusaders take on Glenavon in what is set to be a tense relegation battle at Mourneview Park.

But 10 years ago, was Carrick's great escape the most dramatic conclusion to a relegation battle in history?

The background

Four teams headed into the final day of the Irish Premiership season with the threat of relegation, with the bottom team facing the drop to the second tier and the 11th place side forced into a play-off against a Championship club.

Portadown started the day in ninth, and thanks to their routine 2-0 win at Ballymena United, we don't need to worry about them in this iconic final day.

Carrick Rangers faced Ballinamallard, while Warrenpoint Town hosted Dungannon Swifts, who were already well clear of danger.

Carrick were bottom of the table and one point off Warrenpoint in 11th, while Ballinamallard were in 10th and out of the drop zone, again by one point.

Heading into the final 10 minutes, Warrenpoint put themselves in a strong position when Stephen Hughes put them into the lead, while former Northern Ireland international Ivan Sproule had put the Mallards in front at Carrick.

It was all rather sedate and low key, and as the minutes ticked down it looked certain like Carrick would be relegated and Warrenpoint would face the relegation play-off.

The six minutes that changed everything

"There's still a lot that can change in this game," co-commentator Chris Morgan said on Radio Ulster in the 87th minute.

It was a mystic prediction from the former Glentoran striker, who himself famously scored a late title-deciding goal against Linfield in 2005.

Less than two minutes after his comment, a deep free-kick was played to the back post and Mark Surgenor rose highest to hammer a header into the back of the net.

At that point Carrick were still bottom, but it gave them hope. Warrenpoint were still leading and moved above Ballinamallard into automatic safety.

But few could have predicted what would have happened next as Chines acrobatically scored a superb winner for Carrick in the 91st minute.

"At a younger age, you always try those silly things, right?," Portugal-born striker Chines told BBC Sport NI.

"But the older you get, if you try it, you're always going to end up hurting your back or something.

"I just threw my leg at it, there was nothing else I could do because the ball was slightly behind me."

Chines said it was "instinct" to try the acrobatic effort, and he did not think about his options as the ball was headed back across goal by Aaron Traynor.

"As a striker, I always thought it's an instinct thing inside the box. You have literally a second, if that, for you to actually finish a chance.

"I had no other option and, luckily enough, I actually managed to connect with it."

Chines' goal sparked wild celebrations as the players ran to the crowd behind the goal - except for Chines who just dropped to the turf in relief.

Not only had he saved his team from relegation, but there was personal relief too as he had made a big contribution when he had been struggling for game time, largely due to a new job he had taken up in the new year that had limited how much he could train.

"It was like a relief over five to six months of not getting any joy from football because of work and everything else.

"And then there was more of a relief that we might be able to even see it out. It was probably the best feeling I've had in football."

As things stood, Carrick were 11th and facing a play-off and Ballinamallard were bottom, but there was more drama to come.

Controversy, controversy, controversy

Meanwhile at Milltown, where play was a few minutes behind Carrick, Warrenpoint still looked set to remain in the top flight and Ballinamallard would have faced the drop.

But everything changed again.

The clock had just ticked into injury-time when Dungannon's Cormac Burke collided with Jordan Dane in the area after a Swifts corner was cleared.

It looked for all the world that it should have been a free-kick to the hosts, but referee Ross Dunlop pointed to the spot.

The drama wasn't over there.

Ryan Harpur's effort was saved by Jonathan Parr, and the goalkeeper produced another superb save to deny Andrew Mitchell from the follow-up.

Harpur's header was then superbly kept off the line, but Mitchell hammered home at the fourth time of asking to leave Warrenpoint crestfallen - and furious.

Six minutes earlier they were staying in the top flight. All of a sudden they were dealing with automatic relegation on goal difference.

Ballinamallard fell into the play-off, which they would go on to win against Institute, while Carrick retained their top-flight status.

"Our team was outstanding, we done everything we needed to win the game and it was taken off us by a third party," said a furious Warrenpoint manager Gray.

For Morgan, he said he was left "stunned" by how the final few minutes played out.

"It was an incredible finish, and then the drama with what happened at Warrenpoint," he said.

"What a way to secure your future for another year in the Premiership."

Chines remembers then Carrick boss Gary Haveron comparing it to Sergio Aguero's famous title-deciding goal for Manchester City in 2012. The stage may not have been as big but the drama was just as high, and the striker described it as "draining", both physically and emotionally.

"I'm sure if you ask the boys at Man City, they would rather have been three or four goals up at half-time, rather than having a mini heart attack every 10 minutes and wondering what may happen.

"But it was an experience that we will never forget and we're always going to remember that day.

"We weren't aware what was happening in the other game, you can only take care of what's in front of you.

"We just needed the three points which we managed to get. After that, it was party time and we just made memories with the boys."

Coman cements title tilt, Jesus dances, while Ronaldo plays through illness

Coman cements title tilt, Jesus dances, while Ronaldo plays through illness
Coman cements title tilt, Jesus dances, while Ronaldo plays through illness

Al Nassr took another step towards the Roshn Saudi League title with a gritty 1-0 home victory against at Al Ettifaq on Wednesday night.

The league leaders, last champions in the 2018-19 season, extended their advantage at the summit to eight points thanks to Kingsley Coman’s 31st-minute winner at a packed Al Awwal Park.

The win, a club record-extending 15th in the RSL, keeps Al Nassr’s hunt for the top-flight trophy firmly on track, although nearest rivals Al Hilal, and Al Ahli in third - the Asian champions are 10 points back - do have a game in hand as they have this week contested the AFC Champions League Elite.

Al Nassr had numerous chances to seal a more comprehensive result, but for some fine goalkeeping from Al Ettifaq No.1 Marek Rodak, the woodwork, and some frustrating finishing from the hosts. The visitors also had Jack Hendry sent off in injury-time for a foul on Joao Felix.

Afterwards, Al Nassr manager Jorge Jesus confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo had played through illness, the club captain substituted in the final minute of normal time having been dealing with a stomach issue.

Chasing a record-equalling third RSL golden boot, Ronaldo had failed to add to his 24 league goals this season. As such, he remains two behind second-placed Julian Quinones, of Al Qadsiah, and three back from the frontrunner, Al Ahli’s Ivan Toney.

Ronaldo did, though, have a hand in the winner: it was his long-range effort just after the half hour that Rodak could only parry, leaving summer signing Coman to pounce on the rebound to round the Slovakia international and slot into the empty net.

Ronaldo, 41, later hit the post and had an effort cleared brilliantly off the line by Hendry.

Speaking afterwards, Jesus said of the five-time Ballon d'Or: “I was thinking of not including him; he wasn't in good shape. He was suffering from stomach pains and a general feeling of fatigue and, when I substituted him, he went straight to the dressing room and threw up.”

However, posting later on social media, Ronaldo said: “[Three more points]. Great energy in the stands.”

Jesus certainly concurred, the 2023-24 title-winner with Al Hilal dancing a little jig in front of the Al Nassr faithful at the final whistle.

“Today, our stadium was in an exceptional and wonderful atmosphere,” he said. “And our fans have become more and more convinced of the possibility of achieving the goal, and they gave us tremendous energy throughout the match.

“Al Nassr is not used to winning titles, especially the Saudi League, so the players have started to feel that we are approaching the goal - and the fans have also begun to believe that we are close to achieving it.”

Three of Al Nassr's final five RSL matches come against teams directly below them in the table, with home matches against Al Ahli and Al Hilal and a trip to fourth-placed Al Qadsiah.

Arsenal star Noni Madueke spotted limping heavily at full-time after knee issue against Sporting CP

Arsenal star Noni Madueke spotted limping heavily at full-time after knee issue against Sporting CP
Arsenal star Noni Madueke spotted limping heavily at full-time after knee issue against Sporting CP

Arsenal secured a place in the semi-finals of the Champions League last night following a goalless draw with Sporting CP at Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners headed into the second-leg of their quarter-final tie following a 1-0 victory in Portugal last week, and manager Mikel Arteta will be delighted.

However, the Arsenal boss could have a huge injury concern heading into the Premier League game against Manchester City on Sunday.

The North Londoners could be without Noni Madueke after he was spotted limping heavily at full-time following a knee issue in the second-half.

The Arsenal star was taken off in the 63rd minute for Max Dowman after going down injured, and while he was in good spirits and did not look concerned about his knee after the game, he might have picked up a big injury.

Tests and scans later this week will determine the severity of the knock, but Gunners fans would not be surprised if he is ruled out of the trip to the Etihad Stadium this weekend.

Arsenal are desperate to return to winning ways in the league following the defeat to Bournemouth last Saturday, and they need their injured players back.

Bukayo Saka, Riccardo Calafiori, Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino and Jurrien Timber missed the game last night and it remains to be seen whether anyone of them will be back for the potential title-decider against Man City.

While Arsenal have kept eight clean sheets in 12 Champions League matches and conceded just five goals, the match on Sunday will be a truer test of their defensive capabilities.

They have kept 27 clean sheets in all competitions and shutting out Man City will be huge.

The Gunners also have to be the better team in attack this weekend if they want to leave Manchester with all three points, and Arteta will hope Madueke is fit enough to feature.

Just another time Notre Dame smacked around USC on the football field

21 OCT 1995: NOTRE DAME PLAYERS CELEBRATE THEIR 38-10 VICTORY OVER THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA IN SOUTH BEND, IN. AS USC DEFENSIVE END WILLIE LOWERY WALKS OFF THE FIELD. Mandatory Credit: BRIAN BAHR/ALLSPORT | Getty Images

On a chilly, rain-soaked October afternoon in 1995, when the skies over South Bend mirrored the intensity of one of college football’s greatest rivalries, Notre Dame Fighting Irish football welcomed the fifth-ranked USC Trojans football to town. The Trojans arrived with the spotlight, the swagger, and the expectations—but Notre Dame had something else in mind.

There was a different energy in the air that day. You could feel it in the stands, hear it in the roar of the crowd, and see it in the way the Irish took the field—focused, physical, and ready to prove something. This wasn’t just about rankings. It was about pride. It was about defending home turf. And it was about reminding everyone what Notre Dame football is all about.

What unfolded over the next four quarters wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. A team that had been questioned just weeks earlier rose up, dominated on both sides of the ball, and delivered one of the most complete performances of the season.

Here’s a look back at a defining performance that turned a chilly, drizzly day into a decisive and unforgettable 38–10 victory for Notre Dame . . .

The following excerpt is from the 1995 Football Review in Scholastic Magazine (Vol. 137, No. 11), written by Jake Schaller.

IRISH HORSE

The Irish snuck up on the nation’s number five team, whipping the men of Troy 38-10 in their best performance of the season.

By Jake Schaller

An Open Letter to the Notre Dame Football Team

Dear Lou and the boys:

I would like to publicly apologize. I admit it. I thought you guys would lose to the Trojans of Southern Cal.

Well, as long as I’m writing this, I had better come clean. I thought you had no chance. I thought USC would wipe the rain off the field with your uniforms and then run up and down the field on you. I thought that Keyshawn would strike that Heisman pose in the end zone all day. I thought Robinson and his Men of Troy would finally end that pesky streak of non-victories in style.

And could anyone not suiting up for the Blue and Gold on that October day feel any differently? I mean this is a team that came inches away, literally, from losing to Army! And now number five USC was rolling into town? Please.

OCTOBER 21, 1995 — NOTRE DAME, IN
In one motion, a reborn Irish squad shocked the nation, turned in their best game of the season, threw themselves into the hunt for a major bowl and eliminated a national championship contender. That very smooth motion was the USC game, a story in domination.

On two October 21st possessions, the Notre Dame football team took a huge step towards becoming a great team instead of only a good one.

After a shocking first quarter in which the Irish thoroughly dominated the fifth-ranked Trojans, and less than six minutes of an equally impressive second quarter, all Notre Dame had to show for its efforts was a one-point deficit.

The Irish defense had just sent the Trojans to the sidelines without points for the third time in three tries during the game when a series of events that most watching thought would spell disaster actually brought out the character of this Irish squad.

Junior Scott Sollman caught John Stonehouse’s punt, and USC’s Jesse Davis jarred the ball loose. His teammates recovered, giving the Trojans the ball on the Irish 17-yard line. Two plays later, Keyshawn Johnson caught a pass on an out pattern, slipped out of an Allen Rossum tackle and pranced into the end zone.

A successful extra point, a feat Kevin Kopka was unable to pull off earlier, put the Trojans up 7-6.

But just as the television audience and fans at Notre Dame Stadium began to roll their eyes and think to themselves, “Here we go again,” the Irish came right back. The fumble could have sparked a Columbus-esque turnover-fest. But the Irish shrugged off the turnover just as they had the rain and the cold, which bothered the visiting Trojans all day.

An offsides and an illegal procedure penalty on the Trojans gave the Irish the ball at the USC 40. An 8-yard Autry Denson run and a 15-yard center screen to Denson got the drive going. Then a highlight reel block by fullback Marc Edwards on defensive end Israel Ifeanyi, which later appeared in Sports Illustrated, allowed Powlus to sneak out of trouble and scramble for six. Edwards and Denson then shared seven of the next eight carries, taking the Irish down the field before Edwards scored from two yards out.

Maybe even more impressive was that the eighth carry was made by Powlus. Criticized for his inability to run the option effectively, Powlus had asked Holtz to run it more in practice. “I said, ‘Coach, I don’t mind running the option if you want to run it,'” he recalled. Practice didn’t make perfect, but it made it at the very least effective, giving the Irish another weapon. “We felt we had to run a little bit of option,” Holtz said.

Edwards, who staked his claim for player of the game honors with his 82 yards, three touchdowns and tremendous blocking, also showed his athleticism on a crazy two-point conversion attempt that put the Irish up 14-7. Edwards took a pitch right, ran and then pulled up. He looked for Mayes and back to Powlus, who he thought was covered. Doing his best Fran Tarkenton imitation, the big fullback reversed his field and danced away from the defenders. He then headed for the left corner of the end zone. The man covering Powlus had to commit to Edwards, who then calmly lofted the ball to Powlus.

“The two-point conversion was a well-executed play,” Edwards said. “I got great blocking from the line and USC took the bait. Ron was wide-open in the corner of the end zone.”

The second series in which the Irish grew up came just before halftime. Denson had just given the Irish a 21-7 lead with a 4-yard touchdown run off of a delay. But the Trojans wanted to notch another touchdown before the last 41 seconds of the first half evaporated. Good field position and two long strikes gave USC the ball at the Notre Dame 5-yard line with only 19 seconds to go. Shades of the Ohio State game, in which the Buckeyes tabbed a momentum-changing touchdown just before half, danced through the heads of Irish faithful.

Quarterback Kyle Wachholtz tried unsuccessfully to hit Johnson on corner patterns three times, but an interference penalty on the first of the three tries had given the Trojans the ball on the Notre Dame 2-yard line. On third and goal from the two, Wachholtz tried to go over the middle. Inside linebacker Lyron Cobbins batted the ball and USC running back Rodney Sermons collected it, but was swarmed short of paydirt as time expired. Momentum saved. “That was tremendous,” Edwards said of the stand. “That was a huge boost.” Powlus agreed: “The defense, they won the game.”

Notre Dame continued to slosh through the soaked Trojans in the second half of play. But tenacity and a little Fighting Irish luck kept the Trojans at arm’s length.

The defense had to step up first. Powlus, perhaps because of the wind, underthrew Mayes to start the second half, and the ball was intercepted. Backed up to their own thirty, the Irish defense allowed the Trojans to advance to the six but then slammed the door. USC settled for a field goal.

Later in the third quarter, the Trojans’ Larry Parker took a Hunter Smith punt at his own 41. He ran straight up the middle before breaking to the right sideline. Enter Irish luck. His jaunt, which ended in the end zone, would have been a game-breaking play, save for a little yellow hanky. An illegal block on USC brought the ball back.

The defense stepped up again later in the third quarter, after Kopka missed a chance to put the game away with a 29-yard field goal. This miss, however, provided one of the most striking visual images of the season. Intercepting Kopka as he made his way back to the sideline, Mayes grabbed the freshman to ensure eye contact, and spoke to him for over a minute.

In the fourth quarter, the Irish iced the game. Kory Minor crumpled Wachholtz in the end zone for a safety, Powlus threw a touchdown pass, and Edwards notched his third touchdown of the game.

The spectacular plays, however, could not overshadow what was without a doubt the best, most complete win of the Irish season. After the game, USC coach John Robinson couldn’t even point to a single play as the turning point. “There’s really not much to say,” he said. “We played bad, Notre Dame played good. It was a matter of their ability to run at us and our inability to make plays on third down. They had a good plan, they executed it, and they overwhelmed us.”

The Trojans seemed upset by the cold, rainy weather, while the Irish fed off of it. The offensive line pushed the Trojan defense out of the way, and Irish backs exploited it for 216 rushing yards. “[Edwards] was a real tough runner, and he was running behind a great offensive line,” senior linebacker Scott Fields said. “They were easily the best offensive line we have faced this year. Not only are they big, but they are athletic and they were able to execute today.”

The line also gave Powlus plenty of time to turn in a solid performance. Not flashy, with huge numbers, but effective, the way Holtz likes it. The junior completed 18 passes in 29 tries for 189 yards and a nifty 2-yard flip to tight end Pete Chryplewicz.

After Notre Dame struggled against Army’s option wizardry, questions abounded before the USC game. But starting with Tatum’s mammoth hit, the Irish forced three turnovers and put the game away with a safety. Cobbins, who in two years had no interceptions, picked off two, returning one 37 yards. “We worked on pass drops during practice all week,” he explained. “We played our best to get the big plays we needed to produce a win.” Bert Berry contributed a drive-killing tackle, and Kory Minor a safety in a fine all-around effort by Notre Dame’s standout linebacking core.

Of all those certain of a USC victory, the Trojans themselves might have been the most cocksure. Pregame comments from the “Men of Troy” incited Irish fury. “Some people can do it with their mouth, and we proved that we could do it by action,” said Mayes.

So please accept my apology. I promise to stop talking about that Army game. I guess it was midterm week. Thanking you in advance, Doubting Schaller

P.S. Lou, loved the tight end screen, the middle screens and the whole defensive plan. The play calling was as good as it has been in the past three years—great job. Which reminds me, no offense, but you being in the press box isn’t so bad after all.

On a cold and rainy day in South Bend, the Irish didn’t just beat a top-five opponent—they rediscovered who they were. Tough. Physical. Unshaken. They played with a grit and determination that couldn’t be measured by rankings or statistics, only felt in every hit, every drive, and every stand.

This was a team that had been questioned, tested, and pushed to the edge just weeks before—but instead of breaking, they responded. They answered with effort, execution, and a belief in one another that showed up from the opening snap to the final whistle.

It was more than a win over USC. It was a statement. A reminder that when Notre Dame football leans into its identity—when it plays with heart, discipline, and purpose—anything is possible.

And on that gray October afternoon in 1995, the Irish didn’t just rise to the moment… they owned it.

Cheers & GO IRISH!

Newest Chargers get their numbers for the 2026 season

The Chargers have welcomed several new players via free agency this spring.

The Chargers' biggest signing was center Tyler Biadasz to a three-year, $30 million contract. Biadasz will replace Bradley Bozeman on the line, who announced his retirement in the offseason.

The new Chargers center will wear No. 63.

The Bolts also added speed in the backfield with the addition of running back Keaton Mitchell. The former Baltimore Raven will sport No. 34.

Another free agent the Chargers welcomed with a Baltimore connection was tight end Charlie Kolar, who will wear No. 88 for the Bolts.

Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel is familiar with a pair of new additions in fullback Alec Ingold and guard Cole Strange, both of whom previously played for the Miami Dolphins.

The Chargers also signed defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, who was released by the Arizona Cardinals. He will wear No. 94 with the Bolts.

In late March, the Chargers signed guard Kayode Awosika. He spent the last four seasons playing for the Detroit Lions and was a part of one of the best offensive lines in the league.

New Chargers numbers:

G Kayode Awosika - 74
FB Alec Ingold - 49
TE Charlie Kolar - 88
RB Keaton Mitchell - 34
C Tyler Biadasz - 63
G Cole Strange - 69
DT Dalvin Tomlinson - 94

— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) April 15, 2026

While the Chargers addressed some needs via free agency, they will have to cement the roster during the NFL draft at the end of the month.

This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers reveal numbers for new players

Arteta ready for ‘magical’ semi-final as Arsenal make history

Arteta ready for ‘magical’ semi-final as Arsenal make history
Arteta ready for ‘magical’ semi-final as Arsenal make history

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said he is excited for two ‘magical’ Champions League semi-final ties against Atletico Madrid.

Arsenal booked their place in the last four after a goalless draw with Sporting CP at the Emirates on Wednesday, a result that sealed a 1-0 aggregate success. The North Londoners have reached the Champions League semi-finals for the second straight season, a club first.

Arteta’s side will take on Atletico Madrid for a place in the final, after the Spanish side upset compatriots Barcelona in the quarter-finals.

The Arsenal manager is relishing the challenge and urged the club’s fans to relish the occasion.

Asked about his pride at Arsenal’s consecutive semi-finals, Arteta said in his post-match press conference” “My message was gratitude to them. I know the effort, the commitment that they put in.

“There’s been a lot of work behind it, we’ve done something that has never been done in the history of our club in 140 years, so that tells you the difficulty of that.

“We have had to do it as well in a very special way, missing a lot of important players, so big credit for that.

“I’m especially happy for our supporters because they were right behind the team today and we’re going to have two magical nights, one in Madrid and another one here in London against Atletico, so I’m very proud of them.”

Read – Iraola backed for Newcastle job with surprise second-favourite

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Chelsea eyeing move for Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix this summer

Chelsea eyeing move for Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix this summer
Chelsea eyeing move for Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix this summer

Chelsea are considering a move for Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix as the Blues look to bring in defensive reinforcement this summer, per the Daily Mail.

Chelsea desperately need a physical, aggressive, and dominant presence at centre-half. They are missing a leader who can organise the backline.

In the absence of Levi Colwill, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, and Mamadou Sarr have not lived up to expectations.

The Blues need a defensive makeover, and one of the names on their shortlist is Lacroix, who has been turning heads since arriving in the league at the beginning of last season.

Lacroix has won 61 percent of his aerial and 61% of his ground duels in 29 league appearances this term. He has also helped his side keep 10 clean sheets.

While Lacroix, who has been lauded as a ‘leader‘, is not the cleanest progressive passer or carrier, he is more than decent on the ball.

However, after losing Marc Guehi in January, the Eagles might be reluctant to let the Frenchman head over to Stamford Bridge. They will put up a fight.

Signed for just £18 million in what looks like a brilliant deal, his club will try to make Chelsea pay through their nose.

According to the report, he is not the only name on Chelsea’s shortlist, with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Jan Paul Van Hecke also on their radar.

The Dutchman is another Premier League-proven defender that can help shore up Chelsea’s leaky rearguard.

Van Hecke has also impressed in the English top flight, winning 56 percent of his aerial and 66% of his ground duels this term, and helping to keep seven clean sheets.

The Blues need two defenders this summer and will likely move on at least three permanently, while loans could be on the cards for Josh Acheampong and Sarr.

David Lynch previews Liverpool’s historic Merseyside Derby clash against Everton

David Lynch previews Liverpool’s historic Merseyside Derby clash against Everton
David Lynch previews Liverpool’s historic Merseyside Derby clash against Everton

Liverpool prepare for historic Merseyside Derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Liverpool’s upcoming clash with Everton carries added significance, with the Anfield Index Media Matters podcast highlighting both the challenge and the occasion.

Speaking on the show, Dave Davis and David Lynch reflected on what will be the first Merseyside Derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, adding another layer of intrigue to an already intense fixture.

Tough test expected for Liverpool

Lynch made it clear that this will be far from a routine match. “We know how tough that game is,” he said, acknowledging the unique demands of a derby environment.

The challenge is heightened by Liverpool’s inconsistent away form, which has raised doubts about their ability to control games on the road. Lynch pointed out that trips like this have been problematic, referencing how Liverpool have struggled in similar fixtures this season.

Despite Liverpool’s superior league position, form and context suggest a far more balanced contest.

Everton approach could cause problems

A key factor in the analysis was how Everton are likely to approach the game. Lynch highlighted the tactical difficulty Liverpool may face, stating that David Moyes “knows how to set up against Liverpool”.

He added that Everton “will do a lot of things Liverpool won’t like”, underlining the physical and disruptive nature often associated with derby matches.

That combination of tactical discipline and intensity could make it difficult for Liverpool to impose their preferred style.

Photo: IMAGO

Point seen as acceptable result

Interestingly, Lynch suggested that even a draw could be considered a positive outcome. “I think I probably would shake hands on a draw right now,” he admitted.

That view reflects both respect for the opponent and awareness of Liverpool’s current form. In a tightly contested race, avoiding defeat in a hostile environment may hold significant value.

He also noted that a point would help “keep Chelsea at arm’s length” while maintaining Liverpool’s position in the table.

Historic setting adds extra pressure

The occasion itself adds further weight to the fixture. As the first derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium, the atmosphere is expected to be intense, with Everton supporters eager to mark the moment.

For Liverpool, adapting quickly to that environment will be crucial. Early control of the game, or even an early goal, could play a significant role in shaping the outcome.

Zubimendi steals the show in Arsenal draw v Sporting with brilliant midfield performance

Zubimendi steals the show in Arsenal draw v Sporting with brilliant midfield performance
Zubimendi steals the show in Arsenal draw v Sporting with brilliant midfield performance

Arsenal secured a 0-0 draw with Sporting CP at the Emirates Stadium to earn a 1-0 win over the Portuguese side on aggregate.

The Gunners are into the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League, looking to clear this hurdle after decades of trying to bring home the gold.

Arsenal needed to hold on and secure the win. They did so firmly, thanks to some impressive performances across the board.

One of the players who rose to the occasion in North London was midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

After some catastrophic performances in recent games that raised eyebrows, he finally delivered a noteworthy display in the engine room.

Zubimendi played a key role in the centre of the park, dictating the play and screening danger. The Spaniard won 1/1 of his aerial and 5/5 of his ground duels on the night.

The 27-year-old played two key passes and completed 48/54 passes (89% accuracy). He made three progressive carries, one interception, and two clearances.

Zubimendi’s loss of form in recent games has coincided with a downturn in Arsenal’s performances.

If he can keep up displays like this, Arsenal have a chance of staving off Manchester City’s challenge to clinch their first Premier League title in 22 years come May.

They should also be able to go one step further than last season in the Champions League by reaching the final.

Zubimendi has enjoyed a mixed debut season in England. Some fine goals and important displays have been punctuated by poor showings that cost the club games.

Expect consistency from the former Real Sociedad man next season after he has fully acclimated himself to his new environment.

When he does, performances like yesterday’s will be the standard for him. He can go on to establish himself as one of the best in his position.

Report: Liverpool favourites to sign Premier League defender

Report: Liverpool favourites to sign Premier League defender
Report: Liverpool favourites to sign Premier League defender

Liverpool Move Ahead in Marcos Senesi Pursuit Amid Defensive Concerns

Liverpool are currently leading the race to sign Marcos Senesi on a free transfer this summer, with the Bournemouth centre-back expected to leave at the end of his contract. Reporting from iPaper indicates the Merseyside club are best placed to secure his signature, with rival interest cooling.

Contract Decision Drives Exit

“Another certain Bournemouth exit this summer is that of Marcos Senesi, with suitors being lined up to capture the cultured defender on a free transfer.”

Senesi has formally indicated he will not extend his stay on the south coast, prompting his representatives to explore options across the Premier League and Europe. The timing aligns with broader changes at the club, following Andoni Iraola confirming he will depart at the end of the season.

“Senesi’s representatives have been busy trying to secure the 28-year-old his next move, after notifying Bournemouth he will not be signing a new deal on the South Coast.”

Liverpool Prioritise Defensive Reinforcement

“The i Paper understands Liverpool are the most likely destination, as they look to add some much-needed fresh faces to their central defensive arsenal.”

Liverpool’s interest reflects a clear requirement for depth and succession planning. Virgil van Dijk has featured heavily this season, underlining a lack of reliable alternatives.

“Skipper Virgil van Dijk, who turns 35 in July, has had to play 49 times already this campaign, due to lack of alternatives, while Ibrahima Konate continues to struggle for form and last summer’s signing Giovanni Leoni remains on the treatment table.”

Photo IMAGO

The profile Senesi offers, left sided, composed in possession, and experienced in the Premier League, aligns with Liverpool’s current requirements.

Rivals Shift Focus Elsewhere

“Chelsea and Manchester United had been keeping tabs on Senesi, but The i Paper has been told neither are currently planning to make a move.”

Manchester United are understood to be targeting alternative defensive options, including Nottingham Forest’s Murillo, while Chelsea FC are prioritising more physically dominant profiles as part of their squad restructuring.

Italian interest has also diminished.

“Juventus had carried out extensive checks but informed his agent recently that they did not believe he would be a guaranteed starter.”

Roma have similarly withdrawn after initial due diligence, leaving English clubs as the primary contenders.

Premier League Competition Remains

“It is understood that Senesi has been offered to most of the clubs in contention to play in Europe but is yet to make a decision on where he goes next.”

Aston Villa, Everton, and Tottenham are among those monitoring the situation, though Liverpool’s current position appears strongest. Financial terms, particularly wage demands, could still influence the outcome, with a decision expected before the season concludes.

From Liverpool’s perspective, the opportunity to secure an experienced defender without a transfer fee represents a calculated and potentially low risk addition during a period of transition.


Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Liverpool standpoint, this situation reflects a club addressing a clear structural issue rather than chasing headline signings. Senesi may not arrive with the profile of a marquee addition, but his attributes align with what the squad currently lacks.

There is a reliance on Virgil van Dijk that cannot continue indefinitely. His minutes this season highlight a broader problem around depth and availability. Konate’s inconsistency and ongoing fitness concerns elsewhere in the defensive unit only reinforce that point.

Senesi brings experience, balance, and familiarity with the league. For a side that often dominates possession but has struggled with defensive stability in key moments, his composure could offer value.

A supporter might question whether this represents sufficient ambition, especially given Liverpool’s recent trajectory. That concern is valid. However, squad building often requires incremental improvements as much as transformative ones.

If this deal forms part of a wider defensive refresh, it looks sensible. If viewed in isolation, it risks feeling underwhelming.

Ultimately, this appears to be a pragmatic move, one that suggests Liverpool are attempting to stabilise before they evolve further.

Liverpool lead race to sign Bournemouth’s Senesi this summer

Liverpool lead race to sign Bournemouth’s Senesi this summer
Liverpool lead race to sign Bournemouth’s Senesi this summer

Liverpool are leading the race to sign Bournemouth centre-half Marcos Senesi, according to The I Paper.

The Reds are in the market for a defender and have turned to the Argentine, whom sporting director Richard Hughes knows from his time with the Cherries.

Liverpool could use a new centre-back with Virgil Van Dijk entering the twilight of his career.

The Merseyside club needs a back-up who can take the reins for the Dutchman. Enter the ‘very valuable’ Senesi.

While the 28-year-old is not the physical specimen that Van Dijk is, he is an exquisite passer of the ball and can help unlock teams even from the back.

Senesi has won 48 percent of his aerial and 57% of his ground duels in 31 Premier League appearances this season.

He has helped his side keep eight clean sheets while creating six big chances so far, earmarking himself as one of the best ball-playing defenders around.

Senesi is poised to become a free agent this summer, allowing Liverpool to pounce and snap him up.

But they won’t get a free run at him with several other clubs, local and international, queuing up for his signature.

He is one of the hottest properties on the transfer market this summer.

Yet for all his pedigree and comfort in possession, there is a lingering doubt over whether Senesi truly fits the profile of a Van Dijk successor.

Liverpool’s defensive structure has long been built on dominance in the air, in duels, and in recovery situations, areas where Senesi’s numbers are, at best, modest.

Replacing Van Dijk is not simply about progression from the back, but about authority without the ball.

Senesi offers composure, but not necessarily control. For a team with title ambitions, that distinction could prove decisive if Liverpool choose to make their move.

Newcastle tracking Karim Coulibaly ahead of summer transfer move

Newcastle tracking Karim Coulibaly ahead of summer transfer move
Newcastle tracking Karim Coulibaly ahead of summer transfer move

Newcastle United continue to track the progress of Werder Bremen defender Karim Coulibaly, according to Bild.

The Magpies have been eyeing the highly-rated young centre-half and can swoop for him this summer.

The Newcastle transfer target has caught the eye with his performances for the struggling German side.

Despite being only 18, he has established himself as a key player for Werder, playing a crucial role in their bid to avoid relegation.

Coulibaly has won 47 percent of his aerial and 51% of his ground duels in 23 Bundesliga appearances this season, helping to keep three clean sheets.

While Newcastle have an established defensive pairing in Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw, they have to start planning for the future.

Dan Burn and Fabian Schar are getting up there in age, and Newcastle need a young successor who can take the reins from the two veterans.

Newcastle have been snapping up young talents from across the globe, recently completing a deal for Ecuadorian talent Johan Martinez from Independiente del Valle.

Coulibaly might be up next. According to Florian Plettenberg, he will cost around €50 million, but Newcastle are not alone in the race for his signature.

Chelsea have also been tracking the left-footed German defender, providing competition for the Geordies.

If Bremen’s relegation situation softens their stance and the fee drops, Coulibaly begins to look like a gamble worth taking.

His reading of danger already stands out for a player of his age, stepping in to intercept passes and throwing himself into blocks with impressive timing.

There is rawness in his aerial numbers, but that feels coachable under Eddie Howe, who has a track record of refining defenders into more dominant, complete profiles.

What Coulibaly does possess is harder to teach. His recovery speed is outstanding, allowing him to defend large spaces and cover for teammates. He has a high ceiling.

With the right guidance, those physical and technical traits can be moulded into something far more reliable.

For a club thinking long-term, Coulibaly has the tools to grow into a very good centre-back.

If Newcastle can secure him at a reasonable price, it is a risk that could pay off handsomely.

Larne can handle Oval showdown pressure - Haveron

Larne manager Gary Haveron said his side have to prepare to face a "a big, strong and physical" Glentoran during Friday's potential title-decider at the Oval (19:45 BST, live on BBC iPlayer).

Victory over the Glens will secure Larne's third Premiership title in four years after triumphs in 2023 and 2024.

However, a Glentoran win would take the title race to the final game of the season.

"We are excited and it is a really hard place to go, probably one of the hardest places in the league this year," Haveron told BBC Sport NI.

"They are a big, strong and physical team and they are experienced now. We know how difficult it will be, but we have shown that we can handle the pressure of playing at the Oval (Larne won 4-1 there in January).

"It will be a big crowd. We need to be at our best and be prepared for the challenge.

The Inver Reds sit three points clear at the top of the Premiership, but Glentoran are unbeaten in their past nine league games.

The sides are also level on goal difference after Glentoran - who last won the title in 2009 - closed the gap with a 5-0 thrashing of Dungannon Swifts.

"It is a huge game, it was always going to be huge game regardless of what happened on Saturday. It was always going to be a massive task," he continued.

"We will recover, it has been a tough few weeks. There was a lot of football played and a lot of running in the legs on a big, big pitch at Windsor."

High school baseball and softball: Wednesday's scores

Baseball and glove on field.
Baseball and glove on field high school scores (Getty Images)

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL, SOFTBALL SCORES 

Wednesday’s Results 

BASEBALL 

CITY SECTION
Crenshaw 16, Dymally 5
Diego Rivera 25, Manual Arts 2
East Valley 13, Panorama 2
El Camino Real 7, Taft 3
Fulton 18, Canoga Park 6
Garfield 6, Alhambra 5
LA University 11, Westchester 0
North Hollywood 4, Sun Valley Poly 2
Roybal 16, Hollywood 6
San Pedro 10, Rancho Dominguez 0
SOCES 14, Northridge Academy 2
South East 12, Huntington Park 1
South Gate 3, Legacy 1
Stella 17, Animo Venice 0
Sun Valley Magnet 15, Bert Corona 2
Vaughn 11, Arleta 0
Wilson 4, Eagle Rock 1

SOUTHERN SECTION
Aliso Niguel 4, Capistrano Valley 3
Anaheim 8, Godinez 0
Arlington 1, Paloma Valley 0
Arroyo 11, Rosemead 1
Ayala 3, Walnut 1
Big Bear 23, Hesperia Christian 12
Bishop Amat 13, Gardena Serra 0
Bonita 10, Claremont 3
California 9, La Serna 3
Canyon Springs 10, Vista del Lago 1
Charter Oak 4, Northview 3
Chino Hills 5, Los Osos 2
Corona 16, Corona Centennial 2
Corona Santiago 17, Riverside King 1
Covina 11, West Covina 4
Crossroads 7, Windward 6
Cypress 4, El Dorado 1
Dana Hills 7, Trabuco Hills 1
Desert Christian 20, Valley Torah 5
Downey 6, Bellflower 5
Duarte 11, Azusa 10
Edgewood 11, Pomona 0
El Rancho 10, Whittier 4
El Segundo 7, North Torrance 6
Esperanza 15, Bosco Tech 11
Etiwanda 5, Damien 3
Flintridge Prep 12, Shalhevet 2
Ganesha 15, Bassett 0
Garden Grove Pacifica 3, Anaheim Canyon 2
Golden Valley 10, Canyon Country Canyon 1
Glendora 5, Diamond Bar 1
Hesperia 4, Sultana 1
Highland 13, Eastside 1
Hillcrest 9, Citrus Hill 3
Huntington Beach 3, Fountain Valley 1
Indian Springs 10, Pacific 6
Laguna Beach 6, Portola 0
La Mirada 1, Warren 0
Lancaster 14, Littlerock 4
La Sierra 9, Patriot 0
Liberty 4, Moreno Valley 3
Loma Linda Academy 23, Desert Chapel 7
Long Beach Wilson 3, Long Beach Cabrillo 0
Malibu 8, Channel Islands 7
Marina 2, Edison 0
Miller 12, San Bernardino 2
Millikan 22, Compton 3
Mission Viejo 3, Beckman 2
New Roads 15, Lennox Academy 1
Nordhoff 16, Fillmore 0
Northwood 10, Irvine University 9
Oak Hills 21, Serrano 10
Ojai Valley 20, Hillcrest Christian 2
Orange 3, Westminster La Quinta 0
Palmdale 10, Antelope Valley 7
Pasadena Marshall 4, Gabrielino 3
Ramona 8, Jurupa Valley 1
Rancho Christian 10, Orange Vista 0
Rancho Cucamonga 3, Upland 2
Rancho Verde 16, Perris 4
Ridgecrest Burroughs 9, Apple Valley 4
Riverside Poly 11, Heritage 3
Royal 7, Camarillo 6
Rowland 3, Hacienda Heights Wilson 0
Rubidoux 4, Norte Vista 2
Sage Hill 1, Irvine 0
San Juan Hills 4, El Toro 3
Santa Rosa Academy 9, Temecula Prep 2
Saugus 9, Hart 1
Servite 9, Mater Dei 6
Simi Valley 10, Moorpark 0
St. Anthony 6, Cathedral 2
St. Francis 3, Sierra Canyon 2
St. John Bosco 8, Santa Margarita 1
Sunny Hills 3, Sonora 2
University Prep 14, Excelsior Charter 7
West Ranch 4, Valencia 2
Wiseburn-Da Vinci 5, Peninsula 2
Woodbridge 10, St. Margaret’s 1
Yorba Linda 18, Troy 2

INTERSECTIONAL 
Brentwood 4, Palisades 3
Redlands Adventist Academy 9, Public Safety 1

SOFTBALL 

CITY SECTION 
Angelou 8, Jefferson 6
Animo Venice 20, Animo Robinson 0
Birmingham 16, Chatsworth 1
Bravo 12, LA Wilson 2
Central City Value 17, Annenberg 4
Dymally 29, Crenshaw 6
Eagle Rock 16, Franklin 0
El Camino Real 20, Cleveland 1
Granada Hills 14, Taft 1
Granada Hills Kennedy 7, Arleta 2
LA Hamilton 15, LACES 4
LA University 20, Westchester 4
Lincoln 7, LA Marshall 6
Marquez d. Elizabeth, forfeit
Maywood Academy 27, Sotomayor 7
Maywood CES 14, Torres 8
North Hollywood 29, Monroe 4
Reseda 28, Fulton 8
Santee 26, Los Angeles 0
Stella 24, Animo Watts 14
Van Nuys 13, Canoga Park 1
Venice 28, Fairfax 1
Verdugo Hills 14, Sun Valley Poly 4
Washington Prep 19, Hawkins 7

SOUTHERN SECTION
Anaheim 15, Santa Ana Valley 0
Apple Valley 16, Oak Hills 13
Arrowhead Christian 15, Savanna 0
Arroyo 17, Rosemead 2
Ayala 15, Claremont 6
Azusa 9, Baldwin Park 3
Bolsa Grande 10, Westminster La Quinta 0
Bonita 12, Glendora 3
Burbank Providence 12, Mountain View 2
Burroughs Burbank 11, Burbank 1
Chadwick 10, Mayfield 1
Charter Oak, 5, Northview 2
Citrus Hill 11, Perris 1
Corona 14, Eastvale Roosevelt 6
Crean Lutheran 10, Corona del Mar 0
Diamond Bar 2, Walnut 0
Dos Pueblos 7, Saugus 2
Edgewood 18, Pomona 6
Fullerton 21, Placentia Valencia 0
Gabrielino 11, Pasadena Marshall 1
Ganesha 19, Bassett 0
Garden Grove Santiago 6, Los Amigos 3
Hemet 16, Moreno Valley 1
Hesperia Christian 7, AAE 6
Hillcrest 12, Rancho Verde 2
Lakeside 9, Heritage 4
Miller 8, San Bernardino 3
Oak Park 13, West Ranch 1
Paloma Valley 5, Canyon Springs 1
Pasadena Poly 15, Ramona Convent 9
Patriot 1, La Sierra 0
Pomona Catholic 15, St, Bernard 1
Ramona 6, Jurupa Valley 3
Rancho Alamitos 7, Orange 6
Rancho Christian 21, Vista del Lago 7
Redondo Union 24, Peninsula 0
Riverside Poly 15, Arlington 4
Riverside Prep 6, Downey 4
Rubidoux 12, Norte Vista 3
Samueli Academy 18, Webb 8
Santa Ana 11, Costa Mesa 10
Segerstrom 16, Garden Grove 6
Serrano 8, Hesperia 7
Sierra Vista 12, Nogales 1
South Torrance 10, El Segundo 0
Sultana 10, Ridgerest Burroughs 6
Tustin 16, Godinez 0
University Prep 18, Excelsior Charter 1
Valley View 15, Orange Vista 12
Ventura 11, Viewpoint 1
West Covina 11, Covina 6
Western Christian 20, Capistrano Valley Christian 1
Windward 17, Oakwood 1

INTERSECTIONAL 
Paramount 11, South Gate 1

Sign up for the L.A. Times SoCal high school sports newsletter to get scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Shohei Ohtani delivers on Jackie Robinson Day

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani reacts in the sixth inning against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium.
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani reacts in the sixth inning against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium.

LOS ANGELES — The symbolism didn’t need to be forced Wednesday night. It was already stitched into every jersey, every base, every number 42 scattered across Major League Baseball.

On the 79th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier on April 15, 1947. Shohei Ohtani’s right arm and the left-handed thunder of a rookie who is quickly making himself impossible to ignore.

Ohtani sets the tone — and the standard


There was no Ohtani in the lineup. No DH. No bat to extend that 48-game on-base streak.

It didn't matter.

“I was a little surprised at first,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton about being used strictly as a pitcher. “But I understood it and just locked in.”

Locked in looked like 98 mph to open the game, blowing a fastball past Francisco Lindor to set the tone.

Ohtani leaned heavily on his four-seam fastball, more than in his first two starts, and carved through the Mets for much of the night. Through three innings, he allowed just one baserunner while piling up five strikeouts. Efficient. Overpowering. Familiar.

Even when things wobbled in the fifth, a pair of walks, an RBI double from MJ Melendez snapping his 33-inning scoreless streak, Ohtani didn’t unravel.

He recalibrated.

Strikeout of Tommy Pham. Flyout from Lindor. Damage contained.

Shohei Ohtani strikes out the side in the 6th!

He's got 10 Ks tonight 🔥 pic.twitter.com/EJETkEGN6g

— MLB (@MLB) April 16, 2026

By the time Ohtani walked off after the sixth, he had delivered his most complete outing of the season:

  • 6 IP

  • 1 ER

  • 2 H

  • 2 BB

  • 10 K

  • 22 whiffs

A 0.50 ERA now sits next to his name. Early, yes. But not insignificant.

If this is what a “pitching-only” version of Ohtani looks like, the rest of the league has a problem.

The understudy steals the scene

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Dalton Rushing hits a grand slam home run in the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium.
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Dalton Rushing hits a grand slam home run in the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium.

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Dalton Rushing hits a grand slam home run in the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium.

For six innings, the Dodgers led quietly. A two-run shot from Hyeseong Kim in the second inning. A solo homer by Teoscar Hernández in the sixth inning. Clean, controlled baseball.

Then the eighth inning happened. Single. Walk. Single. Bases loaded. No outs.

And stepping in, the man filling Ohtani’s usual role, Dalton Rushing.

First pitch. Gone.

A grand slam off Devin Williams that turned a comfortable lead into a rout and introduced Rushing to a larger audience in one swing.

“Twenty minutes before first pitch he told me, ‘Hey, go hit a home run today,’” Rushing said. “I said, ‘Alright, Sho. I got you.’ … Sure enough, it happened.”

Ohtani’s review?

“We had a really good DH today.”

That might qualify as an understatement of the night.

Rushing is now hitting .529 with four home runs and an OPS north of 1.900. His last three games read like a video game line: 7-for-12, three homers, six RBIs.

Asked about borrowing Ohtani’s spot in the order, Rushing didn’t overplay it.

“I’m not getting used to it, I’ll tell you that,” he said. “But he told me to hit a homer for him, and I guess it worked out.”

Roberts, when asked if Rushing had earned more DH time, laughed.

“Yeah… Shohei will be back Friday.”

A staff in sync, a team rolling


Lost in the offensive burst and Ohtani’s brilliance is what this rotation just did to the Mets over three games:

21.2 innings.2 earned runs.29 strikeouts.

From Justin Wrobleski to Yoshinobu Yamamoto to Ohtani, it was a statement series for a staff that’s starting to look relentless.

Add in late insurance from Kyle Tucker — his first home run at Dodger Stadium in blue — and the Dodgers turned the final game into an 8-2 finish that felt inevitable long before the last out.

Echoes of history, hints of October


The Dodgers are 14-4. The last times they started this well in Los Angeles?1977. 1981. 2021.

Two pennants. One championship. One deep October run.

It’s April, and none of that guarantees anything. But on a night that honored Robinson’s legacy, resilience, excellence, breaking expectations, this team looked like it’s chasing something more than just another good start.

Ohtani is building a Cy Young case on the mound. Rushing is forcing his way into the conversation. The lineup doesn’t seem to have holes. The rotation is dealing.

An off day on Thursday for the Dodgers as they are set to begin a four-game series on Friday in Colorado.

Watch: Sparks fly between Real Madrid megastars during Bayern Munich defeat

Watch: Sparks fly between Real Madrid megastars during Bayern Munich defeat
Watch: Sparks fly between Real Madrid megastars during Bayern Munich defeat

Real Madrid’s Champions League exit against Bayern Munich will be remembered not just for the scoreline, but for a decisive moment that revealed cracks under pressure. 

In a tie full of goals and momentum swings, Los Blancos ultimately fell short, losing 4-3 on the night and 6-4 on aggregate, but the final stages told a far more troubling story.

With just minutes left and the tie delicately poised, Real Madrid were still within touching distance of forcing extra time. 

At 2-3, one moment of quality could have flipped everything. Instead, it turned into a moment of frustration that summed up their night.

What’s the story?

A defensive lapse from Dayot Upamecano handed Vinicius Jr. a golden opportunity to drive at goal. 

The Brazilian surged forward into open space, with Jude Bellingham making a perfectly timed central run into the box. 

However, Vinicius carried the ball wide, delaying the pass and ultimately missing the moment entirely. 

Bellingham’s frustration was immediate, with his body language making it clear he expected a pass from the Brazilian.

In the heat of the moment, Vinicius turned back and snapped at his teammate, saying, 

“What do you want, what do you want? Shut your mouth for God’s sake.”

Rather than using the moment as fuel, Real Madrid eventually lost control. 

Within minutes, the situation worsened dramatically, as Eduardo Camavinga bizarrely received a second yellow card after attempting to delay a restart, leaving his side with ten men at the worst possible time.

That decision effectively killed any remaining hope. Bayern ultimately seized control, and Madrid’s resistance faded as the match slipped away.

🥐 After the Munich debacle, Europa League... 5️⃣ stories to start the day

🥐 After the Munich debacle, Europa League... 5️⃣ stories to start the day

The football world wakes up with a European hangover after a night of maximum tension in Munich.

Real Madrid’s elimination has shaken the club to its core, leaving behind a trail of refereeing controversy and deep uncertainty over the future of its bench.

As Madrid absorbs the blow, the focus now shifts to the Europa League and the Conference League.

Tonight, Spanish football seeks redemption with Celta de Vigo and Real Betis fighting for a place in the semifinals, as well as a Rayo Vallecano side defending a 3-0 lead in Athens. 

Farewell to the dream of La Decimosexta

Real Madrid were knocked out of the Champions League after losing 4-3 to Bayern Munich in a frantic match (6-4 on aggregate). Despite goals from Arda Güler and Mbappé, the Bavarian side made their firepower count at the Allianz Arena. Los Blancos bid farewell to their favorite competition in one of the most thrilling knockout ties seen in recent years.

Controversy over Camavinga’s red card

The incident that shaped the course of the match was the sending-off of Eduardo Camavinga for a second yellow card. The second booking, shown after he picked up the ball with his hands during a stoppage in play, has been described as “harsh” and “incomprehensible” by those around Madrid. The decision left Madrid down to ten men in the decisive stretch, frustrating any attempt at a heroic comeback.

Arbeloa in the eye of the storm

The elimination has fueled rumors about whether Álvaro Arbeloa will remain in charge of the first team. The coach, who took over in January, looked visibly affected and was critical of the refereeing in the post-match press conference. The board now faces the difficult decision of backing his project or seeking a new direction after a European failure that hurts especially deeply at Chamartín.

An almost impossible mission at Balaídos

Celta de Vigo face the biggest challenge of their Europa League campaign tonight (18:45) . After the painful 3-0 defeat in the first leg against Freiburg, Claudio Giráldez’s side need a magical night at Balaídos. Overturning a three-goal deficit against such a well-organized German team will require perfect finishing and a deafening atmosphere in the stands.

The Benito Villamarín delivers its verdict

Meanwhile, Real Betis host Sporting de Braga with everything still to play for after the 1-1 draw in the first leg. Manuel Pellegrini’s side are counting on home advantage to book their place in the Europa League semifinals. A goalless draw would not be enough (since away goals no longer count double), so Betis will go for the win from the very first minute in a historic occasion.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

Anushka Sharma's reaction goes viral as Virat Kohli misses fifty vs LSG - Watch

Virat Kohli guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) chase with a steady knock as they beat Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by five wickets in their IPL match on Wednesday.

Chasing 147, Kohli got RCB off to a strong start and scored 49 off 34 balls, hitting six fours and one six. He looked set for his 66th IPL half-century but was dismissed on 49, caught by Nicholas Pooran off Avesh Khan while attempting a shot in the air towards long-on.

Actor and wife of Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma, who was present at the stadium, reacted with disappointment to his dismissal.

— pandu291190 (@pandu291190)


This was the first time that Virat Kohli was dismissed on 49 in his IPL career. Despite missing out on the half-century, he claimed the Orange Cap with a tally of 228 runs in the tournament so far.

Earlier, fast bowler Rasikh Salam Dar returned figures of 4/24 to lead RCB’s bowling effort. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3/27) and Krunal Pandya (2/38) also took wickets, while Josh Hazlewood picked up one.

After being asked to bat, LSG were bowled out for 146, their lowest total of the season. Mitchell Marsh (40 off 32) and Ayush Badoni (38 off 24) were the main contributors.

In the chase, Rajat Patidar (27) and Jitesh Sharma (23) added quick runs as RCB reached 149 for 5 in 15.1 overs.

For LSG, Prince Yadav (3/32) and Avesh Khan (2/23) shared the wickets.

The defending champions have climbed to the top spot with eight points to their name in five matches. LSG, on the other hand, are at the seventh place with four points in as many matches.

Golden Knights Capture Pacific Division Title After 4-1 Beatdown Over Kraken

The Vegas Golden Knights are the champions of what might be the most anticlimactic race of all time. With a 4-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday, they clinched their fifth Pacific Division title in franchise history.

Connor McDavid’s words were truth disguised as jest– this year, teams in the Pacific Division have done nothing but squander opportunities to pull ahead in the race to claim the division title. It took until day 190 of the NHL season for a team to pull ahead and stake its claim on the Pillow Fight Division title.

“We were on top there for a while, for a lot of the season,” said Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb. “Then we’re in third, flirting with a wildcard. We found our game at the right time and won the division. That’s what we wanted to do, and we did it.”

For the first 30 minutes of play, it didn’t look like the Golden Knights were particularly interested in winning said division. It took them nearly nine minutes to record their first shot on goal; the Kraken recorded nine shots before Vegas managed two. But after an encouraging power play opportunity, Seattle only outshot the Golden Knights 11-6 at the end of the first period.

But despite being thoroughly outshot– and arguably outplayed– the Golden Knights entered the second period with a clean slate and a 0-0 tie.

Both teams recorded nine shots on goal in the second period, and the Golden Knights generated three high-danger scoring chances against Seattle’s two.

The Kraken broke the ice 2:24 into the second period. Carter Hart kicked out Jamie Oleksiak’s blast from the point, and Jani Nyman beat Jeremy Lauzon to the puck. Nyman found Shane Wright all alone in front of the net, and Wright fired it home.

Jani Nyman beats Lauzon to the puck and finds Shane Wright alllllll alone in front of the net.

1-0, Kraken

pic.twitter.com/5uD4SP862n

— Hannah Kirkell (@h_kirk6) April 16, 2026

The Golden Knights netted the equalizer at 17:35 in the second. Nic Dowd won the offensive zone draw, and Shea Theodore beat Nikke Kokko with a shot through Reilly Smith’s screen.

Nic Dowd with the face off win, Reilly Smith with the screen, Theodore with the snipe.

1-1

pic.twitter.com/lUQRDMFZCy

— Hannah Kirkell (@h_kirk6) April 16, 2026

Finally, the ice opened up in the third period. The Golden Knights outshot the Kraken 12-4 and controlled 91.39% of the expected goal share. They also generated nine high-danger scoring chances while not allowing Seattle to manage a single one.

The Golden Knights took their first lead of the night just 1:23 into the third period off another face-off play. Jack Eichel won the offensive zone draw back to Brayden McNabb, who walked the line and fired a shot on goal. As McNabb’s shot came through, Mitch Marner redirected it home from the slot.

Brayden McNabb with the shot, Mitch Marner with the surgical redirection!

2-1, Golden Knights

pic.twitter.com/y460WS9fm3

— Hannah Kirkell (@h_kirk6) April 16, 2026

The Golden Knights extended their lead at 12:01 in the third. Jack Eichel capitalized on a blown coverage in the offensive zone and set up a two-on-one. Rasmus Anderson got the pass across for Reilly Smith, who slammed a fluttering puck into the empty net.

Reilly Smith scores on a two-on-one and Lane Lambert looks like he is NOT having a good time tonight.#SeaKrakenpic.twitter.com/AFrjfNNcN7

— 𝘿𝙖𝙫𝙮 𝙅𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨' 𝙇𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙧 𝙍𝙤𝙤𝙢 (@DavyJonesLR) April 16, 2026

The Golden Knights added another on a delayed penalty at 16:36. Tomáš Hertl fired a shot on goal; Kaedan Korczak, who was parked atop the crease, whacked at the rebound. The puck came loose, and Reilly Smith banged in his second of the night from the goal line.

Kaedan Korczak is in front of the net whacking at Tomáš Hertl’s rebound, and Reilly Smith scores his second of the night on the delayed penalty.

4-1, Golden Knights

pic.twitter.com/lpzm5Z6wLP

— Hannah Kirkell (@h_kirk6) April 16, 2026

Nothing this year has been easy for the Golden Knights, and this game was no different.

“We just slowly went about our business and finally found our game,” said head coach John Tortorella following the 4-1 win. “You’d almost want to play one of those before the playoffs, if you knew the result was going to be a win– they don’t like being in it when it’s going on. But give our guys a lot of credit, they stayed with it and just kept on playing. They’ve grabbed hold of it. We have found some consistency, and they feel more and more comfortable with it.”

Three Takeaways of the Knight

1. Despite playing without much intensity in the first period, the Golden Knights entered the first intermission tied at zero. Despite having nothing to play for, the Kraken took advantage of Vegas’ uninspired play and shelled Carter Hart in the first period. Shea Theodore raved about his goaltender postgame:

“He’s been great,” Theodore said following the 4-1 win. “He’s been so solid. I think we’ve given up too many chances, but he’s been big back there. He’s been a backbone ever since he came back.”

2. The team is fully bought in right now, and no one embodies that more than Reilly Smith. He’s been in and out of the lineup for a chunk of the season, but he’s never let that affect his work ethic or attitude around the locker room.

“We have high expectations, and we try to live that every day,” said Smith after his two-goal performance. “Through the organization, the players, everyone, tries to live up to that level. Every day we’re at the rink, we don’t accept losing, and I think the last couple of weeks are a good testament to that.”

3. And with that, the 2026 regular season comes to a close for the Vegas Golden Knights. They’ll kick off the postseason this weekend at home against the Utah Mammoth.

When asked if he had any early thoughts about their playoff opponent, John Tortorella simply replied:

“Nope.”

That’s all, folks! 

Barcelona maestro turns pain into promise after Champions League exit: “Sadness must transform into joy’

Barcelona maestro turns pain into promise after Champions League exit: “Sadness must transform into joy’
Barcelona maestro turns pain into promise after Champions League exit: “Sadness must transform into joy’

Barcelona’s Champions League dream may have come to a painful end at the Metropolitano, but the reaction from Pedri perfectly captured the mentality now driving the squad forward. 

After the final whistle against Atletico Madrid, the midfielder took a moment to acknowledge the travelling supporters, applauding the more than 3,000 fans who backed the team until the very end.

Despite the disappointment, Pedri showed maturity beyond his years, sharing the attitude seen across the dressing room, particularly from young stars like Lamine Yamal. 

There was no hiding from the pain of elimination, but there was also a clear sense that this setback would fuel Barcelona’s next push in Europe.

A strong message from Pedri

Speaking after the match, Pedri delivered a heartfelt reflection on the night, making it clear that the defeat must serve as a turning point for the squad. 

He said, “No matter how hard you try and how much you want it, things don’t always go your way. 

Pedri pushed himself to limit. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“We must learn from the defeat, understand what we have and what we can improve. 

“That has to be the driving force for the future, to win the Champions League in the coming years. We’re not content with what we’ve achieved.

“This sadness has to be transformed into joy in the future,” he said, according to Mundo Deportivo.

It must be noted that Pedri has been managing fitness concerns in the latter part of the campaign, but he still pushed himself physically in a high-intensity clash as Barcelona attempted to overturn the 0-2 deficit from the first leg. 

Despite the exit, though, the season is far from over for Barcelona, as the team now shifts its entire focus to La Liga, where they holds a commanding advantage. 

With just seven matches remaining, the Catalan side are sitting nine points clear of Real Madrid, putting them strongly on track to secure another league title.

Intel "Crescent Island" Xe3P to Skip Arc Gaming GPUs, Focus on Workstations

16 April 2026 at 10:50
Intel's upcoming "Crescent Island" series of GPUs, based on the newly developed Xe3P graphics IP, will be hitting the market this year. However, it seems this IP won't be featured in the desktop Arc gaming series of discrete GPUs. According to a reliable leaker, Jaykihn, Intel will not release this GPU generation as dedicated Arc gaming graphics cards. Instead, Xe3P-based GPUs will power "Crescent Island" data center and workstation GPUs, similar to the current Arc Pro series for professional users. This leaves Arc gamers without a clear indication of when, or even if, they will receive a new gaming Arc GPU based on the Xe3 or Xe4 IP in the coming months.

Intel recently announced the Arc Pro B70 and Arc Pro B65 graphics cards, which maximize the BMG-G31 "Battlemage" Xe2 silicon but are intended for professional users only. A recent driver update added the ability to play games on these cards, but they are still primarily designed for AI workloads and professional visualization. Gamers are still seeking clarity about future updates, and the lack of recent rumors regarding an additional Arc gaming discrete GPU is concerning. Even the higher-end Arc B770, which has been rumored for some time, seems to be on hold. Upcoming events like Computex might offer Intel a chance to at least provide a teaser of what the desktop Arc GPU family will look like or if there will be any updates soon.

Intel Foundry Nears Major Customer Wins as Apple, AMD, Google, and NVIDIA Weigh Deals

16 April 2026 at 10:04
Intel Foundry has been attracting significant attention from the industry lately, with some of the world's largest companies expected to announce new foundry commitments this fall, according to UBS Group. The investment bank has reported that Intel Foundry is on the brink of securing many new contracts scheduled for this fall, citing the release of version 1.0 of the 14A node process design kit (PDK) as a key catalyst. There have been numerous rumors that Apple, AMD, NVIDIA, Google, and Broadcom are considering utilizing Intel's silicon manufacturing, including the 18A, 18A-P, and 18A-PT nodes, as well as the upcoming 14A node. Apple is rumored to manufacture some of its M-Series "Apple Silicon" laptop processors in 2027 using the 18A-P node, while Google might leverage Intel's EMIB and Foveros 3D advanced packaging technology for some of its TPU designs.

Companies regularly evaluate leading industry nodes but often choose TSMC's manufacturing due to its reliability, high volume capacity, and advanced packaging, which has produced numerous high-performance and low-power designs at scale. However, Intel Foundry has been investing significant resources and logistics into attracting external clients, leading UBS to anticipate multiple foundry commitments being announced this fall. Late last year, we learned that Apple was waiting for Intel to release the 18A-P PDK version 1.0 or 1.1, scheduled for Q1 and Q2 of 2026, respectively. As we are now in Q2, we are awaiting further confirmation to see if Apple proceeded with the deal, but UBS expects it did.

User Buys Ryzen 9 9950X3D From Amazon, Only To Find Its Missing The Entire CPU Under The Heatsink Lid

16 April 2026 at 11:00

The image shows an AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU being held in a person's hand, with the processor visible inside its packaging and product labeling clearly displayed.

A user who bought an AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU from Amazon has discovered that he only got a CPU heatsink lid & is missing the whole CPU underneath. This User Thought He Secured A Great Deal On An AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU From Amazon, But Didn't Turn Out To Be So Lucky We have covered several Amazon-related scams in the past, about how buyers who thought they got fantastic deals, turned out to be the complete opposite. From missing GPUs to bricks and sands in boxes. The latest user who seems to have been affected has a different […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/user-buys-ryzen-9-9950x3d-from-amazon-finds-entire-cpu-missing-under-heatsink/

Intel To Disclose Full Details of Elon’s Ground-Breaking TeraFab Project That Will Reshape The Chipmaking Industry

16 April 2026 at 10:10

Two unidentified people shaking hands, one wearing a jacket with a visible 'Intel' logo.

Latest details suggest that Intel is weeks away from unveiling details on Elon's Terafab chipmaking project, which is set to reshape the industry. Elon Musk's TeraFab Project Is Taking Shape As Intel Is All Set To Unveil Its Plans In A Few Weeks Dylan Martin of CRN has shared an interesting scoop related to Elon Musk's Terafab project, which is being built in partnership with Intel. Intel plans to disclose to staff the “scope and nature” of its involvement with Elon Musk’s ambitious “Terafab” chip manufacturing project in the “coming weeks,” according to a memo its CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, sent […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/intel-to-disclose-full-details-of-elon-terafab-project-will-reshape-chipmaking-industry/

NVIDIA CEO, Jensen Huang, To Host GTC Taipei Keynote Ahead of Computex 2026, Will Unveil Next-Gen AI Breakthroughs & Consumer Surprise

16 April 2026 at 09:45

A person in a leather jacket is holding a device, with text displaying 'Monday, June 1 | 11 a.m. Taipei Time NVIDIA GTC Taipei 2026 Keynote.'

NVIDIA has officially announced its GTC Taipei 2026 keynote, where CEO Jensen Huang will take the stage to unveil next-gen AI breakthroughs. NVIDIA To Host Its Own Special GTC Taipei Keynote Ahead of Computex, Will Focus on AI, But Consumer Updates Also On The Table Well, NVIDIA has finally confirmed that it's coming to Taipei in June, and will be hosting a special GTC Taipei keynote just like last year, hosted by CEO Jensen Huang. NVIDIA's appearance in Taipei during Computex 2026 was never in doubt, but we were waiting for an official confirmation, & now that has finally happened. […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/nvidia-ceo-jensen-huang-to-host-gtc-taipei-keynote-ahead-of-computex-2026/

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After A54, the Galaxy A53 and A55 get April 2026 update

By:Yash
16 April 2026 at 09:41

Samsung has a new firmware update for Galaxy A53 and A55 smartphone users, which carries April 2026 security improvements.

April patch debuted on Samsung’s A lineup, starting with the Galaxy A54. Now, the company is bringing the April 2026 update to the Galaxy A53 and A55.

Samsung’s April SMR patches up to forty-three CVE and SVE items, as well as four specific CVEs from Samsung Semiconductor. Besides, users will notice improvements in overall performance and functionality while using the device.

The update has dropped initially in Korea and India, through PDA GZD1 and CZD1. Galaxy A53 is presently listed on the Quarterly schedule, while A55 on Monthly in Samsung’s update chart. Expect the next software updates with One UI 8.5.

The OTA may expand soon, pushing an update notification on your device. However, you can manually check for updates through Settings > Software update > Download and install.

Like last month, Samsung’s security update distribution seems slow. Flagship Galaxy models are lucky as they’ve already grabbed the latest patches. Meanwhile, mid-range and budget models are still stuck to older patches.

Galaxy A53 was launched with Android 12-based One UI 4. Samsung provided four major OS upgrades to the device. Thanks to Android 16, the device is eligible for the One UI 8.5 upgrade, which should arrive this year.

Meanwhile, Samsung is preparing One UI 8.5 Beta Program for the Galaxy A54 smartphone.

The post After A54, the Galaxy A53 and A55 get April 2026 update appeared first on Sammy Fans.

For balcony solar & PV systems: New all-in-one system debuts with discount

SunEnergyXT 500 is a brand-new all-in-one storage system for balcony solar systems that offers a generous capacity starting at 5 kWh and is available for pre-order at a significantly lower price. The same applies to the SunEnergyXT 500 Pro, which is designed with up to 2.4 kW for smaller PV systems.

Ecovacs unveils new flagship Deebot X12 OmniCyclone robot vacuum with FocusJet technology

Ecovacs has launched a new flagship robot vacuum, the Deebot X12 OmniCyclone with FocusJet technology, which is said to remove stubborn dirt effortlessly. It comes with an OmniCyclone station with the PureCyclone 2.0 auto-empty feature. Plus, the self-cleaning docking station allows up to 48 days of hands-free cleaning.

Powerful 300W Cuktech 30 Ultra desktop charging station now available in EU, UK, and US

The Cuktech 30 Ultra is a 300W desktop charging station now available in the US, UK, and EU that can power multiple devices, including gaming laptops, smartphones, and game consoles, through its five ports, which includes a 300W DC port and dual 140W USB-C PD 3.1 ports.

Motorola Razr Fold's release date revealed as pre-orders begin in the UK and Europe

16 April 2026 at 10:05

The Razr Fold, unveiled by Motorola in January as its first book-style foldable, is now available for pre-order in the UK and Europe. And while Motorola hasn't explicitly mentioned the Razr Fold's release date for these regions, the brand has revealed that pre-orders will ship starting May 6, which could also be the day the Razr Fold is released in the UK and Europe. Motorola is accepting pre-orders for the Razr Fold till May 3. Those who pre-order one will receive the Moto Watch and a pair of Moto Buds Loop earphones for free, in addition to a discount of £220 in the UK and €250 in...

Bitcoin ETFs Add $186M, Led by BlackRock’s $292M

16 April 2026 at 09:59
Bitcoin ETFs Add $186M Led by BlackRock’s $292M

The post Bitcoin ETFs Add $186M, Led by BlackRock’s $292M appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust recorded a $292M inflow on April 15, leading US spot Bitcoin ETFs to post a combined $186M in net inflows despite withdrawals from some competing funds. The fund also added $213.8M a day earlier, buying about 3900 Bitcoin near $74800. IBIT now holds 794164 Bitcoin, approaching 800000. With nearly $64B in cumulative inflows since launch, the data signals steady and growing institutional interest in Bitcoin exposure.

Bitcoin Price Today: Is $80K The Next Stop After 6% Rally?

16 April 2026 at 09:22
Crypto Rally Returns Bitcoin Price Near $72K What’s Driving the Move

The post Bitcoin Price Today: Is $80K The Next Stop After 6% Rally? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Bitcoin is pushing into a technically important area, with price tightening against resistance and a larger move in either direction looking increasingly likely. BTC is trading around the $73,000–$74,000 range, showing a rough 5–6% short-term gain, signaling a steady recovery phase in the market.

The setup looks constructive on the surface, but analysts who have navigated previous cycles know this is precisely where markets tend to be most deceptive.

BTC Beyond the Double Bottom Formation

Crypto analyst Rekt Capital has explained that Bitcoin is attempting to break above the neckline of a developing double bottom formation near $72,810. A weekly close above this level or a successful retest could confirm a breakout, opening the path toward $81,000–$82,500.

He warns that similar setups in earlier bear-market phases have appeared convincing but ultimately failed. This means even if Bitcoin breaks out, the move could still turn into a bull trap if momentum doesn’t hold.

BTC USD Chart

What Confirms the Breakout?

Analyst stresses two confirmation signals:

  • A weekly close above $72,810, showing strength
  • Or a retest of that level as support (price dips, holds, then moves up)

Without these, the breakout is not reliable.

These are his three main risks:

  • Rejection at resistance = Price fails to break $72,810
  • Fake breakout = Price breaks out but fails the retest and drops
  • Weak follow-through = Price breaks out but doesn’t reach the target and loses peak

Also Read : Bitcoin (BTC) Price Prediction 2026, 2027 – 2030: How High Will BTC Price Go?

Make-or-Break Moment Builds

At the same time, crypto analyst Ali Martinez says that Bitcoin is once again testing the 100-day simple moving average, a level that has triggered major rejections in the past. Previous encounters with this resistance resulted in sharp corrections of up to 40%.

ETF Outflow

If Bitcoin faces another rejection here, it could form a triple top pattern, potentially dragging price back toward the $59,800 range. However, a clean break above this level would reinforce the bullish case and signal that the broader correction phase may be ending.

Santiment data shows nearly $297 million in Bitcoin ETF outflows, indicating rising panic among retail investors. Interestingly, such outflows have historically aligned with buying opportunities, while strong inflows tend to mark local tops.

Hence, Bitcoin can rally, but unless it proves strength after the breakout, this could turn into another bull trap rather than the start of a sustained uptrend.

Litecoin (LTC) Price Prediction 2026, 2027 – 2030: How High Will LTC Price Go?

16 April 2026 at 09:08
Litecoin Price Prediction

The post Litecoin (LTC) Price Prediction 2026, 2027 – 2030: How High Will LTC Price Go? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Story Highlights

  • Litecoin price today  $ 54.40070597
  • Price predictions for 2026 range from $100 to $150.00.
  • Long-term outlook suggests gradual growth potential toward $1000+ by 2030.

Litecoin (LTC) continues to position itself as a reliable digital payment network, offering quick transactions and consistently low transaction fees. 

As 2025 sets the base for the next phase of crypto adoption, Litecoin’s growth fundamentals together make its forward-looking valuation an important metric for investors tracking stability-driven growth into 2026, 2027, and beyond.

LTC entered 2026 in a recovery-driven market phase, with price action reflecting renewed accumulation after a consolidation period. Trading above its demand zone for most of the year, LTC showed early signs of structural stability, forming a strong base around $60-$70.

Now, Questions abound: “Will Litecoin break the long-term consolidation phase?” and “What heights can LTC reach by 2050?” Explore this Litecoin price prediction 2026 and beyond, filled with expert insights and ambitious forecasts.

Litecoin Price Today

Cryptocurrency Litecoin
Token LTC
Price $54.4007 up 0.20%
Market Cap$ 4,192,193,651.10
24h Volume$ 269,714,601.4637
Circulating Supply77,061,383.2335
Total Supply84,000,000.00
All-Time High$ 412.9601 on 10 May 2021
All-Time Low$ 1.1137 on 14 January 2015

Litecoin (LTC) Price Prediction April 2026

Litecoin is currently trading within a tight $50–$60 range, and this range has held for several weeks without a breakout. The $50–$52 zone is acting as a strong demand area. Each dip into this region is being bought quickly, indicating that sellers are losing control at lower levels. However, the $58–$60 resistance continues to cap upside, with repeated rejections showing that buyers are not strong enough to push through.

This creates a clear compression setup, where volatility is shrinking and price is getting squeezed. If LTC breaks above $60, the next move is likely toward $65–$70, as this would break the lower high structure If LTC loses $50, price could drop toward $44–$46, which is the next demand zone.

Coinpedia’s Litecoin Price Prediction 2026

Litecoin’s price prediction for 2026 points to a measured recovery phase rather than an aggressive breakout cycle, with price action largely dependent on its ability to reclaim key resistance levels. At present, LTC continues to trade within a well-defined range, with $50 acting as a strong demand floor and repeated rejections near the $60–$65 zone highlighting persistent supply. This structure indicates that while downside pressure has eased, bullish momentum remains constrained.

A sustained move above $60–$65 would be the first indication of structural improvement, as it would break the sequence of lower highs and allow Litecoin to advance toward the $80–$100 range. If this zone is reclaimed and held, the market could gradually expand toward $100–$125, aligning with previous distribution levels. However, failure to overcome this resistance band is likely to keep LTC in a range-bound environment, with intermittent rallies being capped and price rotating between established levels.

Litecoin price prediction

On the downside, a loss of the $60 support zone would expose Litecoin to a deeper pullback toward $44–$46, which represents the next significant demand area. That said, current price behavior suggests that buyers are actively defending this region, limiting the probability of extended downside unless broader market conditions weaken.

Overall, 2026 is expected to act as a rebuilding year for Litecoin, where the asset stabilizes, absorbs overhead supply, and gradually attempts to transition into a stronger trend.

LTC Crypto Price Prediction 2026 – 2030

YearPotential Low ($)Potential Average ($Potential High ($)
2026100.00125.00150.00
2027150.00200.00280.00
2028220.00290.00380.00
2029290.00370.00530.00
2030430.00650.001000.00

Litcoin (LTC) Price Prediction 2026

Litecoin’s price may range between $100 and $150 in 2026.

LTC Price Forecast 2027

Litecoin (LTC) price range can be between $150.00 to $280.00 during the year 2027. 

LTC Prediction 2028

In 2028, Litecoin could reach a low of $220, an average of $220, and a high of $380.

LTC Price Targets 2029

Thereafter, the LTC price for the year 2029 could range between $290.00  and $530.00.

Litecoin (LTC) Price Prediction 2030

Finally, in 2030, the price of LTC is predicted to maintain a steady and positive. It may trade between $430.00 and $1000.00.

LTC Price Prediction 2031, 2032, 2033, 2040, 2050

Based on the historic market sentiments and trend analysis of the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, here are the possible LTC price targets for the longer time frames.

YearPotential Low ($)Potential Average ($)Potential High ($)
2031570.00750.00900.00
2032720.00840.001200.00
2033800.00920.001300.00
20401000.001200.001800.00
20501200.001500.002200.00

LTC Price Prediction: Market Analysis?

Year202620272030
Changelly$165$245.00$420.00
CoinCodex$130.00$220.00$280.00
Binance$150.00$250.00$310.00
Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!

Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.

FAQs

What is Litecoin (LTC) and how does it work?

Litecoin is a fast, low-fee digital currency designed for payments, using a secure blockchain similar to Bitcoin for peer-to-peer transfers.

When is the next Litecoin halving event?

Litecoin will likely undergo its next halving in July 2027, cutting block rewards in half and potentially influencing supply and price over time.

Can Litecoin be a long-term investment?

Litecoin offers stable growth potential as a payment-focused blockchain, making it a strong option for diversified crypto portfolios over time.

What is the Litecoin (LTC) price prediction for 2026?

Litecoin may trade between $100 and $150 in 2026, with a gradual recovery likely as it reclaims key resistance levels above $60–$70.

How high can Litecoin (LTC) price go by 2030?

Litecoin could reach between $430 and $1000 by 2030, depending on adoption, market cycles, and its ability to sustain long-term bullish momentum.

What will Litecoin (LTC) price be in 2040?

Litecoin could trade between $1000 and $1800 by 2040, driven by long-term adoption and its role as a reliable payment network.

“Hakim oyunu korladı” – Arbeloa

16 April 2026 at 10:15

“Real”ın baş məşqçisi Alvaro Arbeloa Çempionlar Liqasında “Bavariya”ya uduzduqları oyundan sonra fikirlərini bölüşüb.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, mütəxəssis yarımmüdafiəçi Eduardo Kamavinqanın meydandan qovulmasını belə şərh edib:

“Hakim oyunu korladı. Belə hərəkətə görə oyunçunu meydandan qovmazlar. Oyunun qırılma anı bu epizod idi”.

“Real” iki oyunda da “Bavariya”ya uduzub və Çempionlar Liqası ilə vidalaşıb.

MPL: liderin səfərdə “biləyi bükülmür”

16 April 2026 at 09:46

“Sabah” Misli Premyer Liqasında bu mövsüm səfər oyunlarında məğlub olmayan yeganə kollektivdir.

Futbolpress.az-ın məlumatına görə, “bayquşlar” qonaq olduğu 13 matçda 10 qələbə qazanıb, 3 dəfə heç-heçə edib. Səfərdə 34 qol vuran “futuristlər” qapısında 12 top görüb.

Səfər oyunları statistikasında ikinci sırada “Qarabağ” yer alır. Turnir cədvəlində də həmin mövqedə olan “atlılar” 12 səfər matçında 8 qələbə qazanıb, 2 heç-heçə edib, 2 dəfə də uduzub. 23 qol vuran komanda 10-nu buraxıb.

Turnir cədvəlinin üçüncüsü “Turan Tovuz” isə 14 səfər matçında 7 qələbə qazanıb, 5 heç-heçə edib, 2 dəfə də uduzub. Tovuzlular bu göstəricidə də üçüncü pillədə qərarlaşıb. 16 qol vuran bölgə klubu qapısında 7 top görüb. “Turan Tovuz” liqada səfərdə ən az qol buraxan komandadır.

Səfər görüşlərinin ən pis göstəricisi isə “Karvan-Yevlax”la bağlıdır. Autsayder 13 səfər görüşündə cəmi 1 qələbə qazanıb. 3 heç-heçə edən yevlaxlılar 9 dəfə meydanı məğlub tərk edib. Turnir cədvəlinin sonuncu sırasında qərarlaşan kollektiv səfərdə keçirdiyi matçlarda cəmi 9 qol vurub, 30-nu buraxıb ki, bu da liqanın ən pis statistikasıdır.

Şahin Cəfərov

ÇL: həftənin oyunçusu kim olacaq?

16 April 2026 at 09:30

UEFA Çempionlar Liqasında 1/4 final mərhələsinin cavab oyunlarından sonra həftənin ən yaxşı futbolçusu adına namizədlər məlum olub.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, mükafat uğrunda PSJ-dən Osman Dembele, “Bavariya”dan Maykl Olis, “Barselona”dan Dani Olmo və “Arsenal”dan Martin Subimendi yarışacaq.

Qalib UEFA-nın saytında keçirilən sorğu nəticəsində müəyyənləşəcək.

“Real”da Arbeloa ilə bağlı qərar verildi

16 April 2026 at 09:08

“Real” baş məşqçisi Alvaro Arbeloa ilə yollarını ayıracaq.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə “The Athletic” nəşri məlumat yayıb. “Kral klubu”nun rəhbərliyi yaxın zamanda mütəxəssisi istefaya göndərəcək.

“Real” Çempionlar Liqasında mübarizəni 1/4 finalda dayandırıb. Madrid təmsilçisi La Liqada isə lider “Barselona”dan 9 xal geri qalır.

Avropa Liqasında yarımfinalçılar məlum olacaq

16 April 2026 at 08:45

Bu gün UEFA Avropa Liqasında yarımfinalçılar məlum olacaq.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, “Portu” İngiltərədə “Nottingem Forest”lə üz-üzə gələcək. “Frayburq” “Selta”nın qonağı olacaq, “Aston Villa” “Bolonya”nı qəbul edəcək.

İspaniyanın “Betis” komandası isə “Braqa” ilə münasibətlərinə aydınlıq gətirəcək.

UEFA Avropa Liqası
1/4 final mərhələsi, cavab oyunları

16 aprel

20:45 Selta – Frayburq
İlk oyun 0:3

23:00 Aston Villa – Bolonya
İlk oyun 3:1

23:00 Betis – Braqa
İlk oyun 1:1

23:00 Nottingem Forest – Portu
İlk oyun 1:1

Report: Arsenal and Chelsea locked in tug-of-war for defensive prodigy

16 April 2026 at 10:14

Como’s promising young defender Jacobo Ramón has emerged as one of the latest rising talents to attract attention from Europe’s elite clubs.

The 21-year-old Spanish centre-back is reportedly being monitored by several top sides, with Arsenal and Chelsea among the clubs closely following his progress, according to TEAMtalk.

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Ramón’s performances in Italy have placed him firmly on the radar of Premier League scouts, sparking early speculation about a potential summer move.

His rapid rise reflects Como’s growing reputation as a club capable of nurturing emerging players and preparing them for top-level competition.

The rise of Jacobo Ramón in Serie A

To understand the hype, we have to look back to the summer of 2025. Ramón made the bold decision to leave the comfort of Real Madrid, moving to Italy in a bargain €2.5 million deal to secure regular first-team minutes.

Less than a year later, the 6-foot-5 defender looks like the steal of the century.

He’s dominant in the air, surprisingly quick for his towering frame, and possesses the elite, composed passing ability that modern managers demand.

Arsenal and Chelsea are interested in the Serie A defender

It’s obvious why Mikel Arteta and Chelsea’s recruitment team are circling.

Arsenal are always looking for technical depth to fortify their backline, while Chelsea’s entire project relies on hoarding the world’s best U-23 talent.

Unsurprisingly, they aren’t alone, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Newcastle are also reportedly monitoring his situation.

However, there is a massive, Los Blancos-shaped elephant in the room.

When Real Madrid allowed Ramón to leave, they smartly protected their interests by inserting significant sell-on terms and a crucial buy-back clause.

They reportedly want him to wait until 2027 to return, prioritising a short-term contract extension for veteran Antonio Rüdiger right now.

This leaves the young Spaniard at a major career crossroads. He must decide whether to patiently bide his time in Italy for a dream return to Spain, or capitalise on his current momentum and make the lucrative jump to the Premier League immediately.

Arsenal ready to challenge Europe’s elite in record-breaking move for midfield prodigy

The post Report: Arsenal and Chelsea locked in tug-of-war for defensive prodigy appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Sources: Tottenham “privately” preparing for £50m transfer as Real & PSG hover

16 April 2026 at 10:05

Tottenham are facing an increasingly real threat of relegation this season and that’s inevitably started to lead to serious behind-the-scenes conversations about players who could be snapped up by bigger clubs this summer.

While there are clearly a lot of players in this squad that have under-performed, there is also some appreciation for a few of their younger talents who could still go on to improve a lot in the right conditions, so that creates the potential for one or two major summer transfer sagas in the months ahead.

One name being mentioned a lot is Pape Matar Sarr, with several of my sources in the industry telling me that Spurs are aware of growing interest in the 23-year-old from some of Europe’s elite clubs.

This story was first published on the Daily Briefing – click here to subscribe to make sure you get these exclusive updates first!

Sources on Pape Matar Sarr transfer interest

“Spurs insist Sarr is not for sale, but privately they know that big clubs are going to come calling, and some may already have done so,” one source said.

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“Sarr’s value is growing and there’s a real possibility of him moving on this summer whether they go down or not. Real Madrid, PSG, and Bayern Munich are all big fans of the player, and offers of around £50m would probably be enough,” another added.

Sarr looked an elite prospect at former club Metz and he’s continued to develop well at Tottenham, where he has a contract until 2030.

The Senegal international is not currently understood to be pushing for a move away, with everyone at the club fully focused on getting out of the Premier League bottom three, but agents and intermediaries will likely be starting to at least have informal discussions soon.

Pape Matar Sarr to seal major transfer?

For now, that does not mean the likes of Real, PSG, or Bayern have started any negotiations, and it may even be that Sarr will not end up being the top target for any of those teams.

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But the interest is genuine and it likely means there’ll be other names in the mix before too long, though I don’t have those for you at the moment.

What’s clear, though, is that Spurs know they face a fight to keep a lot of this squad together, and while much of the speculation so far may be about the likes of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, it’s also very likely that Sarr is someone they’ll also struggle to keep hold of this summer.

The post Sources: Tottenham “privately” preparing for £50m transfer as Real & PSG hover appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Ex-Premier League icon contender to replace Eddie Howe at Newcastle United

16 April 2026 at 09:45

Languishing around 14th in the Premier League, stinging from a recent derby defeat to Sunderland, and still bruised by a brutal Champions League exit at the hands of Barcelona, the mood on Tyneside is tense.

With the squad repeatedly throwing away points from winning positions, the spotlight is burning brightly on manager Eddie Howe.

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Now, just when things couldn’t get any more dramatic, a massive name has been thrown into the ring.

According to talkSPORT, none other than Jose Mourinho has emerged as a genuine contender to take over the St James’ Park hotseat if the club decides to pull the plug on the Howe era.

Jose Mourinho to Newcastle United?

It’s no secret that Newcastle’s Saudi owners, the PIF, are incredibly ambitious.

While Howe has done phenomenal work taking the club from a relegation battle to winning a domestic cup and tasting Champions League football, there’s a growing feeling that the hierarchy might be craving a global figurehead to lead the club.

Enter Mourinho. Currently managing Benfica, the 63-year-old Portuguese tactician is practically royalty when it comes to blockbuster appointments.

He has an undeniable track record of managing massive budgets and delivering silverware, having done exactly that during his legendary, title-winning stints with Chelsea and Manchester United.

The Special One come with controversies

However, linking Mourinho to Newcastle isn’t without its controversies. On one hand, the sheer box-office appeal of having the “Special One” in the St James’ Park dugout is undeniable.

He’s previously expressed deep admiration for the club, famously citing the influence of his beloved mentor, the late Sir Bobby Robson.

On the other hand, a vocal section of the Toon Army is understandably skeptical. Mourinho’s recent managerial stints have often ended in turbulence.

Furthermore, with the club needing to carefully navigate strict financial fair play rules, and potentially sell key assets just to fund a rebuild, Mourinho might not have the endless checkbook he historically relies upon.

Report: Newcastle United make Man United midfield enforcer their priority transfer target

The post Ex-Premier League icon contender to replace Eddie Howe at Newcastle United appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Premier League duo from rival clubs eyed by Liverpool to strengthen wide attacking positions

16 April 2026 at 09:28

Liverpool are looking to seriously shake up their attacking lineup this summer.

According to TEAMtalk, the Reds have set their sights on two highly impressive targets: Newcastle United’s electric winger Anthony Gordon and Everton’s dynamic forward Iliman Ndiaye.

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With Liverpool continuing to evolve under their current tactical setup, the club’s recruitment team is believed to be prioritising attackers capable of operating in multiple positions.

Injuries, fixture congestion, and the demands of competing across domestic and European competitions have highlighted the need for greater squad depth, particularly in wide areas.

Anthony Gordon is a long term Liverpool target

Gordon has enjoyed a significant rise in form since joining Newcastle United, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most energetic and direct wide attackers.

The England international’s pace, pressing ability, and work rate have made him a key component in Newcastle’s attacking system.

His willingness to track back defensively and contribute during transitions mirrors the qualities historically valued in Liverpool’s wide forwards.

The 25-year-old attacker has scored 17 goals for the Magpies this season.

Newcastle are likely to resist any attempts to lure Gordon away, particularly given his importance to their long-term plans.

Ndiaye offers versatility and Premier League experience

Alongside Gordon, Liverpool are believed to be evaluating Ndiaye, whose performances for Everton have attracted attention.

The Senegal international has demonstrated versatility across attacking roles, capable of operating as a winger, attacking midfielder, or central forward.

The Senegalese international brings a completely different flavor to the attack compared to Gordon. He is known for his close control, flair, and ability to weave through tight defensive blocks. Ndiaye could offer Liverpool a unique creative spark.

With Mohamed Salah leaving the club at the end of the season and the Reds looking to strengthen their wide attacking positions on both the right and the left side.

Adding a direct speedster and a technical dribbler would give the squad a wealth of tactical flexibility for the next campaign, something that the Reds desperately need.

Liverpool & Chelsea alerted as 21-year-old Spaniard faces career crossroads

The post Premier League duo from rival clubs eyed by Liverpool to strengthen wide attacking positions appeared first on CaughtOffside.

“Huge blow…” – Manager sends message to Liverpool star who’s set to miss World Cup

16 April 2026 at 09:24

France national team manager Didier Deschamps has sent a heartfelt message of support to Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike after a serious injury ended his World Cup hopes.

Ekitike has suffered a suspected Achilles injury, which could likely put him out of action for the next nine months, with Deschamps admitting it’s a “huge blow” for both the player and his team.

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The 23-year-old has shone since joining Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer, scoring 17 goals in all competitions for the Reds.

Ekitike would probably have been in contention for the France squad at this summer’s World Cup, with Deschamps releasing a statement to express his sadness at the news and his support for the player.

Didier Deschamps on Hugo Ekitike missing the World Cup

“Hugo suffered a serious injury on Tuesday evening against PSG. The severity of his injury will unfortunately prevent him from finishing the season with Liverpool and participating in the World Cup,” the Les Bleus boss said in a statement, as quoted by BBC Sport.

“Hugo is one of the dozen young players who have made their debuts with the national team in recent months. He had perfectly integrated into the group, both on the pitch and off it. This injury is a huge blow for him, of course, but also for the France team.

“His disappointment is immense. Hugo will regain his top form, I’m convinced of it. But I wanted to express all my support to him, as well as that of the entire staff. We know he’ll be fully behind the France team, and we’re all thinking of him very strongly.”

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Hugo Ekitike injury a blow for Liverpool and France

Liverpool really could have done without more bad news after such a disappointing season, with the Ekitike injury coming during the Reds’ Champions League exit this week.

Arne Slot’s side have also had other major injury concerns throughout the campaign, with Alexander Isak barely playing due to fitness issues, while Conor Bradley has also missed a lot of football in recent months.

France, meanwhile, have a lot of other world class attacking options in their squad, though Ekitike could undoubtedly have been another fine option at the World Cup.

The former PSG youngster offers something a bit different from the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, so surely would have had a role to play in Deschamps’ side this summer.

LFC have concerns beyond the summer, though, as the seriousness of Ekitike’s injury means he surely won’t be playing again until midway through next season.

The post “Huge blow…” – Manager sends message to Liverpool star who’s set to miss World Cup appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Vinicius to Bellingham: “What do you want? What do you want? Shut your mouth!”

Real Madrid’s season ended abruptly with a 4-3 loss to Bayern Munich in the return leg of the Champions League Quarterfinals and Movistar’s cameras caught a moment of tension between attackers Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham late in the game. Bellingham complained after not receiving a pass from Vinicius and the latter then said “What do you want? What do you want? Shut your mouth!”.

Vinicius to Bellingham: "What do you want? What do you want? Shut your mouth!" pic.twitter.com/Ka3jc9G17I

— Lucas Navarrete (@LucasNavarreteM) April 16, 2026

While this situation could happen to any team in such a tough atmosphere and situation, it’s also clear that Vinicius’ body language could’ve been better there.

Real Madrid will have a long off-season ahead, and getting the team chemistry and every player on the same page right after going trophy-less for a second straight year should be one of the top priorities for the coaching staff and the board.

Warriors rally to eliminate Clippers, 76ers reach NBA playoffs

Andre Drummond celebrates a three-pointer with Philadelphia 76ers teammates Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. during the Sixers' NBA play-in victory over the Orlando Magic (Emilee Chinn)

Golden State star Stephen Curry scored the go-ahead three-pointer with 50 seconds left as the Warriors rallied to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 126-121 and stay alive in the NBA play-in on Wednesday.

Curry, a four-time NBA champion who missed 27 games from February to early April with a nagging knee injury, shook off a slow first half to finish with 35 points.

He connected on seven of 12 three-point attempts to help the Warriors, who trailed most of the way, battle back from a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit.

His last three-pointer put the Warriors up 120-117, and they held on to knock Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers out of the post-season.

The Warriors, who finished the regular season 10th in the Western Conference, will have to win one more game to reach the playoffs proper when they face the Phoenix Suns on Friday.

The winner of that game will secure the Western Conference eighth seed and a first-round series against the top-seeded reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

Curry said the key in Phoenix will once again be "resiliency."

"These win or go home scenarios, we think we know the team but you've got to be able to withstand the runs and stay in it emotionally.

"It was back and forth the whole game, and then we got over the hump the last three minutes."

Gui Santos and Kristaps Porzingis scored 20 points apiece for the Warriors and Al Horford made four three-pointers in the fourth quarter.

Bennedict Mathurin scored 23 points to lead the Clippers. Leonard and Darius Garland scored 21 points each, but Leonard was held to just two points in the final period.

- Sixers reach playoffs -

The Philadelphia 76ers, fueled by 31 points from Tyrese Maxey, held off the Orlando Magic 109-97 to punch their playoff ticket, booking a first-round meeting with the Boston Celtics.

Maxey scored 31 points and five Philadelphia players scored in double figures as the Sixers overcame the absence of star big man Joel Embiid -- who made a surprise appearance watching from the bench as he recovers from an appendectomy.

"Man, we played hard as hell," Maxey said. "Everybody who stepped on the floor contributed tonight.

"I'm just so happy because, like, a lot of these guys ain't been to the playoffs before. I told them at the beginning of the year, I don't care what it takes, we're going to the playoffs."

Rookie VJ Edgecombe added 19 points and 11 rebounds and Andre Drummond came off the bench to score 14 points with 10 rebounds, three steals and three blocked shots.

The 76ers' play-in victory secured the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference and a first-round series against the second-seeded Celtics starting on Sunday.

The Magic, led by 34 points from Desmond Bane, will have a last chance to grab the East eighth seed on Friday when they host the Charlotte Hornets, who knocked out the Miami Heat in a 127-126 overtime thriller on Tuesday.

The reward for the winner of Friday's game will be a first-round series against East top seeds Detroit.

Philadelphia led most of the night, but in a tight, sometimes contentious battle the Magic cut an 11-point deficit midway through the third quarter to one early in the fourth.

Orlando trailed by just four with four minutes remaining, but the Sixers pulled away with a late spurt capped by Drummond's three-pointer with 41 seconds left.

bb/tc

£124m spent but Newcastle no closer to striker solution

Yoane Wissa wipes his nose on his arm
Only Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah scored more non-penalty goals than Yoane Wissa (above) did for Brentford in the Premier League last season [Getty Images]

The match-winner was wearing Newcastle United's iconic number nine shirt as he took the acclaim of the crowd at full-time.

But Yoane Wissa was not being serenaded at Selhurst Park.

It was Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who swapped shirts with his former Chateauroux team-mate after scoring a dramatic late double in a 2-1 win.

This was a tale of two contrasting cameos from the bench last weekend.

Whereas Mateta changed the game when he entered the fray, Wissa did not even touch the ball after being thrown on following his friend's second goal deep into stoppage time.

Fellow summer arrival Nick Woltemade only had slightly longer to make an impact when handed a rare outing up front in the 84th minute.

Although Wissa and Woltemade cost a combined £124m last summer, head coach Eddie Howe made it clear he did not pick the team "based on transfer fees" but as a result of what he saw in training.

Howe's words were a little revealing as he explained why goalscorer William Osula was given a surprise start.

"He's got the physical attributes, the determination to do really well," he said. "He's improving week in, week out."

Isak departure still being felt

Osula's recall was the latest twist in Newcastle's search for a lasting solution up front - seven months after Alexander Isak's painful exit.

The club were going to struggle to find a like-for-like replacement for Isak after he pushed to join Liverpool for a British record £125m.

It was viewed as an "impossible" task internally.

But Howe sought to bring in two strikers to share the load after Callum Wilson also moved on.

There was recognition that Woltemade previously had eyes for Bayern Munich and that Newcastle had targeted other centre-forwards after failing with moves for Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko.

Yet it felt like this £69m deal happened for a reason after Woltemade scored five goals in his first six starts for Newcastle.

Woltemade still boasts one of the best shot conversion rates (23%) of those players with at least 30 efforts in the Premier League this season.

However, in the absence of injured captain Bruno Guimaraes, the technical Woltemade has curiously been used more often in the middle of the park of late.

It had been a frustration of the coaching staff that they did not have more time to bring out aspects of Woltemade's game in the final third.

They certainly will in the coming weeks as a relentless schedule eases.

But Howe's creaking system has historically relied on a rapid striker who can get in behind - and also lead the press.

As much as Woltemade has had to adapt to a new style and a more intense, physical league following his move from Stuttgart, Newcastle must play to his strengths too.

Wissa's struggles and a turbulent summer

The Premier League-proven Wissa was supposed to help ease the burden, but he hardly had the ideal preparation.

The striker did not have a proper pre-season, after pushing to leave Brentford, and suffered a knee injury on international duty with DR Congo only days after joining Newcastle.

He nonetheless scored two goals in his first two starts, but has found the net only once since.

Winger Anthony Gordon was even handed an extended run through the middle ahead of Wissa before Osula got his chance.

Newcastle's recruitment record has historically been strong under Howe, but they have not seen enough of a return from a desperate £55m move.

The same can be said for an overall £100m-plus net spend last summer.

It was a turbulent period in which Newcastle missed out on a host of first-choice targets, operated without a sporting director and chief executive, and made the overwhelming majority of their signings when the season was up and running.

Howe was heavily involved in this recruitment drive, but it was rather telling that only one of Newcastle's five outfield additions - Malick Thiaw - started against Palace.

Jacob Ramsey and Anthony Elanga will be pushing for recalls for the visit of Bournemouth on Saturday, having been named on the bench alongside Woltemade and Wissa at Selhurst Park.

But Howe was not exactly proactive in turning to the quartet - even after Palace sounded a warning when Jefferson Lerma headed against the crossbar in the second half.

It was opposite number Oliver Glasner who ultimately seized the initiative with his substitutions.

'We have to work with the personnel we have'

Seeing such games out has been a recurring problem for Newcastle during a bruising campaign.

As much as Newcastle have a tendency to retreat and concede late goals, they have repeatedly failed to press home their advantage.

Only Manchester City have scored more goals in the first half than Newcastle (24) in the Premier League this season.

Yet Newcastle have thrown away more points from winning positions (25) than any other team.

No wonder Palace wing-back Tyrick Mitchell "knew we were going to get chances" as his side turned the game on its head late on.

This latest setback has seen Newcastle slip to 14th place and resulted in Howe's future coming under increased scrutiny.

"Sometimes personnel is the only thing that changes something," he said.

"But we have to work with the personnel that we have and we're very proud to do that. We've got a very good squad."

Sporting News Player of the Year: Victor Wembanyama has already arrived as the NBA's best player

Victor Wembanyama

Sporting News Player of the Year: Victor Wembanyama has already arrived as the NBA's best player originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Derrick Rose was the youngest MVP in NBA history, winning the award in just his third season at the age of 22 years and seven months old for his hometown Chicago Bulls. Victor Wembanyama is going to break a lot of records over the course of his career, but that is one of the few that will be outside of his eight-foot reach. At 22 years and three months old, he's widely expected to finish No. 2 behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander this season in official voting.

But, that won't stop Sporting News from naming Wembanyama our youngest ever NBA Player of the Year. Gilgeous-Alexander is a worthy candidate. His Thunder team finished with the best record in the West ahead Wemby's Spurs, and he's played over 400 more minutes despite also dealing with injuries this season. But, the numbers and impact certainly do not lie: Wemby has been the best player in the league this season.

Why Victor Wembanyama is Sporting News' 2026 Player of the Year

Victor Wembanyama is already the best defender in league history

Mark Eaton holds the NBA career record with 3.50 blocks per game. Wembanyama hasn't played enough seasons yet to qualify for that leaderboard, but he is right there with 3.47. Wemby would get more of them too, but even the greatest players in the league are terrified to challenge him. 

Earlier in the season, Luka Doncic found himself underneath the basket with a chance to score. Instead, he whipped a pass behind his head to get the ball out of the paint. "If it's not Wemby, I go for the layup," he explained afterwards

"You literally don't even want to go to the hole when he's on the floor," LeBron James said recently on his Mind the Game podcast.

When players do sneak a layup attempt past Wembanyama, they convert those shots at one of the lowest rates in the league. The Spurs are No. 4 in the league in how few layups they allow and No. 3 in the field goal percentage that opponents shoot on those attempts.

If Wembanyama were simply a rim protector, it would be one thing. But he can guard anyone, anytime, anywhere. He covers more ground than anyone, and he has a defensive motor that rivals Steph Curry's on offense. 

Just your normal 7’5 center chasing Steph Curry around the court, switching on to Draymond, disrupting GPII at the rim, and then doing it himself on the other end

WEMBY IS SCARY pic.twitter.com/5FvDvkuJ2e

— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) November 13, 2025

Wembanyama is going to win the Defensive Player of the Year award in a landslide if he squeaks past the 65 games requirement. And this is the worst he's going to be defensively for the next decade or more.

Wemby laid out his MVP case himself by stating that defense is 50 percent of the game. While some might disagree with that statement, he is the most dominant defender that I have witnessed in over 30 years of watching the NBA. The sheer scale of his impact is a worthy cornerstone to his candidacy for our award, even if defense isn't quite as important as offense. 

MORE:Joe Mazzulla is the Sporting News NBA coach of the year

Victor Wembanyama is a better offensive player than the stats suggest

Wembanyama's 24.8 points per game are at a top 15 mark, but not near the 31.3 points or 28.0 points of his competitors Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic. Both are better passers than him as well, although Wemby is no slouch. The same goes for shooting percentages, where Wemby is good but not elite. 

Where Wembanyama has those guys beat is with his 172 dunks, which ranks fifth in the league. Dunks certainly shouldn't be the only measure of offensive talent, but they do illustrate that Wemby's vertical threat is where he contributes the most to the Spurs' offense. He has the biggest catch radius in the league, and opponents must constantly be focused on keeping him as far away from the basket as possible.

When Wemby is within dunking range, all he has to do is point up and one of his guards is getting the Spurs an automatic two points. 

WEMBY DETONATES OVER KON pic.twitter.com/OTEyltq3FL

— WembyMuse (@Wemby_Muse) January 31, 2026

Wemby being a mere fifth on the dunkers list doesn't sound all that impressive, until you realize that he's also made 120 3's on the year and the four guys ahead of him have made a combined 87. While other guys get their dunks by being specialists, Wemby makes it impossible to guard him by also being able to score from anywhere. 

Other greats recognize how impossible of a cover this makes him. After playing the Spurs, Jokic explained to the NBA on Prime broadcast how much the Nuggets struggled to contain him.

"He's the most unique player on both sides of the floor," Jokic said. "He challenges you so many ways defensively because his ability to shoot the ball. He's one dribble at the basket dunking the ball, a lob threat."

The attention that Wembanyama receives opens up everything for the rest of the Spurs offense. They shoot better, and they take better shots. To wit, every single rotation player on the Spurs improves their effective field goal percentage when they share the court with him, per PBP stats. And as Hoops Tonight's Jason Timpf has noted, the Spurs are generating the most corner 3's in NBA history mainly because of his gravity. 

Wemby's impact shows up all over the advanced stats too. Per Cleaning the Glass, the Spurs are 15.6 points per 100 better with him on the floor, ranking in the 99th percentile of all players. 

Wemby is simply the best two-way player in the game right now, as fellow MVP candidate Jaylen Brown said on a livestream earlier this season. 

"When I say I’m the best two-way player in the league, it’s not counting Wemby. He’s not even human. I’m the best human player."

Victor Wembanyama has completely transformed the Spurs into title contenders

The Spurs mostly returned the same group of players that won 34 games last season. Newcomer backup center Luke Kornet has certainly helped in making them better, as has rookie Dylan Harper. But if you take Wembanyama off this team, they're probably winning less than half of their games.

With Wemby's improvement, they've won over 60 games this season for the first time since 2017. They finished runner-up in the NBA Cup and likely would have won had Wemby not been on a minutes restriction. They've competed with the best of the best, taking three of four from the Thunder during the regular season. 

Some people will need to see Wembanyama prove it in the playoffs before they anoint him the best player in the league. I've already seen enough. He's doing things on a nightly basis that nobody else in the league can even come close to approaching. He's already the best player in the league, and he's done more in less minutes than anyone.

Awards like this oftentimes lag a year behind. Wemby is simply too good to let that happen. He's our Player of the Year, and nobody is knocking him off his pedestal for the foreseeable future. 

MORE:Nikola Jokic, not Wemby, wins media voting for NBA's best player

Jackson Merrill's walk-off double caps 5-run 9th, Padres beat Mariners 7-6

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Jackson Merrill hit a walk-off, two-run double to cap San Diego's five-run ninth inning and the Padres beat the Seattle Mariners 7-6 on Wednesday night for their seventh win in a row.

The Padres won a game after entering the ninth inning trailing by four-plus runs for the first time since June 14, 2019.

Andrés Muñoz (2-2) came on to start the ninth and loaded the bases before Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a pinch-hit sacrifice fly. Luis Campusano and Ramón Laureano followed with two-out RBI singles that made it 6-5.

Jose A. Ferrer replaced Muñoz and five pitches later Merrill hit a line drive to left field that ended it.

Alek Jacob (1-0) came on to start the eighth and pitched two scoreless innings for his second career win. Starter Randy Vásquez gave up four runs and five hits in four innings. He walked four and had six strikeouts.

Xander Bogaerts hit a two-run homer in the sixth. The 33-year-old shortstop has 200 career home runs, 45 in his three-plus seasons with the Padres.

Bogaerts, Laureano, Merrill and Gavin Sheets had two hits apiece.

Luke Raley hit a two-run home run, doubled and finished with a career-high four hits for the Mariners.

Seattle starter Emerson Hancock allowed two runs and had six strikeouts in six innings.

Dominic Canzone and Brendan Donovan each drove in two runs for the Mariners.

Randy Arozarena singled and stole second base before Raley's two-run shot made it 6-0 in the fifth.

Arozarena, who also doubled, scored three times.

Before the game, Padres manager Craig Stammen said opening day starter Nick Pivetta, who was put on the 15-day IL on Tuesday, will be out maybe months.

Up next

Seattle's Luis Castillo (0-0, 6.92 ERA) takes the mound on Thursday against Walker Buehler (0-1, 4.97) to conclude a three-game set.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Liverpool can unlock £277k per week Ryan Gravenberch with one clever midfielder deal

Liverpool can unlock £277k per week Ryan Gravenberch with one clever midfielder deal
Liverpool can unlock £277k per week Ryan Gravenberch with one clever midfielder deal

Liverpool recently signed up Ryan Gravenberch to a six-year contract extension.

The 23-year-old’s new deal will last until 2032 - with the Dutchman raking in around £277k per week. .

Gravenberch has been lethargic and off the pace in his No6 position - far from the standard he set during the 2024/25 Premier League season.

Arne Slot found a new gear in his compatriot but there is something crucial missing in Gravenberch’s play this term. His passing hasn’t been as sharp and teams have worked out how to nullify his impact from deep.

The temporary fix of putting Gravenberch in the “Busquets” role for Liverpool is now producing diminishing returns.

But Liverpool are going to have to extract value from Gravenberch over the coming seasons - and a switch back to his natural home at No8 could once again bring the best out of him.

We need to move Gravenberch to No8

Against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday he showed glimpses of what he could provide further forward - full of powerful running, occasional dribbles and a few shots at goal.

Placing Gravenberch closer to the goal could bring huge benefits for the Premier League champions - and an upgrade on the underperforming Alexis Mac Allister.

Doing so would require a midfielder to come in and sit deeper however.

Liverpool could sign Angelo Stiller

Liverpool don’t have an abundance of midfield talent at their disposal who can easily fill in - Wataru Endo and Curtis Jones both look set to leave the club and James McConnell lacks experience.

It’s likely that Richard Hughes will have to go into the market in order to find a solution - and an ideal candidate is now presenting itself.

According to a report in Football Insider the Stuttgart and Germany metronome Angelo Stiller will be available this summer for between £50m and £60m.

The 25-year-old had a release clause recently removed from his Stuttgart deal - meaning the Bundesliga club are preparing to cash in on their special talent.

Stiller can play deeper and allow Gravenberch to shine

Stiller has been linked with a move to Liverpool - as well as Manchester United, Real Madrid and Inter Milan - and it’s clear that Anfield could provide an ideal platform for the left-footer’s talents.

He brings bags of on-the-ball quality as well as tenacity and discipline out of possession. Those skills are set to be in demand on Merseyside this summer as Arne Slot seeks a reset in midfield.

It would also have the twin benefit of unlocking Gravenberch and ensuring that Liverpool can get back to their best. This is a deal that the Reds cannot afford to miss.

Cowboys jump Commanders for elite defender in Mel Kiper's mock draft

The 2026 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and mock drafts are flying every day.

It's been a common sight in mock drafts to see the Washington Commanders select a defensive player with the No. 7 pick. This is certainly possible, but a recent report suggests the team could be looking to trade down or take an offensive playmaker.

To summarize, we don't know what the Commanders will do. One prospect who seems like a perfect fit on paper, though, is Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles. The 2025 season proved that the Commanders need a younger, faster linebacker than Bobby Wagner, and Styles is definitely both. As a former safety, Styles has the coverage skills and football IQ to be a leader on defense for years.

However, in draft expert Mel Kiper's latest mock, the Commanders don't have the chance to draft Styles. Instead, the rival Dallas Cowboys jump the Commanders in a trade and select Styles with the No. 6 pick. That would certainly hurt, to see your hated rival jump you and take a player of interest. It's possible, too, considering the Cowboys desperately need a linebacker.

Notably, the Cowboys own the No. 12 pick, and there's (probably) no team between No. 7 and No. 12 other than the Commanders that would take Styles. Not only would the Cowboys land one of the top overall prospects in the draft, but they'd be ensuring he doesn't end up with a division rival.

Meanwhile, Kiper has the Commanders pivoting and selecting Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate at No. 7. Tate very well could be the pick even if Styles is available, because the Commanders do need more pass-catchers. In this scenario, the front office probably wouldn't be all that disappointed.

"Paired with another Ohio State product in Terry McLaurin, Tate would bring clean route running, reliability and some big-play ability. He averaged 17.2 yards per catch last season en route to 875 yards and nine trips to the end zone," Kiper explained. "Considering the Commanders would be relying on Luke McCaffrey, Treylon Burks and Dyami Brown behind McLaurin, this makes sense."

Tate would certainly fill a need on the Commanders' roster, but it would still sting to see a player like Styles lining up for the Cowboys.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Cowboys make jump for Styles in new Kiper mock

The 5 Players We’re Most Excited to See at G Day

Kirby Smart coaches at practice
Georgia coach Kirby Smart looks on at the first day of fall practice in Athens, Georgia, on Thursday, July 31, 2025. | Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Just over three months ago, as I watched Trinidad Chambliss do his best Nightcrawler impression in the Superdome, I unleashed a torrent of profanity that would’ve turned Andrew Dice Clay the color of a firetruck and swore to Quetzalcoatl that 2026 is the year I finally kick my college football habit. Of course, now that we’re coming up on G Day, I’m scouring every source I can find for news about spring practice. 

This weekend, we’ll get our first look at the 2026 iteration of the Georgia Bulldogs. Kirby Smart and company will likely play things pretty close to the vest, of course, but we’ll start to get a sense of what the team will look like. At a minimum, we should be able to tell who’s likely to end up starting come Labor Day weekend based on who gets assigned to the Red squad versus the Black. 

During my time in the Classic City, I used the G Day game to run a scrimmage tailgate to work out the kinks in my process ahead of the fall. With that in mind, this is something of a scrimmage post, knocking the rust off the ol’ blog to gear up for the next season. Here are the five (plus one, kind of) players I’m most interested in seeing this weekend. For the purposes of this exercise, I’m only considering players who will be new to UGA this fall. 

1. Kaiden Prothro, Tight End

You guys remember Brock Bowers? On the off chance you don’t, meet Kaiden Prothro. He’s the highest-rated member of Georgia’s 2026 recruiting class. Like Bowers, he’s technically classified as a tight end, but he’s got a receiver’s skill set. At 6’6” and 230 pounds, he’s a big target for the quarterback, and he excels at making contested catches and breaking tackles with the ball in his hands. And despite his size, he’s deceptively fast once he gets going, which means we could see the welcome return of the Bowers-esque “dumpoff pass that turns into a 75-yard touchdown.” As a testament to his receiving prowess, Prothro finished his high school football career with 66 receiving touchdowns, a record for the state of Georgia. 

Prothro is going to be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. If it’s close to him, he’ll probably catch it. And if he catches it, the defense will need more than one guy to get him on the ground. I cannot wait to see him in the Red and Black. 

2. Isiah Canion, Wide Receiver

For my money, the biggest loss from last year’s team is Zach Branch, who’s off to the NFL draft. He had a strong rapport with Gunner Stockton, racking up more than twice as many receiving yards as anyone else on the roster. He combined track star speed with an actual ability to catch the damn ball, something the 2024 receiving corps often struggled with. Thankfully, Stockton offers continuity at the most important position, but someone is going to have to step up at receiver if the passing game is going to avoid taking a step back.

Perhaps that someone will be transfer wide receiver Isiah Canion, newly arrived from just down the road in Atlanta. In his sophomore season for the Engineers, he led the team with four receiving touchdowns. That may not seem like much until you remember Tech’s offense was mostly based around trying to void Haynes King’s warranty in increasingly baroque ways. At 6’4” and 215 pounds, he’s got the size and toolkit of a possession receiver, which makes him well-suited to attacking the middle of the field in the type of passing game Georgia likes to deploy. He doesn’t have Branch’s top-end speed, but he makes up for it in toughness. If Talyn Taylor can take a step forward this year as a deep threat, the two of them will be a formidable one-two punch for any defense. Add in Prothro, and the offense could be extremely explosive.

3. Khamari Brooks, OLB/EDGE

The most frustrating aspect of last year’s otherwise stout Dawgs squad was an inability to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback, most disastrously in the Sugar Bowl when Chambliss managed to escape no matter how many guys were in the backfield. The stats bear this out. In 2024, Georgia sacked the opposing quarterback 37 times. In 2025, that number dropped to 20. The good news is that Chris Cole and Raylen Wilson are both back, but losing CJ Allen and Christen Miller from the defensive front isn’t going to make things any easier.

The plan seemed to be to shore up the pass rush with Auburn transfer Amaris Williams. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending injury in spring practice. In his absence, freshman Khamari Brooks has an opportunity to make an immediate impact. As a testament to his athleticism, he played both wideout and linebacker at North Oconee High School, earning a four-star rating as a recruit. On the defensive side of the ball, he excelled as a pass rush specialist, tallying eight tackles, including 1.5 sacks in the 2024 state championship game. He’s listed at 6’3” and 245 pounds, so he’s going to be a problem to block, and his technique is already quite sharp for an incoming freshman. As he adds weight and sharpens his abilities, he’s only going to get more dangerous.

Last year, Ellis Robinson IV started the season with some growing pains, getting burned badly in coverage on a big stage. But the coaching staff stuck with him, and by season’s end, he was among the most valuable players on the defense. It’s entirely possible we see something similar with Brooks this year, and I’m very excited about getting a first look at him soon.

4. Khalil Barnes, Safety

With Daylen Everette off to the NFL and Joenel Aguero relocating to Oxford, the back end of the defense will need some help. Say hello to Khalil Barnes, who fled the sinking ship S.S. Clemson to join a functional team to boost his draft stock ahead of his senior year. He established himself as a ball hawky safety in his first two years there, notching seven interceptions across two seasons. He took a bit of a step back last year, but 2025 Clemson was so juiceless it’s hard to say whether that was on him or the team’s badly broken development program. 

We’ll find out when Barnes comes to Athens. He’s an aggressive playmaker over the middle who will make a receiver pay for hesitating on a ball. That aggressiveness means he gets burned sometimes (though what safety doesn’t?), but his speed means he can run down receivers and running backs who get behind him. That speed and his physicality also mean that you can bring him on a disguised blitz, which should provide some more options for generating QB pressure too. 

5. Wade Register, Punter

Maybe this is shades of Vince Dooley worrying about the long snapper (or snappah, if you prefer), but we’ve been spoiled with Brett Thorson handling punting duties. He was extremely reliable, which is vital for one of the most high-leverage moments in a game. Punting is like my lack of a real retirement plan: I don’t wanna think about it. Fortunately, incoming freshman Wade Register was the top-ranked punter in the state of Georgia by most rating services, and it’ll be good to get a look at his abilities in a semi-live-fire situation. 

Of course, now that I type it out, I realize “I’m excited about seeing the punting” is the kind of thing only an absolute degenerate would say. But it’s true!  

6. Bonus! Tie: Zach Lewis, Zykie Helton, Tyreek Jemison, Graham Houston, Ekene Ogboko

Another Achilles’ heel for the 2025 Dawgs was the inconsistent offensive line play. Whether due to injuries or personnel problems, Stacy Searels just couldn’t seem to figure out a regular combination up front. Two of the group’s better players, Monroe Freeling and Micah Morris, are gone too. Hopefully, these five new linemen can get some playing time and start getting up to speed.

What piques your interest this Saturday?

MLB Best Home Run Bets For April 16, 2026—Arraez And Jensen

Luis Arraez puts the ball in play.

Luis Arraez is looking for his first home run as a member of the San Francisco Giants, and he could get on the board today at homer-friendly Great American Ball Park.

Getty Images

After a nearly two-week hiatus for MLB Best Home Run Bets, today’s picks will look to return with a bang. As a reminder, bets on players to hit homers will lose more often than they win.

To that point, the best home run bets for the season are only 3-6-1 (the one is a no bet for Griffin Conine because he didn’t start). Line shopping –looking for the most favorable betting odds across all available sportsbooks in a bettor’s particular market– and informed home run bets can yield a profit, even with a losing record.

Despite the 3-6-1 record for the best home run bets this season, any readers and gamblers who placed $100 wagers on all of the suggested home run props at the listed odds are up $800 on the season.

There will eventually be downs in the rollercoaster of betting on homers. Still, the early-season winners provide some wiggle room, and two players with long odds on today’s MLB slate would provide an even bigger cushion for turning a profit in 2026 if either or both reached the seats this afternoon.

MLB Best Home Run Bets

Luis Arraez (San Francisco Giants - 2B)

Over 0.5 Home Runs (+760) at FanDuel Sportsbook

Luis Arraez hasn’t hit a home run in 17 games and 71 plate appearances for the San Francisco Giants this year. The left-handed-hitting, contact-oriented infielder’s batting profile is built on batting average over power, and he’s hit only 36 homers in 857 games and 3,604 career plate appearances.

Arraez’s career high for homers is only 10 in 147 games and 617 plate appearances in 2023. His second-highest total is eight home runs in a season, which he’s reached twice.

Lightning could strike for Arraez today, though. He has hit two of his 36 career homers (5.6%) in only 12 games (1.4% of his career games played) and 51 plate appearances (1.4% of his career plate appearances) at Great American Ball Park.

Among 29 ballparks with data from 2024 through 2026, Great American Ball Park has the second-highest park factor for home runs (118). It’s a launching pad.

Arraez also has a desirable matchup for tapping into his infrequent home run power. Chase Burns has allowed six homers and 1.93 home runs per nine innings (HR/9) to 135 left-handed batters since reaching the Majors last season.

The conditions are optimal for Arraez to hit his first homer of 2026. While his +760 odds listed above and available at FanDuel Sportsbook are outstanding, gamblers in markets with Hard Rock Bet can get even tastier +1000 odds for Arraez to hit a homer. Arraez is an appealing bet at either odds.

Carter Jensen celebrates hitting a homer.

Carter Jensen has massive power he can tap into in a favorable matchup today.

MLB Photos via Getty Images

Carter Jensen (Kansas City Royals - C)

Over 0.5 Home Runs (+526) at DraftKings Sportsbook

Carter Jensen has massive power. FanGraphs graded his current game power 50 and his current raw power 55 on the 20-to-80 scouting scale and his future game power 55 and future raw power 60 on their 2026 preseason prospect report.

The 22-year-old’s power translated to 20 home runs in 492 plate appearances between Double-A and Triple-A last year and three more in 69 plate appearances for the Royals. The left-handed-hitting slugger has already hit four home runs in 17 games and 53 plate appearances this season.

All seven of his homers have come against right-handers in 92 career plate appearances against them. Jensen will take cuts against a right-handed starter today.

Keider Montero will get the ball for the Tigers. The 25-year-old righty has bounced up and down between the minors and Majors since 2024, and he’s spent time starting and relieving. In 41 career appearances (30 starts) and 199.1 innings for the Tigers in his career, Montero has allowed 1.58 HR/9.

Furthermore, Montero has been homer-prone against left-handed batters. The 208 lefties who’ve faced Montero since last year have taken him deep 10 times, a pace of approximately 29 homers per 600 plate appearances. Jensen’s +526 odds to hit a home run offered at DraftKings Sportsbook are too long for a player with his power profile and matchup this afternoon, and gamblers should take advantage of the bargain.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Mariners snatch defeat from jaws of victory, lose walkoff to Padres 7-6

Apr 15, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill celebrates after hitting a walk-off double during the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Petco Park. All MLB players are wearing number 42 today to honor Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images | Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

We’re all still trying to figure out what went wrong in a game that the Mariners were winning handily for eight innings. Emerson Hancock was brilliant, giving up just one two-run homer over six innings of work. Luke Raley had his first ever four-hit game, and made a nifty catch in the outfield to boot. The Mariners did strike out double-digits (12), but also recorded double-digit hits (10) and took seven walks. And all of it didn’t matter, because the bullpen allowed a five-run inning in the ninth and the Padres walked it off, 7-6. The Mariners have now lost seven straight games on the road. They are back to three games below .500 after getting tantalizingly close to a winning record for the first time since March 30th. The good vibes, which roared to life after a four-game sweep against the Astros, are once again on life support.

Seriously, what the heck?

Things started off so well. Emerson Hancock was again fantastic, working through the sixth inning with the only damage against him a two-run homer from the impossibly hot-hitting Xander Bogaerts (also the only Padres hitter who had homered off Hancock previously). Hancock was untouchable over the first half of his outing, no-hitting the Padres the first time through the order before giving up a base hit to Bogaerts, who had two of the four hits the Padres mustered off Hancock. Hancock owned the strike zone tonight, throwing 20 of 23 first-pitch strikes and constantly working ahead of hitters, finishing with six strikeouts to just one walk. There were a couple of those wonky sweepers that strayed too far from the zone, but he also collected three of his six strikeouts on the pitch. He pounded the bottom of the zone with the sinker and sweeper, but also successfully changed hitters’ eye levels with his four-seamer up, staying out of the meaty part of the zone. It was a stellar performance from Hancock on Jackie Robinson Day; the two happen to share a hometown (Cairo, Georgia).

That is the story that should be told about this game – that and the performance of the offense, which scored six runs for Hancock. Dominic Canzone got the Mariners on the board in the second, as the scalding-hot Randy-Raley duo got on base (Arozarena with another walk, Luke with a nice single on a changeup); Canzone then torched the hardest-hit ball the Mariners have had all season, a 114 mph laser line drive that hit the foul pole that’s in play for some reason and rolled away from a bewildered-looking Nick Castellanos.

The Mariners could have gotten more in the third – Cal Raleigh recorded hit #500, a double, and then Jackson Merrill robbed Julio of a home run over the center field wall. Payback for all the homers Julio has robbed, I guess, but it sure feels unfair, especially considering how this game ended.

But the Mariners were only temporarily discouraged. The patience the hitters showed in the Astros series returned with a vengeance in the third; Cole Young and Leo Rivas both worked two-out walks, loading the bases (Randy had led off the inning with a double). The Rivas walk was especially impressive, as Rivas challenged a strike three call on a pitch clearly inside. That set up Brendan Donovan, who got himself into a hitter-friendly 2-0 count before lacing a ball through the right side of the infield for another two runs.

Cal Raleigh also worked a walk that inning, as the Mariners pushed Padres starter Randy Vásquez to 85 pitches in the fourth. Not that the Padres bullpen is any walk in the park, but after needing to use their leverage arms last night, that set up the Mariners well – something Luke Raley took advantage of against new pitcher Ron Marinaccio in the fifth, walloping this no-doubter two-run homer (scoring Randy, once again on in scoring position thanks to a single and a stolen base, his fifth already of the year).

This would also be a nice story to tell about this game: Luke Raley, risen from the specter of injury that haunted his 2025, hitting a new career milestone, on a night when his buddy Cal Raleigh also hit a career milestone and his other new buddy Brendan Donovan knocked in two runs of his own. A real power of friendship recap.

But unfortunately, it’s not the one we can tell, because the ninth inning happened. Backing up, because again, we’re all still trying to figure out what happened here: Eduard Bazardo pitched a perfect seventh inning, and Gabe Speier handled the eighth. Dan Wilson then called for Andrés Muñoz to come in for the ninth in a non-save situation. Muñoz hasn’t looked right this year, seemingly struggling with his slider command, but has managed to scrape out of some sticky situations. There would be no scraping out tonight, unless it was the scraping out of my eyeballs with a melon baller after watching the bottom of the ninth.

To be fair to Muñoz, he suffered some bad batted-ball luck, although he didn’t help himself out by walking Manny Machado to lead off the inning. Gavin Sheets then snuck a ball past Donovan at third, putting runners on at second and third with no one out. Muñoz was able to get Nick Castellanos swinging after a slider for the first out, but then suffered more bad luck on a Baltimore chop from Ty France that Muñoz couldn’t field cleanly, loading the bases and bringing up the tying run in the form of pinch-hitter Fernando Tatís. Tatís hit a sac fly, bringing in a run.

Okay. Not ideal, but okay. Two outs, still a three-run lead, an out at any base but third, and the nine-hole hitter coming up. But despite getting Luis Campusano in an 0-2 count, Muñoz went back to the slider for a third time and hung it, allowing a hard-hit single and turning over the lineup. It wasn’t a scoring play, but in retrospect, this was probably the breaking point of this game. Ramón Laureano would then hit another single, yanking a good pitch inside for a single because that’s what Laureano does, setting up the wunderkind Jackson Merrill for a walkoff winner off new pitcher Jose Ferrer. We can heap a little fault on Ferrer, even with Muñoz taking the loss, for going to the sinker for a third straight pitch in a 2-2 count and failing to put away his lefty hitter, and maybe to Randy Arozarena for dropping the transfer on Merrill’s double, eliminating any play at the plate (merciful, some might say, the some being recap writers), but this mess was of Muñoz’s doing. It’s the worst solution to a mystery story I didn’t want to write in the first place. Here’s hoping for a happier story next time.

Steve Kerr: 'This is why Steph came back'

Dalton Johnson‬: Steve Kerr: "This is why Steph came back. So to everybody out there who thought Steph should have taken the rest of the year off, this is what he does. This is who he is! If he's going to compete, he's going to compete. And it was just incredible to watch."

bsky.app

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Steve Kerr: 'This is why Steph came back'

"I just wanted to really come out here and prove a …

Farbod Esnaashari: Darius Garland on what he wanted to prove after getting traded to the Clippers: "I just wanted to really come out here and prove a point that I'm still one of those guys in this league... Just go on the drawing board this summer, get healthy, see what we can do with a full season."

x.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: "I just wanted to really come out here and prove a …

"It’s always great playing against great players. You …

But in the end, Durant made it clear that the upcoming playoff matchup between the Rockets and the Lakers simply shouldn't revolve around him and LeBron. "It’s always great playing against great players. You feel their presence on the floor even if you’re not matched up with them. But like all basketball players know — and anyone who’s around the game deeply understands — it’s much more than just one player. It’s much more than two or three players. You need a whole group of guys to go out there and win basketball games, especially at this level and especially four times against a team like that," Durant said after the Rockets' Wednesday practice. "So yeah, of course, on the outside looking in, casual fans might see it differently, but people who are in it every day know the matchup is much deeper than that. Yeah, the matchup is definitely fun—two great players who’ve been in the league a long time—but everybody involved in the series knows it’s more than that."

BasketNews

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: "It’s always great playing against great players. You …

Ben Taylor left the play-in tournament game between …

Referee Ben Taylor left the play-in tournament game between the Golden State Warriors and the LA Clippers because of an injury Wednesday night. Taylor walked stiffly off the court and went up the tunnel behind one basket at Intuit Dome with 8:51 left in the third quarter. He was replaced by alternate referee Sean Corbin after a brief delay. The NBA sends a fourth alternate referee to every postseason game for exactly such a situation.

ESPN

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Ben Taylor left the play-in tournament game between …

Chris Paul dances on Clippers' grave with meme after former team's play-in collapse vs. Warriors

The Los Angeles Clippers’ season is over. There’s one guy in particular who seems quite happy about that.

Chris Paul, the twice-over former Clipper who retired from the NBA after an acrimonious divorce with the team during the season, responded to the team’s 126-121 loss to the Golden State Warriors in the play-in tournament on Wednesday with a single meme.

There were no words, but Paul didn’t need them to convey his message when he posted a certain image on his Instagram story. The internet is quite aware this image comes with the caption, “I stopped by one of my biggest haters funeral today just to make sure that n**** was dead.”

Screengrab of Chris Paul's Instagram story.
Screengrab of Chris Paul's Instagram story.
Instagram

Time does not appear to be healing any wounds so far.

In case you need a refresher on Paul might be enjoying the Clippers’ demise, this season saw him sign with the team for his final NBA season, fall out with leadership after they didn’t appreciate his presence in the locker room, get permanently exiled from the organization, get dealt to the Toronto Raptors at the trade deadline and finally retire rather than try to hop onto a contender.

Paul, the Clippers’ all-time assists leader and one of the best players in franchise history, has not been shy about his displeasure with the franchise ins retirement. Soon after retiring, he was airing grievances on his friend Carmelo Anthony’s podcast. And now both parties are done for the season.

Wednesday was a brutal night for the Clippers

As awkward as Paul’s exit was, it was less embarrassing than what happened to the Clippers on Wednesday. Facing a diminished Warriors team that only got Stephen Curry back a week ago, the Clippers seemingly had 10 different opportunities to turn a big lead into an insurmountable one.

They failed at that every single time, and then got ripped apart by a vintage Curry and the Warriors’ other aging veterans down the stretch. They led for 85% of the game, at home, and lost.

Man... pic.twitter.com/SXpuNIYdHr

— Shane Young (@YoungNBA) April 16, 2026

It gets even worse, though, as the Clippers won’t even get to enjoy a lottery pick. They owe their unprotected 2026 first-rounder to the Oklahoma City Thunder due to the Paul George trade, which could now land in the top 4. They do have the Indiana Pacers pick thanks to the Ivica Zubac trade, but that only goes to them if it lands between No. 5 and 9.

Oh, and the team is also still awaiting the results of the NBA’s investigation into their Leonard-Aspiration scandal, which could come with significant repercussions if the league finds they circumvented the salary cap.

The Paul situation was another chapter of dysfunction in the Clippers’ recent history, but it might only be one part of a bad 2026 for them.

2026 NFL draft: James Conner to announced Arizona Cardinals' Day 2 picks

On Day 2 of the NFL draft for the last many years, the league has added a little bit of intrigue to keep more casual fans interested in watching. They have done that by having team legends or current stars announce selections for the second and third rounds of the draft.

The Arizona Cardinals announced that in the draft next week, it will not be a past legend like Karlos Dansby, Jim Hart, Deuece Lutui and others. Instead, it will be running back James Conner, who returns to the Cardinals in 2026 on Day 2. He will announce the Cardinals' selections in the second and third rounds. They have the 34th overall pick and the 65th.

Day 2 of the draft will start on Friday, April 24 at 7 p.m. ET, or 4 p.m. Arizona time.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on SpotifyYouTube or Apple podcasts.

This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: 2026 NFL draft: James Conner to announced Arizona Cardinals' Day 2 picks

Shohei Ohtani dominates as Dodgers drop hammer on miserable Mets

Shohei Ohtani dominates as Dodgers drop hammer on miserable Mets originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Mets can't catch a break as Shohei Ohtani's another special outing on the mound could only mean one thing. The Los Angeles Dodgers extended the Mets' losing streak to eight games as they completed the three-game series sweep with an 8-2 win on Jackie Robinson Day. 

Coming into this game, Ohtani had thrown 28.2 consecutive scoreless innings. Add four more innings to it before the Mets finally entered the run column with MJ Melendez's RBI double in the fifth inning to break Ohtani's incredible pitching streak.

Ohtani struck out 10 batters in his six innings for one run. Blake Treinen and Tanner Scott followed up with scoreless innings of their own. Kyle Hurt allowed one run in the ninth but struck out the side in the ninth inning.

More: Is there any reason to worry about Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani’s arm after latest comments?

Dodgers explain Shohei Ohtani's shocking hitting absence vs Mets

Shohei Ohtani was shockingly absent from the Dodgers' hitting lineup as Kyle Tucker was assigned the role to lead off at the plate. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts erred on the side of caution to rest Ohtani after the hit by pitch on Monday. 

“If it weren’t for the hit-by-pitch, he would have been DH and pitching tonight,” Roberts said before the game. “This one game, it just makes the most sense to give us the best chance to manage the shoulder and back.”

On offense for the Dodgers, Hyeseong Kim shot a two-run home run in the second inning off Mets ace Clay Holmes. Teoscar Hernandez extended the lead to 3-1 with a solo home run in the sixth inning. The biggest blast of the night came in the eighth inning with Dalton Rushing pulling up Devin Williams' 85 mph changeup for a grand slam. Tucker sealed the 8-2 game with his solo home run as the Mets could do little in the ninth.

More Dodgers news:

Dodgers' Alex Vesia reveals heartfelt meaning behind post-save gesture

Dodgers’ Alex Vesia describes unmatched 'adrenaline' during clutch save on 30th birthday

Dodgers' Alex Vesia opens up after heartbreaking family loss

Dodgers stay mysterious as Edwin Diaz questions swirl

Yankees' MLB power rankings spot has key relation to Dodgers

Hockey recap: Kienan Draper scoreless in AHL debut with Grand Rapids

Red Wings prospect Kienan Draper was scoreless and plus-1 in his AHL debut for the Grand Rapids Griffins.

The Griffins posted a 5-2 victory over the Iowa Wild at the Casey’s Center on Wednesday in Des Moines, Iowa.

Grand Rapids reached 50 wins in the fewest games in the team’s 30-year history (2005-06, 71 games) and their 26 road victories tied the most in franchise history (2002-03).

Red Wings prospect Kienan Draper was scoreless in his AHL debut on Wednesday.

Draper, 24, was the Wings' 2020 seventh round (187th overall) draft pick, who just finished his senior season at Michigan. Draper had five goals and 13 assists in 40 games, with a plus-21 rating.

Kienan Draper is the son of Kris Draper, the Wings' assistant general manager and director of amateur scouting, who played 20 seasons and won four Stanley Cups with the Wings.

North Dakota's Dylan James also made his AHL debut with one shot and a plus-1 rating and Michael Postava made 24 saves to improve to 16-6-0.

Ovechkin: 'We'll see' on NHL future

Alex Ovechkin, the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, has left the door open on whether he will return for another campaign, saying he will not make a decision on his playing future until the close season.

The Washington Capitals captain recorded an assist in Tuesday's regular-season finale, a 2-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, but the result did little to soften a disappointing end to the year.

Washington had already been eliminated from Stanley Cup Playoffs contention the day before, marking only the fifth time since Ovechkin was drafted first overall in 2004 that the Capitals have missed the postseason.

"I hope it's not my last game," Ovechkin said in a report on the NHL's website. "So, we'll see."

The 40-year-old Russian, who is in the final year of his contract and broke Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL goals record in April 2025, currently sits atop the list with 929 career goals.

Given the uncertainty over whether he will lace up his skates again, a large contingent of Capitals fans made the trip to Columbus for the finale to cheer on their captain in what could prove to be his final NHL game, and Ovechkin took notice.

"I don't know what's going to happen," he said. "The fans that came here from D.C. and from different spots to watch the game, it was very nice. I can hear their cheering for me and scream 'One more year!' So, that's important, too. It shows lots of respect. So, thanks for the support."

Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery said Ovechkin's uncertain future came up in the team's postgame meeting but declined to elaborate. "I'll just keep that between us," Carbery said. (Reporting by Frank Pingue in Augusta, Georgia Editing by Christian Radnedge)

Stars' Hintz out of Games 1, 2

Dallas Stars forward Roope Hintz will not play in the first two games of the Western Conference first-round series against the Minnesota Wild due to a lower-body injury, head coach Glen Gulutzan announced.

Hintz has been sidelined since sustaining his injury while jostling along the boards with Colorado's Nathan MacKinnon during the Stars' 5-4 shootout loss on March 6.

"Certainly, Roope won't be in Games 1 or 2," Gulutzan said. "We don't know when he could come back or if he could come back. We'll see."

Hintz, 29, has recorded 44 points (15 goals, 29 assists) and a plus-16 rating in 53 games this season.

He has totaled 421 points (190 goals, 231 assists) in 521 career games since being selected by the Stars in the second round of the 2015 NHL Draft.

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Detroit Red Wings prospect Kienan Draper was scoreless in AHL debut

Bryan Clay Invitational 2026 schedule, TV coverage, live streams and more to watch track and field meet

Bryan Clay Invitational

Bryan Clay Invitational 2026 schedule, TV coverage, live streams and more to watch track and field meet originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

One of the most highly anticipated collegiate track and field events is back — the 2026 Bryan Clay Invitational returns to Azusa Pacific this week.

Every year, the Bryan Clay Invitational brings thousands of collegiates from hundreds of schools out to the Azusa foothills for a weekend of packed competition in California. The event features elite, open and invitational heats across dozens of events, attracting many of the top NCAA athletes in the country.

Designated as a World Athletics Continental Tour Challenger Event, this competition is known for its intense environment and high-quality performances. Be sure to tune in as athletes bring the heat to Azusa Pacific.

Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 Bryan Clay Invitational, including TV channel and streaming options for the annual track and field meet.

Where to watch Bryan Clay Invitational 2026

The 2026 Bryan Clay Invitational will not be broadcast on traditional television. Instead, fans can watch every event on FloTrack, which will cover each day of the meet.

Purchasing a FloTrack subscription gives sports fans access to live streams, event replays and FloSports Originals.

Bryan Clay Invitational 2026 schedule

The 2026 Bryan Clay Invitational will take place from Thursday, April 16, to Saturday, April 18, at Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California. Below is a look at the schedule for each day of competition.

Thursday, April 16

Running Events — Track

Time (ET)DivisionEvent
10:30 a.m. Men's OpenA 10K
11:05 a.m.Women's OpenA 10K
11:50 a.m.Men's OpenB 10K
12:25 p.m.Women's OpenB 10K
8 p.m.Men's OpenSteeple
9:20 p.m.Women's OpenSteeple
10:40 p.m.Women's InviteSteeple
11:10 p.m.Men's InviteSteeple
11:40 p.m.Women's Invite10K Heat 1
12:15 a.m.Men's Invite10K Heat 1
12:47 a.m.Women's Invite10K Heat 2
1:22 a.m.Men's Invite10K Heat 2

Friday, April 17

Running Events — Track

Time (ET)DivisionEvent
10 a.m.Men's OpenB 5K
10:50 a.m.Women's OpenB 5K
11:50 a.m.Men's OpenC 5K
12:40 p.m.Women's OpenC 5K
3:15 p.m.Women's Open 800m B
3:55 p.m.Men's Open800m B
4:45 p.m. Women's Open100m
5:05 p.m.Women's Invitational100m
5:25 p.m. Men's Open100m
5:45 p.m.Men's Invitational100m
6:15 p.m.Women's Open800m A
6:45 p.m.Men's Open800m A
7:15 p.m.Women's Invite800m
8:10 p.m.Women's Elite800m
8:25 p.m.Men's Elite800m
8:40 p.m.Men's Invite800m

Field Events

Time (ET)DivisionEvent
1 p.m.Women's OpenHigh Jump
2 p.m.Men's OpenTriple Jump
2 p.m.Women's OpenTriple Jump
2 p.m.Women'sHammer Throw
3 p.m.Women's InvitationalHigh Jump
5 p.m.Men'sHammer Throw
5:30 p.m.Men's InvitationalHigh Jump
6 p.m.Men's InvitationalTriple Jump
6 p.m.Women's InvitationalTriple Jump
7:30 p.m.Men's OpenHigh Jump

Friday, April 18

Running Events — Track

Time (ET)DivisionEvent
11:30 a.m.Men's OpenC 1500m
NoonWomen's OpenC 1500m 

Sprints and Hurdles

Time (ET)Event
1:05 p.m.Men's 4x100 Relay
1:30 p.m.Women's 4x100 Relay
1:50 p.m.Men's 400m
2:25 p.m.Women's 400m
3:06 p.m.Men's 100m Open
3:09 p.m.Men's 100m Invitational
3:15 p.m.Women's 100m Open
3:18 p.m.Women's 100m Invitational
3:35 p.m. Men's 110m Hurdles
4:10 p.m.Women's 100m Hurdles
4:40 p.m.Men's 400m Hurdles
5:20 p.m.Women's 400m Hurdles
5:50 p.m.Men's 200m 
6:20 p.m.Women's 200m
6:50 p.m.Men's 4x400m Relay
7:20 p.m.Women's 4x400m Relay

Evening — 1500m Heats

Time (ET)DivisionEvent
8 p.m. Women's OpenB 1500
9 p.m.Men's OpenB 1500
10 p.m.Women's Invite1500
10:50 p.m.Women's Elite1500
11 p.m.Men's Elite1500
11:10 p.m.Men's Invite1500
12 a.m.Women's OpenA 1500
1 a.m.Men's OpenA 1500

Field Events

Time (ET)Event
NoonMen's Javelin
NoonWomen's Shot Put
1 p.m.Men's Discus
1 p.m.Women's Pole Vault Open B
1:30 p.m.Men's Javelin
3 p.m. Men's Long Jump
3 p.m.Women's Long Jump
3 p.m. Women's Pole Vault A
3 p.m.Men's Pole Vault
3 p.m.Women's Shot Put Invitational
3:30 p.m.Women's Javelin Invitational
5 p.m.Women's Javelin
5 p.m. Women's Discus
5 p.m.Men's Shot Put
6 p.m.Women's Pole Vault Invitational
6 p.m.Men's Pole Vault Invitational
6 p.m.Men's Shot Put
6 p.m.Men's Long Jump Invitational
6 p.m.Women's Long Jump
7 p.m.Men's Shot Put Invitational

Managing Madrid Podcast | Madrid Mornings: Season is over (@Bayern, 4-3)

In this episode of Madrid Mornings, Lucas shares his thoughts on Real Madrid’s season ending with a 4-3 loss to Bayern in the return leg of the Champions League Quarterfinals.

  • Camavinga’s red card
  • Arda Güler
  • Vinicius
  • The offseason begins now

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Managing Madrid is a hub for all Madridistas with updated news, op-eds, tactical analyses, artwork, and of course, podcasts. It also serves as a means for Real Madrid fans to connect and discuss the team. We would like your support so that we can continue to produce podcasts for you.

The site is run by a small team that works tirelessly around the clock to make it into what it is today. Your contributions will allow us to continue to have a real and full-time presence in keeping this website, and it’s podcasts, going.

Hosts this week:

Lucas Navarrete (@LucasNavarreteM)

Knights find their footing under Torts and win the Pacific Division

Vegas Golden Knights F Reilly Smith (19) celebrates with his teammate D Rasmus Andersson (4) after scoring a goal in the third period of an NHL game against the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Vegas Golden Knights F Reilly Smith (19) celebrates with his teammate D Rasmus Andersson (4) after scoring a goal in the third period of an NHL game against the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

LAS VEGAS — So far, part 1 was a success for Kelly McCrimmon and the Vegas Golden Knights.

McCrimmon’s decision to replace Bruce Cassidy with John Tortorella late in the season with eight games remaining was the wakeup call he hoped would happen. The Knights not only awoke from their late-season slumber, they head to the Stanley Cup Playoffs an excited and confident team after clinching the Pacific Division title Wednesday with a 4-1 win over Seattle at T-Mobile Arena.

“It’s been a kinda weird year,” said defenseman Brayden McNabb. “A lot of ups and downs. We were on top for a while, then we were in third flirting with the wild card then we found our game any the right time and win the division. That’s what we wanted to do, and we did.”

Tortorella admits his plan wasn’t to turn everything upside down and shake it. Rather, just tweak here and there, get the players to believe in themselves, get some freedom into the way they play and raise the compete level by playing faster and playing to their strengths.

The result? A 7-0-1 run as Vegas won the division with 95 points, a number which had it been in the Eastern Conference, wouldn’t have been good enough to make the postseason.

But that’s nitpicking. And now, it’s full steam ahead for a franchise that is going to the playoffs for the eighth time in its nine-year history, has won its division five times and has one Stanley Cup championship to its credit in 2023.

The Knights will face Utah in the first round. The NHL will announce the postseason schedule following the regular season’s wrap-up Thursday night. Vegas is expected to host Game 1 Sunday with Game 2 likely on Tuesday. The Mammoth were 2-1 against the Knights this season.

“Each day, it’s been about trying to be what we want to be,” Tortorella said. “It wasn’t about changing the system. It’s been about changing the mind.”

When the team decided to make the change behind the bench on March 30, it brought Tortorella in not to change things, but to provide a different voice and try to generate a spark. He has managed to reach his players and they have responded. “Trust” is the right word to describe what has taken place over the last 17 days. Without it, this move would’ve likely failed.

Tortorella trusted Carter Hart to be his goaltender of choice going forward. Since returning to action, Hart is 6-0. It’s his net and you can thank his relationship with Torts from when both were in Philadelphia for the move away from Adin Hill and Akira Schmid. Wednesday, Hart stopped 22 of the 23 Seattle shots he faced to win his sixth straight.

McCrimmon gets the primary assist for this one as it was his decision to sign Hart back in October after the NHL approved Hart’s return to play following the trial in Canada where he was acquitted of sexual assault from when he was playing junior hockey. If he doesn’t make that call, who knows where this team would be?

The second trust factor was with the team’s defense corps. Tortorella wants them involved with the rush and it has done a lot for Shea Theodore and Rasmus Andersson along with Noah Hanifin and even Brayden McNabb and Jeremy Lauzon.

“I don’t know about freedom, but I think the aggressive mentality that Torts always talks about, he’s encouraging that,” Theodore said. “There’s times to be aggressive and times to not be, but we need our forwards to be supportive and that allows the D to be up a little more.”

Yes, the Knights have found themselves on the short side of an odd-man rush on occasion. But it hasn’t gotten to the point where Tortorella had to reel his D back in. They are still being told to defend their end and block shots — a Torts non-negotiable — and with Hart playing strong in goal, the defensemen have been able to play a little higher-risk, higher-reward hockey. That and the forwards have done a better job of being accountable in their own end.

Which brings us to Mitch Marner.

That Tortorella is a big fan of No. 93’s overall game has boosted Marner’s late-season productivity. He’s playing with Pavel Dorofeyev and Brett Howden on the second line and whether it’s as a center or a right wing, Marner is putting up good numbers.

In the eight games that Tortorella has been behind the Vegas bench, Marner has four goals and five assists. He’s also going to have played all but one of the 82 games in his first year with the Knights. He’s second to Jack Eichel in scoring and while he won’t reach the total of his career-best season of 102 points from a year ago with Toronto, he has been very productive as a Golden Knight.

Wednesday, Marner’s goal 1:23 into the third period broke a 1-1 tie. It was his 24th goal of the year and 80th point. Theodore’s goal late in the second period got Vegas even after Seattle had an early second-period goal to lead 1-0.

But with the postseason on the horizon, the Knights look like a comfortable and confident group.

“Everyone looks more comfortable and that’s a good feeling to have going into the playoffs,” Theodore said. “You always want to be peaking at the right time so feeling good about your game is the most important thing.”

Eichel said he’s not a big believer in momentum, that every game, every shift has its own identity. But he said the current form the team has shown under Tortorella has been positive.

“It’s a combination of a few things,” Eichel said. “I think we’ve found a little energy, a spark. That always helps. Guys have been playing quicker and letting their instincts take over a little bit, which has been good.

Systematically, we’ve been trying to play more aggressive and a little bit faster and I think it’s paid off.”

Now the trick will be to build on the late-season success. Tortorella’s influence will be more noticeable now that there’s a singular opponent to prepare for dissect and try and exploit its weaknesses.

It’s a trait Torts is good at. He knows how to make a deep run and win a Stanley Cup. He also knows how to spring an upset as was the case i9n 2019 when he was in Columbus and the Blue Jackets, the second wild card in the Eastern Conference  eliminated Tampa Bay with a sweep of the Lightning, which had won the Presidents Trophy, for there franchise’s first playoff series win.

Here, the mandate will be different. Make a deep, sustained run and try and capture the Stanley Cup. Tortorella is not signed beyond the postseason in Vegas so whatever is accomplished will likely determine whether he remains behind the Vegas bench.

So far, he’s made a strong case for retention. Three weeks ago, just getting into the playoffs was in question. Wednesday, the division is theirs, their spot in the playoffs is set with home-ice advantage for the first two rounds and it’s a confident group that will make its run at a second Cup.

“I want us to feel good about ourselves,” Tortorella said prior to the game with the Kraken. “We need to finish this off the right way.”

A 7-0-1 record and 15 points en route to a division title is certainly the right way to finish. Now it’s on to part 2.

“It’s nothing elaborate,” Tortorella said. “It’s about playing fast and playing forward. We want to be aggressive. We want to be up the ice. We want to take away time and space in all three zones. It’s not a crazy formula. It’s a mindset. It’s a lot of hard work but I think we’ve found some consistency and they feel more comfortable with it.”

Kayla Harrison Sends Three-Word Message To Ronda Rousey After Epic Rant

harrison-rousey

Kayla Harrison - Ronda Rousey

Credit: Getty

HIGHLIGHTS

  • A former champion went further on the mic than she ever did in her WWE run, and the target had a very simple answer.
  • The grocery store line may be the most personal shot thrown in women's MMA in years.
  • Two promotions, one contract, and a neck injury stand between this trash talk and an actual fight.

Ronda Rousey had a lot to say about Kayla Harrison on Wednesday during the latest presser to promote MVP MMA 1 on Netflix. Rousey unleashed an epic rant that quite honestly bests everything she ever did on the mic with WWE. Rousey brought receipts and line after line of mean-spirited lines for Harrison, the current UFC women's bantamweight champion.

Harrison responded, but she didn't bother trying to go bar for bar with Ronda Rousey. She kept it short and not so sweet. Harrison took to X and posted: "FIGHT ME DEN."

What Should People Know About the Exchange?

Harrison's personality has a bit more flavor than Rousey gives her credit, but she's not a huge trash talker like her rival. The two women have history — as Harrison once told me in an interview, "I've been chasing Ronda seems like my whole life." Both had a storied history as judokas in the Olympics, and Harrison followed Rousey's lead into MMA, though her career began with the PFL.

Rousey accused Harrison of lying about their shared judo history, mocked her charisma as that of a "damp towel," and claimed she once helped Harrison buy groceries when she was broke — only for Harrison to turn around and trash her publicly.

Harrison had fired the first shots by calling Rousey and Carano "irrelevant," labeling Rousey’s judo story a "blatant lie," and saying a fight with Rousey would be "free money." At this point Harrison would be a heavy favorite if they ever met, but she'd need to be out of contract with the UFC to make it happen. As the Rousey-Carano full card breakdown shows, it appears Rousey is trying to build something huge with MVP.

What's Next for This Feud?

There won't be anything more than talk for at least a year. Harrison is rehabbing from a neck injury ahead of a potentially epic title defense against former champion and women's MMA GOAT Amanda Nunes.

Rousey will likely handle Gina Carano easily, record another major promo or two, and keep building her profile on Netflix even bigger than it already is.

The back-and-forth is good for both women’s exposure in the meantime. Truth is, we may never see them fight — the promotional walls between the UFC and MVP are real, and contracts don't bend easily for anyone. But "FIGHT ME DEN" is now out there, and in combat sports, words like that have a way of aging into actual events when the timing lines up.

The UFC 327 takeaways piece captured how quickly the landscape can shift when the right matchup finds its moment.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

‘I Want To Have A Place Up There’ – How Songchainoi Fought Through Adversity To Reach His World Title Dream

Long before the blinding lights of Tokyo, before the deafening roar of a hostile crowd, and before a coveted World Title hung within his grasp, Songchainoi Kiatsongrit was simply a sickly child desperately trying to breathe easier.

On April 29 at ONE SAMURAI 1, the Thai standout will challenge Nadaka Yoshinari for the ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Championship inside the iconic Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

Serving as the biggest opportunity of his professional career, the blockbuster matchup presents a chance to exact revenge and claim gold on enemy soil against one of the most technically brilliant strikers in the sport.

But this monumental moment was never guaranteed. It had to be built slowly, painfully, and against massive odds.

A Fight That Began With Survival, Not Dreams

Born in Samut Prakan, Thailand, Songchainoi did not grow up looking like a future star in combat sports. As a child, he battled chronic allergies and possessed a fragile frame that struggled to keep up with the demands of everyday life.

Muay Thai was never meant to be an ultimate dream. It operated simply as a mechanism to survive, to grow stronger, and to feel normal.

The 25-year-old said:

“I started boxing when I was young. It helped me build discipline from an early age, but it was very hard.

“My family didn’t really approve at first. They said, ‘We have money. You don’t need to do this. Don’t get hurt.’”

Yet, something about the “art of eight limbs” kept pulling him back. As a young boy, he would hop on his father’s motorcycle, assuming they were just going for a casual ride. Instead, they would consistently end up at local temple fights, where the atmosphere felt raw and unforgiving, and every single bout felt deeply personal.

Those gritty nights planted a seed, and it only took one fateful encounter to make it grow.

Songchainoi recalled:

“There was an auntie who approached us. She was a boxing gym owner. She asked, ‘Do you want to try boxing? Let me see how you look.’ She had me stretch like boxers do, and then she said, ‘You can be a boxer. Your body is a good fit.’ She asked me again if I wanted to try.

“I turned to look at my father because I didn’t know what to answer. At first, I shook my head, then I nodded.”

Built By Family, Not Just The Gym

While many fighters are essentially raised inside gyms, Songchainoi was built at home.

His parents served as far more than just casual supporters. They were an integral part of the grueling process, actively shaping his discipline long before the world ever witnessed his talent.

He explained:

“My family supported me a lot, especially in the beginning. My parents would wake me up at 5:00 a.m. so I could go jogging. My dad would take me running. I would run to the gym, train, and run back, about 10 kilometers [6.2 miles] every day.”

Even as his technical skills developed, one glaring problem never disappeared: his diminutive size.

Standing at just 5-foot-1, Songchainoi was almost always giving something away, whether it was reach, strength, or physical presence. For years, that discrepancy cast a heavy shadow of doubt over how far he could genuinely go.

At one crucial point, stepping away felt like the safer choice. But instead of walking away, the Thai warrior adjusted. He meticulously studied superior fighters, sharpened his impeccable timing, and learned exactly how to close the distance to turn his natural disadvantages into potent weapons.

He said:

“The downside I had faced was the level of seriousness. It was really hard.”

ONE Friday Fights Changed Everything

The ultimate turning point arrived when he stepped onto the ONE Friday Fights stage for the very first time in January 2023.

The blistering pace and three-round format unlocked a completely different version of Songchainoi — a relentless force built on aggression, heavy pressure, and a fearless willingness to take risks.

After scoring five consecutive wins and producing multiple highlight-reel finishes, he earned a life-changing US$100,000 contract to compete on the global roster of the world’s largest martial arts organization.

To date, he has compiled an astonishing 10 wins across 11 promotional appearances, rightfully earning the opportunity to challenge for the World Title.

Alongside those stellar results, the weekly spectacle introduced him to a massive global audience, and with that immense exposure came growing, passionate support from fans who began following his inspiring journey every step of the way.

The Kiatsongrit Muay Thai Gym product added:

“I will do it for everyone, whether those who support me through the chats, or even the motorcycle taxi drivers who have been shouting out for me when I go jogging. Those who fist bumped with me. I will do my best on this day and take the belt back home for them.”

Lessons In Defeat, Fuel For The Future

Even amid his overwhelming success, there were harsh lessons he could not avoid.

Songchainoi suffered his lone promotional defeat to Thai rival Numsurin Chor Ketwina at ONE Friday Fights 122 last August. That frustrating setback temporarily cost him a shot at the inaugural ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Title.

However, it forced him to confront something much deeper than a simple loss.

He admitted:

“I was really disappointed. But I did not blame anyone. Partly, I blame it on myself for being reckless and took him for granted. Being confident is the best thing you can have but being overconfident could be the two-sided sword.”

It was a tremendously hard lesson, but an entirely necessary one. And it fundamentally changed him.

Returning stronger, more measured, and acutely aware of his surroundings, he earned a dominant victory over Salai Htan Khee Shein just two months later to re-enter title contention.

The Dream Becomes Real

His competitive hunger only grew fiercer when the World Title finally came back into view.

After his setback against Numsurin, Songchainoi watched closely as his rival moved on to challenge Nadaka for the inaugural ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Title at ONE 173 last November. The Japanese superstar emerged victorious on home soil, securing the gold and extending his incredible undefeated run to 40.

Nadaka had also defeated Songchainoi in their previous meeting outside of ONE three years earlier, adding a compelling layer of redemption to what now lies ahead.

Reflecting on that exact moment, Songchainoi said:

“When I saw him become a World Champion, what popped up in my head was, ‘I want that.’ I wanted to stand there looking cool. I want to have a spot up there.”

Now, that moment is no longer a distant fantasy.

Nadaka’s blinding speed, precision, and elite fight IQ present a complex puzzle few have ever solved. Fighting in Japan, directly in front of a partisan crowd, only amplifies the immense pressure.

But Songchainoi is certainly not shrinking from the spotlight. If anything, he is stepping boldly toward it:

“I have prepared myself a lot. He is very fast and precise. That’s what makes him special. But I believe in my punches. If I can reach him and strike him fully on point, we will see how well he could withstand my punches.

“I want both. I would love to beat him and to get the championship. It is my goal and purpose to fulfill.”

Source

Jaylen Brown Not Taking Celtics' 'Historic' Run For Granted

Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown and forward Jayson Tatum

Jaylen Brown Not Taking Celtics' 'Historic' Run For Granted originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Celtics have been a well-oiled machine for the last decade. This is Jaylen Brown's 10th season with the Celtics, and he's made the playoffs every year.

While Brown's development into a superstar has played a large role in Boston's success, he's also had plenty of help from teammate and fellow superstar Jayson Tatum, who debuted the year after him. 

They've had a remarkable run together, leading the Celtics to nine straight postseason appearances, five Eastern Conference Finals, two NBA Finals and a championship.

There haven't been many duos in the league who've enjoyed that level of sustained success, which Brown discussed with reporters on Wednesday.

Jaylen Brown discussed his pairing with Jayson Tatum:

“I think it’s been a historic sort of run. We were able to deliver a championship in 2024. Unfortunately, we had opportunities in the past that got away from us, but we’ve been right there for a long amount of time. Gained a… pic.twitter.com/u4oHKIp8Dv

— Justin Turpin (@JustinmTurpin) April 15, 2026

"I think it’s been a historic sort of run. We were able to deliver a championship in 2024," Brown said via WEEI's Justin Turpin. "Unfortunately, we had opportunities in the past that got away from us, but we’ve been right there for a long amount of time. Gained a lot of experience, I personally have gained a lot of experience."

To Brown's point, he already has a whopping 135 postseason games under his belt and counting.

"It’s been a pleasure. Everything isn’t always perfect, but it’s not supposed to be. That’s part of the journey. I’m grateful to be where I am and I’m grateful to be here. I’m excited to go have another opportunity," Brown continued.

Coming off the best season of his career that will likely earn him MVP votes for the first time, Brown believes he's still getting better.

"I feel like I’m still getting better. For some, that may be hard to believe. But I’m still improving, I’m still getting better. I’m still learning, I’m still growing," Brown added. "I feel like I’m entering my prime and I’m excited to maximize my potential and take advantage of every opportunity I have to win."

Boston's favored to win the East this spring, so this is a great opportunity for Brown to try to win his second ring in three years.

More NBA: Celtics' Opponent Finally Revealed For First Round Of 2026 NBA Playoffs

LA Galaxy Embarrassed and Eliminated 3-0 At Home

One of the only bright spots on an evening where they lost 3-0 at home to Toluca, LA Galaxy Winger Joseph Paintsil made his return to the field on Wednesday, April 14, 2026.
One of the only bright spots on an evening where they lost 3-0 at home to Toluca, LA Galaxy Winger Joseph Paintsil made his return to the field on Wednesday, April 14, 2026.

Los Angeles, Calif. -- The LA Galaxy were overcome by a scarlet wave, both in the stands and on the field, as they fell 3-0 (2-7 on aggregate) at home to Liga MX champions, Toluca, in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup Quarterfinal on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Full time pic.twitter.com/72zMpiVCjO

— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) April 16, 2026

"I felt like our guys put in an effort, but we weren't good enough to win," LA Galaxy Head Coach Greg Vanney told The Sporting Tribune in a press conference after the Galaxy's loss. "We knew we had to score three goals, and that means a lot of things tactically. Having to take risks against a very good team that could cost you. And we don't deal with some situations."

The loss eliminates the Galaxy from continental competition, and although LA had a small glimmer of hope going into the match courtesy of their two away goals, keeping Toluca quiet offensively was always going to be a big ask for this Galaxy defense. 

Needing a 2-0 or a 3-1 scoreline to win the tie, the Galaxy gave themselves a mountain to climb by conceding in the 10th minute. After a defensive mistake, the first of many for a shaky Galaxy backline, Toluca recovered the ball deep in the Galaxy defensive third. Defender Jesús Gallardo saw the space LA afforded him, didn’t think twice, and unleashed a wicked strike into the top left of Galaxy Goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski's net for the opening goal.

The goal shell shocked the Galaxy, who struggled to put anything offensive together. A Galactic attack that has struggled at times this season to create suffered again at the worst possible moment. When they did get forward, most attacks would break down.

Toluca, however, had no such trouble.

The 15,473 fans in attendance, mostly Toluca fans, were treated to a second-half rout, as striker Paulinho took control of the match again, scoring two goals on the evening, to take his tally in the fixture to five goals. 

The Portuguese striker’s first of the night, capped off another exemplary Toluca counterattack goal with an inch-perfect ball by Helinho, setting up the 2-0. 

Fina definición para el doblete de Paulinho 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/Dcn9IMgUI7

— Concacaf Champions Cup (@TheChampions) April 16, 2026

His second of the night, a superb chip to finish off a Nicolás Castro pass, effectively killed the tie and took any fight left out of the Galaxy by the 64th minute with a 3-0 scoreline.

A chorus of Oles from the Toluca fans in the last 20 minutes was followed by more remonstrating from the home crowd at full-time. The home support met the Galaxy with fevered shouts of “We want better” for the second straight game, intermixed with calls for “Vanney out.”

"Look, nobody, nobody ever likes to hear that. I mean, it's not what we do it for," Vanney said in response to the chants about his future.

"But I think what it did to this group is it galvanizes the locker room a little bit more. It's like, okay, we've got to, it's us. We got to answer the bell here, and we've got to respond.

The only silver lining around elimination is that the Galaxy can now focus squarely on MLS play. They'll look to follow up a positive performance and 2-1 away win at Austin on matchday 7 with another victory in a second successive Texas tussle with FC Dallas.

One of the only bright spots on an evening where they lost 3-0 at home to Toluca, LA Galaxy Winger Joseph Paintsil made his return to the field on Wednesday, April 14, 2026.
One of the only bright spots on an evening where they lost 3-0 at home to Toluca, LA Galaxy Winger Joseph Paintsil made his return to the field on Wednesday, April 14, 2026.

Photo Credit: LA Galaxy

One of the only bright spots on an evening where they lost 3-0 at home to Toluca, LA Galaxy Winger Joseph Paintsil made his return to the field on Wednesday, April 14, 2026.

A visibly angry Maya Yoshida was unequivocal when asked if there were benefits to focusing solely on league play. “Whether we like it or not,” the Galaxy captain said flatly. “We have to make it good, we have no choice.”

The Galaxy will see just how good they can get on Saturday against Dallas.

Ice hockey duo retire after more than 1,600 matches

Two ice hockey players in red tops with black text on the back embrace and smile as they stand on an ice rink. Other players are visible in the background
The two players have racked up hundreds of appearances for the Wildcats [Swindon Wildcats]

The captain of an ice hockey team is retiring after playing a record 876 times for the club since joining it 16 years ago.

Sam Bullas said winning the end of season National Ice Hockey League play-offs with the Swindon Wildcats would be "the icing on the cake of his career".

Player-coach Aaron Nell, who has played 805 games for the club and is the highest scorer in its history, is also retiring at the end of the season.

Bullas, who was due to become a father for the first time this week, said: "I'll miss being around the team, being around the ice rink with the fans and everything that goes on with being an ice hockey player. But at the same time I'm looking forward to starting my family life."

More from Wiltshire

And after the Wildcats won the NIHL league this season, they also qualified top of their group for the play-off finals which take place in Coventry over the weekend of 18-19 April.

It is rare for teams to compete the double of both League and Play-offs win in the NIHL, which is the second tier of English ice hockey, just below the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL).

A man with a short beard and wavy brown hair wearing a red hockey top shakes the hand of a man in a blue jumper as they stand together on an ice hockey rink. Spectators and other players are visible in the background
Swindon Wildcats captain Sam Bullas, right, said he will "miss" the sport [Swindon Wildcats]

Bullas said "We're really excited. With the team we've built this year there was an expectation for us to make finals weekend and now it's time to try and get that Play-off cup for the first time in our history."

The forward player said he and the whole team were "over the moon" at winning the league, but he said sometimes that's overshadowed by the Play-offs.

"It's a bit funny in ice hockey," he said, "Even though the league is over a seven-month period of graft and travelling all over the country, the play-offs is seen as a big one, so we're excited and hopefully we can add that to our championship."

A man with dark stubble wearing a red ice hockey kit skates on a rink in front of a grandstand full of spectators. He is holding a large silver trophy
Nell said it was the "right time" to step down from playing [Swindon Wildcats]

Bullas, known to fans as Bully, decided at the beginning of the season it would be his last as a player. He and his wife are expecting their first child.

On his 16 years with Swindon Wildcats he said "I'm a piece of the furniture now. I came down here as a young lad and I expected to be here for a couple of years, learn my craft and then move on but I've ended up staying here for all these years.

"I wouldn't change it for the world."

He thanked the fans and the club's owners and coaches for his "wonderful adventure".

'They've sacrificed a lot'

"Obviously no-one wants to finish playing, playing's the best part," said Nell.

"But I think it's the right time. I'm glad that we were able to have a good season this year and win the league and hopefully we can take it one step further."

He said he "really enjoys coaching" and is "looking forward to the next phase".

Paul Norbury, chair of the Swindon Wildcats Supporters Club, said he was pleased both Sam and Aaron were finishing their playing careers on a high.

"Both have sacrificed a lot and have worked incredibly hard," he said.

"It's great that they're league champions, and they'll leave everything out there on the ice this weekend so I hope they can win the play-offs too."

Swindon Wildcats will play the Hull Seahawks at 17.30 on Saturday 18th April in the second knockout match of the NIHL Play-offs weekend, competing for a place in the final on Sunday 19th.

Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.

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Warriors comeback to eliminate Clippers in play-in tournament thriller

Through the first three games of the 2026 play-in tournament, each game was a hit, packed with action and drama from start to finish. On Friday night in Los Angeles, the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers followed suit, battling down to the wire in another thriller.

Despite their furious finish, the Golden State Warriors started ice cold. In the opening minutes of the win-or-go-home game, the Warriors found themselves trailing by double figures with the score 12-2. Despite the score, the Warriors continued to find a way to hang around. The Clippers were able to take another nine-point lead in the second quarter. In the third quarter, the Clippers again took a 10-point lead. Yet, they could never completely pull away from the Warriors. In the third quarter, Steph Curry took advantage.

After only scoring eight points in the first half, the All-Star point guard came alive in the third quarter. Curry caught fire, scoring 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the field with a trio of triples in the third quarter. One of Curry's 3-pointers came with a foul and a four-point play.

Behind Curry, the Warriors were able to shave the Clippers' lead down to six points and completely swing momentum before the start of the fourth quarter. After Curry's signature flurry in the third quarter, it was Al Horford's turn. The veteran big man was unconscious from beyond the arc in the fourth frame, drilling four 3-pointers to close out the game. Curry added 11 points with two more 3-pointers of his own as the Warriors stunned the Clippers in comeback fashion on the road with a 126-121 win in the No. 9 vs. No. 10 play-in game.

Along with leading the team in assists with nine, Draymond Green brought out a signature defensive performance down the stretch against Kawhi Leonard. After the Warriors took the lead with two minutes on the clock, Green forced back-to-back turnovers, sealing the game for the Warriors and ending the Clippers' season.

Curry finished with a game-high 35 points on 12-of-23 shooting from field with seven made 3-pointers to go along with four assists.

Outside of Curry, Horford and Green, Kristaps Porzingis and Gui Santos played key roles in the Warriors' upset win on Wednesday night. Both Porzingis and Santos each added 20 points against the Clippers. Porzingis finished with 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting with three made triples, five rebounds, five assists and two blocks in 28 minutes. Santos notched 20 points, six rebounds and five assists in 32 minutes.

The Warriors will now advance to the second leg of the play-in tournament against the No. 7 seed Phoenix Suns. The Suns are coming off a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday. The winner of Friday's game will punch a ticket to the playoffs and face the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder in round one of the postseason.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Warriors comeback to eliminate Clippers in play-in tournament thriller

LaMelo Ball fined after flagrant play injures Bam Adebayo as Hornets advance in play-In thriller

Charlotte Hornets LaMelo Ball Miami Heat Bam Adebayo 112724

LaMelo Ball fined after flagrant play injures Bam Adebayo as Hornets advance in play-In thriller originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Charlotte Hornets  escaped with a dramatic play-in victory Tuesday night, but the fallout from the game has quickly shifted attention away from the result and onto LaMelo Ball.

The NBA announced Wednesday that Ball was fined $35,000 for making “unnecessary and reckless contact” with Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat during Charlotte’s 127–126 overtime win. The league determined the play created a “significant injury risk,” and upon further review, upgraded the incident to a flagrant foul 2—despite no foul being called during the game.

The sequence occurred early in the second quarter and quickly became the defining moment of the night. After missing a shot inside, Ball fell near Adebayo, who had secured the rebound and was attempting to stay in bounds. As Adebayo moved, Ball swiped at his leg, sending the Heat star crashing to the floor. No whistle was blown, and play continued while Adebayo remained down.

Adebayo, who suffered a lower back injury on the play, did not return, finishing with just 11 minutes played. His absence loomed large as Miami’s season came to an end in heartbreaking fashion. Without their defensive anchor and interior presence, the Heat struggled to maintain control, opening the door for Charlotte’s late push.

Controversy overshadows clutch moment as Ball, Hornets move forward

Ball, meanwhile, delivered in the game’s biggest moment, scoring the winning layup with 4.7 seconds remaining in overtime. It capped a thrilling finish but did little to quiet the controversy surrounding his earlier actions.

Miami coach Erika Spoelstra did not hold back after the game, calling the play “dangerous” and suggesting Ball should have been ejected. His frustration reflected a broader sentiment from the Heat, who felt the missed call directly impacted the outcome.

Adding to the situation, the NBA also fined Ball an additional $25,000 for using profane language during a postgame television interview.

Now, as Charlotte prepares for a win-or-go-home matchup against the Orlando Magic for the No. 8 seed, the focus shifts back to basketball. Still, the incident—and its consequences—will linger as one of the most controversial moments of the postseason’s opening stage.

Too much Steph Curry as Clippers' season comes to end with play-in loss to Warriors

INGLEWOOD, CA - APRIL 15: LA Clippers guard Kris Dunn (8) swipes for the ball while Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives to the basket against guard Darius Garland (10) during the fourth quarter of an NBA play-in-tournament at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood Wednesday, April 15, 2026. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Stephen Curry scored 27 of his 35 points in the second half against Darius Garland (10), Kris Dunn (8) and the Clippers. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

It was do or die Wednesday night at Intuit Dome, and the Clippers did not do enough to keep their season alive, blowing a 13-point lead early in the fourth quarter and losing to the Golden State Warriors, 126-121.

Having rebounded from a franchise-worst 6-21 start to earn the next-to-last berth in the NBA play-in tournament, coach Tyronn Lue’s resilient bunch could not extend its historic comeback on its home floor.

Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 35 points, Kristaps Porzingis and and Gui Santos each had 20, and Brandin Podziemski added 17. The Warriors were 19 for 41 from three-point range, with Al Horford hitting four in the fourth quarter.

Bennedict Mathurin scored 23 points off the bench while Kawhi Leonard and Darius Garland each added 21 points for the Clippers, who won three of the teams’ four regular-season meetings, including a 115-110 victory in the same arena four days earlier. Wednesday night, however, Leonard was held scoreless in the fourth quarter until the final seconds as the Warriors rallied.

The Clippers got off to a hot start, scoring 12 straight points to take a 10-point lead 3:19 into the game, but Golden State used a 12-2 run of its own to tie it and took a 17-16 lead on Curry’s three-pointer just before the seven-minute mark. A 15-5 run put the Clippers back up 31-22 at the end of the first quarter.

Stephen Curry falls to the court to grab a loose ball against Clippers Bennedict Mathurin and Kris Dunn in the third quarter.
Stephen Curry falls to the court to grab a loose ball against Clippers Bennedict Mathurin and Kris Dunn in the third quarter. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Porzingis’ three-pointer from the top of the key put the Warriors in front early in the second quarter, but the Clippers closed the first half with a flourish. The Warriors' Draymond Green got assessed a technical foul, and Leonard made the ensuing free throw to give his team a 10-point lead; the Clippers headed to the locker room ahead 61-53.

Back-to-back buckets by Derrick Jones Jr. pushed the Clippers’ lead back to 10 points with 7:48 left in the third quarter, but again the proud Warriors responded on a rare four-point play by Curry to pull within four. The Clippers pushed the lead back to 11 before Golden State used a 5-0 run to creep within 89-83 heading to the fourth quarter.

Porzingis’ three-pointer whittled the Warriors' deficit down to three with 8:16 left, but Garland’s three-pointer pushed the margin back to eight with 6:36 left. Horford’s final three gave the Warriors a 117-115 lead with 2:12 left. Brook Lopez hit a pair of free throws to tie it with 1:51 left, but Curry, as he has done so many times in his career, sank a three-pointer to put his team up 120-117 with 50 seconds remaining. Green, guarding Leonard, then tipped away the Clippers' inbounds pass out of a timeout, and Podziemski drove for a three-point play as the visitors hung on.

Kawhi Leonard walks off the court after the Clippers' season-ending loss.
Kawhi Leonard walks off the court after the Clippers' season-ending loss. He was held scoreless in the fourth until the final seconds. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

The Warriors’ reward is a flight to Phoenix where they will take on the Suns in a Friday night matchup to decide the eighth and final playoff seed in the Western Conference. The Suns had a chance to clinch the No. 7 seed Monday but lost at home to Portland, 114-110. Should the Warriors prevail they will meet No. 1-seeded and defending champion Oklahoma City in a best-of-seven series opening Sunday on the road.

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

OKC Thunder to receive 2026 NBA draft lottery pick from Clippers

Apr 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) defends Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) as he drives to the basket in the first half during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Hoping to go back-to-back as NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder will get the best of both worlds. It'll be another year where a hopeful deep playoff run is accompanied by another must-watch lottery night.

Thanks to the LA Clippers' 126-121 loss to the Golden State Warriors in the play-in tournament, the Thunder will be gifted another lottery pick. Like the previous ones from LA, this one is rooted in the seismic 2019 Paul George trade in that gift that keeps on giving.

The Clippers are knocked out of playoff contention. They have the 12th-best lottery odds. That means they'll swap with OKC's first-round pick, which will surely be in the late 20s range. Breaking down LA's lottery odds, it has a 1.5% chance to land at No. 1; 1.7% chance to land at No. 2; 1.9% chance to land at No. 3; 2.1% chance to land at No. 4; 86.1% chance to land at No. 12; 6.7% chance to land at No. 13; 0.1% chance to land at No. 14.

Of course, the Thunder have been directly gifted the No. 12 pick in a couple of previous NBA drafts. Most famously, LA gave OKC the No. 12 pick in 2022 when they were knocked out of the play-in tournament. That selection turned out to be Jalen Williams. Pretty, pretty good, I must say.

The 2026 NBA draft lottery will take place on Sunday, May 10. The 2026 NBA draft will take place from June 23-24.

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: OKC Thunder to receive 2026 NBA draft lottery pick from Clippers

Are Warriors in the playoffs? What Golden State's Play-In win over Clippers means for NBA playoff bracket

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, head coach Steve Kerr

Are Warriors in the playoffs? What Golden State's Play-In win over Clippers means for NBA playoff bracket originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Golden State Warriors entered as underdogs against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday and played like it for much of the game, but a monstrous fourth quarter from Al Horford on the offensive end and Draymond Green on the defensive end flipped the game upside down.

The Warriors eked out a 126-121 road win over the Clippers and avoided elimination, instead sending L.A. packing. 

The victory was a complete turnaround from a dismal finish to the season for Golden State and a realization of what Steve Kerr hoped would happen with Stephen Curry back on the floor after missing an extended regular season stretch with a knee injury. Now, the question is whether that kind of success is sustainable.

Here's what you need to know about what's next for the Warriors.

MORE:How Al Horford became Warriors' unlikely hero vs. Clippers

Are Warriors in the playoffs?

The Warriors have not yet clinched a playoff berth. Because they finished the regular season 10th in the West, they needed to win two games to reach the playoffs.

Golden State won the first game on Wednesday night in comeback fashion. With some help from Al Horford and Draymond Green alongside Stephen Curry, the Warriors staved off elimination and secured a winner-take-all matchup with the Suns on Friday.

The Warriors will go on the road to play for the No. 8 seed, but they didn't seem too intimidated by a road environment at the Intuit Dome. If they can pick up one more road win, a date with the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs would await.

Here's what you need to know about when the Warriors will play again.

MORE:What's next for Clippers after elimination?

When do the Warriors play next?

  • Date: Friday, April 17
  • Time: 10 p.m. ET

The Warriors will face the Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Friday at 10 p.m. ET. It will be the final game of the NBA Play-In Tournament, with the playoffs tipping off on Saturday.

The winner will advance to the playoffs and play Game 1 in Oklahoma City on Sunday.

NBA playoff bracket 2026

Eastern Conference

  • (1) Pistons vs. (8) TBD
  • (2) Celtics vs. (7) 76ers
  • (3) Knicks vs. (6) Hawks
  • (4) Cavaliers vs. (5) Raptors

Western Conference

  • (1) Thunder vs. (8) TBD
  • (2) Spurs vs. (7) Trail Blazers
  • (3) Nuggets vs. (6) Timberwolves
  • (4) Lakers vs. (5) Rockets

The Trail Blazers already locked up the No. 7 seed with their win on Tuesday, so the winner of Friday's game between the Suns and Warriors will receive the No. 8 seed and a first-round matchup with the reigning-champion Thunder.

A’s out-hit Rangers in 6-5 victory

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 15: Shea Langeliers #23 of the Athletics hits a two-run home run against the Texas Rangers in the bottom of the six inning at Sutter Health Park on April 15, 2026 in Sacramento, California. All players are wearing the #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

On Jackie Robinson Day, it would be the A’s who’d strike first. Tyler Soderstrom’s opposite field double brought home Carlos Cortes.

This would be the first time in 2026 that the A’s filled the box score in the first inning. They were the only team who hadn’t done so this season.

🚨 THE A'S HAVE SCORED IN THE FIRST INNING 🚨 pic.twitter.com/2yAmqtU2tF

— Athletics on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) April 16, 2026

Off the bat, it kind’ve looked like Ezequiel Durán had the play but he’d lose it on the jump at the warning track. A quick recovery from the Rangers’ left fielder prevented Soderstrom from advancing any further than second base. The A’s would strand him there to end the first inning.

In the top of the second, A’s starter J.T. Ginn was able to escape a little drama. A trio of walks loaded the bases but no damage was done, thanks to Joc Pederson striking out and Danny Jensen hitting into a double play.

Ginn doesn’t have the greatest track record against Texas. Yes, he secured the last ever win in Oakland against them back in 2024, but last season, in just around twenty innings against the Rangers, he offered up six home runs in around twenty innings!

He’d serve up another to shortstop Corey Seager in the third inning. After the A’s added a little insurance on a Denzel Clarke RBI single, Seager and the Rangers tied it right back up on a no doubter to deep right field.

From there, we’d find ourselves in a bit of a pitcher’s duel. Rangers starter Kumar Rocker provided a wipeout slider that had A’s batters struggling to resist, while the signature J.T. Ginn sinker kept the Rangers on the ground floor.

After a slight lull, Shea Langeliers would get ahold of one, ripping it down the third base line for a lead off double in the bottom of the fifth. Now this is where you could feel the A’s getting to Rocker. They had him on the ropes. A mound visit was called on Rocker’s behalf, after his walk to Tyler Soderstrom. He’d get Jacob Wilson to line out to Ezequiel Durán but that would be it for the big right-hander. His day would be over after 4.2 innings pitched, 4 hits, 2 ER, 4 BB, and 6Ks on 97 pitches. Lefty Jalen Beeks would be brought in to replace him. Despite walking Jeff McNeil to load the bases, he’d get out of the jam by striking out Max Muncy to end the inning.

What’s frustrating about THIS particular Muncy strikeout is that not only were the bases juiced, but he had a 3-1 count on Beeks when he decided to go hunting for a fastball up and out of the zone.

That Max Muncy AB was the most brutal AB of the season so far. That was brutal to watch unfold if I’m being honest.

— Athletics Rants (@AthleticsRants) April 16, 2026

Ginn’s day would wrap up not too far behind Rocker’s. He’d give the ball to Hogan Harris after a one out single by Wyatt Langford. No damage done by the Rangers though as Harris was able to shut down Monday’s player of the game in Jake Burger.

Now we have to talk about Nick Kurtz.

In the bottom of the 6th, Kurtz came up to the plate with Lawrence Butler on second base. What did he do in this at-bat? Strikeout on a fastball right down the middle. His third of the game up to this point and quite frankly, a telling K. I know it’s early and we don’t want to have the conversation yet, but can we at least admit that Kurtz has not been the player we’ve needed him to be? His hitting woes actually run through the spring, where in 21 games he hit only .201 with 16Ks. In fact, if you go back to his performance at the end of last season, you’ll find that his September numbers took a noticeable dip. His slash in the final month was actually his worst. Even weaker than the April/May campaign that he was criticized for having.

So what do we make of Kurtz’s struggles? If we find ourselves in a similar situation by June, could a trip to AAA a la Lawrence Butler in 2024 be appropriate?

While you think on that, watch this…

SHEA LANGELIERS HITS A 467-FOOT MOONSHOT 😱 pic.twitter.com/A4bSWlCZx0

— Athletics on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) April 16, 2026

Just like that the A’s were back in possession of the lead. According to statcast, Shea’s homer traveled 467 ft! At this time, that’s the longest home run of the 2026 season.

Jacob Wilson must’ve been jealous of how cool Shea Langeliers looked in the new elephant mask, because he’d send one for a ride in the bottom of the 7th.

J WILLY WITH A NO-DOUBTER 😤 pic.twitter.com/KSkJmBI2Um

— Athletics on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) April 16, 2026

But what would a middle of the week A’s game be without a little drama? Kotsay went to Mark Leiter Jr. in the top of the 8th and that third out just felt out of reach the entire time. He’d toss one Jake Burger’s way, who’d clobber it deep to left field for a three-run home run.

DELETE. DELETE. DELETE!!!!! #Athleticshttps://t.co/eyRCbjGJyr

— Uprooted (@uprootedoakland) April 16, 2026

You thought a 6-2 lead in the 8th was safe? This is the 2026 A’s we’re talking about! They better keep hitting and hitting until the game’s over or their season will be over before playoffs begin in October.

Fortunately for us A’s fans, that would be the extent of it for the evening. Joel Kuhnel came in after Leiter Jr. and continued to pitch like he wants his own designated seat in the bullpen. There’s something very Kenley Jansen-esque in Kuhnel’s delivery that makes me feel safe. Sometimes all you need in the back end of the bullpen is a big boy with a cutter.

He’d get Andrew Mccutchen to strikeout to end the ball game. Kuhnel’s third save of the season and the first four-out save of his career.

That'll do it 😏 pic.twitter.com/hXpQT57qB9

— Athletics on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) April 16, 2026

It wasn’t an easy win but no one said it was going to be. For the first time since the 2021 season, the A’s are alone atop the American League West division. Tomorrow they’ll return, looking to take their fourth straight series win, their second of the year against a division rival, and hopefully the first quality start for Jacob Lopez in 2026.

Langeliers, Wilson hit HRs as Athletics beat Rangers 6-5, sit atop AL West for 1st time since 2021

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Shea Langeliers hit the longest homer in the majors this season and Jacob Wilson also had a two-run shot to help the Athletics beat the Texas Rangers 6-5 on Wednesday night.

The Athletics (10-8) are alone atop the AL West, a game ahead of Texas (9-9), for the first time since since June 19, 2021.

Lawrence Butler hit a leadoff single before Cole Winn replaced Jalen Beeks (1-1) with two outs in the sixth and Langeliers hit a towering 467-foot home run — the majors' longest — that gave the Athletics a 4-2 lead.

Hogan Harris (1-0) replaced starter J.T. Ginn with one out in the sixth and retired the only two batters he faced for the win. Ginn allowed two runs and two hits and walked four in 5 1/3 innings.

Joel Kuhnel got the final out in the eighth and pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his third save in six appearances this season, his first with the Athletics. The 31-year-old right-hander, who split last season between the Triple-A affiliates for the Yankees and Phillies, went into this year with 82 career appearances and one save.

Tyler Soderstrom walked to lead off the seventh and Wilson hit his first homer of the season two pitches later to make it 6-2.

Corey Seager hit a two-run homer in the third and Jake Burger’s three-run shot with two outs in the eighth made it a one-run game.

Soderstrom had an RBI double and Denzel Clarke added a run-scoring single.

Rangers starter Kumar Rocker gave up two runs in 4 1/3 innings. He allowed four hits, walked four and had six strikeouts.

Up next

Texas' Jack Leiter (1-1, 4.91 ERA) is set to start opposite Jacob Lopez (1-1, 7.43) on Thursday to wrap up a four-game series.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Senators Head Into Playoffs At Carolina After Another Victory Over Toronto

The Ottawa Senators polished off their 2025-26 NHL regular season with a 3-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night at Canadian Tire Centre. The game meant nothing in the standings, but as any Senators fan will tell you, there’s never a bad time to beat the Leafs.

Drake Batherson, Warren Foegele, Dylan Cozens had the goals for Ottawa, while Claude Giroux added two assists and James Reimer made 19 saves. The Senators went 2-for-3 on the power play and outshot the Leafs, 38-20.

The Senators got the victory, despite resting five of their top players, including Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stützle, Michael Amadio, Thomas Chabot, and Jake Sanderson.

They also had nothing to play for.

“I think since we found out who we’re playing in the first round, most of us are just thinking about that, to be honest,” Batherson said. “Obviously, you want to go out there and play well, but it’s tough when you know this weekend you’re playing Game 1.”

William Nylander had the lone goal for Toronto, pulling the Leafs within one midway through the third before Cozens sealed it with an empty-netter on a 2 on 0. He dished the puck off to Shane Pinto to score on the empty net, but Pinto gave it right back to him. 

The Senators finish the regular season with 99 points. The last time they hit that mark was 2015, the year of the famous Hamburglar run. The last time they surpassed the 99-point mark was in 2007, when they advanced all the way to the Stanley Cup Final for the only time in their history so far.

Despite missing the final two games, Stützle led the team offensively with 34 goals, 49 assists, and 83 points. Having just turned 24 in January, he's only now entering his prime.

Ottawa may not have a 100-point scorer, but they boasted a fine balanced attack this season, with 13 different players recording 30 or more points.

Toronto, meanwhile, closes out the season on a five-game losing streak, finishing the season 21 points behind the Senators. A disappointing campaigfn after winning the Atlantic Division last year.

As for the Senators, they head to the postseason once again, set to face the Carolina Hurricanes, the top seed in the Eastern Conference. It marks the first ever playoff meeting between the two franchises.

Games 1 and 2 will be played in Raleigh, with dates and time still to be announced. We do know that some of the Stanley Cup Playoff series are set to begin as early as Saturday night. 

Elsewhere in the Eastern Conference, the Boston Bruins will open in Buffalo against the Sabres, the Montreal Canadiens will visit the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Philadelphia Flyers will take on the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Full schedule details are expected to be released Thursday.

Steve Warne
The Hockey News

3 takeaways from the Chicago Cubs’ series win, including Nico Hoerner raking and Shota Imanaga dealing

PHILADELPHIA — One mistake on the second pitch of the game could have been the first indicator of a rough night for Chicago Cubs lefty Shota Imanaga.

Instead, Trea Turner’s leadoff home run Wednesday night was all the Philadelphia Phillies managed against Imanaga in a dominant outing in the Cubs’ 11-2 victory to secure a series win. Imanaga struck out 11 — tying his career high — in six innings and allowed just two more hits after Turner’s blast. The Cubs (9-9) provided plenty of support for Imanaga, scoring multiple runs in the third, fifth and sixth innings in the blowout.

It was a strong overall performance for the Cubs to kick off a challenging stretch that includes a five-series stretch against the Phillies (twice), New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres, the latter two on a West Coast trip to end April.

With back-to-back wins over the Phillies before Thursday’s off day, here are three takeaways from the series at Citizens Bank Park.

1. Nico Hoerner staying hot.

The Cubs second baseman continues to set the tone at the top of the order.

Horner tallied eight RBIs in the Cubs’ consecutive wins with his five Wednesday, setting a career high. He keeps showing how he can do damage multiple ways, whether it was shooting a sinker down the first-base line to drive in two runs in the sixth inning or his two-run home run to center field in the fifth off Phillies lefty Jésus Luzardo.

“There’s some contact that’s more ideal than others, but ultimately, I want to hit the ball flush,” said Hoerner, who went 3-for-5. “I want to hit hard line drives and certain pitches I elevate more naturally than others. But overall I want to hit hard line drives all over the ballpark and swing at good pitches.”

Through 18 games, Hoerner is hitting .324 with a .410 on-base percentage and 159 wRC+. His 18 RBIs are tied for third-most in the majors.

“We’re getting Nico at-bats in the right spot, which is men on base too, and he’s been incredible with that,” manager Craig Counsell said. “The ball down the right-field line with men on base and two strikes, that’s just a Nico at-bat. The home run was a beautiful swing down in the zone. But he’s doing a heck of a job, man. He’s really a machine right now.”

2. Shota Imanaga looking like ’24 version

Imanaga and the Cubs felt confident the work he put in over the offseason and spring training would pay off with better results than his inconsistent, injury-plagued 2025.

Although he’s only through four starts this season, Wednesday’s outing was Imanaga at his best between his pitch mix and command. Imanaga got 26 swing and misses from the Phillies lineup, the most by a pitcher in an MLB game this year. Those 26 whiffs also tie Yu Darvish (Aug. 23, 2020) for the most by a Cubs pitcher in the pitch-tracking era (since 2008).

“There’s this question of where does confidence come from: Do you have to do it, or can you have it?” Counsell said. “I think we were all very confident of what Shota was going to bring to the table from really the first time he threw a bullpen this spring, and he’s pitching at a really high level, and he is really confident right now.”

Chicago Cubs reliever Porter Hodge to undergo season-ending UCL surgery, another injury blow to pitching staff

Imanaga’s 11 K’s gave him his fourth double-digit strikeout game of his career and first since Sept. 16, 2024. The Cubs need the consistency he has shown early. Over his last three starts, Imanaga has given up just two runs, six hits and two walks with 24 strikeouts in 17 innings. With the pitching injuries the Cubs are dealing with, quality starts are vital to preserve a depleted bullpen.

Nights like Wednesday from Imanaga certainly change the outlook of the Cubs rotation if he pitches more like his dominant 2024 version.

“After that (leadoff home run), I felt like my mechanics were really good, there’s something good there,” Imanaga said through interpreter Edwin Stanberry. “And so I stayed calm, didn’t rush myself and just believed in myself.

“Every year I’ve been leveling up, and there’s parts of 2025 that I thought was better than 2024 and for me, this year, it’s about trying to create a new version of myself instead of trying to look in the past, just think about the future.”

3. Offense getting contributions throughout.

The Cubs need more than just Hoerner’s hot hitting to get rolling collectively as an offensive unit.

There were signs in Philadelphia that the lineup might be trending in a positive direction. The Cubs had 15 hits in both Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s victories with 11 multihit games.

Despite Alex Bregman’s struggles to put the ball in the air more consistently with a cleaner bat path, he recorded three hits and three RBIs Tuesday and had another hit and walk Wednesday. Matt Shaw, batting in the No. 9 spot Wednesday, hit three doubles, drove in two runs and scored twice. Dansby Swanson slugged his fourth home run to tie for the team lead.

The contributions up and down the lineup were an encouraging development the Cubs hope carry into their six-game homestand that begins Friday against the Mets.

“I feel like we should go out there and expect to have good at-bats and finally things are starting to fall a little bit,” Shaw said. “It’s awesome to get some momentum and have the boys rolling.”

Collins was a great locker-room fit, but the Clippers …

Collins was a great locker-room fit, but the Clippers will have competition for his services if he doesn’t reach an extension before unrestricted free agency. The many adjustments in his role, from position to whether he started, will be something that needs to be considered. Mathurin wants to start, but the Clippers have all the leverage and won’t need to promise anything to a player the Pacers chose not to extend before this season despite being the sixth pick in the 2022 draft. Beal is expected back next season after hip surgery, which will likely require picking up a player option he would have ideally declined if he were healthy. Lopez, Batum and Bogdanović are all great veteran role players, but they all have team options that the Clippers could decline for maximum flexibility. Jones and Dunn are extension eligible. Young rotation players like Miller and Sanders are also on team options, which the Clippers could pick up as part of team-friendly deals.

New York Times

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Collins was a great locker-room fit, but the Clippers …

KDE Update Adds Optional Per-Display Virtual Desktop Support

16 April 2026 at 09:23
KDE has long served as a powerful, customizable Linux desktop environment for those who want more flexibility and faster feature support than the likes of Gnome. Contrary to that notion, though, KDE has just merged a feature request that has been hanging around for over two decades—per-monitor virtual desktop support. Currently, and in every previous release of the KDE desktop, switching to another virtual desktop on one monitor meant switching virtual desktops on all monitors. After the new Kwin feature merge, though, users will have the option to switch between different virtual desktops on a per-monitor basis.

This would make KDE the only one of the big two—KDE and Gnome—to support per-monitor workstations, although it still has some limitations, the least of which is that it will not work in X11 sessions, although it should work with XWayland apps, since those are usually handled like Wayland apps by the compositor. The new feature is expected to arrive in KDE Plasma 6.7, which is slated for a June 2026 launch, with public beta testing slated to go live on May 14. The developer's full explanation for the new functionality follows.

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Malaysia and Borneo: Rajang River, the Country’s Oldest Living Highway

Read full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/malaysia-and-borneo-rajang-river-the-countrys-oldest-living-highway/

Malaysia and Borneo: Rajang River, the Country’s Oldest Living HighwayDiscover how the Rajang River in Sarawak, Malaysia, serves as a...

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Source: Travel And Tour World

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Official Android 17 launch date locked: What Google I/O 2026 means for One UI 9

By:Yash
16 April 2026 at 08:34

Google just made it official; its annual developer conference, Google I/O 2026, lands on May 19 and 20, and Android 17 launch is front and center.

The main keynote kicks off at 10:00 AM PT on May 19, with the developer keynote following at 1:30 PM the same day. Google has confirmed sessions covering Android, AI, Chrome, and Cloud. If you think AI won’t dominate every corner of this conference, you haven’t been paying attention.

What Google is actually revealing

A scheduled session titled “What’s new in Android” surfaces at 3:30 PM on May 19. That’s where Android 17’s feature set gets its formal introduction.

Expect camera and media upgrades, performance work, Agentic AI capabilities baked into the OS, and continued investment in large-screen layouts for foldables, tablets, and desktops.

Gemini ecosystem, Google Photos, Workspace, YouTube and its various spin-offs, Firebase, Google Play, all of it gets stage time across the two days, but the session that matters most for Android hardware fans is the Android 17 slot.

Android 17 One UI 9

Samsung’s One UI 9 could debut on the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8, and the Z Fold Wide in July. Google releasing stable Android 17 in June or July gives Samsung just enough runway to ship One UI 9 alongside those foldables at launch.

So the question isn’t whether One UI 9 will be ready. Samsung’s engineering teams don’t miss foldable launch windows anymore. The question is what Samsung adds on top of Android 17’s Agentic AI foundation, and whether it’s actually useful.

Android 17 is already in beta on select devices. The stable build is coming fast.

The post Official Android 17 launch date locked: What Google I/O 2026 means for One UI 9 appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Galaxy S23 Ultra seen with Android 17 (One UI 9) amid One UI 8.5 Beta

By:Yash
16 April 2026 at 07:51

Samsung has recently started One UI 8.5 Beta Program for the Galaxy S23 series, but the Ultra model has already jumped to Android 17-based One UI 9 in the early test phase.

The majority of users are on One UI 8.0, built on Android 16. One UI 8.5 Beta is available in select countries, while One UI 9 is being tested in labs. Samsung’s software segment isn’t stopping at all; it’s running at a fast pace.

Galaxy S23 Ultra seen with Android 17

US variant of the Galaxy S23 Ultra has made its early appearance on Geekbench, running Android version 17, probably atop One UI 9 (via Alfaturk). This confirms Samsung isn’t waiting till the One UI 8.5 rollout completes for the 2023 flagships.

On Geekbench, the device scored 1743 points in single-core and 3919 points in multi-core. The scores are initial, and there’s always room for improvement. Samsung will further optimize the OS, utilizing the remaining time.

Samsung Galaxy S23 One UI 9 Android 17 Geekbench

Back in 2023, Samsung launched the Galaxy S23 series. The lineup contains a total of four models: three flagships and one Fan Edition. All come with Android 13-based One UI 5 and guaranteed 4-year OS updates support.

That said, Android 17 is going to be the final major upgrade. Samsung’s version could launch this July, but rollout to existing models may take time. We may see a Beta Program first, months before the official release commences.

One UI 8.5 is currently the latest Android skin for Galaxy users. It brings notable design changes over the Android 16-based One UI 8. The scope of user interface tweaks is not much in One UI 9, but AI features may be elevated.

The post Galaxy S23 Ultra seen with Android 17 (One UI 9) amid One UI 8.5 Beta appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Honor reportedly testing an 11,000mAh battery for future phone

16 April 2026 at 08:31

The Honor Win and Win RT were the first smartphones to debut with 10,000mAh batteries. Then came the Honor Power2, which featured a slightly larger 10,080mAh unit. Now, a new leak suggests the company is working on an even bigger battery for an upcoming device. Well-known tipster Digital Chat Station has claimed that Honor has begun trial production of a new battery with a rated capacity of 10,690mAh and a rated energy of 40.41Wh. Honor Power2 It is expected to offer a typical capacity of 11,000mAh or higher. While the tipster did not share details about the device, the battery...

Ukraine March 2026: Toyota RAV4 #1 again, VW Touareg up to #4

16 April 2026 at 06:59

The VW Touareg is up to a world best #4 in Ukraine in March.

New light vehicle sales in Ukraine are up a robust 10.9% year-on-year in March to 5,534 units, bringing the year-to-date tally over the First Quarter to 14,446, up 3.7% on the same period in 2025. Toyota (+50.7%) easily holds onto the top spot thanks to a fantastic gain lifting it to 15% share. This is however below the 16.7% it sports YTD. Renault (+7.2%) repeats at #2, a ranking it also holds year-to-date. Volkswagen (+15.3%) overtakes Skoda (+33.7%) for third place with Hyundai (+48.9%) rounding out the Top 5. Mazda (+96%) and Nissan (+26.2%) also shine in the remainder of the Top 10. Note BYD down -14.4% to #10 vs. #6 YTD and #2 over the Full Year 2025.

Model-wise, the Toyota RAV4 (+128.7%) surges ahead to repeat at #1 with 7.1% share, cementing its YTD lead. Like last month the Renault Duster (-19.3%) is #2 while the Hyundai Tucson (+52.9%) is up one spot on February to #3. The VW Touareg (+17%) shines at #4 which could be its highest ranking in the world. The Skoda Kodiaq (+13.4%) also beats the market, but is less impressive than the Nissan Qashqai (+187.8%) and Toyota Prado (+100%). The Kia Sportage (+23.9%) and Suzuki S-Cross (-9.2%) ensure the Top 9 is only composed of SUVs.

Previous month: Ukraine February 2026: Toyota RAV4 takes the lead

Previous year: Ukraine Full Year 2025: Toyota and Renault Duster #1, BYD at 26.3% share in December

Full March 2026 Top 54 All brands and Top 274 All models below.

Ukraine March 2026 – brands:

PosBrandMar-26%/25Feb1-3 2026%/25PosFY25
1Toyota82915.0%+ 50.7%12,41916.7%+ 18.6%11
2Renault56610.2%+ 7.2%21,43810.0%– 0.6%24
3Volkswagen5369.7%+ 15.3%41,1167.7%+ 16.5%43
4Skoda4688.5%+ 33.7%31,1768.1%+ 13.0%35
5Hyundai3476.3%+ 48.9%59216.4%+ 58.0%56
6Nissan2314.2%+ 26.2%124873.4%– 5.3%914
7Suzuki2143.9%– 21.0%84823.3%– 30.9%1011
8BMW2073.7%– 13.4%75403.7%– 19.0%87
9Mazda1943.5%+ 96.0%65673.9%+ 53.7%712
10BYD1783.2%– 14.4%167555.2%+ 14.2%62
11Mercedes1582.9%– 3.7%103832.7%– 10.9%1313
12Citroen1462.6%+ 44.6%133852.7%+ 19.6%1215
13Mitsubishi1432.6%+ 14.4%153072.1%– 5.0%1619
14Audi1392.5%– 48.7%143112.2%– 47.0%159
15Lexus1372.5%+ 53.9%113672.5%+ 41.2%1417
16Peugeot1272.3%+ 5.8%94433.1%+ 60.5%1116
17Kia1112.0%+ 18.1%192131.5%– 37.7%1818
18Land Rover981.8%+ 2.1%172261.6%– 10.3%1721
19Opel801.4%+ 1.3%181911.3%+ 6.1%2022
20Chery611.1%+ 48.8%201551.1%+ 66.7%2126
21Porsche561.0%+ 1.8%231280.9%– 10.5%2323
22SsangYong/KGM520.9%n/a27840.6%+ 4100.0%2842
23Volvo520.9%– 47.5%211541.1%– 47.6%2220
24Zeekr510.9%– 65.1%242091.4%– 43.2%198
25Ford500.9%– 16.7%261170.8%– 23.5%2425
26Fiat380.7%+ 5.6%28910.6%– 33.6%2624
27MG370.7%+ 85.0%30710.5%+ 24.6%2928
28Subaru370.7%+ 5.7%29860.6%– 15.7%2727
29Jetour310.6%+ 121.4%221120.8%+ 211.1%2531
30Seat220.4%+ 57.1%25710.5%+ 0.0%3029
31Great Wall160.3%+ 433.3%37370.3%+ 516.7%3240
32Jeep160.3%+ 6.7%35310.2%– 52.3%3530
33Cupra130.2%– 18.8%33330.2%– 31.3%3434
34Mini130.2%+ 62.5%34300.2%+ 42.9%3635
35Isuzu110.2%n/a45160.1%n/a4164
36Geely80.1%+ 300.0%39200.1%+ 400.0%3937
37MAN80.1%n/a5490.1%n/a4454
38Denza70.1%+ 16.7%36190.1%+ 11.8%4032
39Maxus70.1%+ 250.0%42120.1%+ 20.0%4347
40Lixiang60.1%+ 100.0%40160.1%+ 60.0%4241
41DS50.1%+ 150.0%5170.0%– 46.2%4743
42Honda50.1%– 90.9%31570.4%– 66.3%3110
43AITO30.1%+ 50.0%4760.0%+ 100.0%4865
44Bentley30.1%+ 50.0%4940.0%– 33.3%5058
45JAC30.1%– 62.5%53270.2%+ 22.7%3845
46Xiaomi30.1%+ 200.0%43360.2%+ 300.0%3333
47Alfa Romeo20.0%+ 0.0%3880.1%+ 166.7%4544
48Avatr20.0%new32270.2%new3736
49Lynk & Co20.0%new4180.1%new4663
50Changan10.0%+ 0.0% –40.0%+ 100.0%5155
51Dodge10.0%– 66.7% –10.0%– 80.0%6257
52Farizon10.0%new4460.0%new4974
53Maserati10.0%– 80.0%5530.0%– 57.1%5349
54Rich10.0%new –10.0%new6466

Ukraine March 2026 – models:

PosMakeModelCategoryMar-26%/25FebQ1 1026%/25PosFY25
1TOYOTARAV4PC3917.1%+ 128.7%110117.0%+ 45.7%12
2RENAULTDUSTERPC3145.7%– 19.3%29096.3%– 6.2%21
3HYUNDAITUCSONPC2143.9%+ 52.9%45633.9%+ 61.3%35
4VOLKSWAGENTOUAREGPC1933.5%+ 17.0%63802.6%+ 27.9%68
5SKODAKODIAQPC1442.6%+ 13.4%73932.7%+ 9.2%57
6NISSANQASHQAIPC1412.5%+ 187.8%172601.8%+ 8.3%922
7TOYOTALAND CRUISER PRADOPC1402.5%+ 100.0%35423.8%+ 38.6%46
8KIASPORTAGEPC1092.0%+ 23.9%192081.4%– 34.8%1215
9SUZUKISX4 S-CROSSPC1092.0%– 9.2%102221.5%– 28.2%1116
10SKODAOCTAVIAPC1021.8%– 10.5%112291.6%– 32.2%1012
11MAZDACX-5PC1011.8%+ 36.5%53602.5%+ 35.8%710
12VOLKSWAGENTIGUANPC951.7%+ 20.3%121901.3%– 1.0%1424
13SKODAKAROQPC921.7%+ 19.5%82631.8%+ 33.5%818
14RENAULTTALIANTPC841.5%+ 189.7%971050.7%+ 11.7%3231
15SUZUKIVITARAPC801.4%– 38.0%161691.2%– 46.2%1619
16AUDIQ8PC701.3%– 27.1%241320.9%– 39.7%2326
17MITSUBISHIOUTLANDERPC701.3%+ 118.8%141471.0%+ 72.9%1950
18TOYOTAYARIS CROSSPC651.2%+ 4.8%201381.0%– 16.9%2220
19NISSANX-TRAILPC631.1%– 18.2%131701.2%+ 21.4%1527
20TOYOTAHILUXLCV591.1%+ 555.6%151421.0%+ 13.6%2037
21VOLKSWAGENCRAFTERLCV581.0%+ 346.2%123670.5%+ 157.7%5893
22VOLKSWAGENT-ROCPC561.0%+ 40.0%341270.9%+ 56.8%2435
23HYUNDAISTARIAPC541.0%+ 500.0%181381.0%+ 820.0%2142
24SKODASUPERBPC520.9%+ 372.7%281110.8%+ 177.5%2846
25SSANGYONGMUSSO GRANDLCV520.9%+ 5100.0%39840.6%+ 4100.0%43191
26TOYOTACAMRYPC490.9%+ 0.0%91691.2%+ 0.6%1721
27VOLKSWAGENTAYRONPC490.9%+ 4800.0%271120.8%+ 11100.0%27110
28BMWX5PC480.9%+ 26.3%211160.8%+ 18.4%2543
29BYDSEALION 6PC460.8%new491671.2%new1823
30RENAULTEXPRESSLCV460.8%+ 360.0%261140.8%+ 375.0%2633
31BYDSONGPC430.8%+ 79.2%149490.3%+ 0.0%7783
32RENAULTTRAFIC TOURPC430.8%n/a64950.7%+ 9400.0%38228
33MERCEDESGLE-CLASSPC420.8%+ 13.5%41980.7%– 9.3%3439
34AUDIQ7PC400.7%– 41.2%32890.6%– 33.1%4034
35HYUNDAIVENUEPC400.7%+ 53.8%351070.7%+ 98.1%3058
36TOYOTACOROLLAPC400.7%+ 17.6%371060.7%+ 12.8%3136
37MAZDAEZ-60PC390.7%new90520.4%new75438
38RENAULTTRAFICLCV380.7%n/a45720.5%n/a51178
39MITSUBISHIL200LCV350.6%– 2.8%25960.7%+ 18.5%3682
40MERCEDESGLS-CLASSPC340.6%+ 47.8%51770.5%+ 0.0%4861
41TOYOTAC-HRPC340.6%– 27.7%103490.3%– 44.9%7988
42BYDLEOPARD 3PC330.6%new922021.4%new139
43LEXUSNXPC330.6%+ 13.8%30940.7%+ 28.8%3949
44SKODASCALAPC330.6%+ 153.8%381020.7%+ 121.7%3348
45MAZDACX-30PC320.6%+ 113.3%22840.6%+ 75.0%4255
46LAND ROVERRANGE ROVERPC310.6%– 18.4%56650.4%– 28.6%5956
47SKODAFABIAPC300.5%n/a65480.3%+ 50.0%8047
48CITROENBERLINGO MULTISPACEPC290.5%+ 20.8%50960.7%+ 108.7%3541
49PEUGEOT3008PC280.5%+ 12.0%58600.4%+ 93.5%6363
50NISSANJUKEPC270.5%– 48.1%96570.4%– 51.3%6857
51BMWSERIES 5PC260.5%+ 100.0%47670.5%+ 76.3%56103
52CHERYTIGGO4PC260.5%+ 0.0%68670.5%+ 1.5%5760
53CITROENBERLINGOLCV260.5%+ 30.0%74520.4%+ 8.3%7473
54LAND ROVERRANGE ROVER SPORTPC260.5%+ 23.8%40720.5%+ 18.0%5074
55ZEEKR001PC250.5%– 65.8%861100.8%– 37.1%2917
56PORSCHECAYENNEPC240.4%– 4.0%43690.5%+ 32.7%5562
57HYUNDAIELANTRAPC230.4%+ 91.7%55710.5%+ 54.3%5264
58LEXUSRX350HPC230.4%+ 53.3%70530.4%+ 32.5%72100
59BMWSERIES 3 MPC220.4%– 48.8%60570.4%– 29.6%6666
60MAZDACX-60PC220.4%+ 340.0%44710.5%+ 153.6%53132
61MGZSPC220.4%+ 214.3%77430.3%+ 104.8%89112
62TOYOTAPROACE CITY VERSOPC220.4%– 15.4%23850.6%+ 44.1%4154
63BMWX7PC210.4%– 8.7%52770.5%– 6.1%4651
64CITROENJUMPERLCV210.4%+ 250.0%88420.3%+ 75.0%9078
65LAND ROVERDEFENDERPC210.4%+ 40.0%62460.3%+ 12.2%82104
66RENAULTEXPRESSPC210.4%+ 23.5%36960.7%– 8.6%3775
67VOLVOXC90PC210.4%– 59.6%53700.5%– 57.8%5429
68BMWX1PC200.4%+ 100.0%72430.3%+ 48.3%88125
69FIATDUCATOLCV200.4%+ 100.0%114410.3%+ 127.8%9279
70RENAULTKARDIANPC200.4%+ 185.7%71470.3%+ 571.4%8199
71SUBARUFORESTERPC200.4%– 13.0%79460.3%– 20.7%8391
72CHERYTIGGO2PC190.3%+ 171.4%108320.2%+ 100.0%104139
73MITSUBISHIECLIPSE CROSSPC190.3%+ 11.8%121310.2%– 38.0%107102
74PEUGEOT408PC190.3%+ 0.0%144400.3%– 27.3%9481
75PORSCHEMACANPC190.3%+ 0.0%102380.3%– 39.7%9980
76VOLKSWAGENAMAROKLCV190.3%+ 280.0%136270.2%+ 68.8%122209
77BMWX6PC180.3%+ 500.0%48520.4%+ 30.0%7376
78CITROENC5 AIRCROSSPC180.3%– 10.0%69490.3%+ 0.0%7872
79LEXUSGXPC180.3%+ 200.0%131340.2%+ 61.9%100152
80LEXUSLX500PC180.3%n/a54610.4%n/a6284
81MITSUBISHIPAJERO SPORTPC180.3%– 5.3%174310.2%– 20.5%108123
82MERCEDESGLE-CLASS AMGPC170.3%+ 142.9%119290.2%+ 70.6%116144
83MERCEDESV-CLASSPC170.3%– 15.0%73440.3%– 8.3%8789
84OPELCOMBOLCV170.3%+ 0.0%78390.3%+ 18.2%96116
85LEXUSRX350PC160.3%– 20.0%67550.4%+ 0.0%6996
86SEATIBIZAPC160.3%+ 100.0%31630.4%+ 43.2%6077
87VOLKSWAGENID UNYXPC160.3%– 84.0%177830.6%– 49.1%443
88VOLVOXC40PC160.3%+ 33.3%125340.2%+ 25.9%101134
89GREAT WALLHAVAL H6PC150.3%+ 1400.0%140300.2%+ 900.0%111256
90OPELCOMBO TOURPC150.3%+ 0.0%132300.2%+ 7.1%113120
91PEUGEOT2008PC150.3%– 6.3%134320.2%– 23.8%10687
92VOLVOXC60PC150.3%– 42.3%85450.3%– 36.6%8486
93JEEPAVENGERPC140.3%+ 100.0%117260.2%– 21.2%124114
94MERCEDESGLC-CLASSPC140.3%+ 7.7%63440.3%+ 69.2%86106
95PEUGEOTRIFTERPC140.3%– 39.1%59550.4%+ 19.6%7071
96SUZUKIJIMNYPC140.3%– 12.5%46620.4%+ 19.2%61101
97CITROENC3PC130.2%+ 225.0%150280.2%– 54.8%119111
98CITROENC5PC130.2%+ 44.4%75380.3%+ 40.7%97133
99JETOURX50PC130.2%new61440.3%new85176
100LEXUSLBXPC130.2%+ 116.7%194190.1%+ 72.7%147150
101VOLKSWAGENCRAFTER KOMBIPC130.2%+ 225.0% –130.1%+ 62.5%168243
102ZEEKR9XPC130.2%new98310.2%new110448
103MGHSPC120.2%– 7.7%142210.1%– 22.2%141130
104OPELFRONTERAPC120.2%new133280.2%new120335
105OPELMOVANOLCV120.2%+ 33.3%57330.2%+ 106.3%103155
106PEUGEOTEXPERTLCV120.2%+ 100.0%203230.2%+ 64.3%135141
107SKODAKAMIQPC120.2%+ 71.4%135250.2%– 7.4%12994
108SUBARUXV CROSSTREKPC120.2%+ 200.0%145260.2%+ 85.7%127170
109BMWX2PC110.2%+ 120.0%87280.2%+ 100.0%118197
110BYDTANGPC110.2%+ 450.0%113390.3%+ 143.8%9545
111CHERYHIMLALCV110.2%new82400.3%new93264
112CITROENC3 AIRCROSSPC110.2%new128260.2%new123219
113FIATDOBLO CARGOLCV110.2%+ 0.0%83380.3%– 9.5%9870
114FORDKUGAPC110.2%– 38.9%115270.2%– 28.9%121118
115ISUZUD-MAXLCV110.2%n/a170160.1%n/a155348
116JETOURT1PC110.2%new118260.2%new125283
117LAND ROVERRANGE ROVER EVOQUEPC110.2%– 38.9%130240.2%– 52.0%132115
118MINIMINI COUNTRYMANPC110.2%+ 83.3%120230.2%+ 91.7%133158
119OPELCROSSLANDPC110.2%– 57.7%110230.2%– 72.0%13467
120PEUGEOTBOXERLCV110.2%+ 120.0%33540.4%+ 285.7%7197
121SUZUKISWIFTPC110.2%+ 83.3%122290.2%+ 26.1%117131
122ZEEKR7XPC110.2%– 83.1%91590.4%– 65.7%6411
123BYDLEOPARD 7PC100.2%new183150.1%new157 –
124CITROENC4PC100.2%+ 900.0%93320.2%+ 433.3%105126
125PEUGEOT5008PC100.2%n/a111260.2%n/a126193
126PEUGEOTPARTNERLCV100.2%– 52.4%42580.4%+ 41.5%6585
127TOYOTALAND CRUISERPC100.2%+ 150.0%29770.5%+ 1440.0%4953
128AUDIA6 LIMOUSINEPC90.2%+ 200.0%126210.1%+ 200.0%138192
129AUDIQ4PC90.2%– 80.4%147290.2%– 77.0%11525
130BMWSERIES 7PC80.1%+ 33.3%99240.2%+ 100.0%131168
131BYDQIN PLUSPC80.1%new –80.1%new185 –
132CUPRAFORMENTORPC80.1%– 33.3%151180.1%– 58.1%149122
133FORDRANGERLCV80.1%+ 60.0%116200.1%+ 100.0%144172
134MANTGELCV80.1%n/a23890.1%n/a183260
135PORSCHEPANAMERAPC80.1%+ 60.0% –110.1%– 21.4%175154
136TOYOTAPROACE CITYLCV80.1%+ 0.0%104250.2%+ 0.0%130107
137VOLKSWAGENPASSATPC80.1%n/a178190.1%+ 1800.0%148181
138BMWSERIES 3PC70.1%– 82.9%127210.1%– 82.2%13938
139BMWX3PC70.1%– 12.5%218110.1%– 60.7%173108
140BYDSEALION 7PC70.1%– 77.4%138510.4%– 33.8%7613
141FORDNEW PUMAPC70.1%+ 250.0%227120.1%– 42.9%170147
142FORDTRANSIT CUSTOMPC70.1%+ 75.0%168140.1%+ 55.6%162165
143HYUNDAII10PC70.1%– 58.8%190120.1%– 69.2%172124
144TOYOTACOROLLA CROSSPC70.1%– 73.1%146310.2%– 64.0%10969
145VOLKSWAGENGOLFPC70.1%– 65.0%137210.1%– 43.2%142119
146BYDSEALION 5PC60.1%new184330.2%new10232
147BYDSONG PLUSPC60.1%– 94.6%107770.5%– 79.8%474
148HYUNDAIPALISADEPC60.1%+ 200.0%153170.1%+ 70.0%151201
149MERCEDESG-CLASSPC60.1%– 14.3%24290.1%– 47.1%184136
150PEUGEOTLANDTREKLCV60.1%+ 500.0%157790.5%+ 192.6%45190
151VOLKSWAGENLAVIDAPC60.1%n/a –60.0%n/a205 –
152CUPRATERRAMARPC50.1%+ 150.0%139130.1%+ 550.0%166156
153FIATULYSSEPC50.1%– 54.5%16790.1%– 82.4%181142
154GEELYGALAXY STARSHIP 7PC50.1%new169120.1%new171307
155JETOURX70PC50.1%– 28.6%89300.2%+ 42.9%112149
156LEXUSES300HPC50.1%– 37.5%141200.1%– 23.1%145127
157LEXUSLMPC50.1%n/a95170.1%+ 70.0%152161
158MAXUST60LCV50.1%n/a19880.1%+ 0.0%188261
159OPELGRANDLANDPC50.1%+ 150.0%143130.1%+ 225.0%167285
160OPELVIVAROLCV50.1%– 16.7%175140.1%+ 40.0%163145
161PORSCHE911PC50.1%+ 25.0%204100.1%+ 11.1%179184
162SUBARUOUTBACKPC50.1%– 37.5%158140.1%– 53.3%164137
163VOLKSWAGENTRANSPORTERLCV50.1%– 50.0%124150.1%– 25.0%161210
164AUDIS8PC40.1%+ 33.3%21250.0%+ 25.0%208282
165BMWX6 MPC40.1%n/a –40.0%+ 300.0%220279
166BMWXMPC40.1%n/a106160.1%+ 220.0%153195
167CHERYTIGGO7PC40.1%– 42.9%185100.1%+ 11.1%176162
168DENZAN9PC40.1%new –50.0%new211220
169FORDTRANSITLCV40.1%– 84.0%94210.1%– 61.8%140109
170FORDTRANSITPC40.1%+ 300.0% –70.0%+ 0.0%195189
171FORDTRANSIT COURIERPC40.1%n/a22870.0%n/a196306
172LAND ROVERRANGE ROVER VELARPC40.1%+ 300.0%155110.1%+ 266.7%174185
173MERCEDESG-CLASS AMGPC40.1%– 63.6%76250.2%– 40.5%128117
174MERCEDESSPRINTERLCV40.1%– 55.6%101180.1%+ 5.9%150153
175MERCEDESVITOLCV40.1%n/a20060.0%n/a203356
176MERCEDESVITO TOURERPC40.1%+ 300.0% –40.0%+ 0.0%227254
177SEATLEONPC40.1%+ 100.0%24750.0%– 37.5%217214
178VOLKSWAGENCADDYLCV40.1%n/a81220.2%n/a137270
179AUDIA8PC30.1%+ 0.0% –30.0%– 40.0%230247
180BMWSERIES 5 M5 COUPEPC30.1%– 57.1%18150.0%– 37.5%209213
181BYDYUAN UPPC30.1%– 57.1%164570.4%+ 171.4%6728
182CITROENJUMPY SPACETOURERPC30.1%– 25.0%109160.1%+ 300.0%154248
183DENZAN8PC30.1%new15290.1%new180 –
184DSDS7PC30.1%+ 200.0%22650.0%– 16.7%212227
185FORDTRANSIT COURIERLCV30.1%n/a –40.0%n/a221378
186HONDACR-VPC30.1%– 57.1% –50.0%– 70.6%214151
187HYUNDAIKONAPC30.1%– 78.6%129100.1%– 69.7%178113
188LAND ROVERDISCOVERY SPORTPC30.1%+ 200.0% –40.0%+ 33.3%224292
189LEXUSRX500HPC30.1%+ 200.0%17180.1%+ 700.0%186295
190LIXIANGL6PC30.1%+ 200.0% –30.0%+ 0.0%240276
191LIXIANGL7PC30.1%+ 200.0%19570.0%+ 16.7%198241
192SKODAENYAQPC30.1%+ 200.0%24950.0%+ 400.0%218277
193VOLKSWAGENCARAVELLEPC30.1%n/a159150.1%+ 1400.0%160234
194XIAOMIYU7PC30.1%new161300.2%new11498
195ALFA ROMEOJUNIORPC20.0%+ 100.0%16270.0%+ 600.0%191212
196BENTLEYCONTINENTALPC20.0%+ 100.0%21530.0%– 25.0%232313
197BYDSONG PROPC20.0%+ 100.0% –70.0%+ 250.0%193246
198CITROENJUMPYLCV20.0%– 50.0%18760.0%– 66.7%202182
199DSDS4PC20.0%+ 100.0% –20.0%– 71.4%266253
200HONDAE-NP2PC20.0%– 83.3%100420.3%+ 13.5%9130
201JACT6LCV20.0%– 66.7% –20.0%– 66.7%272311
202JEEPCOMPASSPC20.0%– 50.0% –40.0%– 76.5%222160
203LAND ROVERDISCOVERYPC20.0%+ 0.0%23540.0%+ 33.3%223237
204LEXUSRZPC20.0%n/a23740.0%+ 0.0%225257
205LYNK&CO900PC20.0%new15680.1%new187364
206MERCEDESC-CLASS AMGPC20.0%n/a –20.0%n/a278439
207MERCEDESCLE-CLASSPC20.0%– 33.3%19940.0%+ 33.3%226284
208MERCEDESE-CLASSPC20.0%– 60.0%17270.0%– 30.0%199186
209MERCEDESGLA-CLASSPC20.0%– 33.3%17350.0%– 16.7%215180
210MGEHSPC20.0%new –30.0%new245309
211MINIMINIPC20.0%+ 0.0%20170.0%+ 133.3%200211
212OPELMOKKAPC20.0%+ 100.0%24650.0%+ 66.7%216183
213PEUGEOTTRAVELLERPC20.0%– 50.0%84160.1%+ 166.7%156194
214SEATARONAPC20.0%+ 0.0% –30.0%– 70.0%247242
215AITOM5PC10.0%new –10.0%new288 –
216AITOM7PC10.0%new –10.0%new289 –
217AITOM9PC10.0%– 50.0%20720.0%– 33.3%251349
218AUDIA6 RSPC10.0%– 80.0%17930.0%– 66.7%229203
219AUDIA6 SPC10.0%n/a –10.0%– 50.0%295327
220AUDIQ5PC10.0%– 50.0%105120.1%+ 50.0%169148
221AUDIQ7 SPC10.0%– 88.9% –20.0%– 87.5%253267
222AVATR07PC10.0%new112190.1%new146157
223AVATR12PC10.0%new21440.0%new219290
224BENTLEYFLYING SPURPC10.0%+ 0.0% –10.0%+ 0.0%297426
225BMWALPINA B3PC10.0%n/a –10.0%n/a298460
226BMWALPINA B8PC10.0%n/a –30.0%n/a233461
227BMWALPINA XB7PC10.0%+ 0.0% –10.0%– 83.3%299268
228BMWSERIES 1PC10.0%– 93.8% –10.0%– 97.4%300140
229BMWSERIES 4 MPC10.0%– 66.7% –20.0%– 60.0%258255
230BMWSERIES 7 MPC10.0%– 75.0%18250.0%+ 25.0%210328
231BMWX5 MPC10.0%n/a –10.0%– 66.7%301218
232BMWZ4PC10.0%n/a –10.0%n/a302466
233BYDDOLPHINPC10.0%n/a –20.0%+ 0.0%259265
234BYDLEOPARD 5PC10.0%– 50.0% –10.0%– 75.0%303280
235BYDXIAPC10.0%new22130.0%new234384
236CHANGANHUNTERLCV10.0%n/a16570.0%+ 600.0%194296
237CHERYTIGGO8PC10.0%new22520.0%new262405
238DODGERAM 1500PC10.0%+ 0.0% –10.0%– 66.7%308289
239FARIZONV7EPC10.0%new –10.0%new309 –
240FIATDOBLOPC10.0%+ 0.0% –10.0%– 91.7%311272
241FIATDUCATOPC10.0%n/a –10.0%n/a312430
242FORDF-150PC10.0%n/a –10.0%n/a313481
243FORDTRANSIT CUSTOMLCV10.0%– 66.7% –10.0%– 90.0%315251
244GEELYGALAXY E5PC10.0%– 50.0% –30.0%– 25.0%237196
245GEELYGALAXY M9PC10.0%new22920.0%new269 –
246GEELYRADARLCV10.0%new –10.0%new318 –
247GREAT WALLWINGLELCV10.0%+ 0.0%23070.0%+ 600.0%197223
248JACHFC1037LCV10.0%+ 0.0% –10.0%– 75.0%321336
249JETOURT2PC10.0%new15490.1%new182198
250JETOURX90PC10.0%new19230.0%new238435
251KIAPICANTOPC10.0%n/a –30.0%+ 200.0%239363
252KIASORENTOPC10.0%n/a –20.0%– 50.0%275354
253LEXUSRX450HPC10.0%+ 0.0% –20.0%– 50.0%276232
254MASERATIGRECALEPC10.0%– 75.0%23930.0%– 50.0%242235
255MAXUSDANALCV10.0%new –10.0%new325367
256MAXUSDANA V1PC10.0%new19730.0%new243436
257MERCEDESAMG GTPC10.0%– 50.0% –10.0%– 66.7%326316
258MERCEDESCLE-CLASS AMGPC10.0%– 75.0%24020.0%– 50.0%279293
259MERCEDESGLS-CLASS MAYBACHPC10.0%n/a –10.0%+ 0.0%329318
260MERCEDESS-CLASSPC10.0%– 75.0%24330.0%– 62.5%244225
261MGONEPC10.0%n/a24530.0%– 50.0%246174
262MITSUBISHIL200PC10.0%+ 0.0% –20.0%+ 0.0%281416
263OPELZAFIRAPC10.0%– 66.7%20260.0%+ 50.0%204202
264RICHEC75LCV10.0%new –10.0%new331457
265TOYOTABZ4XPC10.0%new –10.0%new332 –
266TOYOTAHIGHLANDERPC10.0%– 96.8%205150.1%– 86.7%15852
267TOYOTAHILUXPC10.0%n/a –10.0%n/a334525
268TOYOTAYARISPC10.0%– 80.0% –20.0%– 83.3%284229
269VOLKSWAGENCADDY KOMBIPC10.0%n/a17670.0%+ 600.0%201325
270VOLKSWAGENID3PC10.0%n/a –10.0%– 50.0%336258
271VOLKSWAGENID4PC10.0%– 94.7% –30.0%– 95.2%24844
272VOLKSWAGENTRANSPORTER KOMBIPC10.0%n/a16080.1%n/a190366
273ZEEKR009PC10.0%n/a –20.0%– 33.3%287239
274ZEEKRXPC10.0%– 80.0%25340.0%– 63.6%228121

Source: Manufacturers

Nəriman 90 dəqiqə şans qazandı

16 April 2026 at 08:21

Azərbaycan millisinin futbolçusu Nəriman Axundzadənin formasını geyindiyi “Kolumbus Kryu” ABŞ Kubokunda növbəti oyuna çıxıb.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, sözügedən komanda səfərdə “Riçmond Kikers”lə qarşılaşıb. Görüş “Kolumbus Kryu”nun qələbəsiylə başa çatıb – 3:0.

Nəriman oyuna start heyətdə başlayıb və sona qədər oynayıb.

“Kolumbus” qələbə sayəsində 1/8 finala yüksəlib.

Legioner hücumçu “Sumqayıt”la vidalaşacaq

16 April 2026 at 08:02

“Sumqayıt” mövsümün sonunda hücumçu Aleksandr Ramalinqomla vidalaşacaq.

Futbolpress.az-ın əldə etdiyi məlumata görə, “kimyaçılar” 33 yaşlı forvardla müqaviləni uzatmayacaq.

Madaqaskarlı futbolçu ötən yay “kimyaçılar”a transfer olunub. Onunla 1+1 illik sözləşmə imzalanıb. “Sumqayıt” bir illik artırma bəndindən istifadə etməyəcək.

Ramalinqom bu mövsüm Premyer Liqada 24 oyunda 6 qol vurub.

Şahin Cəfərov

British climbers complete new route in Swiss Alps

A close up of Fay Manners with her climbing partner Ella Wright. Both have their arms around each other and are smiling on top of snowy mountain set against a blue, slightly cloudy sky.
Fay Manners (left) with her climbing partner Ella Wright [Jan Virt]

A British climber who vowed to carrying on mountaineering after an "horrifying" experience in the Himalayas has completed her 20th expedition.

Fay Manners, from Bedford, established a new mixed climbing route on the north-north-east face of Tête Biselx, a 11,509ft (3,509-metre) granite peak in the Swiss Alps near Chamonix, France.

In 2024, Manners and her climbing partner Michelle Dvorak became stranded on Chaukhamba mountain in northern India, when the rope lifting their things snapped and plummeted.

Manners said that after an initial setback this latest expedition was a success, as "the mountain gods smiled on us, and we managed to find a safe and viable route forward".

No one had ever attempted to tackle this ascent route on Tête Biselx before.

Fay Manners, holding her skis, in a room full of ropes and other hardware made for climbing. A print of a snowy mountain range is fixed to the wall.
The idea for the route first took shape in April 2024 during a ski tour [Jan Virt]

The idea for the ascent came from a ski tour in the region in April 2024.

Manners skied the Copt Couloir near the Trient Plateau and observed the mountain's north face. From below, she began to question which lines had already been climbed - and in what style.

'Uncertainty crept in'

Before the climb, Manners and her climbing partner Ella Wright studied the granite walls, searching for a line that felt logical.

It was important that the route, since named "La Muse de Trient", finished directly on the ridge, offering a fitting conclusion to their expedition.

The two-day climb was a highly technical affair, with the pair tackling ice and rock using tools and crampons and removable protection for safety.

At one point, Manners said she doubted if they would be able to make their way up the mountain.

"On day one, after a beautiful corner, the rockface turned into a technical slab with minimal protection, forcing us to take a very long, traverse beneath a large roof," she said.

"This is when uncertainty crept in and we really questioned what lay above and whether we would be able to continue the next day."

A drone image of Fay Manners ascending Tête Biselx. Parts of the mountain are covered in snow.
The expedition to climb the north-north-east face of Tête Biselx took place over two days [Jan Virt]

Growing up in Blunham, Bedfordshire, Manners attended Bedford Girls School before studying information science at Loughborough University.

She now lives in Chamonix, known as the birthplace of mountaineering and host to the first Winter Olympics in 1924.

Climbing new routes allowed her to "reconnect with the most fundamental essence of mountaineering", she said.

"I am living proof that is it possible to break boundaries and complete new technical routes, regardless of where you come from or how you started," Manners added.

"I want to inspire more women to step into exploratory mountaineering and feel that they fully belong."

Fay Manners using ropes to reach the summit of the mountain. She is carrying equipment on her back and the sky is blue with snow covering the peaks of other mountains in the distance.
Fay Manners wants to "inspire more women" through her expeditions [Jan Virt]

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MLBPA fires top executives amid federal probe, union turmoil deepens ahead of CBA showdown

Tony Clark

MLBPA fires top executives amid federal probe, union turmoil deepens ahead of CBA showdown originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Major League Baseball Player Association dismissed two senior executives Wednesday after an internal investigation commissioned by players uncovered findings tied to a broader federal probe into the union’s financial operations, sources told ESPN.

Xavier James, the union’s chief operating officer, and Michael O’Neill, its head of human resources, were both fired for cause, continuing a period of significant leadership turnover within the organization. The dismissals follow the February resignation of former executive director Tony Clark, whose departure was also linked to the investigation’s findings.

According to ESPN Don Van Natta Jr and Jeff Passan The internal review was led by attorney Adam Braverman, who presented his report to the union Wednesday. The investigation was initiated in response to concerns raised by players amid an ongoing federal inquiry by the Eastern District of New York, which began last year and has examined several of the MLBPA’s business ventures and financial practices. Sources said the union intends to share information with federal authorities as the process continues.

While specific reasons behind the firings of James and O’Neill were not disclosed, their exits underscore the seriousness of the issues facing the union. Both individuals could not be reached for comment.

In response, the MLBPA quickly named replacements to stabilize its leadership. Former major league pitcher Chris Capuano will take over as chief operating officer, while Ian Penny has been appointed interim head of human resources. Capuano, who played 13 seasons in the majors and has worked with the union since 2019, is expected to provide steady leadership during a turbulent stretch.

The upheaval comes at a critical time for the sport. The current collective bargaining agreement is set to expire Dec. 1, setting up what could be a contentious round of negotiations between players and owners. League officials are expected to pursue a salary cap, a concept the union has long opposed, increasing the likelihood of a potential lockout if a deal is not reached.

Additional scrutiny has centered on ventures such as OneTeam Partners and Players Way, a youth baseball initiative that was shut down after significant financial investment yielded limited returns.

As the MLBPA navigates internal restructuring alongside mounting external pressure, its leadership faces a defining moment that could shape the future of labor relations in baseball.

Giants' outfielder lost his glove and couldn't take the field — manager Tony Vitello wasn't thrilled

Giants' outfielder lost his glove and couldn't take the field — manager Tony Vitello wasn't thrilled originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

It's not a problem you generally notice.

But on Wednesday night, the San Francisco Giants had an outfielder late getting out to his position for an absurd reason.

Jerar Encarnacion lost track of his glove.

Yeah, like the one thing you need to properly play the outfield.

Giants beat reporter Justice delos Santos reported the odd news on Wednesday night, writing specifically that Encarnacion "didn't know where his glove was."

Giants manager Tony Vitello spoke about it postgame, too. And with the way his comments have been received so far this season, it was always going to be fascinating to see the way he came out on this.

“I’d rather defend our guys to the death, but that one’s a little elementary," Vitello told reporters.

Jerar Encarnacion was late running out to right field because he didn’t know where his glove was.

Tony Vitello: “I’d rather defend our guys to the death, but that one’s a little elementary.”

— Justice delos Santos (@justdelossantos) April 16, 2026

MORE: Bryan Woo was called for the weirdest balk as Mariners played Padres

Vitello certainly isn't wrong.

The glove is pretty much the most important baseball item. Each player has a glove that fits their hand best, and one they trust to make the plays.

Some are better at fielding than others, but without the trustworthy glove, everything would be different for just about everyone.

Encarnacion probably doesn't want to test that out. He should make sure a glove comes with him now wherever he goes.

More MLB news:

White Sox spoil back-to-back prospect debuts, lose another to Rays

Sam Antonacci went 1-for-3 with a walk and run scored in his major league debut. | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Tonight’s game felt almost like déjà vu from Tuesday. The Rays (10-7) once again put up eight runs while a prominent Chicago prospect made their major league debut, dealing the White Sox (6-12) back-to-back losses, 8-3.

Righthander Sean Burke was doing all right through four innings despite giving up a solo shot to Junior Caminero in the third, but the righthander had zero run support and started to fall apart in the fifth. Two hits in a row from Tampa Bay to begin the fifth kick-started their offense, with Caminero driving in his second run on an RBI ground out and Jonathan Aranda following that up with an RBI double to make it 3-0, Rays.

Attempting to come out for one final inning, Burke was unable to get it done and conceded a fourth run to Tampa on a leadoff home run from Jake Fraley to start the sixth. Burke was able to work around Cedric Mullins, but Richie Palacios’ base hit marked the end of the road. Until tonight, Sean hadn’t surrendered a single home run this year, and doing so ballooned his 3.60 ERA up to 4.43. Burke clearly didn’t have his A-game tonight, and his 17% CSW% (called strike plus whiff rate) was much lower than his previous two outings (averaging around 30%).

Notably, Burke’s fastball CSW% was only at 15% tonight, whereas in his previous start his fastball drew 13 called strikes + whiffs (35% CSW%), and a 44% CSW% from his April 3 outing. Burke ultimately allowed four runs on seven hits, and walked one more batter (three) than he struck out (two). At the very least, his average four-seam velocity was right in line with his 94 mph average, so hopefully it was just one of those days.

In for Sean, but not faring much better, was lefthander Tyler Gilbert, who was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte earlier today as Brandon Eisert was shuttled back down. This was Gilbert’s second appearance with the MLB squad this season, and just like Burke he surrendered four runs on two hits: a Yandi Díaz RBI double and a pinch-hit, two-run blast from Jonny DeLuca as a part of the Rays’ four-run seventh inning that made it 8-0.

It only took eight innings for a White Sox pitcher to make it through a frame unscathed — thank you, Bryan Hudson. Appearing in back-to-back games, Hudson put together a second consecutive clean inning tonight.

You’ll notice that I’ve only talked about pitching thus far, and that’s because up until the bottom of the ninth, there wasn’t much life coming from the South Side bats. Righthander Cole Sulser opened the game for the Rays and shut the Sox down for two innings before our old pal Jesse Scholtens took over for the next five. Scholtens ended up with the win in his one-hit outing against his former team, walking two and striking out three.

The Good Guys had posted just five hits and were facing an eight-run deficit through eight stanzas, and ended up waving the white flag given the starting catcher ended up pitching the last inning. Reese McGuire navigated a 1-2-3 inning, joining Hudson as the only other effective pitcher the White Sox used tonight, which is honestly kind of sad.

One of the (very few) positive offensive notes was that Sam Antonacci got a hit in his first major league at-bat — welcome to the show, Sam.

Antonacci also reached base a second time to start the ninth and ended up scoring for the first time as a White Sox. Rays reliever Ian Seymour began the ninth by walking both him and Tanner Murray. Derek Hill drove a base hit out to left to load the bases up for the Good Guys with nobody out; it finally seemed like they were getting something going, far too late. Antonacci crossed the plate on a wild pitch, which felt fitting. McGuire, the new star White Sox pitcher, yanked a single to drive in their second run of the game, 8-2.

Luisangel Acuña came up in another clutch situation and actually put up a decent at-bat, fouling off a few pitches and working a full count before grounding into a double play. Whomp whomp. A third run did score on the play, but going from zero to two outs with one pitch killed the momentum, and Andrew Benintendi struck out on three straight pitches to end the game.

Looking at the box score, the White Sox were outhit just 9-7, and going 2-for-6 with runners in scoring position doesn’t seem too bad. But they had just five hits and couldn’t convert a single run through eight frames, also leaving seven on base. On top of that, they struck out six times as a team, with four of them coming from Colson Montgomery in the cleanup spot — woof.

It was a rough showing from the Good Guys these last two games, given the mental gaffes, poor defense and lack of offensive production. Regardless of how the pitching does, they aren’t going to be able to win games without scoring runs. As Ozzie Guillén pointed out in the postgame show, the White Sox have seven players batting below .200, which is borderline horrific.

It would also be really nice if they started scoring runs earlier in the game rather than waiting until the very last minute to start stringing some hits together. The series finale will take place Thursday at 1:10 p.m., with lefthander Anthony Kay on the mound. Let’s hope the offense can wake up before then.


Enquirer names winter nominees for 2026 High School Sports Awards

The Enquirer's 2026 Cincinnati High School Sports Awards is approaching, with a different format expected for the June event at Princeton High School.

The Enquirer will focus the live show on the winners, who we will announce weeks before the event, to be more time-efficient while maintaining categories for both sides of the river. While no tickets will be distributed, winners' RSVPs will be required.

All finalists will be invited to a reception before the awards presentation, where they can have light refreshments, browse booths, connect with other athletes, receive their certificates and take red-carpet photos. They are invited to join a group photo about 15 minutes before the start of the live show and to stay to hear the keynote speaker. Families who cannot attend the early reception will have 30 minutes after the show to take part in the same activities, except for the group photo.

The Enquirer will make a separate announcement when the speaker and date are finalized. Please note this event is separate from the all-city teams and athlete of the week voting.

Winter nominees for the 2025-2026 sports season

Ohio boys basketball

Grady Barber, Williamsburg; Jason Caimano, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy; A’mire Gill, Princeton; Antwan Hinton, Taft; Max Joiner, Summit Country Day; Isaiah Mack-Russell, Winton Woods; Chase Martin, Loveland; Zevin Sesslar, Waynesville; Eli Stroud, Badin; Josh Tyson, Lakota West; Antonio White, Deer Park; Kellen Wiley, Wyoming

Northern Kentucky/Indiana boys basketball

Anthony Blaackar, Lloyd Memorial; Anthony Coppola, Ryle; Austin Davie, Campbell County; Finn Louden, Conner; Amontae Lowe, Newport; Athens McGillis, Covington Catholic

Ohio girls basketball

Lauren Bain, Seton; Gabby Chadwell, Milford; Braelyn Even, Badin; Katie Fox, Lakota West; Anna Habra, Mason; McKenzie Jones, Springboro; Yaya Parrish, Western Hills; Bella Rogers, Loveland; Bella Swisshelm, West Clermont; Erin Thomas, Princeton; Mia Vieth, Mount Notre Dame; Samaya Wilkins, Purcell Marian

Northern Kentucky/Indiana girls basketball

Emma Holtzapfel, Notre Dame; Izzy Jayasuriya, Campbell County; Jaelyn Jones, Ryle; Haylee Noel, Cooper; Brynli Pernell, Simon Kenton; Natalie Stenger, East Central

Ohio boys bowling

Matthew Alvear, Lebanon; Ty Barrett, West Clermont; Jayden Brown, Elder; Randy Eckman, Blanchester; Joseph Geers, St. Xavier; Easton Pierani, Sycamore

Northern Kentucky/Indiana boys bowling

Tyler Blume, Simon Kenton; Mason Bowman, Covington Catholic; Dylan Davis, Covington Catholic; Maddox Kuryla, Boone County; Aleck Meredith, Simon Kenton; Bryce Sargent, Campbell County

Ohio girls bowling

Kiley Comberger, Wilmington; Kendall Cook, Mercy McAuley; Caitlyn Kober, Lebanon; Kenlie Littelmann, Seton; Hannah Weigle, Little Miami; Ella Weinmann, Oak Hills

Northern Kentucky/Indiana girls bowling

Alyssa Bechtol, Notre Dame; Kree Brewer, Pendleton County; Mary Hollon, Simon Kenton;Hayley Pelstring, Notre Dame; Abby Sargent, Campbell County; Abree Young, Dixie Heights

Gymnastics

Leah DeVilbiss, Lakota East; Kiera Laite, Mariemont; Zoey Ostdiek, Lakota West; Ella Oum, Turpin; Chesnie Weisbrod, Kings; Hayden Zimmerman, Cincinnati Country Day

Ice hockey

Trever Bauwens, Northern Kentucky Norsemen (Walton-Verona); Colin Custer, St. Xavier; Carter Jung, Elder; Christian Rivard, Moeller; Landon Schroeder, Springboro

Ohio boys swimming and diving

Danny Beyerbach, Seven Hills; Brady Campbell, Milford; Tucker Charles, St. Xavier; Liam Clark, Mason; Bryce Cousins, West Clermont; Oliver Erck, Sycamore; Braden Fuller, Lakota East; Owen Gee, St. Xavier; Chase Grisi, St. Xavier; Quinn Heis, Mariemont; Luke Mignery, Ross; Juju Nkhumane, Mason

Northern Kentucky/Indiana boys swimming and diving

Andrew Boh, Covington Catholic; Noah Gracey, Highlands; Chase Knopf, Ryle; Nash Parsons, Ryle; Cono Presti, Beechwood; Isaiah Reinhart, Simon Kenton

Ohio girls swimming and diving

Aubrey Buchanan, St. Ursula; Dana Fairbanks, Mason; Isabella Giraldo, Mason; Grier Gordon, Ursuline; Gabby Henz, Indian Hill; Marissa McNerney, Seven Hills; Ansley Neff, Wyoming; Reese Reilly, Roger Bacon; Calli Rieskamp, Taylor; Isabelle Schroeder, Loveland; Quinn Schureck, Walnut Hills; Maya Schweikert, Kings; Bella Teply, Mason

Northern Kentucky/Indiana girls swimming and diving

Savannah Bien, Notre Dame;Clare Herfel, Notre Dame; Gabrielle Lee, Beechwood; Chris Nowak, Cooper; Gabriella Stephens, Ryle; Danaka Tucker, Notre Dame

Ohio boys wrestling

Greyson Boner, Harrison; Caleb Curry, Elder; Grant Dallio, Harrison; Ryan Hager, Williamsburg; Noah Jackson, Moeller; Jett Manley, Waynesville; Khary McCall Jr., Springboro; Landen Messer, Moeller; Alijah Mohanna, La Salle; Marshall Morency, Anderson; Caden Orr, Moeller; Kane Shawger, St. Xavier; Colin Wooldridge, La Salle 

Northern Kentucky/Indiana boys wrestling

Cordion Abernathy, Conner; Clayton Badida, Conner; Cody Blevins, Simon Kenton; Aiden Brinkman, Ryle; Christian Brown, Cooper; Kayson White, Highlands

Ohio girls wrestling

Caiden Baird, Harrison; Natalie Carlisle, Lebanon; Kimora Carpenter, Princeton; Camryn Gresham, Lakota East; Teegan Herrington, Badin; Liberty Johnson, Clermont Northeastern; Kelsey King, Lakota West; Haylynn Littleton, Harrison; Elizabeth Madison, Loveland; Eleanor Polking, Oak Hills; Kaylee Vera, Little Miami; Leah Willen, Harrison 

Northern Kentucky/Indiana girls wrestling

Peyton Brinkman, Ryle; Emma Hood, Highlands; Emma Moore, Walton-Verona; McAyla Steffen, Campbell County; Preslee Steiber, Ryle; Aaliyah Svec, Cooper

More: Northern Kentucky in your inbox. Sign up for our NKY Briefing newsletter

Fall nominees for the 2025-2026 sports season

Ohio boys cross country

Caleb Anderson, Turpin; Jagger Dollenmeyer, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy; Dom Ellis, St. Xavier; Nate Gockerman, CHCA; Owen Huff, Oak Hills; James O'Driscoll, Indian Hill; Ryne Reynolds, Little Miami; Carson Spencer, Turpin; Caden Winship, Mason; Ronan Wolfer, Loveland; Liam Woodward, Summit Country Day; Paras Yadav, Mason

Northern Kentucky/Indiana boys cross country

Ethan Mann, Conner; Joe Mayer, Covington Catholic; Joh Nerswick, Covington Catholic; Sam Neuhaus, St. Henry; Ryan Richards, Cooper; Paul Van Laningham, Cooper

Ohio girls cross country

Elle Campbell, Milford; Delaney Cilley, Loveland; Aleah Coster, Oak Hills; Campbell Coyne, Seven Hills; Molly Deardorff, Lakota East; Callie Fox, Summit Country Day; Heidi Harmeyer, Seton; Atalia Hawkins, Milford; Havannah Long, Kings; Abra Mills, Talawanda; Ava Shepard, Lakota West; Lucy Staarmann, St. Ursula

Northern Kentucky/Indiana girls cross country

Norah Barker, Notre Dame; Callie Bentley, East Central; Stella Carpenter, Ryle; Lila Dunlevy, Campbell County; Abigail Ford, Villa Madonna; Lily Parke, Beechwood

Field hockey

Josie Broenner, Mount Notre Dame;Lexie Burke, Ursuline Academy; Chloe Castellini, Summit Country Day; Kaydance Givens, Indian Hill; Elizabeth Herzner, Mount Notre Dame; Cat Johnson, Ursuline Academy; Maddie Lanphear, Indian Hill; Anna Lange, St. Ursula Academy; Aubrey Ludwig, Mount Notre Dame; Alison Strang, Mount Notre Dame; Liz Thurnau, St. Ursula Academy; Fay Van de Meulengraaf, Indian Hill and Maddie Wells, Walnut Hills.

Ohio football offense

Tommy Becker, Elder; Lance Cantrell, Talawanda; Gage Croley, Goshen; Kaden Estep, Elder; Jackson Frey, St. Xavier; Lem Grayson, Badin; Levi Guttman, Cincinnati Country Day; Ryder Hooks, Lakota East; Marcus Hughbanks, Batavia; Nile Knutson, Lakota East; Matt Ponatoski, Moeller; Griffin Ridner Richard, CHCA; Gray Robinson, Williamsburg; Owen Scalf, Anderson; Monsanna Torbert, Taft; Tysin Weaver, Anderson

Northern Kentucky/Indiana football offense

Kaleb Evans, Lloyd Memorial; Tyler Fryman, Beechwood; Crue Gilmour, Lawrenceburg; Cash Harney, Covington Catholic; Tayden Lorenzen, Highlands; Cam O’Hara, Cooper

Ohio football defense

Kobe Clapper, St. Xavier; Luke Czarnecki, Williamsburg; Jake Dixon, Milford; James Hall, St. Bernard-Elmwood Place; Rihyael Kelley, Winton Woods; Adam Kirtley, Taft; Brady Kuhn, Anderson; Alex Pate, Badin; Aden Reeder, St. Xavier; Brayden Reilly, St. Xavier; Max Rhodes, Oak Hills; Evan Riggs, Indian Hill; J.D. Singletary, Middletown; Cam Thomas, Lakota West; Derek Uran, Elder; Jordan Vann, Middletown

Northern Kentucky/Indiana football defense

Brady Ballart, South Dearborn; Ryker Campbell, Cooper; Nyden Euson, East Central; Chase McDaniel, Beechwood; Jacob Savage, Ryle; Lincoln Tomlinson, Lloyd Memorial

Ohio boys golf

Toku Fujiwara, Lakota West; Matia Kastner, Seven Hills; Zac McGrath, St. Xavier; Marshall Morency, Anderson; Blake Rohling, Roger Bacon; Griffin Wullenweber, Lakota West

Northern Kentucky/Indiana boys golf

Talen Beane, Campbell County; Parker Isaacs, St. Henry; Hayden Li, Ryle; Paxton McKelvey, Ryle; Alex Race, Highlands; Jack Woolwine, Dixie Heights

Ohio girls golf

Eva Becerril, Sycamore; Campbell Drum, MND; Sophia Fink, CHCA; Ellie Hartung, Madeira; Ellie Lamkin, Anderson; Charlotte Soller, Mariemont

Northern Kentucky/Indiana girls golf

Tatjana Andracenko, Dixie Heights; Anika Okuda, Ryle; Maria Penaranda, Notre Dame; Rowan Pies, East Central; Kendal Raney, Conner; Sarah Smith, Grant County

Ohio boys soccer

Rowen Arnold, Springboro; Ryan Boyd, Lakota West; Rocco Fischer, Wyoming; Paolo Girandola, Walnut Hills; Aidan Gross, Mariemont; Kai Kuebler, Turpin; Karson Lang, Moeller; Brody Sucher, Kings; Jack Sweeney, St. Xavier; Elijah Warner, Summit Country Day; Davion Washington, Seven Hills; Edward Zha, Mason

Northern Kentucky/Indiana boys soccer

Donovan Lameier, Dixie Heights; Grady Noble, Conner; Maddox Pemberton, Cooper; Tanner Robertson, Covington Catholic; Max Runge, Bishop Brossart; Logan Thoss, St. Henry

Ohio girls soccer

Nina Brandon, Anderson; Ella Cook, Little Miami; Natasha Davis, Madeira; Braelyn Even, Badin; Anna Habra, Mason; Mady Linenkugel, Oak Hills; Allie McCauley, Indian Hill; Bree Reder, Summit Country Day; Abby Smith, Harrison; Mia Stevens, Summit Country Day; Emma Yeager, Clermont Northeastern; Addy Zawaly, Mariemont

Northern Kentucky/Indiana girls soccer

Kennedy Crowley, Campbell County; Izelee Kerns, Conner; Maria Mayer, East Central; Ella Smith, Simon Kenton; Kylie Smith, Bishop Brossart; Sadie Yapp, Notre Dame

Ohio girls tennis

Addison Cassidy, Mason; Pratyusha Chaudhuri-Emma Wagner, Mason; Renee Harper, Oak Hills; Corrine Labin-Miranda Wang, CHCA; Adriana Moreno-Saanvi Reddy, Mason; Allison Sayles-Serena Sayles, Sycamore; Sophia Thompson, Indian Hill

Ohio girls volleyball

Kendall Bosse, Ross; Callie Combs, Seton; Jillian Forrest, Ursuline Academy; Emma Frietch, St. Ursula; Grace Jones, Seton; MaKenna Kirlin, Loveland; Ava McIntyre, Kings; Morgan Meiring, Fenwick; Kendall Northern, Summit Country Day; Cara Richter, Mount Notre Dame; Savanna Stacey, McNicholas; Ali Strange, McNicholas

Northern Kentucky/Indiana girls volleyball

Audrey Dyas, Notre Dame; Morgan Heater, Ryle; Jenna Kitchens, Simon Kenton; Milyn Minor, Scott; Charlotte Patton, Conner; Grace Portwood, Notre Dame

Boys water polo

Dan Ahrens, St. Xavier; Dylan Cahill, Mason; Marco Di Loreto Tarot, Mason; Ernie Manders, Walnut Hills; Ciaran Skinner, Sycamore; Dominic Walters, St. Xavier; Aaron Zelvy, Sycamore

Girls water polo

Adalynn Dvorak, Mason; Meredith Ehlerding, Princeton; Madeline House, Milford; Veronika Khudiakova, Mason; Cameron Kilimnik, Milford; Maisie Moran, Walnut Hills; Claire Ponstingle, Mason

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Enquirer winter nominees, 2026 High School Sports Awards

Enquirer names winter nominees for 2026 High School Sports Awards

The Enquirer's 2026 Cincinnati High School Sports Awards is approaching, with a different format expected for the June event at Princeton High School.

The Enquirer will focus the live show on the winners, who we will announce weeks before the event, to be more time-efficient while maintaining categories for both sides of the river. While no tickets will be distributed, winners' RSVPs will be required.

All finalists will be invited to a reception before the awards presentation, where they can have light refreshments, browse booths, connect with other athletes, receive their certificates and take red-carpet photos. They are invited to join a group photo about 15 minutes before the start of the live show and to stay to hear the keynote speaker. Families who cannot attend the early reception will have 30 minutes after the show to take part in the same activities, except for the group photo.

The Enquirer will make a separate announcement when the speaker and date are finalized. Please note this event is separate from the all-city teams and athlete of the week voting.

Winter nominees for the 2025-2026 sports season

Ohio boys basketball

Grady Barber, Williamsburg; Jason Caimano, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy; A’mire Gill, Princeton; Antwan Hinton, Taft; Max Joiner, Summit Country Day; Isaiah Mack-Russell, Winton Woods; Chase Martin, Loveland; Zevin Sesslar, Waynesville; Eli Stroud, Badin; Josh Tyson, Lakota West; Antonio White, Deer Park; Kellen Wiley, Wyoming

Northern Kentucky/Indiana boys basketball

Anthony Blaackar, Lloyd Memorial; Anthony Coppola, Ryle; Austin Davie, Campbell County; Finn Louden, Conner; Amontae Lowe, Newport; Athens McGillis, Covington Catholic

Ohio girls basketball

Lauren Bain, Seton; Gabby Chadwell, Milford; Braelyn Even, Badin; Katie Fox, Lakota West; Anna Habra, Mason; McKenzie Jones, Springboro; Yaya Parrish, Western Hills; Bella Rogers, Loveland; Bella Swisshelm, West Clermont; Erin Thomas, Princeton; Mia Vieth, Mount Notre Dame; Samaya Wilkins, Purcell Marian

Northern Kentucky/Indiana girls basketball

Emma Holtzapfel, Notre Dame; Izzy Jayasuriya, Campbell County; Jaelyn Jones, Ryle; Haylee Noel, Cooper; Brynli Pernell, Simon Kenton; Natalie Stenger, East Central

Ohio boys bowling

Matthew Alvear, Lebanon; Ty Barrett, West Clermont; Jayden Brown, Elder; Randy Eckman, Blanchester; Joseph Geers, St. Xavier; Easton Pierani, Sycamore

Northern Kentucky/Indiana boys bowling

Tyler Blume, Simon Kenton; Mason Bowman, Covington Catholic; Dylan Davis, Covington Catholic; Maddox Kuryla, Boone County; Aleck Meredith, Simon Kenton; Bryce Sargent, Campbell County

Ohio girls bowling

Kiley Comberger, Wilmington; Kendall Cook, Mercy McAuley; Caitlyn Kober, Lebanon; Kenlie Littelmann, Seton; Hannah Weigle, Little Miami; Ella Weinmann, Oak Hills

Northern Kentucky/Indiana girls bowling

Alyssa Bechtol, Notre Dame; Kree Brewer, Pendleton County; Mary Hollon, Simon Kenton;Hayley Pelstring, Notre Dame; Abby Sargent, Campbell County; Abree Young, Dixie Heights

Gymnastics

Leah DeVilbiss, Lakota East; Kiera Laite, Mariemont; Zoey Ostdiek, Lakota West; Ella Oum, Turpin; Chesnie Weisbrod, Kings; Hayden Zimmerman, Cincinnati Country Day

Ice hockey

Trever Bauwens, Northern Kentucky Norsemen (Walton-Verona); Colin Custer, St. Xavier; Carter Jung, Elder; Christian Rivard, Moeller; Landon Schroeder, Springboro

Ohio boys swimming and diving

Danny Beyerbach, Seven Hills; Brady Campbell, Milford; Tucker Charles, St. Xavier; Liam Clark, Mason; Bryce Cousins, West Clermont; Oliver Erck, Sycamore; Braden Fuller, Lakota East; Owen Gee, St. Xavier; Chase Grisi, St. Xavier; Quinn Heis, Mariemont; Luke Mignery, Ross; Juju Nkhumane, Mason

Northern Kentucky/Indiana boys swimming and diving

Andrew Boh, Covington Catholic; Noah Gracey, Highlands; Chase Knopf, Ryle; Nash Parsons, Ryle; Cono Presti, Beechwood; Isaiah Reinhart, Simon Kenton

Ohio girls swimming and diving

Aubrey Buchanan, St. Ursula; Dana Fairbanks, Mason; Isabella Giraldo, Mason; Grier Gordon, Ursuline; Gabby Henz, Indian Hill; Marissa McNerney, Seven Hills; Ansley Neff, Wyoming; Reese Reilly, Roger Bacon; Calli Rieskamp, Taylor; Isabelle Schroeder, Loveland; Quinn Schureck, Walnut Hills; Maya Schweikert, Kings; Bella Teply, Mason

Northern Kentucky/Indiana girls swimming and diving

Savannah Bien, Notre Dame;Clare Herfel, Notre Dame; Gabrielle Lee, Beechwood; Chris Nowak, Cooper; Gabriella Stephens, Ryle; Danaka Tucker, Notre Dame

Ohio boys wrestling

Greyson Boner, Harrison; Caleb Curry, Elder; Grant Dallio, Harrison; Ryan Hager, Williamsburg; Noah Jackson, Moeller; Jett Manley, Waynesville; Khary McCall Jr., Springboro; Landen Messer, Moeller; Alijah Mohanna, La Salle; Marshall Morency, Anderson; Caden Orr, Moeller; Kane Shawger, St. Xavier; Colin Wooldridge, La Salle 

Northern Kentucky/Indiana boys wrestling

Cordion Abernathy, Conner; Clayton Badida, Conner; Cody Blevins, Simon Kenton; Aiden Brinkman, Ryle; Christian Brown, Cooper; Kayson White, Highlands

Ohio girls wrestling

Caiden Baird, Harrison; Natalie Carlisle, Lebanon; Kimora Carpenter, Princeton; Camryn Gresham, Lakota East; Teegan Herrington, Badin; Liberty Johnson, Clermont Northeastern; Kelsey King, Lakota West; Haylynn Littleton, Harrison; Elizabeth Madison, Loveland; Eleanor Polking, Oak Hills; Kaylee Vera, Little Miami; Leah Willen, Harrison 

Northern Kentucky/Indiana girls wrestling

Peyton Brinkman, Ryle; Emma Hood, Highlands; Emma Moore, Walton-Verona; McAyla Steffen, Campbell County; Preslee Steiber, Ryle; Aaliyah Svec, Cooper

More: Northern Kentucky in your inbox. Sign up for our NKY Briefing newsletter

Fall nominees for the 2025-2026 sports season

Ohio boys cross country

Caleb Anderson, Turpin; Jagger Dollenmeyer, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy; Dom Ellis, St. Xavier; Nate Gockerman, CHCA; Owen Huff, Oak Hills; James O'Driscoll, Indian Hill; Ryne Reynolds, Little Miami; Carson Spencer, Turpin; Caden Winship, Mason; Ronan Wolfer, Loveland; Liam Woodward, Summit Country Day; Paras Yadav, Mason

Northern Kentucky/Indiana boys cross country

Ethan Mann, Conner; Joe Mayer, Covington Catholic; Joh Nerswick, Covington Catholic; Sam Neuhaus, St. Henry; Ryan Richards, Cooper; Paul Van Laningham, Cooper

Ohio girls cross country

Elle Campbell, Milford; Delaney Cilley, Loveland; Aleah Coster, Oak Hills; Campbell Coyne, Seven Hills; Molly Deardorff, Lakota East; Callie Fox, Summit Country Day; Heidi Harmeyer, Seton; Atalia Hawkins, Milford; Havannah Long, Kings; Abra Mills, Talawanda; Ava Shepard, Lakota West; Lucy Staarmann, St. Ursula

Northern Kentucky/Indiana girls cross country

Norah Barker, Notre Dame; Callie Bentley, East Central; Stella Carpenter, Ryle; Lila Dunlevy, Campbell County; Abigail Ford, Villa Madonna; Lily Parke, Beechwood

Field hockey

Josie Broenner, Mount Notre Dame;Lexie Burke, Ursuline Academy; Chloe Castellini, Summit Country Day; Kaydance Givens, Indian Hill; Elizabeth Herzner, Mount Notre Dame; Cat Johnson, Ursuline Academy; Maddie Lanphear, Indian Hill; Anna Lange, St. Ursula Academy; Aubrey Ludwig, Mount Notre Dame; Alison Strang, Mount Notre Dame; Liz Thurnau, St. Ursula Academy; Fay Van de Meulengraaf, Indian Hill and Maddie Wells, Walnut Hills.

Ohio football offense

Tommy Becker, Elder; Lance Cantrell, Talawanda; Gage Croley, Goshen; Kaden Estep, Elder; Jackson Frey, St. Xavier; Lem Grayson, Badin; Levi Guttman, Cincinnati Country Day; Ryder Hooks, Lakota East; Marcus Hughbanks, Batavia; Nile Knutson, Lakota East; Matt Ponatoski, Moeller; Griffin Ridner Richard, CHCA; Gray Robinson, Williamsburg; Owen Scalf, Anderson; Monsanna Torbert, Taft; Tysin Weaver, Anderson

Northern Kentucky/Indiana football offense

Kaleb Evans, Lloyd Memorial; Tyler Fryman, Beechwood; Crue Gilmour, Lawrenceburg; Cash Harney, Covington Catholic; Tayden Lorenzen, Highlands; Cam O’Hara, Cooper

Ohio football defense

Kobe Clapper, St. Xavier; Luke Czarnecki, Williamsburg; Jake Dixon, Milford; James Hall, St. Bernard-Elmwood Place; Rihyael Kelley, Winton Woods; Adam Kirtley, Taft; Brady Kuhn, Anderson; Alex Pate, Badin; Aden Reeder, St. Xavier; Brayden Reilly, St. Xavier; Max Rhodes, Oak Hills; Evan Riggs, Indian Hill; J.D. Singletary, Middletown; Cam Thomas, Lakota West; Derek Uran, Elder; Jordan Vann, Middletown

Northern Kentucky/Indiana football defense

Brady Ballart, South Dearborn; Ryker Campbell, Cooper; Nyden Euson, East Central; Chase McDaniel, Beechwood; Jacob Savage, Ryle; Lincoln Tomlinson, Lloyd Memorial

Ohio boys golf

Toku Fujiwara, Lakota West; Matia Kastner, Seven Hills; Zac McGrath, St. Xavier; Marshall Morency, Anderson; Blake Rohling, Roger Bacon; Griffin Wullenweber, Lakota West

Northern Kentucky/Indiana boys golf

Talen Beane, Campbell County; Parker Isaacs, St. Henry; Hayden Li, Ryle; Paxton McKelvey, Ryle; Alex Race, Highlands; Jack Woolwine, Dixie Heights

Ohio girls golf

Eva Becerril, Sycamore; Campbell Drum, MND; Sophia Fink, CHCA; Ellie Hartung, Madeira; Ellie Lamkin, Anderson; Charlotte Soller, Mariemont

Northern Kentucky/Indiana girls golf

Tatjana Andracenko, Dixie Heights; Anika Okuda, Ryle; Maria Penaranda, Notre Dame; Rowan Pies, East Central; Kendal Raney, Conner; Sarah Smith, Grant County

Ohio boys soccer

Rowen Arnold, Springboro; Ryan Boyd, Lakota West; Rocco Fischer, Wyoming; Paolo Girandola, Walnut Hills; Aidan Gross, Mariemont; Kai Kuebler, Turpin; Karson Lang, Moeller; Brody Sucher, Kings; Jack Sweeney, St. Xavier; Elijah Warner, Summit Country Day; Davion Washington, Seven Hills; Edward Zha, Mason

Northern Kentucky/Indiana boys soccer

Donovan Lameier, Dixie Heights; Grady Noble, Conner; Maddox Pemberton, Cooper; Tanner Robertson, Covington Catholic; Max Runge, Bishop Brossart; Logan Thoss, St. Henry

Ohio girls soccer

Nina Brandon, Anderson; Ella Cook, Little Miami; Natasha Davis, Madeira; Braelyn Even, Badin; Anna Habra, Mason; Mady Linenkugel, Oak Hills; Allie McCauley, Indian Hill; Bree Reder, Summit Country Day; Abby Smith, Harrison; Mia Stevens, Summit Country Day; Emma Yeager, Clermont Northeastern; Addy Zawaly, Mariemont

Northern Kentucky/Indiana girls soccer

Kennedy Crowley, Campbell County; Izelee Kerns, Conner; Maria Mayer, East Central; Ella Smith, Simon Kenton; Kylie Smith, Bishop Brossart; Sadie Yapp, Notre Dame

Ohio girls tennis

Addison Cassidy, Mason; Pratyusha Chaudhuri-Emma Wagner, Mason; Renee Harper, Oak Hills; Corrine Labin-Miranda Wang, CHCA; Adriana Moreno-Saanvi Reddy, Mason; Allison Sayles-Serena Sayles, Sycamore; Sophia Thompson, Indian Hill

Ohio girls volleyball

Kendall Bosse, Ross; Callie Combs, Seton; Jillian Forrest, Ursuline Academy; Emma Frietch, St. Ursula; Grace Jones, Seton; MaKenna Kirlin, Loveland; Ava McIntyre, Kings; Morgan Meiring, Fenwick; Kendall Northern, Summit Country Day; Cara Richter, Mount Notre Dame; Savanna Stacey, McNicholas; Ali Strange, McNicholas

Northern Kentucky/Indiana girls volleyball

Audrey Dyas, Notre Dame; Morgan Heater, Ryle; Jenna Kitchens, Simon Kenton; Milyn Minor, Scott; Charlotte Patton, Conner; Grace Portwood, Notre Dame

Boys water polo

Dan Ahrens, St. Xavier; Dylan Cahill, Mason; Marco Di Loreto Tarot, Mason; Ernie Manders, Walnut Hills; Ciaran Skinner, Sycamore; Dominic Walters, St. Xavier; Aaron Zelvy, Sycamore

Girls water polo

Adalynn Dvorak, Mason; Meredith Ehlerding, Princeton; Madeline House, Milford; Veronika Khudiakova, Mason; Cameron Kilimnik, Milford; Maisie Moran, Walnut Hills; Claire Ponstingle, Mason

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Enquirer winter nominees, 2026 High School Sports Awards

49ers insider thinks team could trade breakout starting LB

The San Francisco 49ers have a pretty robust linebacker unit at the moment.

The team currently has nine linebackers on the roster, with star Fred Warner returning from a season-ending injury. The rest of the room is rounded out by Dre Greenlaw following his one-year stint with the Denver Broncos, Tatum Bethune, Dee Winters, Luke Gifford, Nick Martin, Garret Wallow, Curtis Robinson and Jalen Graham.

More than likely, the 49ers won't keep all nine on their 53-man roster. But there are five linebackers with starting experience in the group, so who will be the odd man, or men, out?

NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco surmises that the 49ers could move one of their backups before or during the draft to pick up some extra capital. While Warner and Greenlaw are likely safe and Bethune is only in his third season, Maiocco thinks Winters could be a nice trade chip for San Francisco to pick up a Day 3 pick.

"They could get a nice sum for Winters, although he is entering the final year of his contract," Maiocco said. "So he would probably be the most likely guy for the 49ers to trade. He is scheduled to make $3.67 million. So the 49ers could get rid of that salary and pick up, you know, a Day 3 draft pick."

This is all speculation, but the deluge of linebackers and the 49ers' lack of draft picks after the fourth round creates an interesting scenario for the team. However, as the 49ers learned in 2025, it's better to have more linebackers than fewer if injuries hit a room hard.

"So, do they dare even dangle Dee Winters for a trade knowing that, if something were to happen to Greenlaw, they would need him?" Maiocco added. "Or do they feel good enough that, hey, Nick Martin is a player who is signed through the 2028 season. Do they roll with him as the backup?"

These are the questions general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan will be asking themselves as the draft draws nearer. The 49ers have had success with late-round linebackers, though, so perhaps sending Winters, a former sixth-rounder himself, for another pick isn't such a bad idea after all.

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: NFL trade rumors: 49ers insider suggests trading Dee Winters

Currie departs role as Portadown manager

Niall Currie has left his role as Portadown boss with immediate effect with two games of the Irish Premiership season remaining.

Currie took over as Ports boss for a second spell in October 2022 after previously managing the club between 2016 and 2018.

His last game in charge was Saturday's heavy 4-0 defeat against relegation-threatened Crusaders in which Currie criticised his side's "abysmal" performance.

Currie could not prevent the club from being relegated in the 2022-23 season, but he led the Ports back to the top flight at the first time of asking as they won the Championship title the following campaign.

They also reached the BetMcLean Cup final in 2024, but were beaten in the final by Linfield.

He then guided Portadown to an eighth place finish in their first campaign back in the Irish Premiership last season, two points off seventh and a spot in the European play-offs.

The club currently sit 10th with two games left to play, away to Ballymena United on Saturday and away to Bangor on Saturday, 25 April.

The 53-year-old has also managed Dundela, Carrick Rangers, Ards, Loughgall and Annagh United.

Mets already have most depressing stat of this MLB season

Mets already have most depressing stat of this MLB season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Mets certainly have learned how to disappoint their fans over time.

They're doing that in a pretty painful way so far in the early going of the 2026 MLB season.

They've already had four different hitters with streaks of at least 0-for-17 in a row.

Two of the streaks are active:

  • Mark Vientos is 0 for his last 23.
  • Brett Baty is 0 for his last 17.

Earlier this season, rookie Carson Benge had an 0-for-24 stretch.

Marcus Semien also had an 0-for-20 streak earlier in the campaign.

MLB.com's Anthony DiComo writes that "no other team has had four players with hitless streaks of that length this season."

Longest Mets 0-fors this season:

1. Carson Benge, 0-for-24
2. Mark Vientos, 0-for-23*
3. Marcus Semien, 0-for-20
4. Brett Baty, 0-for-17*

*Denotes active streak.

This may go without saying, but no other team has had four players with hitless streaks of that length this season.

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) April 16, 2026

MORE: Bryan Woo was called for the weirdest balk as Mariners played Padres

This would be a tough enough problem if it was just one or two guys struggling.

But it's almost half of the Mets' batting lineup that has found itself in a major funk already this season.

New York still has time to get multiple guys on hot streaks at once instead of cold streaks.

But at least right now, it'd be hard to find a hitting stat more depressing that this one.

More MLB news:

Eric DeCosta says Nnamdi Madubuike won't alter Ravens draft plans

Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said Nnamdi Madubuike's status heading into the 2026 season will not significantly impact how Baltimore approaches the defensive tackle position in the draft, emphasizing that the team will continue to rely on its overall board rather than roster uncertainty.

DeCosta noted that while adding young talent along the defensive line remains a priority, the Ravens’ approach at the position will be dictated by value and how the board unfolds.

"So, I would say that Nnamdi [Madubuike]'s status doesn't really affect us that much in terms of like what we're going to do in the draft at the defensive tackle position. So, as you know, we just try to rank the board, and then [we'll select] whoever the best player is at that point in time. Certainly, we would love to get a young defensive lineman if we can. I think it's important to try and do that every single year if we can. It's an important position. We want to get better up front, certainly, on both sides, offense- and defensive-line-wise; it's a priority for us. I think getting a younger player in there who's a talented younger player would be ideal, and it just depends on how the board falls and who's available at that time."

For Baltimore, the emphasis remains on drafting the best available player, with defensive line depth still viewed as a consistent long-term need rather than a reaction to any one player's availability.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens' say NFL draft plans are not tied to Nnamdi Madubuike

Bryce Elder pitching like an All-Star again for the Braves

ATLANTA (AP) — Bryce Elder is pitching like an All-Star again.

Considered the weak link in the Atlanta rotation coming into the season, Elder has turned in four dominating starts to rekindle memories of his surprising 2023 season.

Elder hurled scoreless ball into the sixth inning on Wednesday night, leading the Braves to a 6-3 victory over the Miami Marlins.

“This feels a little more complete,” the 26-year-old right-hander said. “I have more weapons. We'll just try to keep it going.”

Elder was a huge surprise for the Braves three years ago, earning an All-Star berth in his first full season while going 12-4.

But he struggled mightily the last two seasons while bouncing back and forth between the majors and Triple-A Gwinnett. His ERA soared to 6.52 while making just 10 big league starts in 2024, followed by an 8-11 mark with a 5.30 ERA a year ago.

Elder might've been done in Atlanta if not for a rash of injuries that ravaged the starting rotation, allowing him to claim the fourth slot in a makeshift group as the Braves wrapped up spring training.

His performance over four starts — a 2-1 record with a 0.77 ERA — has manager Walt Weiss feeling good about his chances of remaining the rotation even when ailing pitchers such as Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach return to the mound.

“He's in a really good place,” Weiss said of Elder.

He believes the Texan is a more complete pitcher than he was in '23, with a diverse arsenal that helps him get by with a fastball in the low 90 mph range.

Elder has paired an improved slider with a change-up and three different fastballs — a two-seamer, a four-seamer and a cutter — to keep hitters off balance. Despite the lack of overpowering stuff, he has 23 strikeouts in 23 1-3 innings.

“All his stuff has really picked up,” Weiss said. “He's throwing the ball really well.”

Elder doesn't want to get too far ahead of himself. Better than almost anyone, he knows how quickly things can change. This time, he wants to show a bit of staying power.

“I've had a lot of good runs and I've had a lot bad runs,” Elder said. “More than anything, I'm just trying to treat it like one day at a time. Just keep my stuff crisp, keep my work right, and whatever happens that day is what happens.”

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

76ers' Andre Drummond 3-point stat is mind-blowing in its own way

76ers' Andre Drummond 3-point stat is mind-blowing in its own way originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

If someone traveled to 2026 from a decade ago through some method of time travel, you could explain the modern NBA to them in one way:

Andre Drummond makes 3-pointers now.

Yep, the supreme rebounder and interior athlete is still around. And he's making important shots from beyond the arc for the Philadelphia 76ers.

This stat from Wednesday night is one of the most unbelievable ones all season, particularly if you haven't really watched the 76ers play:

Fun fact: Andre Drummond has made 30 corner threes this season, third-most on the Sixers.

Think about reading this sentence in 2016.

— Keerthika Uthayakumar (@keerthikau) April 16, 2026

MORE: Warriors' generational mistake may have cost Steph Curry

All told, Drummond entered Wednesday night's play-in action having made 32 3-pointers this season.

He entered the year with 18 total 3-pointers across his first 13 NBA seasons.

He made three last year for the Sixers, on 20 attempts, for just 15%.

This season, he's at just better than 35% from deep.

Drummond's seasons prior to 2025-26 included this many 3s: 1-0-0-2-2-0-5-5-1-4-0-0-0-0-3.

MORE: This is the most improbable triple-double in NBA history

He never shot better than 1-for-2 as a rookie, or 2-for-6 in 2015-16 for the Pistons.

It's clearly never been his role.

But in the modern NBA, it helps to space the floor, even if you're Andre Drummond. And surprisingly to many, he figured out how to do it.

More basketball news:

Romano falters once again as Yankees walk-off Angels for second time

Los Angeles Angels closer Jordan Romano fires a pitch in loss against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on April 15, 2026.
Los Angeles Angels closer Jordan Romano fires a pitch in loss against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on April 15, 2026.

For the second time in three games in the Bronx, the Los Angeles Angels fell to the New York Yankees in walk-off fashion, blowing a late lead in the ninth inning on Jackie Robinson Day, as the Angels lost 4-3. 

Pitching seemingly had things under control up until then on Wednesday night. After a shaky start, Jack Kochanowicz held the Yankees scoreless after the third inning. The bullpen had backed him up. The Yankees had no answer until things unraveled in the ninth inning — which started with an error that won't even show in the stat sheet. 

With one out in the ninth, closer Jordan Romano got Jazz Chisholm to pop up with two strikes, seemingly putting two outs on the board. Instead, miscommunication led to the ball landing between Oswald Peraza and Zach Neto on the left side of the infield. 

Things unraveled quickly. A walk to follow the miscue led to Romano allowing a two-run single to Jose Caballero to seal the game, two batters later.  

Romano has been responsible for the blown save in each loss this series, the other coming on Monday night with a two-run lead. He had been untouchable until then, earning four saves and not allowing a hit or run in his first six outings of the year. 

Wednesday’s abrupt finish put away Kochanowicz’s chances at a win, who dealt his way to a very efficient outing. Despite throwing 40 pitches and allowing three runs through the first two innings, he bounced back to pitch 6 ⅔ innings, striking out six Yankees in the process. 

Kochanowicz made the necessary adjustments to find cruise control. Instead of relying on his slider, which he has favored most out of his breaking pitches heading into Wednesday, he threw his changeup 27% of the time, up heavily from its normal tick. He also threw more four-seams than his usual, getting four strikeouts on the pitch.

In total, the righty garnered 12 swings and misses in the outing, as Kochanowicz continues to impress through his first four starts. He has improved in working deeper into outings despite some command outbursts, while sporting a 3.47 ERA.  

Facing that early 3-0 deficit in the third inning, the Angels quickly clawed their way back, a recent trend from their bats. A barrage of homers put them ahead 4-3, which carried until that drastic ninth inning.

Adam Frazier and Logan O’Hoppe launched their first homers of the year. Mike Trout then followed O’Hoppe in the fifth inning with a two-run shot to put the Angels ahead — his fourth home run of the series.

Trout has most certainly looked like his three-time MVP self over the last week. He has now homered in three consecutive games in the Bronx, his old form presumably present once again.

The all-around power will surely be needed with the absence of power threat Jorge Soler, who began serving his now four-game suspension on Wednesday. 

The Angels will not see Soler's bat until Sunday’s series finale against the San Diego Padres. He has been especially crucial in the cleanup hole, leading the American League with 18 RBI. 

Fortunately, the Angels will have another chance to redeem themselves before leaving the Bronx tomorrow with their fourth meeting tomorrow afternoon. However, they will be throwing a bullpen game against one of the league’s best, lefty Max Fried, on the mound.

Union Berlin Promoted Marie-Louise Eta. Every C-Suite Should Notice

1. FC Union Berlin v SV Darmstadt 98 - Bundesliga

BERLIN, GERMANY - JANUARY 28: Marie-Louise Eta, Interim Head Coach of 1.FC Union Berlin, looks on during the warm up prior to the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Union Berlin and SV Darmstadt 98 at An der Alten Foersterei on January 28, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

Getty Images

When Union Berlin named Marie-Louise Eta as head coach on April 12, the internet went wild with adjectives. The first woman ever to lead a men’s team in Europe’s top five leagues, the headlines practically wrote themselves. But the real story here isn’t about adjectives, or even these moments of hard-won glory. It is about sequence, and why it took a crisis to see what was already there.

Crisis Management: Why Internal Promotion Trumps External Searches

In sport, just like in business, when the stakes are sky high, there’s no room for hypotheticals; the consequences are too sharp. For Union Berlin, those consequences had arrived. The team had picked up two wins out of 14 matches, relegation encroaching week by week. So, when they made the decision to fire Steffen Baumgart, they did not conduct an external search. Instead, they promoted the 34-year-old already doing the job. A woman who knew all there was to know about the squad, their tactical problems, culture clashes, and had the deeply earned trust of the locker room.

Why Union Berlin Chose Marie-Louise Eta

That is not a symbolic hire. It’s a strategic one, and for Eta, her credentials make the decision look even more obvious in hindsight. She has held a UEFA Pro License (European football’s highest coaching qualification) since February 2023. This was the same year she became the first female assistant coach in Bundesliga history. When Nenad Bjelica was suspended in 2024, Eta stepped up and earned international praise, with England coach Sarina Wiegman calling her promotion "only a matter of time."

FBL-GER-BUNDESLIGA-UNION BERLIN-TRAINING

Union Berlin's new German head coach Marie-Louise Eta (R) looks towards her players during a training session of German first division Bundesliga football club 1 FC Union Berlin in Berlin on April 14, 2026. Bundesliga club Union Berlin named Marie-Louise Eta as head coach, making her the first female manager of a men's team in a top-five European league, after former mentor Steffen Baumgart was sacked. The 34-year-old will take over for the remainder of the season. (Photo by RALF HIRSCHBERGER / AFP via Getty Images)

AFP via Getty Images

Marie-Louise Eta and the Pipeline That Was Never Built

That question lands well beyond football. Forbes reported last year that only 44% of women’s teams are coached by women. In men’s sports, the figures are far worse. This is not a broken pipeline. It’s a structure that is yet to be systemically built. Eta’s rise was made possible because Union Berlin had already done something very rare: they made her part of the system, gave her real responsibility, and then had the sense to trust what they saw.

Eta saw this gap years ago, saying she wanted to "impress through quality and substance" rather than tokenism. Her team and colleagues describe her as naturally charismatic with forensic-level preparation. As research has shown, women leaders consistently demonstrate superior relationship building, adaptability, and team development. None of this is new data. The only thing truly new here is chance.

The Economic Shift: Marie-Louise Eta and the New Asset Class

This pattern repeats across the industry. Forbes’ inaugural Most Powerful Women in Sports list profiled 25 women reshaping a sector long run by male gatekeepers. Becky Hammon bringing the Las Vegas Aces to multiple championships. Michele Kang building a global women's soccer portfolio. Jessica Berman doubling NWSL valuations. Every one of them had the skill long before the spotlight found them.

What is notable here is that men’s professional soccer is an outlier in having a woman break through to head coach. Dawn Staley, after interviewing for the Knicks job last year, said she doesn’t believe it will happen in her lifetime. Eta’s appointment is not just about Berlin, its about the opportunity for a new blueprint, and whether North American leagues are watching. The economics make any refusal to do so hard to defend.

Global revenues from women’s elite sports nearly doubled from $981 million in 2023 to $1.88 billion in 2024, projected to exceed $3 billion this year. Institutional investors now treat women’s sports as a legitimate asset class. The money is trending upward. The hiring is not.

VfB Stuttgart Press Conference

STUTTGART, GERMANY - DECEMBER 06: Manager Horst Heldt (L) and Markus Babbel (R) attend the VfB Stuttgart press conference (Photo by Thomas Niedermueller/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Bongarts/Getty Images

Defending Marie-Louise Eta: Quality Over Optics

Predictably, the online backlash to her appointment was fast and brutal. Union Berlin’s sporting director Horst Heldt addressed it directly, saying, "I find it absurd that we still have to justify this in 2026. All of this is simply embarrassing."

Eta's first match is Saturday against Wolfsburg. Whether she saves Union Berlin from relegation remains uncertain. What is already settled is the broader lesson for boardrooms, front offices, and C-suites paying attention: the best leaders are often already in the building. The only barrier is whether you are willing to see them.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Wojo: Kevin McGonigle is Tigers’ face of the future, and the scorching present

Detroit — Kevin McGonigle is humble and polite, hard-wired and soft-spoken. But what he and the Tigers just did is loud enough for everyone to hear.

The Tigers made an immense commitment to their rookie infielder, signing him to an eight-year, $150-millon contract extension Wednesday. Major-league teams have started taking the proactive approach — more prudent than risky — when they recognize they have a special young player.

But even more impressive was the commitment McGonigle made to the Tigers. He signed away the opportunity to become a free-agent in 2031 and will make an average of $18.75 million through the deal. He’s only 21 and has played 18 major-league games, so there’s a lot of projecting and guessing here. The thing is, McGonigle’s early performance defies guessing.

This is a deal that should work for everyone, but mostly for Tigers fans. At his current pace, McGonigle can become the face of the franchise, the home-grown guy who committed to stay even at his own financial risk. He gets a $14-million signing bonus but a salary of only $1 million next season. In the final three years of the contract, he’ll make $23 million annually, which would be below market value if the market keeps escalating and McGonigle keeps excelling.

But this isn’t about money. The Tigers wisely separated business from baseball and let McGonigle develop at an unburdened pace. When he began flourishing as quickly as any young Tiger ever has, they made the move. McGonigle is hitting .313 and leads the team in hits, runs, on-base percentage (.421) and OPS (.905) and has a 1.1 bWAR, one of only 10 players in the majors with a mark that high.

In the spring, McGonigle was ranked the first- or second-best prospect in baseball, and the only question was his defense. He’s played flawlessly at third base and shortstop, and although it’s a small sample size, it doesn’t feel like a long-term gamble for the Tigers. Even if there is a slight risk, owner Chris Ilitch seems more and more inclined to go for it.

Scott Harris, president of baseball operations, and manager AJ Hinch are effusive in their praise of McGonigle, not just for his ability, but for his stability. He’s unflustered, seemingly unbothered by the stir he’s creating. He choked up at his press conference Wednesday when he mentioned his parents, and that resonated with teammates and Hinch.

Tigers shortstop Kevin McGonigle (7) points out to Dillon Dingler who doubled to score McGonigle in the eighth inning.

What resonates even more is his composed demeanor. He’s already a four-tool player — hit for average, run, throw, field. With his sturdy build and quick compact swing, he can add the fifth tool — hit for power. And yes, even the sixth tool – loyalty.

He was asked why he would commit so early in his career, giving up his shot at free-agency when he turns 27, and his answer was something you don’t often hear.

“Since I’ve been drafted, it’s just who I am, I’m loyal,” McGonigle said. “I want to stick in one spot and help the team out and win a World Series. I know it was the right move.”

It’s looked like the right move since the season opener, when McGonigle collected the first four hits of his MLB career in a victory at San Diego. Tigers fans got their look in the home opener, when McGonigle moved to the leadoff spot and had a hit.

“This city’s gonna fall in love with this kid because of how he plays and how he represents himself,” Hinch said. “We just gotta let him play, gotta let him learn, and we gotta let him fail a little bit.”

Yes, baseball can get famously bumpy for anyone. But the love affair is well underway.

Comerica Park suddenly alive

Comerica Park is suddenly alive this week, with the Tigers on a five-game winning streak, including back-to-back 2-1 victories over the Royals. When McGonigle scored the winning run Tuesday night, racing around from first on a Dillon Dingler double in the eighth inning, the roar of the crowd was intense.

He tries to downplay his impact, and his humility comes naturally. He told Hinch he thought he was running slowly on Dingler’s hit, but he was clocked at 27.9 feet per second, which isn’t blazing but isn’t slow.

If there’s ego in him, it has yet to sprout. He’s connected easily with veteran teammates, many of whom showed up in the back of the room for his press conference. Tarik Skubal piped in and asked McGonigle if he was prepared to take the boys out for dinner in Boston this weekend. He smiled and nodded affirmatively.

McGonigle has moved in and moved up, already settled into the leadoff spot. He’s precisely the type of player Harris has coveted since taking the job here, an all-around talent who can command the strike zone. McGonigle has more walks (12) than strikeouts (10) and one of the best whiff rates in baseball.

Perspective is important with young players early in a season. But McGonigle represents the first full-circle player in Harris’ plan. The Tigers paid a premium to draft him 37th overall in 2023, let him develop in the minors, then elevated him to the majors when he was ready, not too soon, not too late.

“Kevin is a special talent, and he’s a special person,” Harris said. “He has some rare gifts in the batter’s box, and what might be less obvious is, he has the grit and determination to be great. He’s hard-wired to be great.”

Hard-wired and soft-spoken, with an endearing mix of modesty. For the Tigers and their fans, what’s not to love?

Bob.wojnowski@detroitnews.com

@bobwojnowski

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Detroit Tigers sign Kevin McGonigle to eight-year, $150M contact

Austin Reaves was seen on the basketball court on Wednesday

Austin Reaves, the Los Angeles Lakers guard who has raised his production each season he has been in the NBA, will not be available to play when the Lakers begin their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets on Saturday. He's still recovering from the oblique strain he sustained nearly two weeks ago, and his timetable for a potential return is reportedly estimated at four to six weeks.

But this week, he has been seen getting some shots up at practice. On Tuesday, he took some shots while wearing slide sandals, and on Wednesday, he shot around while wearing sneakers, via Dave McMenamin of ESPN. It seemed to signify a small step forward in his recovery.

Los Angeles could certainly use Reaves' ability to hit from the outside, attack the paint, put pressure on the rim and get others involved at some point in the playoffs. During the regular season, he averaged 23.3 points on 49% field-goal shooting and 36% from 3-point range and 5.5 assists a game, and he ascended to second in the team's offensive pecking order.

Of course, Luka Doncic also suffered a hamstring strain on April 2, and his timetable for a possible return is expected to be roughly the same as Reaves' timetable. Doncic traveled to Spain to receive treatment for his injury, and he's expected to be back in the States on Friday.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Austin Reaves was seen on the basketball court on Wednesday

Angels misplay infield popup in 9th and blow lead against Yankees in agonizing loss

NEW YORK (AP) — I've got it, you take it — nobody caught it.

When a seemingly routine ninth-inning popup off the bat of Jazz Chisholm Jr. went up in the air Wednesday night, the Los Angeles Angels appeared well on their way to a comeback win at Yankee Stadium.

But when the ball came down untouched, everything started to go wrong.

Moments after shortstop Zach Neto and third baseman Oswald Peraza flubbed an easy play, José Caballero lined a two-run double off closer Jordan Romano that gave the New York Yankees a 5-4 victory over the Angels.

“It’s just, my fault," Neto said. "Shortstop has priority over everybody and I should have caught the ball. Just miscommunication, but I take full responsibility for that. I should have went out there and caught it.”

Los Angeles was leading 4-3 with one out and nobody on in the ninth when Chisholm popped up to the left side.

Neto and Peraza, a former Yankees infielder, failed to communicate clearly, though, and they both backed away as the ball dropped right between them on the infield dirt for a gift single, prompting Neto to put his hands on his head.

“It wasn’t loud,” he said. "I mean, just two miscomminications. I called it, he called it. But like I said, I take full responsibility. I should have had it. It’s my ball.”

That came back to bite the Angels, who had played outstanding defense all night to that point before a Bronx crowd of 41,019.

Austin Wells worked a full-count walk against Romano, and both runners were attempting to steal when Caballero smacked a 1-2 slider into left-center.

Chisholm easily scored the tying run and third-base coach Luis Rojas aggressively waved Wells home. The catcher barely beat Neto’s relay throw to the plate with a feetfirst slide, and the safe call was confirmed after a replay review.

“Obviously, one of them thought somebody called it and then they both stopped going after it,” Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said. "That was a tough one, you know? That was a tough one. Because like, it was really just — the simple answer is miscommunication.”

It was the second blown save and loss in the series for Romano, who squandered a two-run lead in the ninth inning of Monday night’s 11-10 defeat.

“Look, I’m not going to sit here and say that these didn’t hurt. It’s definitely stingers," Suzuki said. "Guys in there, they work their butts off, and to lose a game and close games like this, it’s tough. But, tomorrow’s another day. Forget about it, move on tomorrow. We’ve got a big league ballgame to win tomorrow.”

Suzuki said the team will try to figure out what's troubling Romano, who has four saves in six opportunities this season.

“Yeah, the last couple games have been tough. He’s been really good to start the year and then last couple games, tough," Suzuki said. "Probably take a look at it and see what’s going on.”

Los Angeles erased an early 3-0 deficit but wasted another home run from three-time AL MVP Mike Trout and a solid pitching performance from 25-year-old right-hander Jack Kochanowicz.

Neto also made a costly baserunning blunder when he got thrown out at third base by left fielder Cody Bellinger on Trout's two-out single in the seventh.

Trout hit his fourth homer in three nights, putting the Angels ahead 4-3 with a two-run drive in the fifth. He has eight RBIs in the first three games of the four-game series and is batting .344 with 12 homers and 11 doubles in 33 games at Yankee Stadium.

It's his highest batting average at any current American League ballpark.

“He's tremendous. It’s been fun to watch. He’s been having great at-bats — even his outs. His outs are even good at-bats. So, just got to keep it going,” Suzuki said.

"You’re watching a future Hall of Famer go to work and have some great at-bats. I think guys feed off of that. Young guys, veteran guys, they all feed off of him. So, it’s been great for the team.”

Adam Frazier and Logan O’Hoppe each hit a solo homer off Yankees starter Luis Gil. It was the first home run at Yankee Stadium for O’Hoppe, who grew up about 45 miles away on Long Island.

Kochanowicz left in line to win a third consecutive start for the first time in his career. He went 6 2/3 innings, allowing four hits and four walks with six strikeouts.

“Once he settled in after that second inning, he was awesome," Suzuki said. "He was strong, he was going through ’em, and really no stressful innings after the second.”

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Highlights: Kristaps Porzingis slams two putback dunks vs. Clippers

The play-in tournament contest against the Los Angeles Clippers got off on the wrong foot for the Golden State Warriors. In the opening minutes, the Warriors fell down by double-figures, trailing 12-2.

Despite digging an early hole, the Warriors got back into the game late in the first quarter. Helping spark the Warriors' mini comeback run was Kristaps Porzingis. With Brandin Podziemski at the free-throw line, the Latvian big man exploded through the lane and slamed an emphatic putback dunk.

Via @warriors on X:

OH MY GOODNESS KRISTAPS

📺 @NBAonPrimepic.twitter.com/x8cynhRaz5

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) April 16, 2026

After his early rim-rocking dunk, Porzingis wasn't done. Later in the first half, the veteran big man flew to the bucket for yet another highlight-reel putback dunk. After a Steph Curry missed 3-pointer, Porzingis attacked the rim for another powerful putback dunk.

KP in the clouds 🚀

📺 @NBAonPrimepic.twitter.com/8rObwXPwC1

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) April 16, 2026

KRISTAPS PORZINGIS PUTBACK JAM 😤 pic.twitter.com/yFaidNzgWT

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) April 16, 2026

Porzingis finished with nine points on 4-of-6 shooting from the field in 16 minutes in the first half against the Clippers. The Warriors went into the halftime locker room trailing 61-53.

Stay tuned to Warriors Wire for the latest updates from the play-in tournament.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Kristaps Porzingis hammers pair of putback dunks vs. Clippers

Braves News: Luke Williams era ends, Martin Perez, more

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 11: Martín Pérez #33 and Jonah Heim #20 of the Atlanta Braves converse in the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Truist Park on April 11, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Braves are cruising to start this season, with the second best record in MLB and the best run differential (pending the Dodgers game tonight). While there’s been some good fortune on the pitching side, there has also been some uncharacteristic underperformance from Chris Sale and some bad luck from a few of Atlanta’s bats. Dominic Smith is unlikely to be Aaron Judge all year, but on the whole this feels in the realm of sustainable, especially with reinforcements coming over the coming weeks and months. It would be especially useful if a few of Schwellenbach, Smith-Shawver, and Waldrep could come up and be productive, perhaps giving the team and opportunity to bump Grant Holmes and/or Reynaldo Lopez into an impact reliever spot. For now though, let’s just enjoy the team being in a good spot 10% of the way into the season, a stark contrast from last year.

Braves News

Martin Perez is back and expected to start Friday’s game, after being waived, electing free agency, and ultimately re-signing with Atlanta.

Luke Williams elected free agency after being DFA’d, but of course he could always sign back in Atlanta like Perez did.

We took a minute to appreciate what Dominic Smith has produced for Atlanta so far this season.

The Braves collected another series win, this one against the Marlins in a convincing 6-3 game behind Bryce Elder and some solid offense.

MLB News

Nick Pivetta will be sidelined for significant time with a flexor strain for the Padres.

Jorge Soler’s suspension for his brawl with Reynaldo Lopez was reduced to 4 games from 7, 1 fewer than Lopez got.

Young shortstop Kevin McGonigle signed an 8 year, $150 million extension with the Tigers.

The MLBPA continues to shake up its upper level management in the 11th hour of this CBA, as negotiations are set to begin in earnest on the new CBA.

#Woof: Huskies Add Gonzaga Transfer

Jan 2, 2026; Spokane, Washington, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Steele Venters (2) controls the ball against the Seattle U Redhawks in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images | James Snook-Imagn Images

Washington picked up its second transfer commitment of the offseason tonight when Gonzaga transfer Steele Venters announced his pledge to the Huskies on social media. The 6’7 Venters averaged 5.0 points per game last season on 36.7% 3-point shooting.

Go Dawgs! 😈 #committedpic.twitter.com/7CZ6YWTtnH

— Steele Venters (@SteeleV24) April 16, 2026

This will be Venters’ 7th season on a college roster across 3 schools and all of them have come in the state of Washington (assuming Venters receives a medical waiver as expected). Venters began his college career at Eastern Washington where he came off the bench as a freshman. He exploded the next two seasons averaging 15+ points per game on a combined 40% 3-point shooting pace and picked up a Big Sky player of the year award. That led to Venters becoming one of the most sought after players in the transfer portal that offseason before he eventually signed with Gonzaga.

It has unfortunately been just setback after setback for Venters since then. He ended up sustaining a torn Achilles in the offseason after his junior year and missed that entire season. Then while rehabbing from that injury he suffered a torn ACL and once again missed the whole year.

This past fall he was finally able to return the court and did so mostly in a bench capacity for a Gonzaga team that ended up a #3 seed in the NCAA tournament. Venters started 10 games for the Zags as an extreme 3-point specialist taking 98 outside shots compared to just 16 inside the arc. He eventually fell out of the rotation and played just 55 minutes over Gonzaga’s final 14 games. Venters technically shot a career worst 36.7% from three-point range but still would’ve been 3rd on this past Washington roster in made threes despite only playing 29% of Gonzaga’s total minutes.

It’s clear that Danny Sprinkle is attempting to rectify the flaws on his past two Washington rosters with a focus on shooting early on in the portal this cycle. Washington’s first two adds of Venters plus Davidson transfer Parker Friedrichsen both have a season on their resume having made 65+ three-pointers on 40%+ shooting. The only recent Huskies to even come close to that for Washington over the last decade are Moses Wood (80 made on 39.6% shooting), Jaylen Nowell (51 made on 44% shooting), and David Crisp (74 made on 37.4% shooting).

The Huskies were snakebitten by injuries this past season (given their luck, an actual snake bite is about the only injury a UW player didn’t sustain this year) and so there is certainly risk bringing in a player who has suffered multiple season-ending injuries. But beggars can’t be choosers and the hope is that being an extra year removed from those surgeries will allow Venters to look more like the weapon he was at Eastern Washington.

There’s a chance that Venters isn’t the only local add from Gonzaga in the portal this cycle. PG transfer Braeden Smith is reportedly on a visit to UW per Jack McCauley. Washington is also hoping to hear good news from recent visitors such as Boise State PF/C Drew Fielder, Texas Tech SF LeJuan Watts, and Saint Mary’s SG Mikey Lewis.

Washington has plenty of holes to fill still with 6 members of the team having entered the transfer portal and another 4 either running out of eligibility or turning pro. Three of the departures have found their new home with Zoom Diallo today committing to be the new point guard at Kentucky under fellow UW-Kentucky transfer-ee Mark Pope (plus JJ Mandaquit to Arizona and Christian Nitu to McNeese).

Here’s a look at the current state of the roster:

PG-

SG- Wesley Yates III, Parker Friedrichsen, BJ Roy

SF- Steele Venters, Jasir Rencher

PF- Nikola Dzepina, Lathan Sommerville

C- Mady Traore

LaVar Ball defends son LaMelo after Bam Adebayo tripping incident, rips Erik Spoelstra: 'We ain't getting stepped on'

LaVar Ball, LaMelo Ball 04032024

LaVar Ball defends son LaMelo after Bam Adebayo tripping incident, rips Erik Spoelstra: 'We ain't getting stepped on' originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Charlotte Hornets' biggest win in several years was an absolute thriller, but it didn't come without controversy.

The Miami Heat played most of the game without big man Bam Adebayo after he took a hard fall on the baseline and suffered a back injury early in the second quarter. Replay showed Hornets guard LaMelo Ball take a swipe at Adebayo's ankle, seemingly knocking him to the floor.

Ball wasn't called for a foul, but the NBA upgraded the incident to a flagrant foul on Wednesday and issued a fine, declining to suspend the former No. 3 pick for the Hornets' win-or-go-home game against the Orlando Magic on Friday.

On Wednesday, Ball's outspoken father took shots at some of his son's critics, including Heat coach Erik Spoelstra.

Here's what LaVar Ball had to say in a fiery rant in defense of his son.

MORE:Why wasn't LaMelo Ball suspended?

LaVar Ball calls out Erik Spoelstra

Lamelo Ball's father, LaVar, hit back at his son's critics in a video recorded on the set of his "Big Baller Podcast."

LaVar defended his son's actions, arguing there was no way LaMelo could have taken Adebayo down with one swipe at the ankle.

"I'm trying to figure how somebody could lay on their back, and with their left hand flip over a man 260 pounds," LaVar said.

After calling out media personalities Nick Wright and Jason Whitlock for their takes on the tripping incident and insulting their physical appearance, Ball hit Spoelstra as well.

"[Erik] Spoelstra, don't be making all these excuses talking about you don't want to make any excuses," LaVar said.

LAVAR BALL JUST RESPONDED TO NICK WRIGHT, JASON WHITLOCK AND CALLS OUT ERIK SPOELSTRA FOR LAMELO BALL

🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿 pic.twitter.com/gR53UqIzqX

— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) April 16, 2026

Spoelstra told reporters after Tuesday's game that he believed Ball should have been ejected. 

"I don't think it's cute. I don't think it's funny. I think it's a stupid play. It's a dangerous play," Spoelstra said. "He should be penalized for that. I don't think that belongs in the game, tripping guys. Somebody has got to see that. He should have been thrown out of the game for that."

"I don't think it's cute. I don't think it's funny. I think it's a stupid play. It's a dangerous play…I don't think that belongs in the game, tripping guys.“

— Erik Spoelstra on LaMelo’s play on Bam.

(h/t @ohnohedidnt24)

pic.twitter.com/MIvuaVuS3g

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 15, 2026

LaVar saw the play differently, making the case Wednesday that his son was just reacting to "getting stepped on."

"If somebody falling on top of me, you best believe I'm gonna put my hands up and do all kinds of stuff," LaVar said. "That's just how the Balls are taught. We do some dangerous stuff. Get out the way. Cause we ain't getting stepped on."

That might be how Balls are taught, but the NBA doesn't approve. While the league declined to suspend Ball, a $35,000 fine issued Wednesday indicated the NBA believes his actions were enough to warrant a flagrant foul. Had the call been made during the game, which went to overtime, the result could have turned out much differently. 

MOREWhat is the format of the NBA's play-in tournament?

LaMelo Ball trips Bam Adebayo

After hitting the floor when his attempt to finish near the rim was blocked, Ball appeared to take a swipe at Adebayo's ankle. Adebayo went down hard as a result and went to the locker room with a back injury. He did not return, and the Heat suffered a 127-126 overtime loss.

Is this a dirty play by LaMelo? pic.twitter.com/tPebBPDLDC

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 15, 2026

After the game, Ball regretted the incident. 

"I apologize on that one," he told reporters. "I got hit in the head, didn't really know where I was, but I'm gonna check on him."

Red Wings Must Bring Back Kane

Red Wings Must Bring Back Kane
Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

The post Red Wings Must Bring Back Kane appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

NHL: Philadelphia Flyers at Detroit Red Wings
Rick Osentoski-Imagn ImagesRick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Really, if you’re the Detroit Red Wings, the issue is no longer up for debate.

They must bring Patrick Kane back next season.

Arguably, he’s been their best player since the NHL returned from its Olympic break. Kane finished the season by collecting 24 points (7-17-24) in Detroit’s last 20 games.

Patrick "Showtime" Kane pic.twitter.com/Eq7QSi0eTg

— NHL (@NHL) January 30, 2026

“Important piece,” was how Red Wings coach Todd McLellan described Kane’s contribution to the team this season.

“He and Cat (Alex DeBrincat) are leading the team [in 5-on-5 scoring] since the Olympic break. Just forget about anything in overtime, 3-on-3, or 4-on-4. They’re leading our team 5-on-5 scoring and plus-minus. They’ve been carrying us offensively. It’s not even close.

“So they’ve done a real good job. And I have to tip my hat to Patrick because he’s playing real well defensively, too. He’s trying to get it done.”

The same thing could also be said about the Red Wings and a new contract with Kane.

They need to get it done.

Kane Rejuvenated By Olympic Break

Certainly, there was a time earlier in this season when the question of bringing Kane back was a legitimate issue. He struggled with injury, and then with his level of play after returning to the lineup.

“Looking back on it, I had a good start,” Kane said. “With the injury, it kind of took me a little bit to find my game after that. I was playing well, and then I was injured again.

“So it kind of took me a little while to get back after that.”

Kane finished fourth on the team with 16 goals and fifth overall with 57 points, despite playing only 67 games.

SHOWTIME Patrick Kane gets a HUGE insurance goal for the Wings midway through the 3rd 👀🚨 pic.twitter.com/KJDEDy3C46

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) April 3, 2026

“I thought I had a good finish to the season,” Kane said. “Happy with the way I finished, especially after the Olympic break. Felt really good. So, definitely feel like there’s gas still in the tank.”

McLellan thought the February break in the NHL schedule did rejuvenate the 37-year-old Kane, along with allowing his body to heal.

The coach also wondered if Kane’s pursuit of so many milestones this season weighed on his mind. He notched his 500th goal and 1,400th point this season, along with becoming the all-time scoring leader among American-born NHL players.

“Maybe hitting some milestones and just getting them out of the way, maybe that helped him as well,” McLellan said.

Does Kane Still Want To Play For Red Wings?

On a team that is relatively bereft of scoring in general, as well as 5-on-5 scoring, the Red Wings can ill-afford to allow right-winger Kane to walk on July 1 as a UFA.

Detroit finished 21st in the NHL in goals for (239) and 30th in the league in 5-on-5 goals (142).

Among Detroit’s five UFAs – Kane, James van Riemsdyk, David Perron, Cam Talbot, and Travis Hamonic – Kane is the only one they’ll seek to keep.

The only question left to answer at this point is whether Kane wants to stay with the Red Wings.

“Yeah, I haven’t really thought about it too much,” Kane said. “I’ll definitely be playing. I think there’s more in the tank, and I’m excited to see what level that can be at.

“So I’ll definitely be playing next year.”

Will it be in Detroit? For the Red Wings’ sake, they’d better hope so.

The post Red Wings Must Bring Back Kane appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Bayern Munich News: The aftermath of FC Bayern’s 4-3 win over Real Madrid

MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 15: Players of FC Bayern Muenchen celebrate after Harry Kane scores his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between FC Bayern München and Real Madrid CF at Football Arena Munich on April 15, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by S. Mellar/FC Bayern via Getty Images) | FC Bayern via Getty Images

Die Folgen: Bayern’s 4-3 win over Real Madrid (Bavarian Football Works)

It was never going to be easy.

Bayern Munich and Real Madrid engaged in a rollicking, heavyweight brawl between two teams with an insatiable desire to knock out the other.

In the end, Vincent Kompany’s squad was able to pick up the 4-3 victory (6-4 on aggregate) over Real Madrid, eliminating Los Blancos from the competition. So much went on during this battle, so let’s get into it, here are some quick hitters on the match:

  • As always, let’s begin with a look at the starting XI:

𝗠𝗜𝗧 𝗗𝗜𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧-𝗫𝗜 🆚 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗟 𝗠𝗔𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗗! ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/F2GVf30mYZ

— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) April 15, 2026
  • I honestly thought that the injuries would force Kompany to make some moves — primarily Jamal Musiala or Alphonso Davies, but I was all good with running back the same XI as the first leg. In the end, having the option of Musiala and Davies on the bench was the best way to go and it would eventually pay dividends.
  • What was not the best, however, was an absolute howler given up by Manuel Neuer just a minute into the game. Neuer horribly misplaced a pass to his right, which landed on the foot of Arda Güler. Güler’s long-rage shot sailed into the empty net for an early 1-0 lead for Real Madrid.
  • What a disastrous start, but the Bavarians had a quick response thanks to a Joshua Kimmich corner (!?). Yes, the much-maligned Kimmich sent a dipping line drive to center of the goal box and it met the head of Aleksandar Pavlović, who outmuscled Trent Alexander-Arnold for the goal. The kid has clearly hit the gym. Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin could have played that a lot differently, but it worked out for Bayern Munich.
  • It also marked the beginning of the (bleep)housery of Vinícius Júnior and his mates. Vinícius Júnior immediately answered by throwing two cheap shots at Kimmich. First, the Real Madrid star shoved Kimmich down from behind, then he knocked him down as he tried to get up. This was the start of a lot of nonsense, which — in the end — would work against Real Madrid:

pic.twitter.com/sYpfyEyNsZ

— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) April 15, 2026
  • After the two early scores, Bayern Munich clearly was the better team and handled the adversity better for a stretch, but Real Madrid was undeterred. You have to give the collective mindset of the squad a lot of credit for not just crumbling when things looked bad.
  • In the 20th minute, though, Real Madrid almost sprung Kylian Mbappé because Konrad Laimer played him onside. The Austrian, though, made a superb recovery run to thwart the play. Yikes.
  • The pace of play was frantic as you could see that neither team was overly comfortable and each was also very wary of the opposition.
  • Kimmich had a nice shot in the 27th minute, but Lunin slapped it out for a corner.
  • In the 29th minute, Güler struck again with his elder abuse of Neuer (the poor guy turns 40 and Güler ran him through the ringer). The youngster unleashed a curling free kick that took advantage of Neuer’s really poor positioning for another goal and a 2-1 lead.
  • In the 38th minute, Kane would knot the game for Bayern Munich with a terrific finish after a great pass from Dayot Upamecano.
  • Minutes later, Vinícius Júnior hit the crossbar. The game was just one wild swing of emotion after another.
  • In the 42nd minute, though, Real Madrid was off on a break and Vinícius Júnior slid a pass to Mbappé, who smoked Upamecano in a foot race down the pitch to give Real Madrid a 3-2 lead. Insanity…total insanity. It was a bad look for Upamecano on the play, but you really have to understand — defending Mbappé is near-impossible. Upamecano did have some fine moments to go with those scary times.
  • Before the goal, Antonio Rüdiger definitely fouled Josip Stanišić and play was allowed to go on, which would be a really important blown call.
  • Bayern Munich’s defense was just not equipped to deal with what it was facing. There is no way to sugarcoat it, Neuer’s two gaffes were absolute killers and while no one would likely ever admit it, they had to be weighing on the team heavily. The teams entered halftime with Los Blancos leading 3-2.
  • One of the key factors of the first half was the inability of Michael Olise and Luis Díaz to make an impact.
  • Stanišić picked up an injury at the end of the first half and was subbed off to start the second half in favor of Alphonso Davies:

Rüdiger kicks Stanišić in the action before the goal. Nothing given. Goal awarded pic.twitter.com/lHz3uTrMer

— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) April 15, 2026
  • Neuer had a big save early in the second half, but it was very clear that Bayern Munich’s defense was going to be an issue. The offense needed to score.
  • Jamal Musiala came into the game in the 61st minute and turned in a solid shift. He did not force things or look like an ill-fit with the rest of the attackers.
  • Díaz’s struggles continued in the 62nd minute when he was fed a perfect pass and took too long to shoot at a time when he just needed to one-touch it. Luckily, he would eventually get redemption.
  • Right around that time, Bayern Munich seemed to make a conscious decision to slow the game down and mitigate the constant rushes at its backline.
  • Neuer came up big again with a save in the 66th minute on Fede Valverde.
  • Olise whipped in a good shot in the 68th minute but Lunin saved it away.
  • Rüdiger got away with murder in the game. The only card he got was for running his mouth.
  • Olise sent another good look just over the crossbar in the 77th minute. Something eventually had to go in, right? Well…hold on.
  • Throughout the game, Real Madrid was very handsy and the referee was reluctant to card anyone at times…but Eduardo Camavinga picked up his second yellow — not for a pretty obvious yellow card-type foul, but for picking up the ball and holding it as he walked away. What a dolt move in that situation when he was already skating on thin ice.
  • In the 89th minute, Díaz immediately knotted the game for Bayern Munich with an amazing rip from outside the box to make 3-3 (4-3 on aggregate). Musiala provided the assist on the play with nifty little pass on a give-and-go. After a quiet game, Díaz brought the thunder for the tie-clinching goal.
  • In the 4th minute of added time, Olise iced it by nailing the same kind of shot he missed earlier in the match.
  • Camavinga is going to have a tough time sleeping tonight.
  • Afterward, Real Madrid went after the referee crew, which was a horrible look.
  • Overall, this was about as insane of a game as we have seen in a LONG time. I mean…it was beyond crazy. Yes, Bayern Munich was fortunate and yes, Real Madrid was totally up for this game…but to win this thing it was always going to come down to which team was toughest mentally and that was Bayern Munich. The Bavarians have exorcised some demons, but the journey to UCL glory is far from over. For now, it is time to bask in this victory, and then the focus will quickly shift to Paris Saint-Germain.

If you missed our Initial Analysis, Match Awards, Observations, or Postgame Podcast, give them a look or a listen:

Gunners eyeing Gordon, too (ESPN)

In addition to (apparently) Bayern Munich, Arsenal is also interested in Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon:

Arsenal have scouted Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon ahead of a potential move, according to TEAMtalk. The England international is one of several wingers Arsenal are said to have shortlisted, with Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez their “dream” target. Gordon, 25, is keen to compete at the highest level and would reportedly relish the prospect of working with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. The former Everton player, who has also been linked with interest from Liverpool, scored 10 goals in Newcastle’s UEFA Champions League campaign this season.

LFC, Real on Schlotterbeck’s list (Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg)

Well, Borussia Dortmund REALLY wanted to stick it to Bayern Munich is seems:

🚨👀 Now confirmed, as revealed yesterday on our show Transfer Update: Liverpool (alongside Real Madrid) are also one of the few clubs that can activate a release clause for Nico Schlotterbeck this summer. The fee is around €50-60 million. #LFC

The release clause is not valid for the entire summer transfer window. According to @M_Wessing, it expires around the time of the World Cup final (19 July).

Füllkrug will be on the move this summer (Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano)

Niclas Füllkrug will not be sticking around AC Milan after this season and likely will exit his parent club, West Ham as well:

🚨🇩🇪 Niclas Füllkrug, expected to leave AC Milan in June without plans to activate €5m buy option clause.

Füllkrug would return to West Ham and then leave the club again.

To buy a little time until you really need to invest in a striker of the future, would you consider Füllkrug to back up Harry Kane next season?

Silva has options for move (ESPN)

If Manchester City star Bernardo Silva leaves the club, he could have offers from FC Barcelona, Juventus, Galatasaray, Benfica and the Saudis:

Barcelona, Juventus, Galatasaray, Benfica and clubs from the Saudi Pro League are all in the race to sign Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva when his contract expires at the end of this season, as reported by Nicolo Schira. Silva, 31, looks set to leave City, which has resulted in a host of clubs showing an interest in signing the Portugal international.

Kim, Goretzka both headed to Milan? (Goal)

For weeks, we have seen Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka linked to AC Milan, but one of his teammates — center-back Kim Min-jae — is also on the Serie A club’s radar:

AC Milan are reportedly pursuing two Bayern Munich players. Leon Goretzka is set to arrive on a free transfer this summer, while Min-Jae Kim is also said to be high on their wish list.

The centre-back, currently third in Vincent Kompany’s pecking order behind Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah, has long been linked with a return to Serie A. In 2023 the South Korean moved from SSC Napoli to Munich for a reported €50 million after an outstanding season.

Although his contract runs until 2028, Bayern would likely not block a transfer, having already considered letting him leave last summer. Kim chose to stay and has reportedly accepted his current role, but that assessment could change once the season ends.

Both Goretzka and Kim would have to take steep pay cuts to go to AC Milan. Would they be willing to do that? Goretzka might be because of his age (which sounds crazy because he is only 31), but Kim is still in his prime and likely makes far more in Bavaria than he could get anywhere else.


If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…

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Midnight Mania: FIGHT ME THEN!

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 05: Kayla Harrison is seen on stage during the UFC It's On Seasonal Press Conference at T-Mobile Arena on December 05, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

Welcome to Midnight Mania!

Let’s start the night off by taking a look back over the three biggest stories of Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

  1. UFC snubs Kid Rock, picks Grammy-winning artist to play UFC White House Freedom Fest concert: I’m going to take this opportunity to express my personal opinion that Kid Rock has produced some of the worst music of all time. Truly unlistenable.
  2. Newly-crowned UFC champion Carlos Ulberg admits he ‘lost the belt’ after wild Miami afterparty: Is drinking and presumably dancing with a torn ACL a bad move?
  3. ONE Championship sues top star over ‘multiple’ contract breaches: And here I thought the whole point of One Championship was to transfer investor funds directly to Rodtang?

Insomnia

Kayla Harrison’s comeback to Ronda Rousey’s epic rant is a little more concise.

FIGHT ME DEN 😎

— Kayla Harrison Official (@KaylaH) April 16, 2026

Good show of respect between Randy Brown and Kevin Holland just a couple days after they beat the crap out of each other.

I love friendly back and forths like this after people fight 😂 pic.twitter.com/W4kDQPxKHS

— Jason Williams (@jasoneg33) April 15, 2026

I fully believe that Ilia Topuria keeps it as simple as described here, but his execution and patience are perfect.

Ilia Topuria on how he prepares for a fight:

“I choose a couple of combinations and I work on that all the time. I don’t have much, like 3-4 combinations.

I’m not gonna release those combinations in the 1st or 2nd exchange. I’m very patient”

(via @1on1) pic.twitter.com/pGzMGcPjQh

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 15, 2026

Mateusz Gamrot vs. Paddy Pimblett feels like one of the more winnable high-level Lightweight bookings for “The Baddy.” Think UFC books it?

You talk way too much…
say that shit to my face 🔥
UFC – give me that clown anytime 🤡@PaddyTheBaddy

— Mateusz Gamrot (@gamer_mma) April 15, 2026

It’s so easy to book fun Bantamweight matchups. Throw two darts at the 135-pound roster, and the result will be a banger nine times out of 10.

Bekzat Almakhan will fight Jean Matsumoto at #UFCBaku on June 27th. (first rep. Sportilinet on IG) #UFC#MMA#UFCParamount#UFConParamount#UFC2026pic.twitter.com/W1SubjVODn

— Marcel Dorff 🇳🇱🇮🇩 (@BigMarcel24) April 15, 2026

Let me know in the comments if anyone is planning to watch the next TUF. It’s been a long while for me …

Here is the cast list of The Ultimate Fighter Season 34:

Bantamweights:
Rodrigo Vera (21-1-1)
Abdul Hussein (15-2)
Artem Belakh (11-2)
Xavier Franklin (6-1)
Sean Mora (7-1)
Christian Strong (9-1)
Marlon Jones (6-0)
Micaias Ureña (13-3)
Illimbek Akylbek Uulu (10-3)
Mehemmedeli…

— Alex Behunin (@AlexBehunin) April 15, 2026

Considering many fight fans are surely using the Paramount app, these feel like strong numbers.

CBS simulcast once again pays off for @ufc with the most-watched telecast for the MMA outfit in 10 years

2.65 million viewers for UFC 327 on Saturday. That tops the 2.47 million for the UFC 326 simulcast

— Austin Karp (@AustinKarp) April 14, 2026

Slips, rips, and KO clips

Slick scramble straight into the strangle:

DAZZLING submission 🤩 Hiroba Minowa taps out Karen Ghazaryan with a lightning-fast rear-naked choke! @Hirobad724#ONEFightNight42 | 🔴 LIVE NOW
📺 How To Watch in Your Country 👉 Link in Bio
🇺🇸🇨🇦 Watch Live on Prime
🇬🇧🇮🇪 Watch Live on Sky Sports
🌍 Live TV broadcast in 195+… pic.twitter.com/K6dO9fYXHc

— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) April 11, 2026

Perreira was doing some interesting setups with his movement and stance-shifting before the lovely backfist off a missed kick. Good mix of chaos and tactics!

PFFFF. Joshua "Flyin Hawaiian" Perreira SMOKES Gilbert Nakatani in 38 seconds with a spinning back fist. Perreira moves to 6-0 #ONEFightNight42pic.twitter.com/Mf5jI1i5HN

— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) April 11, 2026

Can’t drop your hands while chasing the finish.

WHAT A COMEBACK!! 🤯

JUSTIN CLARKE KO'S ABDOULAYE KANE OUT OF NOWHERE!!!#PFLPretoria | LIVE NOW on the PFL YouTube Channel pic.twitter.com/8XZZcL0Kqo

— PFL (@PFLMMA) April 10, 2026

Random Land

The internet used to only be clips like this.

📹 VIDÉO – #Insolite : Pendant la coupe des griffes, une marmotte semble avoir déjà accepté son destin… tandis que l’autre panique à chaque coup de coupe. Une scène aussi drôle que totalement théâtrale. pic.twitter.com/qm2lfgyTkN

— FranceNews24 (@FranceNews24) April 14, 2026

Get involved with Mania community in The Feed!

Midnight Music: Folk rock, 1971

Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.

Cubs BCB After Dark: Which Cub makes you smile?

Apr 8, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (2) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Tampa Bay Rays in the first inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

It’s Wednesday evening here at BCB After Dark, the coolest club for night owls, early risers, new parents and Cubs fans abroad. So glad to have you stop by. We’ve got a bit of a celebration going on here. You’re welcome to join us. There are still a few tables available. Bring your own beverage.

BCB After Dark is the place for you to talk baseball, music, movies, or anything else you need to get off your chest, as long as it is within the rules of the site. The late-nighters are encouraged to get the party started, but everyone else is invited to join in as you wake up the next morning and into the afternoon.

Last night I asked you how worried were you about Michael Busch’s slow start to the season. Overall, your level of worry was low, as 31 percent put it at a “2” on a scale of 1 to 5, with one being almost no worry at all. Another 28 percent put your worry leveal at “3” and 26 percent put it at a “1.”

The Cubs clobbered the Phillies tonight 11-2, taking 2 out of 3 from Philadelphia. So we’re all good vibes tonight. Let’s keep it that way.

Here’s the part where we listen to jazz and talk movies. You can skip ahead of you want.


Today we have a visit from saxophonist Joe Lovano with a new performance that was released just this week. Lovano is joined by Julian Lage on guitar, Asante Santi Debriano on double bass and Will Calhoun on drums.

This is “Lady Day.” I’m going out on a limb here, but I’m guessing this song is a tribute to Billie Holiday. Just a guess. 😉


I recently wrote that I wanted to do a full essay on Eve’s Bayou, a film that I really admired. Since I haven’t had time to watch any other new films this week, I thought this would be a good time to do that.

Eve’s Bayou (1997) Directed and written by Kasi Lemmons. Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Jurnee Smollett, Debbi Morgan, Meagan Good and Diahann Carroll. 

Eve’s Bayou is a terrific Southern gothic family melodrama with all the trappings of an adaptation of a Tennessee Williams play with a few exceptions. For one, Lemmons has a lot more sympathy for her characters than Williams ever did. Yes, this is a dysfunctional Southern family, but they mostly love each other and have good intentions at heart. Second, Eve’s Bayou adds in a supernatural element. And finally, unlike Williams, everyone in this Southern gothic is Black.

The film starts with a now-older Eve Batiste (voice over by Tamara Tunie) explaining that “The summer I killed my father, I was 10 years old.” With that, we’re transported back to rural Louisiana in 1962 where a ten-year-old Eve (Smolett) sees the world with very different eyes. Her father Louis (Jackson), is a very well-off doctor who lives in a huge house that has been in their family for generations. He has a loving wife Roz (Lynn Whitfield), whom we eventually learn struggles with depression. Louis and Roz have three children, of which Eve is the middle one. Eve is jealous of her older sister Cisely (Good), who seems to have a much closer relationship with their father than she does. Is this just sibling rivalry or is something darker going on?

Louis is a kind and loving father who adores his wife and children. He’s also the type of good-looking and successful man who doesn’t see the point of limiting himself to one woman. One night at a party, Eve discovers her father having sex with a married neighbor (Lisa Nicole Carson). She’s too young to completely understand what’s going on and Louis assures her that what she saw was totally innocent. Eve tells 13-year-old Cisely about it and while her older sister knows exactly what happened, she also tries to protect the innocence of her younger sister by telling her she didn’t see what she thought she saw.

Eve’s Bayou is the story of how a child’s idealization of her father dies when they realize that they’re just people like everyone else. Louis’ womanizing eventually causes him to fall from Eve’s graces hard. 

The supernatural element comes in with a story told at the top of the film about how the Batistes are the descendants of a slave with second sight. This gift earned her her freedom and is presumably a big reason why the family is so prosperous. This psychic ability is passed on through the women of the family. There are strong hints that Eve herself is starting to gain these powers, but her aunt Mozelle (Morgan) definitely has them. She works as a kind of respectable psychic/therapist for the people of the area. Unfortunately, she believes her power comes with a curse. Mozelle has been married three times and all three of her husbands died. Also, while she can see everyone else’s future, she can’t see her own. 

Aunt Mozelle longs for a family of her own that she believes she can never have. But with her sister-in-law disappearing in periods of depression, Mozelle steps in as a surrogate mother to her two nieces and nephew. It’s not enough to overcome her own sadness, but it helps.

Back to Eve, her disillusionment with her father only increases as everyone around her insists nothing is wrong. This drives her into the arms of Aunt Mozelle’s mortal enemy, Elzora, played by a delicious Diahann Carroll. Whereas Mozilla uses her supernatural gifts as a kind of unlicensed therapist, Elzora is a fortune teller (and maybe a witch) who works at a roadside booth at the local outdoor farmer’s and flea market. Eve making contact with Elzora is what sets in motion the events that brings her father and their family down.

Eve’s Bayou is a film that does a lot of great things with point of view. The framing device is important. This is a story told 35 years later about events seen by a woman when she was ten years old. The narration isn’t unreliable so much as it is uncertain. The climax of the film is told Rashomon-style with the truth here not being relative as much as it is lost to the sands of time and memory, with everyone having their own point of view. It’s also about how the world is never what it appears to be to a ten-year-old girl.

Any film that puts a child at the center of it is going to succeed based on the strength of the child actor. It should come as no surprise that the ten-year-old Smollett is terrific. So is Good as Cisely and it should come as little surprise that both child actors have had successful careers as adults. I don’t think I need to tell you about Jackson’s considerable talents and I assure you that he can give a great performance without dropping a few dozen f-bombs. I’ve already mentioned how great the legendary Diahann Carroll is and Morgan more than holds her own as Aunt Mozelle. 

What’s remarkable about Eve’s Bayou is how many different levels it works on. It’s a good melodrama about a kind of nostalgia for the happy days of a family of the Black Elite in the early-sixties. It’s a coming-of-age story for two young girls and it’s also about how everyone’s little mistakes end up blowing the whole thing up. There’s also that mystical, supernatural element that both keeps it in the African-American tradition and throws a twist into what could be a run-of-the-mill gothic story. And then there is the film’s take on memory and perspective and how it throws everything we think we know into doubt.

All in all, Eve’s Bayou is a great movie.

The trailer for Eve’s Bayou.

Eve’s Bayou is on Peacock and free on Kanopy, Plex and Fawsome.


Welcome back everyone who skips the music and movies.

Tonight we’re in a good mood with the Cubs winning two of three in Philadelphia. So there’s going to be no negative talk here. Just good vibes.

So I’m asking you which Cub has been the most pleasant surprise for you this year. Who has surpassed your high expectations already? Who is the guy who has you excited already?

I tried to pick the players who I think are doing better than expectations. I suppose if your expectations of Alex Bregman were that he would repeat Jason Heyward’s first year with the Cubs, you can vote “other.” But I think these six are a good place to start.

And please tell us in the comments why you voted the way you did.

Thanks again for stopping by. We hope we made your visit enjoyable. Check around your table for all your belongings. Get home safely. Tip the waitstaff. And join us again next week for more BCB After Dark.

Nick Nurse knows the Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics series can be an instant classic

Tatum, Maxey, 76ers Celtics

Nick Nurse knows the Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics series can be an instant classic originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Philadelphia 76ers had a fantastic performance in their Play-In Tournament game against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. With that victory, they secured the #7 seed, which will pit them against the Boston Celtics in the first round.

This will be yet another series between the two storied franchises. They hold the record for the most meetings in the NBA Playoffs at 22 times. Now, they will be playing for the 23rd time, and 76ers coach Nick Nurse is well aware of the competitive atmosphere between the two teams.

Nick Nurse knows the 76ers vs Celtics series will be a blockbuster matchup

As an experienced head coach with a championship under his belt, Nurse knows what it is like to be in a high-pressure series. Playing against a loaded Celtics side will be one of the most challenging tasks of the season.

Since this is a storied rivalry, Nurse knows that the 76ers have to play out of their minds to win it. The Celtics are clear favorites, but the 76ers have the potential to surprise the NBA world.

MORE: The potential schedules for the 76ers' postseason

Unfortunately for the 76ers organization, they have not beaten the Celtics in a series since 1982. That is a long time, and Nurse wants his team to be the one that surprises the Celtics.

"First of all, it'll be a great atmosphere in both arenas. That's always a blast. When you got two arenas that are electric with energy and Playoff time, you got to really look forward and enjoy that. We'll do our best," Nurse said about the upcoming series against the Celtics.

The 76ers would want to flip the script between the two franchises. The Celtics have had their number for a long time, including this season, as they have three wins to the 76ers' one this year.

It will be a challenging objective for the 76ers, but they have the talent. With Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and VJ Edgecombe leading the charge, they could pull off an upset. Joel Embiid's potential return could also be a game-changer for Philly.

More NBA news:

Iran participating in World Cup, FIFA president confirms

FIFA President Gianni Infantino attends an economic conference in Washington (Kent NISHIMURA)

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said Wednesday that Iran will "for sure" participate in the 2026 World Cup despite the Middle East war. 

"Iran is coming for sure. We hope that by then the situation will be a peaceful situation, that would definitely help," Infantino told an economic conference organized by broadcaster CNBC.

"But Iran has to come, they represent their people, they have qualified, the players want to play," he said of the team's upcoming matches scheduled in the United States in June.

Infantino had made similar comments in March, when he attended an Iran-Costa Rica friendly in Antalya, Turkey, even though US President Donald Trump had previously suggested that Iranian players might not be "safe" in the United States.

Iran is scheduled to play its three Group G matches in the United States -- two in Los Angeles, one in Seattle -- with their base for the tournament in Tucson, Arizona.

- 'Outside of politics' - 

Iran's participation in the global tournament being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico had been thrown into doubt by the conflict launched by the United States and Israel on February 28.

Iran raised the prospect of a "boycott" of the competition before asking FIFA to move its matches from the United States to Mexico, a request the world governing body rejected.

After several weeks of air strikes on Iran and Iranian reprisals against Israel and other countries in the region, a fragile truce came into effect on April 8.

But Tehran has sealed off the strategic Strait of Hormuz and since Monday Washington has imposed a blockade on ships coming from or heading to Iranian ports.

"Sports should be outside of politics," Infantino said on Wednesday.

"If there's nobody else that believes in building bridges and keeping them intact and together, we are doing the job," he said. 

The World Cup, the first to feature 48 teams, starts on June 11.

cyj/bb/sla

Dodgers on Deck: Friday, April 17 at Rockies

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 04: Tyler Glasnow #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on April 04, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images

After an off day Thursday, the Dodgers open a four-game weekend wraparound against the Colorado Rockies starting Friday night at Coors Field in Denver.

Tyler Glasnow takes the ball in the series opener on Friday. Right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano will be on the mound for Colorado.

Friday game info
  • Teams: Dodgers at Rockies
  • Ballpark: Coors Field, Denver
  • Time: 5:40 p.m. PT
  • TV: SportsNet LA
  • Radio: AM 570 (English), KTNQ 1020 AM (Spanish)

Oilers' Connor McDavid ties Gordie Howe, Mario Lemieux in Art Ross NHL history

Connor McDavid

Oilers' Connor McDavid ties Gordie Howe, Mario Lemieux in Art Ross NHL history originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Connor McDavid continues to prove that he's the best hockey player on the planet right now.

The latest bit of history will come courtesy of the Art Ross Trophy for the Edmonton Oilers superstar.

It's not official yet, but it's a matter of procedure.

McDavid is set to win his sixth Art Ross Trophy.

MORE: Maple Leafs' president brought AI trade pitches to deadline meetings

How do you win the Art Ross Trophy in NHL?

The Art Ross Trophy is the player who leads the league in points.

The best combined total of goals plus assists takes home the honor.

How many Art Ross Trophies has Connor McDavid won?

This is McDavid's sixth Art Ross Trophy.

That ties him for second place in NHL history. Gordie Howe and Mario Lemieux also won six of these.

Wayne Gretzky holds the all-time mark with 10.

Kucherov didn’t catch McDavid tonight, so McDavid will officially win his 6th Art Ross tomorrow night.

That ties him with Gordie Howe and Mario Lemieux for second most behind Wayne Gretzky (10).

— Jason Gregor (@JasonGregor) April 16, 2026

Through 81 games, McDavid has 48 goals and 86 assists. That's 134 points for the season, with one game to go.

More NHL news:

NBA referee Ben Taylor injured, replaced by alternate during Warriors-Clippers play-in game

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Referee Ben Taylor left the play-in tournament game between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Clippers with an injury on Wednesday night.

Taylor walked stiffly off the court and went up the tunnel behind one basket at Intuit Dome with 8:51 left in the third quarter. He was replaced by alternate referee Sean Corbin after a brief delay.

The NBA sends a fourth alternate referee to every postseason game for exactly such a situation.

Taylor is an 11-year NBA veteran referee, while Corbin is in his 31st season on the job.

The ninth-seeded Clippers led the 10th-seeded Warriors 61-53 at halftime of the elimination game.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA

A 6-3 road trip that showed who the Diamondbacks can be this season

Apr 15, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Corbin Carroll congratulates Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Adrian Del Castillo for hitting a two run home run against the Baltimore Orioles during the tenth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Apr 15, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Corbin Carroll congratulates Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Adrian Del Castillo for hitting a two run home run against the Baltimore Orioles during the tenth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks showed what kind of team they can be during their nine-game road trip, going 6-3 against tough opponents that tested their depth and pitching.

What are the takeaways from these series wins?

Apr 10, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Michael Soroka (34) throws a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies in the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*

Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde

NBA ref Ben Taylor exits Warriors-Clippers play-in game with apparent injury

The worst injury of Wednesday’s NBA play-in tournament game between the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers might have been to a ref.

Veteran official Ben Taylor exited the game in the third quarter with an apparent injury, limping off the court in some discomfort. Alternate ref Sean Corbin entered the game to replace him after a brief break in play.

Referee Ben Taylor pulled a hammy and had to leave the game...

They brought out a ref from the stands to replace him 🙏 pic.twitter.com/f8wYWZnLjD

— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) April 16, 2026

The 40-year-old Taylor is in his 11th season as an NBA ref and has officiated 31 playoff games in his career.

This article will be updated with more information

What is the Chargers’ dream scenario in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Chargers have the No. 22 overall pick in the NFL draft and it remains uncertain which direction the front office will go with needs on both offense and defense.

Gilberto Manzano of Sports Illustrated believes the Chargers' dream scenario would be drafting Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane or offensive lineman Spencer Fano out of Utah.

"You know Jim Harbaugh stays up late at night knowing how badly Justin Herbert needs better protection at the guard spots. The Chargers are set at the other spots with tackles Alt and Rashawn Slater and newcomer center Tyler Biadasz," Manzano writes.

"However, L.A. didn’t do enough in free agency to improve the guard position. Fano might be the better choice for L.A. because he can play guard and tackle. After all the injuries last year, versatility is a plus for this team."

The latest Chargers mock drafts have the team focusing on a defensive end, but there are some experts who have the team taking an offensive tackle or wide receiver in the first round.

It's unclear which direction general manager Joe Hortiz plans to go in, but one thing is certain: the results of the NFL draft will either make or break the Chargers' chances of contending in 2026.

This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: What is the Chargers’ dream scenario in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Red Sox’s No. 2 Prospect Is Hitting an Absurd .524 Right Now

Boston Red Sox logo
Boston Red Sox logo

If you're a Boston Red Sox fan, you've got to check out what No. 2 prospect Franklin Arias is doing down in Double-A Portland right now. 

The young infielder is two steps away from the big leagues and certainly is making his case right now to help this club at some point. In eight games, Arias is slashing .542/.613/.875 with two homers, eight RBIs, four walks, two doubles and seven runs scored. It's a bit early in the season to be talking about promotions, but that's how good Arias is playing right now.

Right now, he's ranked as Major League Baseball's No. 26 overall prospect. If he can keep up this level of play, he's going to jump up that list quickly and should be in Triple-A in the not-so-distant future. He belted his first homer of the season on Tuesday. 

Franklin Arias' hot start goes to another level with his first homer of the season 🔥

MLB's No. 26 prospect (@RedSox) raises his OPS to 1.467 for the Double-A @PortlandSeaDogs: pic.twitter.com/l3DoTa67FF

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) April 15, 2026

Then, it took him just one day to follow up and blast another. 

Franklin Arias' torrid start to 2026 continues as he homers in a second straight game for the @PortlandSeaDogs 🚀

MLB's No. 26 prospect (@RedSox) is 12-for-22 with a 1.502 OPS at Double-A. pic.twitter.com/e7IfyEYkGU

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) April 15, 2026

Boston's offense hasn't been great overall this season. If he can stay hot over the next few months, he's going to give the front office something to think about.

More MLB: Jarren Duran Reveals Disturbing Message From Twins Fan

Angels' Mike Trout joins Tigers legend in 2-player MLB history at Yankee Stadium

Angels' Mike Trout joins Tigers legend in 2-player MLB history at Yankee Stadium originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Mike Trout was on one of the biggest stages in baseball this week.

The Los Angeles Angels legend put on a show at Yankee Stadium, too.

On Monday, Trout homered twice.

On Tuesday, he went deep again.

And on Wednesday, Trout hit an opposite-field home run to keep the roll going.

MIKE TROUT IS UNBELIEVABLE!

The @Angels lead! pic.twitter.com/ewpHMfbiDP

— MLB (@MLB) April 16, 2026

MORE: Bryan Woo was called for the weirdest balk as Mariners played Padres

It's a special bit of history for Trout, too.

He's just the second visiting player to homer in three consecutive days at this iteration of Yankee Stadium.

The first was Tigers great Miguel Cabrera, who did it in 2013, according to MLB Network's Sarah Langs.

It's a cool full-circle connection. Back in those days, prime Miggy was battling a young Trout for AL MVP honors.

Trout eventually overtook the mantle of the league's top player, but Cabrera battled him well for a while.

And now they've both shown they know how to seize the show in the Bronx.

More MLB news:

Why Josh Bell Signing is Paying Off for Minnesota Twins Amid 11-8 Start

The Minnesota Twins didn't make any blockbuster moves this past offseason, but they did sign veteran first baseman Josh Bell to a one-year, $7 million deal. The 33-year-old is earning his money so far, as he has an .807 OPS and three homers with a team-high 14 RBIs through 19 games.

Bell is no stranger to being productive offensively. The 6-foot-3, 261-pounder has a .786 OPS with 196 homers and 690 RBIs over 1,305 career games. However, he played for four teams over the last three seasons, so he could finally find a long-term home if he stays hot. He has a mutual option on his contract for 2027.

Bell played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 2016 to 2020, but he never stayed with the same squad for two full years in a row after that. The Pirates traded the 2011 second-round pick to the Washington Nationals in December 2020, who traded him to the San Diego Padres in August 2022. He then signed with the Cleveland Guardians three months later, who traded him to the Miami Marlins in August 2023. 

The Marlins then sent Bell to the Arizona Diamondbacks in July 2024, and he returned to the Nationals in free agency that December before signing with the Twins a year later. Now, the 2019 All-Star is thriving on his new team.

That's been essential to Minnesota's 11-8 start, as he's been one of its best players. The club doesn't have the most stacked roster on paper, as center fielder Byron Buxton and starting pitcher Joe Ryan are the only proven, above-average players. However, players like Bell and center fielder Austin Martin (.947 OPS) stepping up have helped propel the squad early on.

Josh Bell Finds Different Ways to Contribute

Minnesota Twins designated hitter Josh Bell (56). © Jordan Johnson-Imagn Images
Minnesota Twins designated hitter Josh Bell (56). © Jordan Johnson-Imagn Images

Bell's versatility has been the key behind his success this year. For example, the Texas native homered in the Twins' 13-9 loss to the Kansas City Royals on April 1 and their 5-1 win over the Royals on April 2, but he also walked and scored twice in their 8-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. He didn't get a hit in the latter game, but he still had a productive outing.

Bell has four games in April with multiple runs, three with multiple hits, and four with multiple RBIs. He's second on the team with 10 walks, is third with 15 hits, and is tied for the lead in home runs.

Up next for the Twins is a home series against the Cincinnati Reds starting on Friday. 

Wayne State uses strong pitching to sweep Cougars

WAYNE, Neb. (USF) – The University of Sioux Falls baseball team dropped both ends of Wednesday’s NSIC road doubleheader at Wayne State, falling 7-4 in game one before a 5-1 setback in game two at Pete Chapman Complex.

The opener turned on one big inning, as the Cougars built a 4-0 lead through four frames before Wayne State answered with a six-run fifth to swing the game. In the nightcap, Sioux Falls was locked in another tight, low-scoring battle, but the Wildcats used a two-run third and continued to add on while holding the Cougar offense to just two hits. Brady Schafer’s early two-run homer highlighted game one, while Justin Johnson accounted for USF’s lone run in game two with an RBI double.

Despite the sweep, the Cougars got solid starting efforts from Owen Weadge and Carter Sehr, with both keeping Sioux Falls within striking distance through the early innings. USF also continued to get on base, drawing 10 walks and producing eight hits over the doubleheader, but timely offense proved hard to come by late as Wayne State’s bullpen and defense closed the door.

Final Score(s):

  • Game one: Wayne State 7, Sioux Falls 4
  • Game two: Wayne State 5, Sioux Falls 1

Game One – How It Happened

Sioux Falls broke through first in the second inning of the opener. Drew Miller opened the frame with a single before Brady Schafer sent a two-run homer down the right-field line to give the Cougars a 2-0 lead. USF added another in the third when William Edwards and Mitch Iliff were both hit by pitches, Miller worked a walk, and Justin Johnson rolled an RBI groundout to short.

The Cougars stretched the lead to 4-0 in the fourth. Cullen Verville singled to open the inning, Nolan Drossel followed with a bunt single, and after Dominic Vogel fouled out trying to move the runners, Edwards drew a walk to load the bases. Iliff then worked a four-pitch walk to force in a run.

Wayne State got on the board in the bottom of the fourth on a solo homer, but Weadge limited the damage there and carried the lead into the fifth. That inning, however, changed the game.

A leadoff walk and single put immediate pressure on the Cougar staff before a two-run double to left-center to cut the lead to one. After a strikeout and walk, the Wildcats turned the game around with a three-run homer down the right-field line. Wayne State later added an unearned run on a USF error and an RBI single, capping a six-run inning that pushed the Wildcats in front 7-4.

From there, the Wayne State bullpen took over. They quieted the Cougar lineup across the final three innings, allowing just two hits and no runs. USF put a runner aboard in the seventh after Schafer singled, but a game-ending double play erased the final chance.

Game One – On the Mound

  • Starting pitcher: Owen Weadge — 4.0 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 4 K
  • Decision: Eli Larson (L, 1-2)
  • Bullpen impact: Larson worked the final two innings, but Wayne State’s five-run burst after he entered in the fifth created the difference.
  • Notable pitching moments: Weadge stranded traffic in both the first and third innings, while Larson struck out three over two innings despite the decisive fifth-frame damage.

Game One – At the Plate

  • Multi-hit games: Schafer (2-for-4), Drossel (2-for-2)
  • Extra-base hits: Schafer (HR)
  • RBIs: Schafer (2), Johnson, Iliff
  • Clutch situations: USF scored in each of the second, third and fourth innings, using Schafer’s two-run shot and Iliff’s bases-loaded walk to build the early 4-0 cushion.
  • Team totals: 6 hits, 4 runs, 5 walks, 2 hit by pitch, 9 left on base

Game Two – How It Happened

The second game had the feel of a pitcher’s duel early, with Carter Sehr and Wayne State starter Clement Febus matching zeros through the first inning. USF struck first in the second when Brady Schafer drew a walk and Johnson drove him home with a double to right-center.

That 1-0 edge held until the third, when Wayne State capitalized with two outs. The Wildcats had two doubles before an RBI single through the left side gave the Wildcats a 2-1 lead.

Wayne State added another in the fourth. A walk, single and another free pass loaded the bases before a hit by a pitch forced in a run and make it 3-1.

The Cougars had chances to answer but could not deliver the timely hit. Edwards walked in the fifth with Iliff adding a single, but USF left both aboard. In the seventh, Verville drew a two-out walk and moved into scoring position, but Iliff was called out on strikes to end the threat.

Meanwhile, Wayne State kept adding small insurance runs. A solo home run to lead off the sixth, and the Wildcats manufactured another in the eighth with a walk, sacrifice bunt, stolen base and before a sacrifice fly wrapped up the scoring at 5-1.

USF’s offense never recovered, managing just two hits in the game and none after Iliff’s fifth-inning single. Wayne State’s staff of Febus combined to hold the Cougars scoreless over the final seven innings and finish off the sweep.

Game Two – On the Mound

  • Starting pitcher: Carter Sehr — 3.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
  • Decision: Sehr (L, 1-2)
  • Bullpen impact: Tyler Maeyaert gave USF 2.2 innings with one run allowed and three strikeouts, while Cooper Sanders and Zach Peta combined to cover the late innings.
  • Notable pitching moments: Maeyaert escaped a bases-loaded jam in the fourth after entering in relief, and Sanders worked 1.2 innings before the Wildcats manufactured an eighth-inning insurance run.

Game Two – At the Plate

  • Multi-hit games: None
  • Extra-base hits: Johnson (2B)
  • RBIs: Johnson
  • Clutch situations: Johnson’s second-inning RBI double plated Schafer for the Cougars’ only run, but USF was unable to capitalize on later chances with runners aboard.
  • Team totals: 2 hits, 1 run, 5 walks, 1 hit by pitch, 7 left on base

Key Cougars (Day Leaders)

  • Brady Schafer — Hit a two-run homer in game one and scored the lone run in game two.
  • Nolan Drossel — Went 2-for-2 in the opener and helped spark multiple early scoring chances.
  • Owen Weadge — Held Wayne State to two hits through four innings and gave the Cougars a chance to build an early lead in game one.
  • Justin Johnson — Drove in a run in each game, including the Cougars’ only RBI in the second contest.

Coach’s Corner

“A couple of tough losses today. We got up on ’em in the first game but just couldn’t put ’em away. Had opportunities to blow it open but couldn’t get it done & let ’em hang around & they took advantage & pulled it out…In the second game we couldn’t get nothing going offensively & it showed with us only being able to push across one run. Give their pitchers credit, they did a good job of getting out of a few jams & made pitches when they needed to. Hopefully we get another crack at them in the conference tourney.”
– Head Coach Grant Hieb


Up Next

The Cougars return home this weekend for a three-game NSIC series against Bemidji State at Sioux Falls Stadium. USF and the Beavers will open with a doubleheader on Saturday, April 18 at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., before closing the series on Sunday, April 19 with a 12:00 p.m. first pitch.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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FC Naples falls 1-0 to Orlando City SC on controversial second-half call

FC Naples coach Matt Poland took a long look around an empty stadium at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex after the club's biggest match to date, against Orlando City in the Round of 32 in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

Poland knew his team should've been playing in extra time. A vast majority of the sell-out 4,782 in attendance, clad in FC Naples gear, knew it too.

Wednesday, April 15, marked the first time an MLS team had come to Naples to play at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex, but that moment was largely overshadowed by a missed call in the 71st minute that ultimately prevented FC Naples, which plays in USL League One, the U.S.'s third division of professional soccer, from securing a landmark win in just their second year in existence.

Off a corner kick, Dominick Bachstein found an opening on the back side of the Orlando City defense, and got enough on it to push it past the goal line in full. A sliding save from defender Nolan Miller came afterwards, clearing the ball out after Bachstein and other FC Naples players converged to celebrate the goal.

FC Naples was denied extra time despite a flurry of opportunities late, falling 1-0 to Orlando City.

"I feel bad for our guys," Poland said. "They fought to earn the goal. And for that goal not to be counted is obviously very disappointing. I thought we were playing well enough, and we scored the goal. For it not to count, it's very sad for the guys. I'm heartbroken for them, but I'm so proud of them, and the way they fought, the way they competed, and the way this community came out and supported was incredible. Heartbroken for the results, but so thankful to be able to represent this city."

FC Naples players protest after a goal isn't called during the second half of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 game against Orlando City SC at Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples, Fla., on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Early on, FC Naples looked as if they were getting acclimated to the style of Orlando City, which started in a 3-4-3 formation. The MLS club looked like the better team for much of the first half, ultimately breaking through in the 18th minute.

Tyrese Spicer wrapped behind Justin Ellis, who picked up multiple FC Naples defenders and left Spicer, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft with a free look from 25 yards out. His laser beam went past goalkeeper Edward Delgado to take a 1-0 lead early. It marked the first goal conceded by FC Naples in over 300 minutes of game action.

"I saw the back of the net and was like, let me have a go at the goal," Spicer said. "It went in. I was grateful for that. Being back on the field playing again, my confidence is up. Being out with a groin injury for so long, having a few training sessions under my belt, and playing 70 minutes is a pretty good day. We got the victory."

Orlando City SC midfielder Tyrese Spicer (14) celebrates after scoring against FC Naples during the first half of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 game at Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples, Fla., on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

FC Naples could've trailed by more entering halftime had Yutaro Tsukada's pass to Ellis on a cross not been too far out ahead, as the forward was right in front of the goal with precision timing.

The Lions had a chance to take another 2-0 lead in the 48th minute, with a deflected shot that grazed the outer half of the left post. A mere 15 minutes later, the tide changed quickly, rather fast.

FC Naples started to find holes in the Orlando City defense, peppering goalkeeper Javier Otero from every which way. A stretch of five corners in five minutes resulted in no goals for the home side, including the aforementioned no-call.

Orlando City SC midfielder Yutaro Tsukada (34) drops his head after the team misses a shot during the first half of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 game against FC Naples at Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples, Fla., on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Despite being shut out, the ability to generate those looks provided a promising sight from midfielder Kevin O'Connor's perspective, especially as they head into league play from here on out.

"It breeds confidence," O'Connor said. "We know how good we are. We know good we can be. I think offensively, defensively, I think we've done right tonight, and that little bit of luck just didn't break our way. We have to be able to take this into league form. The league is now our bread and butter, and we have to be pushing to try and be one of the best teams in that.

"We have to take every bit of confidence from this because that's as good a performance against an MLS team as you'll see. We've got got another tough game now in four days, we travel to Portland. It's the next game, the next game's up."

FC Naples forward Christopher Garcia (11) takes a shot toward the net as Orlando City SC defender Zakaria Taifi (19) tries to block it during the second half of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 game at Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples, Fla., on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

For Poland and his squad, they'll be wondering what should've been, as the chance to host the MLS' New England Revolution in the Round of 16 is now dashed.

"They completed for 90 minutes against an MLS side, and should have been tied 1-1 after that 98th minute," Poland said. "As a team, hopefully we take this with confidence to move forward in league play."

Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X at @NP_AlexMartin or via email: amartin@usatodayco.com. For the best sports coverage in Southwest Florida, follow @newspresssports and @ndnprepzone on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: MLS Orlando City escapes against USL FC Naples 1-0 in U.S. Open Cup

Jalen Johnson powers Atlanta Hawks into playoff showdown with New York Knicks after breakout season

Jalen Johnson powers Atlanta Hawks into playoff showdown with New York Knicks after breakout season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

As the Atlanta Hawks  enter the 2026 NBA Playoffs, one storyline has taken center stage: the rise of Jalen Johnson as the team’s driving force. Heading into a first-round clash with the New York Knicks, Atlanta is no longer just a team with potential—it’s a team with a star capable of changing a series.

Johnson’s 2025–26 regular season marked a true breakout. The 24-year-old forward averaged 22.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game while shooting close to 49% from the field. Those numbers place him among the league’s most versatile players, as he consistently flirted with triple-doubles and impacted every facet of the game. Whether scoring inside, facilitating offense, or controlling the glass, Johnson became the centerpiece of Atlanta’s system.

His emergence also fueled the Hawks’ success in the standings. Atlanta finished the regular season with a 46–36 record, securing the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference and avoiding the play-in tournament. Down the stretch, the Hawks found their rhythm, with Johnson orchestrating the offense and elevating the play of those around him. His ability to function as both a primary scorer and playmaker allowed Atlanta to become far less predictable—and far more dangerous.

Johnson ready to show why he deserved all-star selection 

The matchup against New York presents a compelling contrast in styles. The Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson, rely heavily on half-court execution and disciplined defense. The Hawks, meanwhile, thrive in transition and offensive creativity, often using Johnson’s versatility to dictate tempo. His ability to grab rebounds and immediately initiate offense could be a key factor in breaking down New York’s defensive structure.

What makes Johnson especially valuable is his completeness. He doesn’t just fill the stat sheet—he connects the entire offense. Teammates benefit from his vision and decision-making, while his scoring keeps defenses honest. That rare blend has quickly elevated him into conversations about the league’s brightest young stars.

As the series begins, Johnson’s performance will likely determine Atlanta’s fate. If he continues his regular-season dominance, the Hawks won’t just challenge the Knicks—they could very well outplay them and extend their postseason journey.

Nick Castellanos is the reason the Reds got Sal Stewart

Nick Castellanos is the reason the Reds got Sal Stewart originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Cincinnati Reds are enjoying the heck out of the fact that Sal Stewart plays for their baseball team right now.

They have Nick Castellanos to thank for that.

It's definitely an underrated narrative, but it's true. The former Reds slugger, who has since moved on to the Phillies and then to the Padres, is the direct imprint that brought Stewart to town.

MORE: Bryan Woo was called for the weirdest balk as Mariners played Padres

How Nick Castellanos led to Reds getting Sal Stewart

Castellanos was a free agent after the 2021 season, and the Reds extended him a qualifying offer.

He rejected the QO.

With the rejection of the qualifying offer comes a compensatory pick for the Reds when Castellanos signed for $100 million with the Phillies.

That compensation pick was No. 32 overall in the 2022 MLB Draft.

That's the pick the Reds used to pick Stewart.

At this point, Stewart looks like one of the best rising young sluggers in baseball.

Castellanos declined in Philadelphia, especially on defense but also at the plate, and the Reds definitely can't regret losing him.

Even if they hadn't gotten Stewart, it was probably money well-saved.

With Stewart? This sequence couldn't have worked out any better for the Reds.

More MLB news:

Spencer Steer to JT Brubaker: '(Bleep) you, throw the (bleeping) ball'

The Reds shared video of Spencer Steer's contentious at-bat in the bottom of the seventh inning of Cincinnati's 8-3 win against San Francisco Giants relief pitcher JT Brubaker.

In the video, Steer appears to tell Brubaker to "throw the f---ing ball" before Steer singles on an 0-2 count. The Reds deleted the tweet, which included "ttyl" as a caption.

Steer called timeout after swinging at Brubaker's second pitch, and stepped out of the batter's box.

Brubaker waited, went into his windup, and home plate umpire Quinn Wolcott called timeout.

Brubaker protested, pointed toward home plate, threw up his arms and yelled.

Reds.TV's John Sadak and Barry Larkin sensed that there was beef during the plate appearance.

"He seemed at first perturbed that Steer had called time and stepped out," Reds.TV play-by-play announcer John Sadak said during the broadcast. "And then after getting back in, he started coming home before they made eye contact. And that's a particular underscored point for the umpires. You see that from time to time. A very long pause here (from Brubaker), almost to make a point."

Steer then singled into left field.

"And Brubaker goes right at Wolcott!" Sadak continued. "And Wolcott is not happy. He strides toward the pitcher, who turns his back on him and starts to walk away."

San Francisco Giants pitcher JT Brubaker reacts to umpire Quinn Wolcott during the game against the Cincinnati Reds in the seventh inning at Great American Ball Park.

"I thought I saw a little hand gesture from Spencer Steer also as he was running (to) first base," analyst Barry Larkin added. "Watch after Spencer hits this ball. Brubaker's going at the umpire. But I thought I saw … Spence with a little bit of kinda 'take that.' Maybe a little woof."

"A little more fire in this five-run game," Sadak said.

"Indeed, man," Larkin replied. "The boys are competitive."

Umpire Quinn Wolcott gestures to San Francisco Giants pitcher JT Brubaker, not pictured, during the game against the Cincinnati Reds in the seventh inning at Great American Ball Park.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Reds' Spencer Steer, Giants' JT Brubaker have beef over timeout

Spencer Steer to JT Brubaker: '(Bleep) you, throw the (bleeping) ball'

The Reds shared video of Spencer Steer's contentious at-bat in the bottom of the seventh inning of Cincinnati's 8-3 win against San Francisco Giants relief pitcher JT Brubaker.

In the video, Steer appears to tell Brubaker to "throw the f---ing ball" before Steer singles on an 0-2 count. The Reds deleted the tweet, which included "ttyl" as a caption.

Steer called timeout after swinging at Brubaker's second pitch, and stepped out of the batter's box.

Brubaker waited, went into his windup, and home plate umpire Quinn Wolcott called timeout.

Brubaker protested, pointed toward home plate, threw up his arms and yelled.

Reds.TV's John Sadak and Barry Larkin sensed that there was beef during the plate appearance.

"He seemed at first perturbed that Steer had called time and stepped out," Reds.TV play-by-play announcer John Sadak said during the broadcast. "And then after getting back in, he started coming home before they made eye contact. And that's a particular underscored point for the umpires. You see that from time to time. A very long pause here (from Brubaker), almost to make a point."

Steer then singled into left field.

"And Brubaker goes right at Wolcott!" Sadak continued. "And Wolcott is not happy. He strides toward the pitcher, who turns his back on him and starts to walk away."

San Francisco Giants pitcher JT Brubaker reacts to umpire Quinn Wolcott during the game against the Cincinnati Reds in the seventh inning at Great American Ball Park.

"I thought I saw a little hand gesture from Spencer Steer also as he was running (to) first base," analyst Barry Larkin added. "Watch after Spencer hits this ball. Brubaker's going at the umpire. But I thought I saw … Spence with a little bit of kinda 'take that.' Maybe a little woof."

"A little more fire in this five-run game," Sadak said.

"Indeed, man," Larkin replied. "The boys are competitive."

Umpire Quinn Wolcott gestures to San Francisco Giants pitcher JT Brubaker, not pictured, during the game against the Cincinnati Reds in the seventh inning at Great American Ball Park.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Reds' Spencer Steer, Giants' JT Brubaker have beef over timeout

Bayern Munich boss says PSG is favorite in Champions League

MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 15: Joshua Kimmich of FC Bayern Munich applauds the fans as he warms up prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between FC Bayern München and Real Madrid CF at Football Arena Munich on April 15, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Bayern Munich dispatched Real Madrid from the Champions League by virtue of a 4-3 victory (6-4 on aggregate) at the Allianz Arena.

While there was time for celebration, Bayern Munich’s businesslike approach was still present. CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen was asked about the prospect of facing Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinal round and had nothing, but respect for the reigning UCL champions.

“If anyone is the favorite in the semifinals, it’s Paris Saint-Germain. They’ve beaten Liverpool convincingly twice and are the defending champions. We’re one of the contenders for the title,” Dreesen told Abendzeitung’s Patrick Strasser (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).

Surely, Dreesen was never going to say anything inflammatory in regards to PSG. However, Dreesen might have been playing a little coy. This group of Bayern Munich executives has not offered up any juice for the opposition and Dreesen was certainly not going to start now. Surely, though, he has to like his club’s chances given how good the players have been this season.


If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…

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Sal Stewart hits 2 three-run homers, Reds beat Giants 8-3

CINCINNATI (AP) — Sal Stewart hit a pair of three-run home runs for a career-high six RBIs, Eugenio Suarez and Elly De La Cruz also homered, and the Cincinnati Reds beat the San Francisco Giants 8-3 on Wednesday night.

The 22-year-old Stewart has 12 career homers, the most by a Reds batter through his first 36 games since Aristedes Aquino hit 15 in 2018-19.

Stewart is the second-youngest Reds player with six RBIs in a game — behind De La Cruz, who drove in six on Aug. 23, 2003 at the age of 21.

Rookie Rhett Lowder (2-1) allowed three runs in 6 2/3 innings for Cincinnati.

Former Red Tyler Mahle (0-3) started for San Francisco and allowed eight runs with five walks and four homers in four innings, raising his ERA from 4.30 to 7.23.

With two runners on in the first, Stewart hit his sixth home run to right-center. Three pitches later, Suarez reached the first row of seats in right to make it 4-0.

It was Suarez’s 192nd homer as a Red, moving him past Brandon Phillips into 12th place on the franchise’s career list. Suarez had three hits in a game for the first time since rejoining the Reds.

DIAMONDBACKS 8, ORIOLES 5, 10 INNINGS

BALTIMORE (AP) — Adrian Del Castillo hit a two-run home run in the 10th inning and drove in five to lead Arizona to a win over Baltimore.

Arizona went 6-3 on its nine-game trip to the New York Mets, Philadelphia and Baltimore, winning two of three from each.

Jeremiah Jackson homered and drove in three for Baltimore, which has lost consecutive games for the first time since a three-game sweep at Pittsburgh April 3-5.

After Geraldo Perdomo advanced automatic runner Corbin Carroll to third on a sacrifice to open the 10th, Del Castillo lashed a 2-0 fastball from Tyler Wells (0-1) into the bleachers in center for his first home run of the season. Nolan Arenado’s single later in the inning drove in an insurance run.

Ryan Thompson (1-0) pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for Arizona. Juan Morillo earned his first save with a scoreless 10th.

CARDINALS 5, GUARDIANS 3

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Nathan Church had three hits, Alec Burleson had two RBIs and Jordan Walker extended his hitting streak to 11 games as St. Louis beat Cleveland.

Dustin May (2-2) allowed one run on six hits and a walk and had four strikeouts in six innings, and Riley O’Brien pitched a perfect ninth to earn his fifth save and help St. Louis win its second straight game.

Slade Cecconi allowed one run on three hits but surrendered a career-high five walks and threw 87 pitches in four innings for Cleveland, which lost consecutive games for the first time this season.

JJ Wetherholt lined a sacrifice fly to center field off Tim Herrin after Connor Brogdon (2-2) walked Victor Scott II to load the bases in the sixth inning, and Burleson hit a two-run single up the middle to pull St. Louis ahead 4-1.

Church pulled an RBI double down the right-field line in the bottom of the seventh inning after Bo Naylor lined a two-run double off Justin Bruihl in the top of the seventh to cut Cleveland’s deficit to 4-3.

Guardians designated hitter José Ramírez fouled the first pitch he saw in the sixth inning off his right shin and was down for several minutes before finishing his at bat and grounding into a double play.

In the first inning, Ramírez grounded into a fielder’s choice in his franchise-record 6,040th career at bat to break Nap LaJoie’s 112-year-old record.

RED SOX 9, TWINS 5

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Trevor Story homered and drove in five runs to lead Boston over Minnesota.

Connelly Early (1-0) gave up one run, two hits and two walks with five strikeouts over six innings, the longest of his eight major league starts.

Andruw Monasterio had three of Boston’s 13 hits. Ceddanne Rafaela, batting second in the order for the just the second time in his major league career, went 1 for 3 with a walk.

Simeon Woods Richardson (0-3) gave up seven runs — six earned — 10 hits and three walks in five innings.

Austin Martin had two hits, including a home run. Ryan Kreidler hit a three-run homer in the ninth inning for the Twins, who lost for just the second time in 10 games.

PIRATES 2, NATIONALS 0

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Carmen Mlodzinski allowed two hits over a career-high six innings and Pittsburgh beat Washington.

Mlodzinski (1-0) took over for opener Mason Montgomery in the second and struck out five against two walks to lower his ERA to 1.77. Dennis Santana worked the ninth for his second save.

Ryan O’Hearn had three hits for the Pirates, who have won 10 of 14. Marcell Ozuna and Nick Gonzales had first-inning RBI singles against Jake Irvin (1-2), and it proved to be enough as four pitchers combined for Pittsburgh’s second shutout in less than a week.

Mlodzinski began this season as a full-fledged starter for the first time in his four-year career after bouncing between the rotation and the bullpen last season.

While he was excellent through his first three turns in 2026, manager Don Kelly opted to give the ball to the left-handed Montgomery in the first inning on Wednesday in hopes of dealing with the left-hand-heavy top of Washington’s lineup while also allowing Mlodzinski to work deeper into the game.

CUBS 11, PHILLIES 2

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Nico Hoerner drove in a career-high five runs, Shota Imanaga struck out 11 in six strong innings and Chicago routed Philadelphia.

Dansby Swanson homered and Matt Shaw had three doubles and a pair of RBIs for the Cubs, who pounded out 15 hits to take the rubber match of the three-game set.

Trea Turner and Bryce Harper homered for Philadelphia.

Imanaga (1-1) allowed three hits and walked one.

Chicago went in front for good with three runs in the third inning off Jesús Luzardo (1-3). Hoerner’s bloop single scored Shaw from second, tying the game at 1-all. After Alex Bregman walked, Hoerner and Bregman executed a double steal. Hoerner reached home when catcher J.T. Realmuto’s throw went into left field. Bregman advanced to third on the error and scored on Luzardo’s wild pitch.

After Hoerner’s two-run shot to left-center in the fifth gave the Cubs a four-run lead, Chicago tacked on four more runs in the sixth. Shaw’s two-run double ended the night for Luzardo, and Horner capped the scoring with a two-run single against lefty reliever Kyle Backhus.

Luzardo was battered for nine runs — eight earned — on 12 hits in 5 1/3 innings, raising his ERA to 7.94.

TIGERS 2, ROYALS 1

DETROIT (AP) — Wenceel Pérez hit a go-ahead homer in the eighth inning and Detroit won its fifth straight game, beating Kansas City.

Pérez entered the game in the eighth inning as a defensive replacement when Zach McKinstry left after a collision with Jac Caglianone at third base.

Pérez’s first at-bat came as the leadoff hitter in the bottom of the eighth and he hit a 1-1 changeup from Eli Morgan (0-1) over the right-field fence for his first homer of the season.

Kyle Finnegan (1-0) got the win with 1 1/3 scoreless innings of relief and Kenley Jansen pitched the ninth for his fourth save.

Neither starter was involved in the decision despite strong outings. Detroit’s Jack Flaherty allowed one run and two hits in six innings with seven strikeouts and three walks. Kansas City’s Seth Lugo gave up one run and five hits with seven strikeouts and no walks in 6 2/3 innings.

BRAVES 6, MARLINS 3

ATLANTA (AP) — Bryce Elder pitched scoreless ball into the sixth inning, three Atlanta players homered and the Braves won another series with a victory over Miami.

Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley and Matt Olson went deep for the first-place Braves, who took two of three from Miami for their fifth series win. They split their other series, a four-game set at Arizona.

Considered the weak link in the rotation coming into the season, Elder (2-1) lowered his ERA through four starts to 0.77. He limited the Marlins to four hits over 5 2-3 innings, with two walks and seven strikeouts.

Albies put the home team ahead with his fourth homer of the season, a 370-foot drive off Chris Paddack (0-3) that just cleared the right-field wall. The Braves followed with three straight singles, including Mauricio Dubón’s run-scoring liner that made it 2-0.

The Marlins appeared to halve the deficit in the fifth when Xavier Edwards was ruled safe at first on an attempted double play with the bases loaded. The Braves challenged, and the call was overturned when the replay showed the throw from shortstop Dubón landing in Matt Olson’s glove just before Edwards’ cleats landed on first base for the third out.

Riley, off to a sluggish start, tacked on his first homer of the season in the sixth by sending one into the left-field seats off John King. Olson added a two-run homer against Andrew Nardi in the seventh.

YANKEES 5, ANGELS 4

NEW YORK (AP) — José Caballero laced a two-run double in the bottom of the ninth inning that gave New York a victory over Los Angeles, moments after it botched an infield popup in a costly misplay.

Aaron Judge hit his third homer of the series and Trent Grisham had a two-run single for the Yankees, who won for only the second time in eight games following an 8-2 start.

Mike Trout hit his fourth homer in three games, putting the Angels ahead 4-3 with a two-run drive in the fifth.

That was still the score when Jazz Chisholm Jr. popped up to the left side with one out and nobody on in the ninth. But shortstop Zach Neto and ex-Yankees third baseman Oswald Peraza miscommunicated, and the ball dropped right between them on the infield dirt for a gift single.

That came back to bite the Angels, who had played outstanding defense all night to that point.

Austin Wells worked a full-count walk against closer Jordan Romano (0-2), and both runners were attempting to steal when Caballero lined a 1-2 slider into left-center.

Chisholm easily scored the tying run and third-base coach Luis Rojas aggressively waved Wells home. The catcher barely beat Neto’s relay throw to the plate with a feetfirst slide, and the safe call was confirmed after a replay review.

BREWERS 2, BLUE JAYS 1

MILWAUKEE (AP) — William Contreras hit the only ball out of the infield during a two-run rally in the eighth inning as Milwaukee snapped a six-game skid with a victory over Toronto.

Toronto wasted a brilliant performance from Dylan Cease, who struck out six and allowed two hits and three walks in six shutout innings.

Milwaukee capitalized on some good luck in the eighth to end its longest losing streak since 2023.

David Hamilton led off by beating out an infield single. Hamilton hit a ball less than halfway up the left side of the infield and pitcher Tyler Rogers (1-1) was unable to field it with his bare hand.

Sal Frelick followed by hitting a high bouncer that catcher Brandon Valenzuela mishandled after it fell right in front of home plate. The error by Valenzuela put runners on first and second.

Contreras then grounded a single into right that scored Hamilton and advanced Frelick to third. Frelick scored the go-ahead run when Brice Turang grounded to second on a chopper that bounced over the head of Rogers.

Abner Uribe retired the side in order in the ninth to earn his first save of the season.

RAYS 8, WHITE SOX 3

CHICAGO (AP) — Junior Caminero, Jake Fraley and Jonny DeLuca homered, and Tampa Bay pounded Chicago for its fifth straight win.

Caminero gave the Rays a 1-0 lead in the third with a rocket down the left-field line against White Sox starter Sean Burke (0-2) for his third homer. He added an RBI groundout in the fifth before Jonathan Aranda doubled in run.

Fraley made it 4-0 when he led off the sixth with a shot to right for his first home run. DeLuca, batting for Fraley, capped a four-run seventh with a three-run drive against Tyler Gilbert.

Jesse Scholtens (1-0) threw one-hit ball over five innings in relief after Cole Sulser worked the first two as Tampa Bay’s opener.

The start of the game was delayed a few minutes after a singer leading the “Jackie Robinson Day” festivities collapsed. The White Sox said Gerald Chaney, a longtime anthem performer, was alert before being taken to the hospital after he collapsed while performing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

The White Sox have lost seven of nine. They did all their scoring in the ninth to avoid being shut out for the third time in five games.

Burke gave up four runs and seven hits in 5 1/3 innings.

ASTROS 3, ROCKIES 1

HOUSTON (AP) — Yordan Alvarez hit his seventh home run of the season and Spencer Arrighetti struck out 10 in six strong innings to lead Houston to a win over Colorado.

Alvarez, who took Jose Quintana deep in the third inning, is tied for second in the majors in homers.

Arrighetti (1-0) gave up two hits and one run in his first major league start this season after being recalled from Triple-A following an injury to right-hander Cody Bolton.

Houston has won two straight following an eight-game skid. The Rockies have lost six in a row after winning their previous four.

The Rockies had runners on first and third with two outs in the seventh, but Bryan Abreu retired TJ Rumfield on a groundout. Enyel De Los Santos struck out two in a scoreless ninth to get the save for a second night in a row.

Portsmouth Invitational Tournament tips off for 72nd year

The 72nd Portsmouth Invitational Tournament tipped off Wednesday, bringing one of the nation’s premier showcases for senior college basketball players back to Hampton Roads at Churchland High School. 

Long regarded as a staple of the local sports scene and a key evaluation event in college basketball, the tournament features more than 60 of the top senior prospects in the country. Approximately 200 scouts from the NBA and international leagues are in attendance.

Among the participants is Tobi Lawal, a senior forward at Virginia Tech Hokies men's basketball and former VCU Rams men's basketball player. Lawal is coming off a strong senior season in which he averaged more than 12 points and eight rebounds per game.

The tournament field once again features a diverse group of talent, with players representing programs such as South Carolina Gamecocks men's basketball, Villanova Wildcats men's basketball, Miami Hurricanes men's basketball, Purdue Boilermakers men's basketball and Michigan State Spartans men's basketball, among others.

Former Norfolk State Spartans men's basketball standout and NBA veteran Kyle O'Quinn, who once played in the event, spoke about the significance of the tournament and the opportunity it provides for players to showcase their skills at the professional level. Lawal also emphasized the importance of representing Virginia Tech on such a stage.

Including a mass brawl: Wednesday’s Copa Sudamericana highlights

Including a mass brawl: Wednesday’s Copa Sudamericana highlights
Including a mass brawl: Wednesday’s Copa Sudamericana highlights

The Copa Sudamericana also grabbed attention this Wednesday with big wins, but also fights and even injuries. 

Join us for the best of today in the competition. 

All-out brawl!

Olimpia vs. Barracas Central did not end peacefully, because although it finished in a scoreless draw, before heading into halftime tempers flared while both teams were making their way to the tunnel due to the intensity of the first half.

Good and bad for River

Although Eduardo Coudet’s side won its first match in the Cup by beating Carabobo 1-0, it lost Vera and Quintero days before the Superclásico against Boca. Still, they took the group lead with four points.

An epic win

Racing and Botafogo were tied 2-2 very early in the second half. However, Danilo dos Santos played the hero and in the 90+3 minute buried the winning goal to claim all three points. 

Other results:

Caracas 1-0 Independiente Petrolero

América de Cali 2-1 Alianza Atlético (in progress)

Millonarios 0-0 Boston River (in progress)

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

White Sox Minor League Update: April 15, 2026

Reliable relief: Tyler Schweitzer and the Knights pitching staff had a good day, but it was not enough to get the victory. | Laura Wolff/Charlotte Knights

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp 3, Charlotte Knights 2
The Knights (7-9) struggled in high-leverage situations, finishing 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position. As a result, they dropped a close game against the Jumbo Shrimp (9-8).

Knights starter Duncan Davitt only pitched 2 1/3 innings, but he didn’t allow much damage. Davitt allowed a walk and a pair of singles in the second, allowing Jacksonville to get on the board first. However, that was the only Jacksonville run against Davitt.

In the top of the fourth, LaMonte Wade Jr. blasted his first homer of the young season to tie the game at one. However, the Jumbo Shrimp immediately retook the lead in the bottom of the fourth with back-to-back doubles against Tyler Schweitzer.

All things considered, Schweitzer’s relief appearance was a successful one, as he recovered from those doubles and did not allow any other runs in 2 2/3 innings of work. Schweitzer also tallied five strikeouts.

The Knights tied the game for the second time in the seventh, when Jacob Gonzalez picked up a clutch single with two outs to drive in Mario Camilletti.

However, the Jumbo Shrimp again made sure that the tie did not remain intact for long. In the eighth, with runners on first and second and one out, Jacksonville took advantage of a fielding error by Camilletti to score the go-ahead run.

The Knights had some life in the top of the ninth, as back-to-back bloop singles with two outs gave Gonzalez a chance for another big RBI. This time, Gonzalez did not come through, as a fly out to left ended the game.


Rocket City Trash Pandas 11, Birmingham Barons 2

The Barons (4-7) were dominated from start to finish by Rocket City (5-6) on Wednesday.

All three Barons batters in the top of the first were retired, and Rocket City wasted no time putting runs on the board. Barons starter Lucas Gordon’s first inning was no picnic, as the first five Trash Pandas reached base safely. By the end of the first frame, Rocket City had a 4-0 lead, and the bullpen hardly performed any better. Gordon lasted three innings, allowing five earned runs, and the bullpen pitched five innings, allowing six earned runs.

The Barons scored their only runs in the eighth, when Calvin Harris singled, Adam Fogel was hit by a pitch, and Jordan Sprinkle singled to load the bases. Productive outs by Rikuu Nishida and Braden Montgomery resulted in Birmingham’s only two runs.


Asheville Tourists 14, Winston-Salem Dash 7

It was a rough day for the Winston-Salem pitching staff, as the Tourists (4-7) beat the Dash (6-5) handily to even the series.

Dash starter Grant Umberger had an outing he would like to forget as soon as possible. Justin Thomas Jr., the first batter of the game, homered off Umberger to give Asheville an early lead. The Tourists added three more in the first, and they tacked on a pair in the second to blow the game open early.

Umberger allowed two more in the top of the fourth, as the Tourists were relentless. The Dash showed some life in the bottom of the fourth, getting on the board with a two-run homer from Caleb Bonemer. Is anyone surprised that Bonemer went deep? Personally, I’m not even slightly surprised that he was the one to end the streak of eight unanswered Asheville runs.

The Winston-Salem bullpen was hardly more effective than Umberger, allowing six earned runs in five frames, so the Tourists did not give the Dash any hope. However, the Dash did put up seven runs, as they found power down the stretch. Boston Smith homered twice, and T.J. McCants also went deep.


Myrtle Beach Pelicans 5, Kannapolis Cannon Ballers 4 (10 innings)

The Cannon Ballers (2-9) remained cold, losing a tight one against Myrtle Beach (7-4) for their fourth consecutive defeat.

Like many pitchers in the organization, Kannapolis starter Max Banks did not have his finest stuff. Banks allowed a two-run homer to Cole Mathis in the first and another two-run homer to the same batter in the third. The good news for Banks is that despite his struggles against Mathis, he is off to a strong start to the season, as he still has a 3.27 ERA early on.

When Banks left the game after three frames, the Cannon Ballers still had hope, mostly because Stiven Flores drove in a pair with a two-out double in the third. Then, in the fourth, Abraham Núñez went deep to trim the deficit to one.

The score remained 4-3 until the top of the eighth, when Javier Mogollón launched his first homer of the year to tie the game. Just like that, the Cannon Ballers had worked their way back, but the offense ran out of steam after that.

The Kannapolis bullpen was terrific overall, allowing zero earned runs in six innings. However, Jackson Nove did not strand the free base runner in the 10th. Meanwhile, the Cannon Ballers failed to take advantage of their free base runner, so they lost this one in extras.

DIAMOND HIGHLIGHTS: Baseball and softball highlights and scores from Texoma high schools and colleges – April 15, 2026

Tobin McDuff brings you the latest highlights and scores from around Texoma sports!

BB | (15)Holliday vs Bowie | Jackrabbits def. Eagles 5-4

BB | (10)Iowa Park vs Henrietta | Hawks def. Bearcats 3-2

SB | (21)Petrolia vs Electra | Lady Pirates def. Lady Tigers 16-0

SB | Vernon College vs (23)Weatherford College | Coyotes lead Chaparrals 6-0*

Additional scores can be found inside the full sportscast video at the top of this web story.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com.

Leaked GTA Online Sales Figures Spur Confidence in Rockstar for GTA VI Launch

16 April 2026 at 07:53
By now, it's no secret that Rockstar Games has suffered a data breach by way of malicious hacking group ShinyHunters, which threatened to release the data gathered during the breach if Rockstar did not meet its demands. Now, as Kotaku reports, ShinyHunters has followed through with its threat and published some of the information it managed to gobble up during the breach. One figure in particular that stands out among the leaked data is the GTA Online earnings, which have apparently amounted to around $1.3 million per day between September 2025 and April 2026. The actual amount cited is $9,592,109 million per week, with some weeks spiking to as high as $27,889,791.

These revenue totals, which were reported by Lexiture on the GTA Forums, are thanks to a total of 9,937,747 weekly active users and an average of 393,402 weekly paying users. These numbers painted such a positive picture of Rockstar and the promise of GTA VI's commercial performance that Take-Two Interactive's share prices increased by nearly 5%, adding an alleged $1 billion to the publishing company's market cap in a single day.

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Virgin Voyages Apologizes To Disappointed Cruisers: ‘We Need to Do Better’

16 April 2026 at 07:19

Virgin Voyages has reached out to cruisers who were upset about not only a recent itinerary change but the way it was handled. Acknowledging their misstep, the line essentially promised to do better moving forward.

Why Some Cruisers Are Upset

The Brilliant Lady, Richard Branson’s cruise ship, sails on the Hudson River toward Manhattan, with the New York City skyline and One World Trade Center visible in the background under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
While the Valiant Lady did sail out of NYC like sister ship Brilliant Lady, pictured here, she wound up going north as opposed to south. (Photo courtesy of Virgin Voyages)

Rarely are those about to set sail happy to hear about itinerary changes, as they tend to be less desirable than the originally scheduled route. That was most definitely the case for most passengers booked upon the Valiant Lady’s April 6 sailing out of New York City.

Originally intended to be a five-day trip to Bermuda, passengers were informed a few days before embarkation that they would, instead, be sailing north to Canada due to a possibility of bad weather. Adding insult to injury, at least in the eyes of some, was the borderline cheeky way in which Virgin addressed the itinerary change.

“St. John will feel a little bit different from Bermuda,” read one segment of the letter, “with crisp, coastal air and a completely new backdrop to explore. You may want to bring a few extra layers.” 

Of course, for some cruisers, the warning came too late as they had already flown into New York City from other locations. While many did their best to roll with the proverbial punches, some made their complaints public — with a few related Instagram vids garnering a whole lot of attention.

“We’ve Seen Your Messages” 

Facing the situation head-on, if a tad after the fact, Virgin Voyages posted a response to unhappy sailors via their Instagram page. “Welp,” it began. “That Bermuda-Canada email really wasn’t it. We’ve seen your messages, and we get it.” 

White text on a red background delivers a Virgin Voyages apology, explaining the switch from Bermuda to Canada, acknowledging disappointment, promising better communication, and emphasizing the importance of honesty about itinerary changes.

The missive continued: “This wasn’t the trip you were planning for — and we should have spoken to that reality. We understand why you’re disappointed. We agreed we need to do better, and next time we will.”

It concluded by saying, “Itineraries can change for safety, but you deserve us to be real about it when they do.” 

“This Situation Is Not Funny to Me” 

In a separate Instagram post featuring a photo of the dark side of the moon, Virgin again addressed the original email. And as is their wont, they did so in a typically sardonic manner. “We missed the mark. So NASA, if you want to fly our team to the moon next, we’ll gladly stay there and hide behind some moon rocks. (We’ll make sure to bring extra layers, too.)”

Not everyone however, saw the humor. One commenter acknowledged it was a “fun social media post” before asking “But what are you doing to make the situation right? This post alone just feels like you’re making fun of the situation.” 

One passenger who’d been on board the Canada-bound sailing didn’t see the humor in the situation. “I was on that voyage and extremely disappointed,” they wrote. “I feel that the refusal to issue refunds and $100 per person [onboard credit] per person was wholly inadequate… you should have cancelled the cruise or allowed us to get a refund. Sorry, but this situation is not funny to me.” 

SmartThings expands Now Brief beyond Samsung phones

By:Yash
16 April 2026 at 06:51

Samsung quietly dropped a SmartThings update that’s less about smart home convenience and more about something the industry rarely admits it’s chasing: genuine peace of mind for people caring for aging parents from a distance.

The headline feature is called Care on Call. When a caregiver calls a parent who’s part of the Family Care setup, a floating pop-up surfaces before the call connects. It shows the first activity of the day, the most recent movement detected, and local weather.

The Safety Patrol feature got sharper, too. If the care recipient goes quiet for longer than a set window, the Bespoke AI Jet Bot Steam Ultra can be dispatched remotely to sweep the house. The robot carries a camera and two-way audio.

The Care Insight feature now tracks week-over-week shifts in activity, temperature deviation, humidity, and connected device usage.

SmartThings is also pushing Now Brief beyond Samsung phones. TVs from 2024 onward and Family Hub refrigerators from 2021 onward will get the feature in phases. The rollout is automatic: walk near the TV or touch the fridge screen, and it activates.

Samsung’s enhanced Now Brief supports Home Security, Family Care and Pet Care. The function already supports Home Insight, Energy and the Sleep Environment Report.

Through Now Brief, Samsung users can access the useful information needed to care for themselves, their families and their homes at a glance.

“SmartThings will continue to strengthen its role as a platform that connects customers’ daily lives with AI,” said Jaeyeon Jung, EVP and Head of the SmartThings Team.

SmartThings Family Care

The post SmartThings expands Now Brief beyond Samsung phones appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Oppo Reno16 Pro key specifications leaked

16 April 2026 at 07:00

Oppo unveiled the Reno15 and Reno15 Pro in China in November last year. Now, the first details about the Reno16 Pro have surfaced online. According to tipster Digital Chat Station, one of the Reno16 Pro models is expected to feature a 6.78-inch LTPO display with a 1.5K resolution and slim, uniform bezels. Oppo Reno15 Pro (China) The handset is said to be powered by the Dimensity 9500s chipset, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and as much as 1TB of storage, although the tipster notes that the 1TB variant could be dropped. Expected configurations include 12GB/256GB, 12GB/512GB, and...

Charles Hoskinson Says 34% of Bitcoin Could Be Stolen by Quantum Computers in 2030s

Cardano (ADA) price prediction

The post Charles Hoskinson Says 34% of Bitcoin Could Be Stolen by Quantum Computers in 2030s appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Charles Hoskinson used a lengthy video address this week to deliver what he described as a long overdue reckoning for Bitcoin maximalists, centred on a quantum computing threat he says is no longer theoretical and a proposed fix he says does not actually work.

As of March 1, 2026, over 34% of all Bitcoin has had its public key exposed on-chain, either through address reuse or legacy pay-to-public-key-hash formats. That represents approximately 8 million Bitcoin that could be stolen by an attacker with a sufficiently powerful quantum computer. Based on current research timelines, Hoskinson places that threat arriving in the 2030s.

“Not hypothetically one magical day in the future when unicorns fart rainbows,” he said. “In the 2030s. Right in front of your face.”

The Proposal That Does Not Solve the Problem

A Bitcoin Improvement Proposal currently circulating, BIP-361, attempts to address the vulnerability by freezing quantum-vulnerable funds and forcing a migration to post-quantum addresses. Hoskinson spent considerable time dissecting why he believes it fails on its own terms.

The proposal claims to be a soft fork. Hoskinson says it is not. It would require a hard fork, something Bitcoin has never done and, by the religion of its maximalist community, never will.

More critically, the proposed zero-knowledge proof recovery system only works for wallets built on the BIP-39 seed phrase standard, which was not introduced until 2013. Approximately 1.7 million Bitcoin, including an estimated 1.1 million belonging to Satoshi Nakamoto, exist in legacy wallet formats that predate this standard. There is no zero-knowledge proof that can recover those coins.

“1.7 million coins cannot be saved even under the steal your coins proposal,” Hoskinson said bluntly.

The Uncomfortable Logic

Hoskinson acknowledged the proposal is not without merit. The developers who wrote it understand the stakes. If nothing is done, those 8 million Bitcoin will be stolen and dumped onto the market in the 2030s, representing 8% to 10% of the entire supply hitting exchanges simultaneously.

“I understand why they wrote it,” he said. “Because if they don’t do this, that money will be stolen in the 2030s. That’s a fact.”

The problem is the governance structure that would be needed to execute it. Cardano, Polkadot and Tezos all have on-chain governance mechanisms that allow the community to vote on protocol changes in a structured way. Bitcoin does not. Every attempt to introduce meaningful upgrades has been fought off in the name of immutability.

“If you had on-chain governance you could solve it,” Hoskinson said. “We have it at Cardano. But we’re shitcoiners. We don’t have good ideas.”

The Institutional Wildcard

Hoskinson ended with a scenario that will unsettle Bitcoin holders who celebrated institutional adoption. BlackRock, MicroStrategy and the US government are now significant Bitcoin holders. All three have fiduciary or political obligations to protect the value of their holdings.

If 10% of the Bitcoin supply faces quantum theft in the 2030s, those institutions will not sit quietly. They have the resources and the incentive to push through a hard fork whether the Bitcoin community wants one or not.

“Do you think BlackRock is going to have a problem stealing 1.7 million Bitcoin from people and forcing a hard fork?” he asked. “You welcomed them in with open arms.”

The community that spent fifteen years resisting change to protect decentralisation may find that the institutions it embraced are the ones who ultimately force the change anyway.

Is XRP Price Being Suppressed Before a Major Pump? One Analyst Thinks So

16 April 2026 at 06:55
Franklin Templeton Backs XRP While Ripple CTO Explains Why Price Rising Is a Good Thing

The post Is XRP Price Being Suppressed Before a Major Pump? One Analyst Thinks So appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

XRP could be gearing up for a move ahead of the 2026 midterms, and crypto analyst Zach Rector breaks down what’s going on behind the scenes.

He points out that markets are currently stuck in a “liquidity squeeze,” driven by rising global debt, geopolitical tensions, and capital outflows, something even the IMF has flagged. Add to that the yen carry trade unwind, private credit stress, and oil price swings from Middle East tensions, and it’s creating a broader “global margin call,” where assets, including crypto, face selling pressure.

At the same time, inflation is picking up again, with the U.S. PPI hitting around 4%. Interestingly, he said that liquidity isn’t gone; central bank balance sheets hint it’s already creeping back quietly.

Still, he keeps the sentiments slow: expect a “drop before the pop.” A deeper shakeout could come before things turn bullish.

Reason 1: Liquidity Injection & Lower Rates

The first trigger is the central bank’s participation. With economic stress building, he expects rate cuts and fresh liquidity injections. A new Fed chair is also expected soon, potentially accelerating this change. More liquidity means more capital flowing into risk assets like XRP.

Reason 2: Clarity Act & Regulatory Green Light

The second trigger is regulation. The Clarity Act is moving forward, and recent SEC guidance has already opened doors for builders on the XRP Ledger. This removes a major roadblock that held back development for years.

With compliance already built into the system, XRP stands in a strong position as institutions look for legally clear platforms.

Reason 3: DeFi Explosion on XRP Ledger

The third factor is growing utility.

The XRP Ledger already includes a built-in decentralized exchange with order books and AMMs. Now, new layers like zero-knowledge tech are allowing private transactions—something institutions need. Developers no longer face the same legal uncertainty, which opens the door for more DeFi activity and real-world use cases.

Suppression Now, Pump Later?

He argues that crypto is currently being suppressed, both in price and online visibility. He even references comments from X’s product leadership, hinting at reduced crypto reach.

But he sees this as temporary. Just like previous cycles, institutions ignore first, then build products (like ETFs), and finally push the narrative when they’re ready to profit.

With firms like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley entering crypto products, he believes the “pump phase” follows.

All these factors are building a strong case for XRP with better regulatory clarity, and market cycles all point toward a shift before the 2026 midterms. Though the possibility of short-term volatility remains, he sees XRP positioned for a strong move, potentially sooner than most expect.

Ice Open Network News: CEO Cuts Monthly Costs by 89%, Promises New Product Launch in 8 Weeks

Ice Open Network News What Really Happened to the ION Token

The post Ice Open Network News: CEO Cuts Monthly Costs by 89%, Promises New Product Launch in 8 Weeks appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Ice Open Network’s CEO published a detailed update on Wednesday outlining dramatic cost cuts and a new strategic direction, two days after the project came close to announcing a full shutdown following the ION token crash.

Monthly operating costs have been reduced from approximately $400,000 to $45,000, an 89% cut achieved in 48 hours. The CEO described it as moving fast and cutting deep, keeping only what is essential.

“A good idea means nothing if execution is too slow,” the CEO wrote. “That is the lesson we are taking forward.”

What Changes Immediately

The company is now primarily a development team. Non-essential staff, overhead and side projects have been removed. The CEO said he will personally join the development effort to accelerate the timeline.

To fund operations, the company will activate an automatic daily sale of $1,500 worth of ION tokens from its treasury of just over 1 billion ION. The CEO acknowledged this was not an easy decision but described it as the practical path to keeping the project alive over the coming months.

The new product will be built in a closed-source environment during development. The reason given is speed rather than secrecy, with the CEO stating that shipping matters more than optics at this stage.

What the Community Has Not Been Told

In an unusual move, the CEO refused to reveal what the new product actually is. No details, no hints, no timeline beyond a four to eight week window before the first version goes live.

“We are not going to repeat the mistake of overpromising before delivery,” he said. “We will not reveal what we are building until it is ready.”

What he did say is that the product is designed for real-world utility beyond the crypto industry, giving it a broader potential market than anything the project has previously attempted. Growth, he argued, would be driven by genuine demand rather than community belief alone.

The Ask

The CEO closed with a direct appeal to whatever community remains after the token crash and the subsequent controversy around the project’s governance and history.

Give us four to eight more weeks. Whether that is enough to rebuild trust after a 93% token crash and years of unmet promises is a question the next two months will answer.

Caminero, Fraley and DeLuca homer as Rays pound White Sox 8-3 for 5th straight win

CHICAGO (AP) — Junior Caminero, Jake Fraley and Jonny DeLuca homered, and the Tampa Bay Rays pounded the Chicago White Sox 8-3 on Wednesday night for their fifth straight win.

Caminero gave the Rays a 1-0 lead in the third with a rocket down the left-field line against White Sox starter Sean Burke (0-2) for his third homer. He added an RBI groundout in the fifth before Jonathan Aranda doubled in run.

Fraley made it 4-0 when he led off the sixth with a shot to right for his first home run. DeLuca, batting for Fraley, capped a four-run seventh with a three-run drive against Tyler Gilbert.

Jesse Scholtens (1-0) threw one-hit ball over five innings in relief after Cole Sulser worked the first two as Tampa Bay's opener.

The start of the game was delayed a few minutes after a singer leading the “Jackie Robinson Day” festivities collapsed. The White Sox said Gerald Chaney, a longtime anthem performer, was alert before being taken to the hospital after he collapsed while performing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

The White Sox have lost seven of nine. They did all their scoring in the ninth to avoid being shut out for the third time in five games.

Burke gave up four runs and seven hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Sam Antonacci led off the second with a single in his first major league at-bat, only to get thrown out trying to take second on a bounced pitch. He was the second highly touted prospect to debut for Chicago in as many days after prized left-hander Noah Schultz went 4 1/3 innings in Tuesday's loss.

Up next

Tampa Bay's Steven Matz (3-0, 3.94 ERA) and Chicago's Anthony Kay (1-0, 2.45) get the ball in a matchup between left-handers to close the three-game series. ___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Magic lose Play-In game to 76ers, have one more chance to extend season

The Orlando Magic lost to the Philadelphia 76ers 109-97 Wednesday night in the No. 7 versus No. 8 seed Play-In Tournament game.

Philadelphia advances to play No. 2 seed Boston in the first round.

Orlando has one more chance to win a game or their season is over. The Magic will host the No. 9 seed Charlotte Hornets Friday night at the Kia Center. Tip-off is set for 7:30 on Amazon Prime.

The winner gets the No. 8 seed and a date with No. 1 Detroit in the first round.

Desmond Bane led all scorers Wednesday with 34 points in a losing effort.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Křížová, Nylén Persson and O’Brien score 3 straight goals as the Sirens rally past the Sceptres 3-2

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Denisa Křížová, Maja Nylén Persson and Casey O’Brien scored three straight goals in the third period to help the New York Sirens rally past the Toronto Sceptres 3-2 on Wednesday night.

New York (9-2-3-13) and Toronto (9-1-5-12) are tied for fifth place in the PWHL standings with 34 points apiece, trailing Ottawa's 36 for the final playoff spot.

O’Brien tipped in Nicole Vallario's shot with just under four minutes remaining for the game-winning goal. O’Brien, who entered with five assists in her last three home games, became just the second rookie in PWHL history to record 20-plus points — joining Sarah Fillier in 2024-25.

After Toronto took a 2-0 lead with 11:09 left in the third, Křížová scored 39 seconds later for her first goal with the Sirens. Křížová cleaned up a loose pick in the slot and sent a backhander past Raygan Kirk.

Nylén Persson added a power-play goal to tie it at 2-all with 5:07 left.

The Sirens won their fourth straight home game — the longest single-season streak at home in team history.

Toronto had won all four of its road games in regulation since the Olympic break.

Daryl Watts opened the scoring late in the second period with a jailbreak goal. Ella Shelton, a former Sirens defender, gave Toronto a two-goal lead with a sharp-angle shot.

Up next

Toronto stays on the road to play Minnesota on Sunday.

New York begins a three-game road trip to end the regular season, beginning with Ottawa on Saturday.

___

AP women’s hockey: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-hockey

Draymond Green selects Kon Knueppel as the Rookie of the Year for winning contributions

Draymond Green selects Kon Knueppel as the Rookie of the Year for winning contributions originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Before the 2025-26 season started, most people had Cooper Flagg as the favorite to win the Rookie of the Year award. Considering he played for the Dallas Mavericks, winning was never a significant reason behind his campaign for the award.

On the other hand, Kon Knueppel was the fourth overall pick for the Charlotte Hornets, three picks after Flagg. Despite the Hornets not being a top team, Knueppel's arrival helped them reach the cusp of the postseason.

Kon Knueppel's contributions to the Hornets' wins could earn him ROY

As one of the most experienced players in the league, Draymond Green knows what it takes to win awards. He has a Defensive Player of the Year award, which came from anchoring the Golden State Warriors' elite defense.

While Rookie of the Year is a regular season award, it does not take winning into account for the most part. Numbers are often the primary reasoning, but it seems success could be the tipping point for this year's race.

MORE: Kon Knueppel becomes the first rookie to ever lead the NBA in made three-pointers

Flagg had a late-season flurry, where he had games of scoring over 40 and 50 points. It was proof that he can be the more talented Duke product, but it seems that people like Draymond are convinced that Knueppel is the deserving ROY.

"I know everyone says ‘rookie of the year isn’t an award that goes off winning.’ When did winning stop mattering for anything? Basketball is about winning and losing. He has affected winning in a major way. I think that has to count for something," Green said about Rookie of the Year on his podcast.

It will be a fun dynamic to look into because Knueppel and Flagg are both deserving. However, it seems Green and other people believe that being the primary reason behind a team's surprising postseason pursuit.

More NBA news:

Report: Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic, Jake Davis announce return to Illinois

On the same day, Illinois fan favorite David Mirkovic announced his return to the Illinois program for his Sophomore campaign, the ‘Original Balkan’, his brother and ‘Honorary Balkan’ did the same.

Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic, and Jake Davis announced their return to the Fighting Illini with their agent, Misko Raznatovic, telling Draft Express via X.

Tomislav Ivisic returns for a second season, despite his production dropping during Illinois’ Final Four season. Illinois retains a locker room voice and someone who has averaged 11.7 points per game and 6.6 rebounds per game in two seasons as an Illini.

Ivisic has the potential to bolster his production in a third season in Illinois’ offensive coordinator Tyler Underwood’s offense and as the roster continues to fluctuate in the offseason.

Zvonimir Ivisic returns despite coming off the bench. Ivisic averaged 6.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and what felt like at least one electric block per game. Big Z provides significant rim protection and size in the paint.

ZVONIMIR IVISIC ARE YOU SERIOUS WITH THAT POSTER 😱 pic.twitter.com/MVc0x9nsKb

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 22, 2026

Davis returns for a third season as well. Davis found a role in the starting lineup; he started in 21 games plus six in postseason play. Sharpshooter Davis also provided great three-point shooting; he shot 40.6 percent from behind the arc in 2025-2026, specifically from the corner (Iykyk).

With the four returners so far, Illinois has retained most of its production of last season’s Final Four team.

Andrej Stojakovic, the next move is yours.

Short-handed Senators overpower Maple Leafs 3-1 in regular-season finale

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Drake Batherson and Warren Foegel scored power-play goals and the Ottawa Senators — resting six players for the playoffs — beat Toronto 3-1 on Wednesday night in the regular-season finale for both teams.

Dylan Cozens added an empty-net goal and James Reimer stopped 19 shots against his former team. Ottawa finished 44-27-11 to take the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. It will open its first-round series against Carolina on the road.

William Nylander scored for Toronto. Dennis Hildeby made 35 saves after being recalled from the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies on Tuesday.

Toronto went 32-36-14, ensuring a bottom-five finish that will allow it to retain its first-round pick in the upcoming draft. The Maple Leafs were 0-6-1 in their last seven.

Nylander cut it to 2-1 midway through the third when he backhanded a bouncing puck from the slot past Reimer.

Batherson opened the scoring early in the first with his 33rd goal of the season. Foegele made it 2-0 late in the second period.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Tyrese Maxey leads Sixers to win against Magic, clinch 7th seed

Tim Bontemps: Final: Sixers 109, Magic 97 Behind 31 points from Tyrese Maxey, the Philadelphia 76ers advance to the NBA playoffs, where they'll face their forever rivals, the Celtics, in Round 1. Paolo Banchero had 18 points on 7-for-22 shooting, along with 6 turnovers, for Orlando.

x.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Tyrese Maxey leads Sixers to win against Magic, clinch 7th seed

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball has been fined …

NBA Communications: Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball has been fined $35,000 and assessed a Flagrant Foul 2 upon league office review for making unnecessary and reckless contact with Miami Heat center-forward Bam Adebayo that created a significant injury risk, it was announced today by James Jones, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations. The incident occurred with 11:13 remaining in the second quarter of the Hornets' 127-126 overtime win over the Heat on April 14 in the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament. Ball has been fined an additional $25,000 for using profane language during a live postgame television interview.

x.com

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball has been fined …

Thursday's Time Schedule

All Times EDT

Thursday, April 16

MLB

Washington at Pittsburgh, 12:35 p.m.

San Francisco at Cincinnati, 12:40 p.m.

Kansas City at Detroit, 1:10 p.m.

L.A. Angels at N.Y. Yankees, 1:35 p.m.

Toronto at Milwaukee, 1:40 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Chicago White Sox, 2:10 p.m.

Texas at Athletics, 3:05 p.m.

Baltimore at Cleveland, 6:10 p.m.

Colorado at Houston, 8:10 p.m.

Seattle at San Diego, 8:40 p.m.

NHL

St. Louis at Utah, 7:30 p.m.

Anaheim at Nashville, 8 p.m.

San Jose at Winnipeg, 8 p.m.

Los Angeles at Calgary, 9 p.m.

Vancouver at Edmonton, 9 p.m.

Seattle at Colorado, 10 p.m.

_____

‘It was deserved’ — Bayern Munich star says Eduardo Camavinga had red card coming to him

MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 15: referee Slavko Vincic (SVN) shows red card to Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between FC Bayern München and Real Madrid CF at Football Arena Munich on April 15, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by EyesWideOpen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Bayern Munich ousted Real Madrid from the Champions League after a 4-3 victory (6-4 on aggregate) to advance to the semifinals of the competition.

The match was anything but smooth for either team and featured a late red card issued to Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga for time wasting. Camavinga, who picked up a yellow card for pulling on Jamal Musiala’s shirt in the 78th minute ultimately received his second yellow for immaturely picking up the ball and jogging away with it to waste time or frustrate Bayern Munich or both.

In his 24 minutes of play as a sub, Camavinga did irreparable damage to his team. Afterward, Luis Díaz was asked about Camavinga’s red card and felt like it was deserved.

“I think the referee was right to send him off. We wanted to take the free kick quickly and he didn’t release the ball,” Díaz told El Chiringuito TV (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).

Indeed, it was deserved and it is hard to fathom exactly what Camavinga thought he was doing, but Bayern Munich would score twice after the ejection and go on to clinch a spot in the semifinal round.


If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…

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Dates for every game in Lakers versus Rockets series are set

The Los Angeles Lakers' first-round playoff series against Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets will begin this Saturday, April 18, at 5:30 p.m. at Crypto.com Arena. It figures to be a tough matchup for the short-handed Lakers, who are without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, but one they could perhaps win if they get enough production out of their remaining players.

The dates for each game in this series have now been set, and one thing to note is the three days of rest before Game 2, Game 3 and Game 5. That will help a team like Los Angeles that will have to increase the workload of several players, since that obviously translates into more rest.

Lakers-Rockets full first round schedule pic.twitter.com/1fcZ71Yjw5

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 15, 2026

Coach JJ Redick also said that the space between games will help LeBron James.

“He’s 41,” Redick told reporters. “So, yeah. Any extra time off is good.”

James may not necessarily need to have monster scoring games in this series. But he will need his teammates to play up to their potential, especially offensively, and a couple of guys who don't normally play much, including his son, Bronny, will likely need to produce something tangible in this series.

With Game 6 and Game 7 (if necessary) taking place once the calendar turns to May, one has to wonder if there is any chance Doncic and/or Reaves could return by that time. The general recovery timeframe for Doncic's hamstring strain and Reaves' oblique strain has been estimated at four to six weeks. Both suffered their injuries on April 2 versus the Oklahoma City Thunder.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Dates for every game in Lakers versus Rockets series are set

Cubs Minor League Wrap: Cole Mathis’ 2HR leads Pelicans past

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 26: Cole Mathis #16 of the Mesa Solar Sox bats during the game between the Mesa Solar Sox and the Scottsdale Scorpions at Scottsdale Stadium on Sunday, October 26, 2025 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

For those of you asking. Jaxon Wiggins was placed on the injured list today. The Cubs say that they’re hopeful it will be a short trip.

Porter Hodge will have elbow surgery and is out for the season.

Dylan Carlson elected free agency.

Left-hander Marino Santy was promoted to Double-A Knoxville from High-A South Bend.

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs were broadsided by the Columbus Clippers (Guardians), 9-4.

Paul Campbell pitched the first four innings in his Cubs’ organization debut. Campbell allowed a two-run home run in the fourth, but otherwise acquitted himself well. His final line was two runs on four hits over four innings. He struck out four and walked no one.

Unfortunately, Tyler Beede did not have as good of a Iowa debut. He came on to pitch the sixth inning and didn’t managed to get through it. Beede got the loss after allowing four runs on two hits and two walks over two-thirds of an inning. One of those hits was a three-run home run. Beede did not have a strikeout.

Catcher Casey Opitz made his season debut and went 2 for 3 with an RBI single and a squeeze bunt. He scored once in addition to the two RBI.

Shortstop Ben Cowles went 2 for 3 with a walk and an RBI single.

DH BJ Murray was 2 for 4.

Here’s Opitz’s safety squeeze.

See, small ball does work! The second RBI of the night by Casey Opitz makes it 4-0 I-Cubs in the fourth! pic.twitter.com/mD0zweUawG

— Iowa Cubs (@IowaCubs) April 15, 2026

Knoxville Smokies

The Knoxville Smokies reeled in the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (Marlins), 8-0.

Four Knoxville pitchers combined on the five-hit shutout. Yennri Rojas started and gave up just one hit over 3.1 innings. Rojas did walk four while striking out two.

Jace Beck pitched the next 2.2 innings and got the win. Beck surrendered one hit while walking two. He struck out six.

Evan Taylor pitched the seventh and eighth innings. He allowed two hits but didn’t walk anyone and struck out one.

Marino Santy handled the ninth. He allowed a leadoff single but nothing else. Santy struck out one.

Right fielder Alex Ramirez was 3 for 5 with a double. He scored twice and drove in one.

DH Ethan Hearn was 2 for 4 with a two-run double. He went 2 for 4 and was hit by a pitch. Hearn also stole a base.

Miguel Useche added an insurance run with a pinch-hit home run in the top of the ninth.

Some Smokies highlights from the fourth inning.

Counting by ✌️

Smokies up 4–0 🐻⚾️#SmokiesCountrypic.twitter.com/ooo0AvlY1e

— Knoxville Smokies (@smokiesbaseball) April 16, 2026

South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs filleted the Beloit Sky Carp (Marlins), 9-5.

Starter Kevin Valdez struggled tonight, giving up three in the first inning and two in the fourth. His final line was five runs on five hits over 3.1 innings. Valdez walked two, hit one batter and struck out three.

Ethan Bell relieved Valdez in the fourth and while he did let two (out of three) inherited runners to score, he didn’t allow any runs of his own and took home his first South Bend win. Bell allowed no runs and no hits. He walked one and struck out one over 1.2 innings.

Ethan Flanagan pitched the final four innings without giving up a run for the save. Flanagan allowed just two hits while striking out seven and walking no one.

Right fielder Kade Snell gave South Bend the lead for good in the bottom of the fourth with an two-run single. Snell also had an RBI ground out earlier in the game and a sacrifice fly later. That gave him four RBI on a 1 for 4 game. Snell also stole a base.

First baseman Cameron Sisneros clubbed a solo home run in the seventh inning. It was his second on the year. Sisneros went 3 for 4 with two RBI.

Catcher Owen Ayers tacked on an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth with a solo home run. It was his fourth home run already this season and third in as many games. Ayers went 2 for 4 with a walk and two runs scored.

Second baseman Drew Bowser was 2 for 3 with a walk. He scored once.

An RBI triple for Leonel Espinoza. He was 1 for 4 and was hit by a pitch. He scored twice.

Three for Espy!#SBCubspic.twitter.com/fT3BT52LWV

— South Bend Cubs (@SBCubs) April 15, 2026

Easy power out of Sisneros.

Swing it, Sis. 💥

His second @hoosierlottery home run this season!#SBCubspic.twitter.com/1Bf4sJQExU

— South Bend Cubs (@SBCubs) April 16, 2026

Ayers’ home run.

Three straight games with a @hoosierlottery home run for Owen Ayers!#SBCubspic.twitter.com/PrfnlP9PTq

— South Bend Cubs (@SBCubs) April 16, 2026

Myrtle Beach Pelicans

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans melted down the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (White Sox), 5-4 in 10 innings.

Starter Dominick Reid surrendered three runs on four hits over 3.1 innings. He walked three and srtuck out five.

Eli Jerzembeck provided solid relief after not giving up a run over 2.2 innings. He allowed two hits and walked one while striking out four.

Ben Johnson pitched the top of the tenth, didn’t allow a run and got the win. After balking the automatic runner over to third with no outs, Johnson escaped with a walk, a caught stealing and two strikeouts. Johnson walked two batters total.

First baseman Cole Mathis provided most of the offense tonight with two two-run home runs. The first came in the bottom of the first and the second one was in the third. Mathis now has six home runs in just 11 games. He just missed a home run later in the game and had to settle for a double. Mathis went 4 for 5 with the double and two home runs.

Left fielder Jose Escobar singled home the winning run in the bottom of the tenth. Escobar was 3 for 4 and was hit by a pitch.

Shortstop Ty Southisene was 1 for 2 with two walks. He scored one run.

The two Mathis home runs.

SCHEDULED TWEET: COLE MATHIS HITS A HOME RUN pic.twitter.com/Vy77E4CB1T

— Myrtle Beach Pelicans (@Pelicanbaseball) April 15, 2026

COLE MATHIS CAPS LOCK TWEETS FOREVER!!!! pic.twitter.com/JFnKAFyans

— Myrtle Beach Pelicans (@Pelicanbaseball) April 15, 2026

Escobar sends everyone home happy.

LET'S GO HOME! pic.twitter.com/4ZXPNhzwH6

— Myrtle Beach Pelicans (@Pelicanbaseball) April 16, 2026

Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton earns school's Big Ten Medal of Honor

As if Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton hasn't done enough in his career (ahem, all-time leading scorer, anyone), he's still winning awards even after the season has concluded.

Case in point, this week, Thornton was honored as the school's Big Ten Medal of Honor recipient, which is handed out to a male and female athlete from each conference institution annually for attaining "the greatest proficiency in athletics and scholastic work." So yeah, it's an award that merits on the field and the scholastic, so you can bet mama will be proud.

It's the greatest all-around award an athlete can win in the Big Ten and has been around since 1915. According to a release, the award "celebrates excellence in both academic and athletic arenas, recognizing student-athletes who demonstrate outstanding leadership, academic achievement, and competitive success."

Thornton was one of 11 nominated for the award and came away as Ohio State's recipient. He is the 13th men's basketball player to win the award at Ohio State, and the first since Aaron Craft in 2014. He will be remembered as one of the best basketball players to wear the Scarlet and Gray. He finished his career in first place at OSU in points scored with 2,164 points and was a three-time All-Big Ten performer and earned Honorable Mention AP All-American accolades this past season.

Big time honor for Bruce Thornton 🌰

He’s the Men’s Ohio State Big Ten Medal of Honor Recipient 🗣️@OhioStateHoops | #GoBuckspic.twitter.com/saJzKWuXfP

— Ohio State Buckeyes 🌰 (@OhioStAthletics) April 13, 2026

It'll be a little strange not seeing Thornton out there when the basketball season tips off this coming winter, but though he's no longer with the program, his legacy and achievements will live on forever.

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.

This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State star Bruce Thornton awarded school's Big Ten Medal of Honor

Jaire Alexander opens up on Ravens stint, mental health

Jaire Alexander Reflects on Ravens Stint, Opens Up About Confidence, “Internal Battles”

Former Ravens cornerback Jaire Alexander offered a candid and emotional reflection on his time in Baltimore in a recent Instagram post, opening up about the challenges he faced both on and off the field.

Alexander described the difficulty of navigating a stretch where his confidence began to slip, something he acknowledged is critical to playing the cornerback position at a high level.

“As much as I loved Baltimore , I didn’t love the position I was in . I had a bunch of internal battles with myself, I didn’t have that confidence in my abilities I once did . At corner you need ultimate confidence in your abilities and I felt it slipping away . It was at this moment I contemplated if I was making the right decision for my career . What helped me get through these times was not only God & my family but I had some really cool teammates who made it fun to be there . I felt as if I let the organization down . My family and friends would drive up to see me and I wasn’t even playing in the games . I never questioned God but why me . All this while having a smile on my face . football is a true gladiator sport , and once the confidence has gone it’s time to hang it up . Thank you Flock nation for embracing me. Thank you EDC for believing in me & Thank you for the unlimited therapy sessions I had to encounter to help me with my time there . I am so grateful for the experience .”

Screenshot

The message offers a rare look into the mental side of the game, particularly at a position where confidence and short memory are often the difference between success and struggle. For Alexander, it also served as a moment of gratitude — acknowledging both the support system around him and the organization that gave him an opportunity.

While his time in Baltimore didn’t unfold the way he or the team may have envisioned, the respect and appreciation he expressed stood out. It’s a reminder that behind every roster move is a personal journey — and in Alexander’s case, one he was willing to share openly as he turns the page.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Jaire Alexander shares emotional message on Ravens tenure

NBA says LaMelo Ball's takedown of Bam Adebayo should have been called flagrant, merited ejection

MIAMI (AP) — Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball should have been ejected for an uncalled flagrant foul when he reached out and tugged on the ankle of Miami’s Bam Adebayo, causing a back injury that forced Adebayo out of a play-in tournament game, the NBA said Wednesday.

The league said Ball made “unnecessary and reckless contact” with Adebayo on Tuesday night. Ball was fined $60,000 for the foul and for using profanity in an interview, but he remains eligible to play in the Hornets' elimination game Friday against Orlando.

The flagrant foul from Tuesday’s game, if called in real time, would have resulted in Miami being awarded two free throws and possession of the ball. The Heat wound up losing 127-126 in overtime, ending their season.

The NBA said a flagrant foul, penalty two, was merited. If that had been called, Ball would have been ejected.

Adebayo was hurt early in the second quarter and did not return, leaving Miami without its best player. Ball made the decisive layup for the Hornets in overtime.

While he lauded the way Charlotte played, Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said he felt Ball should have been ejected and wondered how officials Zach Zarba, Curtis Blair and Gediminas Petraitis all missed the incident.

“I don’t think that belongs in the game, tripping guys, shenanigans,” Spoelstra said. “Curtis was there. It’s his responsibility to see that. And if it’s not his responsibility, then Zach’s got to see it. Somebody’s got to see that. He should have been thrown out of the game for that. I don’t know him from anyone. There’s no place in the game for that.”

Per NBA rules, the Heat could not challenge the ruling on the play because no foul was called. Play continued, leaving no opportunity for a replay review.

“The play wasn’t whistled in real time,” Zarba told a pool reporter. “Play continued with a fast break. And because play wasn’t stopped immediately, and there was no whistle on the play, the window to review the play was closed.”

Ball was fined $35,000 for the foul on Adebayo. He was fined $25,000 for using profanity in an on-court postgame interview. The league did not publicly address a separate incident where Ball struck Charlotte’s mascot during the postgame celebration.

Tuesday's play was reminiscent of one during a game at Miami in January 2024, when Ball grabbed at Adebayo’s leg as the Heat center was running to the other end of the court. Adebayo stumbled but did not fall.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

FanDuel Sports Network Detroit broadcasts its final game

That'll just about close the book on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit.

The regional-sports network, long the home of Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons games, reached the end of its run following Wednesday night's 8-1 season-ending loss by the Red Wings to the Florida Panthers. Main Street Sports Group, the parent company of FDSN Detroit and several other RSNs, is poised to shutter after the NHL and NBA seasons amid a bleak financial outlook.

Main Street Sports Group emerged from bankruptcy in January 2025 and reworked deals with multiple Major League Baseball, NHL and NBA teams that took lower rights fees, including the Tigers, Red Wings and Pistons.

John Keating

The Tigers moved on this season, to a new network, Detroit SportsNet, which is being produced under the MLB Media umbrella. The Red Wings, who like the Tigers are owned by the Ilitch family, will follow the Tigers to Detroit SportsNet for 2026-27, in a first-of-its kind partnership between an NHL team and MLB.

The Pistons, owed by Tom Gores, have not announced their streaming and TV broadcasting plans for 2026-27. The Pistons' season isn't over, but the regular season is complete. The Pistons begin the playoffs Sunday at Little Caesars Arena, and the NBA playoffs are broadcast on national streaming and TV platforms.

Longtime television personalities from the Detroit RSN scene said their goodbyes on social media Wednesday.

"What fun we had," John Keating, who retired in 2025 after a decades-long run with PASS, Fox Sports Detroit, Bally Sports Detroit and FanDuel Sports Network Detroit, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday.

"Cheers to all who worked together."

Trevor Thompson responded to Keating's messages on X, writing: "It was an honor and a pleasure to be along for the ride with you for so many amazing events, unforgettable memories, and countless laughs along the way, Keats. I wouldn't have traded this amazing journey we were on for all these years for anything!"

The Fox Sports/Bally/FanDuel Sports run ends tonight. It’s the last game ever. This was shared with me today, from when smiles were everywhere. What fun we had. Cheers to all who worked together! pic.twitter.com/ZAzHO8FF4u

— John Keating (@JohnKeatingTV) April 15, 2026

Main Street Sports Group, ultimately done in by the growing trend of cord-cutting, hasn't formally announced when exactly it will cease operations, but that's widely expected to happen in the coming days, as it's been shutting offices and slimming down regional offices, including in Metro Detroit, for several months.

Detroit SportsNet launched on Tigers Opening Day, March 26 for the game in San Diego, and is available on traditional cable through most major carriers and via streaming through MLB.TV. It costs about $20 a month, similar to the cost of FanDuel Sports Network Detroit, with a discount for buying an annual subscription. When the Red Wings make the move to Detroit SportsNet next season, subscribers will get Tigers and Red Wings games.

For the foreseeable future, Detroit SportsNet is expected to be mostly dark when games aren't being played, unlike the RSNs throughout the years that carried 24-7 local and national programming.

For Tigers fans who don't subscribe, the team is airing several games on over-the-air (free) TV in 2026.

tpaul@detroitnews.com

@tonypaul1984

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit broadcasts its final game

🎥 Corinthians deadly in the air, beat Santa Fe, stay perfect in Liberta

🎥 Corinthians deadly in the air, beat Santa Fe, stay perfect in Liberta

Fernando Diniz's Corinthians maintained their 100% record in the 2026 Libertadores.

The feat was achieved thanks to a 2-0 win over Independiente Santa Fe this Wednesday (15).

Raniele and Gustavo Henrique secured the three points for the leaders at Neo Química Arena. 

Check out the highlights soon. 



More football was missing

Corinthians had more control of the action in the first half.

But without posing any real danger.

Garro (from a free kick) and Gustavo Henrique (in the air) had the best chances.

Diniz's men lacked more inspiration.

Santa Fe, meanwhile, also created little. Rodallega was — as expected — a cause for concern. 


Center-backs make the difference

Mosquera was called into action right after the break.

And Corinthians scored the goal they had been deserving.

A corner kick, with Gustavo Henrique involved before Raniele celebrated (51'). 

Santa Fe did not feel pinned back and tried to surprise Corinthians after a drop in intensity.

Then — already with some changes in midfield — Timão doubled the lead, with the move starting from Garro.

A free kick taken by the No. 8 and a stylish finish (with the knee) by Gustavo Henrique (80').

Corinthians were efficient, remain unbeaten under Diniz, and are starting to put their place in the Libertadores round of 16 on track. 


📊 Standings and schedule 📅

Corinthians moved to the already mentioned six points in Group E.

Leaving Santa Fe on one.

Peñarol (one) and Platense (zero) will face each other this Thursday (16) in Montevideo.

Timão will return to Libertadores action on the 30th of this month, when they host Peñarol in Itaquera. 

A day earlier, the Colombian side will visit Platense.

Timão's next match will be on Saturday (18). 

They travel to Salvador to face Vitória in round 12 of the Brasileirão. 


This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

🎥 Football sensation 🇦🇷 and Liberta debutant makes history at Maracanã

🎥 Football sensation 🇦🇷 and Liberta debutant makes history at Maracanã

Champions of the 2025 Copa Argentina and the best team in the current Argentine league season, Independiente Rivadavia had a special night this Wednesday (15).

The Libertadores debutants’ first international trip in their history ended with a win right at the Maracanã.

Rivadavia fell behind, but came from behind to beat Fluminense 2-1.

The match was valid for the second round of Group C in the competition.

The result left Tricolor in a delicate situation. 

And ended a five-year unbeaten home run in international tournaments. 



Arana scores, but...

One of the new faces in the starting XI, Arana opened the scoring after a good passing move. 

The Argentine side came back well after the hydration break.

And punished Flu in the air before halftime. 

The comeback came after Zubeldía’s team had a corner in its favor.

The counterattack proved lethal after a string of mistakes and a goal from top scorer Alex Arce. 

Zubeldía even took off a center-back to drop Bernal deeper — in classic Diniz "style."

Even youngster Wesley Natã, who will turn 18 on Saturday (18), was brought on. 

Fluminense pushed. But failed to save at least a point.


Standings situation 📊

Flu remain on just one point in Group C — the same as Bolívar. 

Rivadavia, meanwhile, moved up to six. Completing the group is La Guaira, who have two. 

Tricolor now face two straight away matches: against Bolívar and then Rivadavia. 

They will need at least four points to avoid getting into even deeper trouble. 


This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

USOPC 'quite confident' of LA28 direction amid ticket sales uproar

Casey Wasserman, chairman of the LA28 committee, speaks at a launch party for Fanatics Studio on Jan. 13.
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee leadership said it continues to monitor LA28 chairman Casey Wasserman's "impact on our community," but did not call for his removal after he was mentioned in the Epstein files. (Chris Pizzello / Chris Pizzello/invision/ap)

Fans are frustrated with LA28. City Council members are battling over billions of dollars and overdue contracts. But in front of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee board of directors, LA28 found support for the private organizing committee’s progress with a little more than two years remaining before the Games open in L.A.

Despite pushback from locals, LA28 leadership, including chief executive officer Reynold Hoover and chief executive officer responsible for revenue John Slusher, spoke to the USOPC on Wednesday about the ticket sale process, explained the superbloom-inspired look of the Games and celebrated the committee’s recent commercial success that surpassed more than $2 billion in sponsorship agreements.

“We were quite encouraged to hear from them,” USOPC chair Gene Sykes said during a conference call Wednesday after a board of directors meeting, “and quite confident in the direction of LA28 from an operational standpoint.”

The private group responsible for bringing the Games back to L.A. for the first time in four decades opened ticket sales this month after attracting a record number of interested fans. The first week of sales — reserved for locals in Southern California and Oklahoma City near competition venues — “significantly exceeded first-week sales for any previous Olympic Games,” LA28 said in a statement.

Read more:Commentary: LA28's first Olympics ticket drop flops, leaving locals locked out of nearby events

But many fans were shocked to see opening ceremony tickets topping $5,000. They complained about a shortage of options for the most in-demand sports and were surprised to see a 24% service fee. Global sales opened on April 9 and many of the problems, including website glitches and unavailable tickets, persisted.

The USOPC board discussed the fee with LA28, and recognized that it is “part of a framework that is a framework they accept," Sykes said, "as opposed to challenging it or trying to make it something different."

The fee is included in the listed price of the tickets, which start at $28. There will be 1 million tickets sold at $28 each, and nearly half of the Olympic tickets are under $200. More than 75% are under $400 and about 5% of tickets are more than $1,000.

“I know they're thinking very, very seriously about how to manage the ticket activity so that it satisfies everybody,” Sykes said.

Read more:Q&A: After LA28's first Olympics ticket drop, what's next and where are those $28 tickets?

LA28 will have 14 million tickets available between the Olympics and Paralympics, which would break Paris 2024’s record of 12 million tickets sold. The current ticket drop, which is open to fans worldwide, ends April 19. LA28 expects to have a second drop this year, but has not released specific details about when.

Ticket headaches have added to a controversial run-up to the Games for LA28, which also faced backlash after chairman Casey Wasserman was mentioned in the Epstein files released in February. The LA28 executive committee backed Wasserman after a review with the assistance of outside counsel. Wasserman announced that month he would sell his talent agency but planned to continue working with LA28.

When asked Wednesday what the USOPC board believed Wasserman’s role with LA28 should be moving forward, Sykes said the organizations have had discussions and are monitoring the “impact on our community.” But it is ultimately the LA28 board’s decision to select its chair. Wasserman was appointed by former Mayor Eric Garcetti to lead the Olympic effort in 2014.

“Separate from the LA28 board … LA28's leadership Reynold Hoover and John Slusher, but many other people among the hundreds of people who work for LA28 have continued to assemble a very strong team,” Sykes said, “and show measurable progress on all the fundamental things that they need to do to make the Games a very, very strong Games, and have a remarkable experience. We remain very confident that that progress is both evident and very solid and that [it] will involve the planning with partners, athlete engagement, public support and corporate interest, all of which remain very strong, and I think, very encouraging. The ongoing committee is executing effectively, and we're very happy to work with them.”

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Brewers snap 6-game skid by beating Blue Jays 2-1 with bizarre rally in 8th

MILWAUKEE (AP) — William Contreras hit the only ball out of the infield during a two-run rally in the eighth inning as the Milwaukee Brewers snapped a six-game skid with a 2-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday night.

Toronto wasted a brilliant performance from Dylan Cease, who struck out six and allowed two hits and three walks in six shutout innings.

Milwaukee capitalized on some good luck in the eighth to end its longest losing streak since 2023.

David Hamilton led off by beating out an infield single. Hamilton hit a ball less than halfway up the left side of the infield and pitcher Tyler Rogers (1-1) was unable to field it with his bare hand.

Sal Frelick followed by hitting a high bouncer that catcher Brandon Valenzuela mishandled after it fell right in front of home plate. The error by Valenzuela put runners on first and second.

Contreras then grounded a single into right that scored Hamilton and advanced Frelick to third. Frelick scored the go-ahead run when Brice Turang grounded to second on a chopper that bounced over the head of Rogers.

Abner Uribe retired the side in order in the ninth to earn his first save of the season. The Brewers turned to Uribe in the ninth after Trevor Megill blew a save opportunity by allowing three runs in the ninth inning of a 9-7, 10-inning loss to Toronto on Tuesday.

Milwaukee's Chad Patrick matched a career high by working 6 2/3 innings and allowed just one run along with three hits. He struck out two and walked two.

Toronto scored in the first inning. Daulton Varsho drew a one-out walk, advanced to third on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s base hit to right and came home on Jesús Sánchez's sacrifice fly.

The Blue Jays left two runners on in the seventh and eighth innings. Aaron Ashby (4-0) struck out Myles Straw to strand runners on first and second in the eighth.

Up next

Patrick Corbin (0-0. 9.00 ERA) pitches for Toronto and Brandon Sproat (0-1, 10.45) starts for Milwaukee in the finale of the three-game series Thursday.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

Jaylinn Hawkins calls Lamar Jackson an electrifying force

New Baltimore Ravens safety Jaylinn Hawkins recently joined Kay Adams on the “Up and Adams” show, and the conversation turned to Lamar Jackson—both the challenge of facing him and the outside narrative that defenses may have started to figure him out.

Hawkins made it clear that, from a player's perspective, Jackson still presents a problem that doesn't have a clean answer once the play breaks down and he starts extending things beyond structure.

"Like I said, he could do it all. Like you just don't know what you going to get. Like you can be in coverage for like maybe four to maybe 10 seconds cuz he going to run around scramble and throw a bomb, you know? There's just so much he can do or you may have everybody covered and he can scramble from like 20 to 30 yards, you know, and he can extend the drive like he can just do everything. Like he's electrifying and he's a great player."

When it was suggested that teams may have “figured out” Jackson, Hawkins pushed back in a more measured way, leaning on the idea that opinion doesn't change what shows up on tape.

"That's I mean you just got to let people, you know, everybody gonna talk and say what they got to say. Um, you know, and everybody has their own opinions and I feel like the for the most thing, you just let the tape talk."

Ravens S Jaylinn Hawkins isn't buying the idea that the league has Lamar Jackson figured out… 😂@Lj_era8 | @heykayadamspic.twitter.com/aw1lxV4izB

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) April 15, 2026

For Hawkins, the evaluation is ultimately straightforward—what matters most isn't the discourse around Jackson, but the reality of defending him snap after snap in live action.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Jaylinn Hawkins praises Lamar Jackson’s game-changing style

Report: Newly crowned UFC champ Carlos Ulberg says he lost title belt while celebrating the win

NEW YORK (AP) — Carlos Ulberg fought through an injured right knee to capture the light heavyweight title in UCF 327.

He says he lost it hours later, literally.

The 35-year-old from New Zealand defeated Jiri Prochazka in the main event at UFC 327 by knockout this weekend in Miami to become the new champion of the light heavyweight division. He told Fox Sports Australia on Monday that he misplaced his golden title belt while celebrating his victory.

“I’ve lost the belt, bro,” Ulberg told Fox Sports. “Initially after winning, the plan was to not have a drink. But you know how these things go, right? First, someone gives you a champagne to celebrate. Then one thing leads to another and you’re doing shots.”

His knee injury could to keep him sidelined for a year, meaning he will have to give up his champion status anyway, with UCF holding an interim title fight to take his place.

But Ulberg said he's fairly confident his belt will be found before he heads to Las Vegas to get further evaluation from doctors there on his knee. He then plans to spent time at the UFC Performance Institute before returning to New Zealand to be with family.

“I didn’t want to be carrying the belt around so I think it’s still there at the apartment somewhere. One of the boys probably has it in bed with him," Ulberg said.

___

AP MMA: https://apnews.com/hub/mixed-martial-arts

Hornets to face Magic in final play-in battle

The Charlotte Hornets are one win away from making the NBA playoffs.

They are set to face the Orlando Magic in the final play-in game on Friday night. That matchup was just determined after the game between the Orlando Magic and the Philadelphia 76ers, where the loser would play the Hornets.

The final score was 109-97 with the Magic losing.

ALSO READ: Hornets one step closer to playoffs after beating Heat in overtime

On Tuesday night, the Hornets stunningly beat the Miami Heat.

LaMelo Ball scored the game-winning layup with 4 seconds left in overtime.

As the final seconds ticked down, the Heat had one last chance to spoil the Hornets’ playoff chances, but Miles Bridges blocked the layup to seal the game.

The Hornets’ tipoff is at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Orlando.

The winner gets the No. 8 seed and will play the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in the first round of the playoffs.

VIDEO: Hornets one step closer to playoffs after beating Heat in overtime

FSU men's basketball lands Kameron Taylor in transfer portal

Florida State men’s basketball has landed a transfer commitment from Kameron Taylor.

The UNC Asheville guard averaged 18.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists last season. He visited the Seminoles program on Sunday and Monday after a prior visit to Kansas. The guard had a breakout season for UNC Asheville as a sophomore.

He led the team in scoring and made 30 starts for the Bulldogs. He is the second transfer commitment of the offseason for Luke Loucks program. Taylor joins Cincinnati wing Shon Abaev in transferring to the Seminoles.

FSU is still expected to add more depth in the transfer portal. Tallahassee native Anthony Robinson II visited the program on Wednesday, and Colorado transfer forward Sebastian Rancik visited campus on Tuesday.

FSU will bring in the nation's eighth-ranked recruiting class alongside a group of transfers as the program looks to build off the momentum Loucks gave the program in year one, going 18-15. 

Which players are leaving FSU men's basketball?

Transfer portal departures

  • Guard, Xavier Oscola
  • Guard, Maximo Garcia-Plata
  • Guard, Martin Somerville
  • Guard, Cam Miles
  • Forward, Shah Muhammad

Eligibility expired

  • Guard, Robert McCray V
  • Guard, Kobe MaGee
  • Forward, Chauncey Wiggins
  • Forward, Lajae Jones
  • Forward, Alex Steen

FSU basketball 2026 recruiting class

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Kameron Taylor commits to Florida State men's basketball

Detroit Pistons' first round opponent narrowed to two teams

The Detroit Pistons' first-round opponent has been narrowed to two teams.

They will either host the Orlando Magic or the Charlotte Hornets in Game 1 of their first-round series, scheduled for Sunday, April 19 at 6:30 p.m. on NBC and Peacock.

The Sixers clinched the No. 7 seed on Wednesday with a 109-87 victory over the Magic in the play-in tournament. The Magic will now face the No. 9-seed Hornets on Friday, with the winner advancing as the No. 8 seed and securing a series with the Pistons, and the loser eliminated from postseason contention.

MORE PISTONS: The team most likely to upset Pistons in first round of NBA playoffs

The Pistons are marching into the playoffs with a 60-22 record – the third-best in franchise history – and winners of 15 of their last 19 regular season games.

They swept the Hornets and and won the series over the Magic 2-1.

Detroit Free Press YouTube channel or listen wherever you get podcasts. ]

Contact Omari Sankofa II at osankofa@freepress.com. Follow him on Bluesky and/or X @omarisankofa.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Pistons' first round opponent narrowed to two teams

Celtics vs. 76ers Series Schedule: Dates, Channels, Streams for 2026 NBA Playoffs

Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe

Celtics vs. 76ers Series Schedule: Dates, Channels, Streams for 2026 NBA Playoffs originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

After finishing the 2025-26 regular season with a stellar 56–26 record, the Celtics will enter the Eastern Conference playoff bracket as the No. 2 seed and face the No. 7 76ers in the first round.

Despite playing without Jayson Tatum for most of the season, Jaylen Brown and the Celtics finished with a top-five offensive rating (No. 2), defensive rating (No. 4) and net rating (No. 4). Boston continued to perform at an elite level when Tatum returned from an Achilles injury, winning 13 of its last 16 games before the start of the NBA Playoffs.

The Celtics will look to keep rolling against the 76ers, who clinched a postseason berth after defeating the Magic in the NBA Play-In Tournament. This will be the first playoff meeting between Boston and Philadelphia since 2023.

Here is the complete series schedule for Celtics vs. 76ers, including TV and streaming options for playoff games.

Celtics vs. 76ers schedule

DateGameTime (ET)Watch
April 19Game 1: 76ers vs. Celtics1 p.m.ABC, ESPN appDIRECTV
April 21Game 2: 76ers vs. Celtics7 p.m.Peacock
April 24Game 3: Celtics vs. 76ers7 p.m.Prime Video
April 26Game 4: Celtics vs. 76ers7 p.m.NBC, Peacock, DIRECTV
April 28Game 5*: 76ers vs. CelticsTBDTBD
April 30Game 6*: Celtics vs. 76ersTBDTBD
May 2Game 7*: 76ers vs. CelticsTBDTBD

* If necessary

How to watch Celtics vs. 76ers: TV channel, live stream

Under the NBA's new broadcast agreement, the first round is more accessible than ever. The Celtics will be featured across major platforms, including ABC, ESPN and NBC. Streaming options for the first round include DIRECTV, the ESPN app, Peacock and Prime Video.

Catch every game — try DIRECTV FREE today! Stream live NBA, NHL, MLB and more with must-have sports channels like TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, FS1 and NFL Network — all included with DIRECTV.

Start your FREE trial now and never miss a moment of the action. No contracts, no hassle, just wall-to-wall sports and entertainment.

NBA Playoffs bracket 2026

Eastern Conference

  • (1) Pistons vs. (8) TBD
  • (2) Celtics vs. (7) 76ers
  • (3) Knicks vs. (6) Hawks
  • (4) Cavaliers vs. (5) Raptors

Western Conference

  • (1) Thunder vs. (8) TBD
  • (2) Spurs vs. (7) Trail Blazers
  • (3) Nuggets vs. (6) Timberwolves
  • (4) Lakers vs. (5) Rockets

NBA Playoffs schedule, key dates for 2026

Here are the key dates to know for the NBA Playoffs and offseason:

EventDates
Play-In TournamentApril 14-17
First round beginsApril 18
Conference semifinals beginMay 4*
NBA Draft LotteryMay 10
Eastern Conference finals beginMay 19*
Western Conference finals beginMay 20*
NBA Finals beginJune 3
NBA Finals Game 7 (if necessary)June 19

*Can move up depending on earlier series

More Celtics

Braves reel in another series with 6-3 win over Marlins

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 15: Ronald Acuña Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves smiles after the game against the Miami Marlins at Truist Park on April 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jack Casey/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images

In the first two games of this series, the Braves had to weather an offensive barrage from the Marlins. They didn’t do so effectively in the series opener, and needed a huge hit from Dominic Smith to even the series last night. Tonight, though, it was largely smooth sailing through Marlin-infested waters, as Bryce Elder mostly cruised and the Braves jumped out to an early lead and more or less left the opposition in their wake.

Elder’s first frame was a bit rocky, as he walked Xavier Edwards and then grazed Otto Lopez to put two on with one out. Not to worry, though, a routine flyout and then a slider-slider-slider strikeout of Connor Norby ended that threat. Elder then struck out two more in a perfect second and let his defense help him to a perfect third, before another two strikeouts started the fourth. Norby collected the first hit off Elder with a plonked double down the right-field line, but Michael Harris II flagged down a hard-hit liner by Owen Caissie to keep Miami off the board.

Chris Paddack struck out both Ronald Acuña Jr. and Drake Baldwin in a perfect first, but the Braves got to him in the second. Ozzie Albies hooked the first Paddack pitch he saw Chop House-ward for a solo homer. The trio of Mike Yastrzemski, Smith, and Mauricio Dubon followed with singles to plate another run; Paddack struck out Acuña to end the inning with two in scoring position.

After that, things were quiet until the fifth, where they got slightly dicey. Graham Pauley did a nice job connecting on a good Elder slider and thwacked it for a one-out double. Deyvison De Los Santos followed with a soft bouncer that Dubon charged, rushed, and threw wide of the bag. Elder then had a very unfortunately-timed lapse in command, issuing a walk (six pitches, but none anywhere near the zone) to load the bases, with Edwards coming up. Elder threw two four-seamers to Edwards. The first missed its spot but nestled in for a strike. The second was fought off and bounced weakly to Dubon, who raced to second and fired on the first — aided by a big stretch from Matt Olson, the initial call was safe at first, but it was quickly overturned on replay review to keep Miami off the board once again.

Paddack departed after a two-out single by Acuña in the fifth. Baldwin followed with a single off new pitcher John King, but the Miami reliever froze Olson on 1-2. After a leadoff single started the sixth, Elder got two groundouts, but neither could be converted to a double play. Skipper Walt Weiss then lifted Elder in favor of Dylan Lee, who walked pinch-hitter Austin Slater but then caught Heriberto Hernandez looking on a 3-2 slider right down the pipe. Elder finished the game with more or less a return to form to his earlier, Bryce Eldar-level of pitching, with a 7/2 K/BB ratio in 5 2/3 innings. Things felt a little rocky for him because his three free passes (remember the hit by pitch) came with men on, but the slider was absolutely on point tonight both in terms of command and in terms of results, with a whiff rate north of 50 percent.

Elder left the game when it was 2-0, but that quickly changed. Austin Riley connected for his first homer of the year, a 400-footer to left center, on King’s first pitch of the sixth. After an easy Tyler Kinley frame in the seventh, the Braves basically engaged in a bit of batting practice against Andrew Nardi: Acuña doubled (on basically a missed sliding catch), Baldwin singled, and Olson obliterated a hanging slider to make it 6-0. Riley added a double for good measure, but was stranded.

With the game now resembling a rout, the Braves went to Osvaldo Bido for the eighth, and …. egh. Liam Hicks had a two-run homer, Norby reached on a bad throw to first by Riley, Bido uncorked two wild pitches, and Slater walked (again), before Weiss had seen enough and sent Robert Suarez in to restore order. The first batter Suarez faced hit yet another dinky bouncer to Dubon, who took a chance and threw to second — but Albies couldn’t corral the throw. Not to worry, though: Pauley, as the tying run, got beat on a changeup and hit into an easy double play.

The Braves went 1-2-3 against Calvin Faucher in the bottom of the eighth, and Raisel Iglesias easily wrapped up the game. He struck out pinch-hitter Agustin Ramirez on three pitches, clipping the zone with a four-seamer to end the at-bat. He then threw three straight changeups and got three straight whiffs from Jakob Marsee. Edwards ruined the potential immaculate inning with his PA that resulted in a single up the middle, which was a shame because Iglesias ended the game on his third three-pitch strikeout of the night: Lopez waved weakly at a buried changeup to seal yet another series win for the Braves.

Every Brave had a hit except Harris, who went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. Though the Braves went without a walk, they hit three homers, so, y’know, whatever. They’ll try to keep things rolling after Thursday’s off day in a big weekend set in Philadelphia.

NBA Playoffs bracket 2026: Updated schedule, TV channels, scores for every round of postseason games

NBA Playoffs logo

NBA Playoffs bracket 2026: Updated schedule, TV channels, scores for every round of postseason games originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The NBA Playoffs are officially here. After 82 games of grinding through the regular season, the marathon has finally turned into a sprint, as the 2025-26 postseason field is set to narrow through the high-stakes crucible of the Play-In Tournament.

In the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons have completed a historic resurgence to claim the top seed, while the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Cleveland Cavaliers have secured their spots and are resting up for a deep run. In the West, the defending NBA champions Oklahoma City Thunder have locked up the No. 1 seed, with the San Antonio Spurs right behind them.

With the first round officially tipping off on Saturday, April 18, the margin for error has vanished, and the quest for the Larry O'Brien Trophy is finally underway.

Here's everything you need to know for the 2026 NBA playoffs, from schedule to streaming information.

NBA playoffs bracket 2026

The bracket will be updated as teams are locked into seeds. See the full game schedule below.

Eastern Conference

  • (1) Pistons vs. (8) Play-In TBD
  • (2) Celtics vs. (7) Sixers
  • (3) Knicks vs. (6) Hawks
  • (4) Cavaliers vs. (5) Raptors

Western Conference

  • (1) Thunder vs. (8) Play-In TBD
  • (2) Spurs vs. (7) Trail Blazers
  • (3) Nuggets vs. (6) Timberwolves
  • (4) Lakers vs. (5) Rockets

Where to watch NBA Playoffs 2026: TV channels, live streams

NBA Playoff action is spread across ABC, ESPN, NBC and Prime Video, though the NBA Finals remain the exclusive domain of ABC. Fans have a wide range of streaming options to catch the postseason, including Prime, the ESPN app, and Peacock, with each service carrying specific games depending on their broadcast rights.

All games airing on ABC, ESPN and NBC are also available via DIRECTV Stream. 

Catch every game – try DIRECTV FREE today! Stream live MLB, March Madness, soccer and more with must-have sports channels like TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, FS1, and NFL Network—all included with DIRECTV.

Start your FREE trial now and never miss a moment of the action. No contracts, no hassle, just wall-to-wall sports and entertainment.

NBA Playoffs 2026: Updated schedule for every round of postseason games

This section will be filled in when series schedules are announced.

Play-In Tournament

DateGameTime (ET)Watch
Tue., April 14Hornets 127, Heat 126 (OT)
Trail Blazers 114, Suns 110
Wed., April 15Sixers 109, Magic 97
Clippers vs. Warriors10 p.m.Prime Video
Fri., April 17Hornets vs. Magic 7:30 p.m.Prime Video
Suns vs. Clippers/Warriors winner10 p.m.Prime Video

Eastern Conference first round

(1) Pistons vs. (8) TBD

DateGameTime (ET)Watch
Sun., April 19Game 1 at Detroit6:30 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Wed., April 22Game 2 at Detroit7 p.m.ESPN, ESPN app
Sat., April 25Game 3 at East No. 81 p.m.Peacock
Mon., April 27Game 4 at East No. 8TBDTBD
Wed., April 29Game 5 at Detroit*TBDTBD
Fri., May 1Game 6 at East No. 8*TBDTBD
Sun., May 3Game 7 at Detroit*TBDTBD

* if necessary

(2) Celtics vs. (7) Sixers

DateGameTime (ET)Watch
Sun., April 19Game 1 at Boston1 p.m.ABC, ESPN app
Tue., April 21Game 2 at Boston7 p.m.Peacock
Fri., April 24Game 3 at Philadelphia7 p.m.Prime Video
Sun., April 26Game 4 at Philadelphia7 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Tue., April 28Game 5 at Boston*TBDTBD
Thu., April 30Game 6 at Philadelphia*TBDTBD
Sat., May 2Game 7 at Boston*TBDTBD

* if necessary

(3) Knicks vs. (6) Hawks

DateGameTime (ET)Watch
Sat., April 18Game 1 at New York6 p.m.Prime Video
Mon., April 20Game 2 at New York8 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Thu., April 23Game 3 at Atlanta7 p.m.Prime Video
Sat., April 25Game 4 at Atlanta6 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Tue., April 28Game 5 at New York*TBDTBD
Thu., April 30Game 6 at Atlanta*TBDTBD
Sat., May 2Game 7 at New York*TBDTBD

* if necessary

(4) Cavaliers vs. (5) Raptors

DateGameTime (ET)Watch
Sat., April 18Game 1 at Cleveland1 p.m.Prime Video
Mon., April 20Game 2 at Cleveland7 p.m.Peacock
Thu., April 23Game 3 at Toronto8 p.m.Prime Video
Sun., April 26Game 4 at Toronto1 p.m.ESPN, ESPN app
Wed., April 29Game 5 at Cleveland*TBDTBD
Fri., May 1Game 6 at Toronto*TBDTBD
Sun., May 3Game 7 at Cleveland*TBDTBD

* if necessary

Western Conference first round

(1) Thunder vs. (8) TBD

DateGameTime (ET)Watch
Sun., April 19Game 1 at Oklahoma City3:30 p.m.ABC, ESPN app
Wed., April 22Game 2 at Oklahoma City9:30 p.m.ESPN, ESPN app
Sat., April 25Game 3 at West No. 83:30 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Mon., April 27Game 4 at West No. 8TBDTBD
Wed., April 29Game 5 at Oklahoma City*TBDTBD
Fri., May 1Game 6 at West No. 8*TBDTBD
Sun., May 3Game 7 at Oklahoma City*TBDTBD

* if necessary

(2) Spurs vs. (7) Trail Blazers

DateGameTime (ET)Watch
Sun., April 19Game 1 at San Antonio9 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Tue., April 21Game 2 at San Antonio8 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Fri., April 24Game 3 at Portland10:30 p.m.Prime Video
Sun., April 26Game 4 at Portland3:30 p.m.ESPN, ESPN app
Tue., April 28Game 5 at San Antonio*TBDTBD
Thu,. April 30Game 6 at Portland*TBDTBD
Sat., May 2Game 7 at San Antonio*TBDTBD

* if necessary

(3) Nuggets vs. (6) Timberwolves

DateGameTime (ET)Watch
Sat., April 18Game 1 at Denver3:30 p.m.Prime Video
Mon., April 20Game 2 at Denver10:30 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Thu., April 23Game 3 at Minnesota9:30 p.m.Prime Video
Sat., April 25Game 4 at Minnesota8:30 p.m.ABC, ESPN app
Mon., April 27Game 5 at Denver*TBDTBD
Thu., April 30Game 6 at Minnesota*TBDTBD
Sat., May 2Game 7 at Denver*TBDTBD

* if necessary

(4) Lakers vs. (5) Rockets

DateGameTime (ET)Watch
Sat., April 18Game 1 at Los Angeles8:30 p.m.ABC, ESPN app
Tue., April 21Game 2 at Los Angeles10:30 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Fri., April 24Game 3 at Houston8 p.m.Prime Video
Sun., April 26Game 4 at Houston9:30 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Wed., April 29Game 5 at Los Angeles*TBDTBD
Fri., May 1Game 6 at Houston*TBDTBD
Sun., May 3Game 7 at Los Angeles*TBDTBD

* if necessary

NBA Playoffs round-by-round schedule 2026

  • Play-In Tournament: April 14-17
  • First round: April 18
  • Conference semifinals: May 4-5 (possible move up to May 2-3)
  • Conference finals: May 19-20 (possible move up to May 17-18)
  • NBA Finals: June 3-June 19 

Related Links

Blue Devil baseball team splits with Ridgewater

Apr. 15— The Riverland Community College baseball team split a doubleheader with Ridgewater as the Blue Devils won the opener 8-5, but dropped the nightcap 7-5 at Seltz Field Wednesday.

Rolan Figueroa had a homer and four RBIs in game one for the Blue Devils (23-10 overall) and Southland grad Austin Swenson drove in three runs.

RCC 8, Ridgewater 5

RCC pitching: Blake Hershberger, 3 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 K; Justin Joriman (W) 3 1/3 IP, 4 H, 3 BB, 1 ER, 2 K; Riley Jax (S)

RCC hitting: Raul Martinez, 1-for-3, 2 R, BB; Peyton Ransom, 1-for-4; Ben Helfer, 0-for-1, 2 BBs, R; Austin Swenson, 2-for-3, 3 RBIs, R; Roland Figueroa, 1-for-3, HR, 4 RBIs, 2 R; Christiaan Koehler, 1-for-3, RBI

Ridgewater 7, RCC 5

RCC pitching: Ethan Doll, 2 IP, 1 H, 5 BB, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 K; Ryan Hall, 1 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 1 K; Ben Zahm (L) 1 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 2 ER, 1 K; Travis Kirtz, 2 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 K; Melvin Ortiz, 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R

RCC hitting: Martinez, 1-for-4, R; Ransom, 2-for-4, 2 R, 2 BBs; Carson Gehrke, 1-for-3, double, 2 RBIs, R, BB; Ben Helfer, 1-for-4, double, 2 RBIs; Swenson, 1-for-3; Ethan Mott, 1-for-3, RBI; Koehler, 0-for-2, BB

PREP ROUNDUP: Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Here are the local scores from Tuesday, April 14.

BASEBALL

Churubusco 11, Fairfield 6

Fairfield tried to rally but fell short at home Tuesday against Churubusco. The Eagles scored the game’s first seven runs before a four-run fifth inning put the Falcons within three. Lucas Miller was 2-of-2 at the plate, driving in a run and scoring once himself. Miller also pitched four innings and allowed three unearned runs without giving up a hit. Fairfield is now 1-3 this season, 0-1 NECC.

Whitko 11, Wawasee 3

Wawasee dropped to Whitko Tuesday night. The Warriors scored three runs in the first inning before the Wildcats pulled away with the win. The Warriors are now 0-2 on the season.

Garrett 4, Westview 3

A three-run seventh inning did Westview in as the Garrett Railroaders walked off the Warriors. Brendan Miller and Elijah Zolman both tallied two hits for the Warriors. Zolman pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing one run on one hit, walking five but striking out nine in 103 pitches. Westview falls to 0-3, 0-1 NECC.

SOFTBALL

John Glenn 21, Concord 4

John Glenn and Concord combined for nine runs in the first inning, but an 11-run seventh inning put the Minutemen away in the Falcons road win in Dunlap. Glenn recorded 21 runs off 23 hits and eight Concord errors. The Minutemen are now 0-2 on the season.

Churubusco 11, Fairfield 0

Fairfield was out-hit 16-5 and was held off the scoreboard in Tuesday’s conference loss to Churubusco. Jayna Copen was the lone Falcon to record two hits with three others also securing a base-knock. Fairfield falls to 2-2, 0-1 NECC.

Wawasee 7, Columbia City 6 (8 inn.)

Wawasee walked-off Columbia City Tuesday night in Syracuse. The Warriors allowed four runs in the first inning but scored two runs in the first, fourth and eighth innings and out-hit the Eagles 15-9. Melissa Bontrager finished 3-of-5 at the plate with three doubles and two RBI’s. MariJo Bontrager also had three doubles and drove in two runs as well. Chasity Kelich earned the win on the bound, pitching a complete game and striking out three. Wawasee is now 2-3 on the year.

BOYS GOLF

Elkhart 149, Fairfield 169, Concord 203

Fairfield and Concord placed behind and good Elkhart squad at Elcona Country Club Tuesday. The Falcons finished 20 shots behind the Lions and 34 in front of the Minutemen to earn the split. Scoring for Fairfield was Jake Elliot (38), Ben Kio (41), Jayce Smith (42) and Brett Schrock (48). Scoring for Concord was Kolton McCloughen (43), Tristan Crowder (52), Owen Stone (53) and Alex Nixon (55). Fairfield opens the season 1-1 while Concord starts 0-2.

Trinity Greenlawn 152, Goshen 180, John Glenn 214

Goshen split a matchup with Trinity Greenlawn and John Glenn Tuesday at Knollwood Country Club. Individual results for the RedHawks had not been reported by publication.

Northridge 151, Warsaw 158, Mishawaka Marian 163

Northridge picked up two nonconference victories Tuesday at Meadow Valley over Warsaw and Mishawaka Marian. The Raiders earned two narrow victories and were led by medalist Cooper Kropf, who shot an even 36. The three other scorers for the Raiders were Kaden Miller (37), Brady Riegsecker (39) and Owen Kaehr (39). Northridge begins the season 2-0.

GIRLS TENNIS

Bethany Christian 4, Central Noble 1

Bethany Christian opened its season with a 4-1 win over Central Noble Tuesday. The varsity-experienced Bruins won both doubles points with the teams of Adrienne Chupp and Cori Chupp (1D: 6-1, 6-2) and Valeria Torres and Ellie Hirschler (2D: 6-2, 6-1). The Bruins also won at No. 2 singles with Rachel Hirschler (2S: 6-1, 6-0) and at No. 3 singles with Brianna Moser (3S: 6-0, 6-0). Bethany is now 1-0 on the season.

Fairfield 4, NorthWood 1

Fairfield earned a tough win over NorthWood Tuesday night in Benton. You can read more on the Falcons victory in the full story posted to our website and linked above.

PREP BASEBALL: DeMotte deals in first varsity start as Goshen eases by Jimtown

GOSHEN — A junior varsity start for Goshen sophomore Aaron DeMott over the weekend was just to get the feet wet. The real opportunity was saved for Wednesday.

After throwing a no-hitter in his JV start last Saturday, DeMott dealt again at the Goshen Baseball/Softball Complex Wednesday against Jimtown. In five innings and 67 pitches of work, the underclassman allowed three hits and struck out seven in a spotless showing on the scoreboard. It was his first-ever varsity appearance.

“He looked awesome,” head coach JJ DuBois said. “That was kind of our goal the whole preseason was get him a JV start because I just wanted to get him settled in for the year. We were planning on using him [today] so it was nice for him to get a quality start out here.”

Goshen defeated Jimtown 11-3 Wednesday evening to improve to 3-1 on the season and send the Jimmies to 2-2. The RedHawks beat Jimtown last season on the road 10-3. This showing was not as close as the scoreboard showed, despite both teams tallying six hits.

The hosts scored in all but the second inning, taking a 7-0 lead after five innings before DeMott left the mound and Goshen briefly let their opponents back into the game. A four-run inning in the bottom of the sixth put the game out of reach for an easy seventh inning.

Baserunning was a mix of good and bad, but Goshen had no trouble plating runs nonetheless.

“Aggressive,” DuBois said when asked about the decision-making on the basepath. "Which, I tell them I want them to run the bases fearlessly. I want them to put pressure on teams and make them throw it around. Sometimes it worked, oftentimes it did not. Braxton [Cline] didn’t tag up on one and he just totally forgot how many outs there were. I told him he gets one mistake all year and hopefully it’s just one. He does everything else for us so well though.”

Cline, one of the more dangerous and consistent hitters in northern Indiana, finished the day 1-of-2 at the plate, driving in two runs and also scoring twice. He scored runners off a sacrifice fly to the wall in the first inning and took a bases-loaded walk in the sixth. A run also scored when his liner to shortstop glanced off a defender’s glove for an error.

Goshen led 2-0 after one inning. Following Cline’s sac fly was Colton Rapp, who scored off a bouncer to shortstop off the bat of Bryson Wilson. Wilson made it safely to first and Rapp touched home while Jensen Meikle distracted the defense with his self-inflicted pickle between third and short.

He would get into another pickle later on between first and second, helping Goshen plate another run.

“We talk about getting into the pickle as long as you can so we can score the run,” DuBois said, taking blame for the second instance. “All that chaos going on, [Meikle’s] got no idea what else is going on but we just preach them to stay in it, stay in it, stay in it. He did a good job.”

Jimtown starter Landon Garretson struck out Goshen’s bottom of the order in the second but allowed another run in the third before losing his no-hitter in the fourth. Sophomores Manny Pizana and Brycen Eaton collected base-knocks in the fourth to give Goshen a 5-0 lead.

DuBois credited the baserunning in that instance.

“We’re also trying to test some stuff like that on the base path and see what we are capable of,” DuBois said. “We were stealing bases really well and I think we had some really good jumps. That’s going to have to be a staple for us if we’re going to be successful.”

DeMott was pulled after five innings and holding a 7-0 lead. Junior Deivis Freitez came in for relief but was flagged for three balks and an error on a throw to first, helping the Jimmies score thrice. Goshen would add four runs in the bottom of the frame to make up for it before junior David Castillo came out and shut things down in the seventh.

“Just to manage [him] honestly,” DuBois said about DeMott’s exit. “Early in the year, I don’t want to overdo it with pitching. We thought we had a game where at least we felt like we’re in control of how things are going. Now, we lost it for a second, but we thought we were in a pretty good spot so we got some other guys that hadn’t thrown in.”

Rapp finished the game 1-of-3 at the dish, driving in two runs and also scoring twice. His triple screamed off the bat and scored Cline from first in the fifth inning.

“It’s huge; someone has to protect [Cline],” DuBois said about his cleanup hitter. “Colton does such a good job for the most part. When he doesn’t try to swing too hard or get big, he does a really good job. Sometimes he gets too confident and swings out of his shoes but teams are going to figure out that Braxton is going to get his hits so they’re going to try and pitch around him. If we have guys that can do damage behind him, we’ll be in good shape. Hopefully that’s what Colton can do.”

Senior Bray Hoag appeared with a boot on his right foot Wednesday. Hoag was recently injured, meaning Goshen is thinner on the pitching side.

“We’re still hopeful that Bray will maybe be back by next week and see where he’s at, but if not, we really like what Aaron can do. He’s kind of our other starter there. I think he’ll work himself back in. I don’t know if JV is going to see him much more.”

Goshen returns to the diamond this Friday when the RedHawks resume play against Elkhart. The Lions had opened up a 4-1 lead over Goshen in the top of the fifth before play was paused due to weather. The game will resume Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the Goshen Baseball/Softball Complex. The RedHawks will then travel to LaPorte for a doubleheader Saturday, starting at 11 a.m.

------------

PREP BASEBALL

Jimtown – 0; 0; 0; 0; 0; 3; 0 – 3; 6; 3

Goshen – 2; 0; 1; 2; 2; 4; / - 11; 6; 1

Records: Goshen (3-1), Jimtown (2-2)

Sixers outlast Magic in play-in tournament, will face Celtics in first round of playoffs

Desmond Bane was keeping the Magic alive Wednesday night in a play-in tournament matchup deciding the Eastern Conference’s No. 7 seed. Philadelphia 76ers star Tyrese Maxey broke his spell.

Bane, who scored a valiant 34 points and accounted for four of Orlando’s seven 3s, fueled a comeback that nearly erased an 11-point Sixers lead.

Before Bane could complete the turnaround, Maxey waved his wand in the fourth quarter.

Poof.

The two-time All-Star guard pocketed nine of Philadelphia’s next 11 points, including seven in a row. Maxey finished with 31 points and six assists, and veteran center Andre Drummond sunk a 3-pointer that put an exclamation point on a 109-97 victory.

With the win, the Sixers now have the No. 7 seed and a date with the rival Boston Celtics, the Eastern Conference’s No. 2 seed, in the first round of the playoffs. The Magic, meanwhile, are in jeopardy of missing out on the main bracket. Orlando’s season will be on the line Friday night, when it will welcome in a Charlotte Hornets squad buzzing after it opened the play-in tournament with an overtime win over the Miami Heat on Tuesday.

The Sixers won two of the their three regular-season games against the Magic, although, before Wednesday, the teams hadn’t met since Jan. 9.

Both teams haven’t been at full strength most of this season. Wednesday marked just the 25th time Orlando’s top-two scorers, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, shared the court. Wagner, though, remained on the increasingly lenient minutes restriction he’s managed since returning from a midseason high ankle sprain.

Likewise, Philadelphia has had its three max players — Joel Embiid, Paul George and Maxey — on the floor together for just 21 games in 2025-26. The Sixers were notably missing Embiid on Wednesday, as the one-time league MVP is still recovering from an emergency appendectomy.

The Sixers were in the driver’s seat for the majority of the first half Wednesday. They made seven triples over the opening two quarters, and three of them came from wing Kelly Oubre Jr. in the first frame. His third 3-pointer beat the shot and game clock to give Philadelphia a 28-24 advantage heading into the second quarter.

K9! 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/AXeWgNpmZ0

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 16, 2026

Oubre and Tyrese Maxey starred for Nick Nurse’s squad early, but others eventually stepped up. Paul George paired a mid-range jumper with a 3-pointer, and Quentin Grimes delivered an and-1, as the Sixers kept their foot on the gas.

Despite struggling from beyond the arc — the Magic converted just 3-of-11 triples in the first half — and being held back by untimely turnovers, Orlando hung around. Jamahl Mosley’s crew was spearheaded by Bane and Banchero. Along the way, the Magic did most of their work in the paint and at the free-throw line. In fact, eight of Bane’s 19 first-half points came from charity stripe.

Banchero swung an extra pass to Jalen Suggs to set up a go-ahead 3 late in the second quarter. The Sixers, however, closed the first half up 59-55, courtesy of a 9-2 run that saw VJ Edgecombe spin through contact and score a layup, plus Drummond net his 33rd 3-pointer of the season.

In the third quarter’s infancy, Philadelphia strung together an 8-0 run to pull ahead 67-60. Oubre capped that surge with another 3.

Later, the Sixers stretched their lead to 11. Defense helped them establish that cushion. Adem Bona got the Xfinity Mobile Arena crowd going with a pair of blocks, the first of which denied Orlando’s Wendell Carter Jr. Then George poked the ball free from Banchero, setting the stage for a Edgecombe layup in transition.

Desmond Bane through Q3:

28 PTS (8-11 FGM)

Magic trail by 5 heading into Q4 of the @SoFi Play-In battle for the East #7 seed! pic.twitter.com/3pA3tpgxRw

— NBA (@NBA) April 16, 2026

Bane’s Herculean effort restored the drama. A self-made 6-0 run from Orlando’s big offseason acquisition pulled the Magic within three in the third quarter.

Then a Bane triple in the fourth made it a two-point game.

That’s when Maxey hit the accelerator. In a blink, the Sixers were in control again. They held on down the stretch and returned to the playoffs after missing out last season.

The Magic would have had home-court advantage Wednesday had they defeated the Celtics in their regular-season finale. Boston was resting its core, but Orlando failed to capitalize, instead watching its five-game win streak come to an end at the hands of Luka Garza, Baylor Scheierman and Ron Harper Jr.

Because of that loss, and Philadelphia topping the Milwaukee Bucks in game No. 82, the Sixers hosted Wednesday’s play-in game.

Whoever wins Friday’s play-in game between Orlando and Charlotte will claim the No. 8 seed and take on the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in the opening round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

NBA Playoffs schedule 2026: Full bracket, dates, times, TV channels, live streams to watch every series

NBA Playoffs logo

NBA Playoffs schedule 2026: Full bracket, dates, times, TV channels, live streams to watch every series originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The 2025-26 NBA regular season has reached its conclusion, setting the stage for a postseason defined by high-stakes matchups and a brand-new broadcast landscape.

The journey to the Larry O'Brien Trophy officially begins with the Play-In Tournament on April 14, followed by the start of the first round on April 18. With dominant forces like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Detroit Pistons having secured the top seeds, the focus is on what other teams can compete for the NBA championship.

This year marks a significant shift in how fans will consume the playoffs, as a landmark media rights deal introduces a three-pronged distribution model featuring ESPN/ABC, NBC/Peacock, and Prime Video. While the NBA Finals remain the exclusive property of ABC, earlier rounds will be split across these platforms, including the entirety of the Play-In Tournament moving to Prime Video.

Whether you are a cord-cutter relying on Peacock and Amazon or a traditional viewer tuned into ESPN and NBC, navigating the 2026 bracket requires a clear roadmap of where and when to find each game. From the opening tip of the play-in games to the final buzzer of the NBA Finals on June 19, every series offers a different path to glory.

Below is the comprehensive guide to the 2026 NBA Playoff schedule, including a full look at the current bracket, confirmed tip-off times, and a breakdown of which streaming services and cable channels you'll need to catch every minute of the action.

Where to watch NBA Playoffs 2026: TV channels, live streams

NBA Playoff action is spread across ABC, ESPN, NBC and Prime Video, though the NBA Finals remain on ABC. Fans have a wide range of streaming options to catch the postseason, including Prime, the ESPN app, and Peacock, with each service carrying specific games depending on their broadcast rights.

All games airing on ABC, ESPN and NBC are also available via DIRECTV Stream. 

Catch every game – try DIRECTV FREE today! Stream live MLB, March Madness, soccer and more with must-have sports channels like TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, FS1, and NFL Network—all included with DIRECTV.

Start your FREE trial now and never miss a moment of the action. No contracts, no hassle, just wall-to-wall sports and entertainment.

NBA Playoffs schedule 2026

This section will be filled in when series schedules are announced.

Play-In Tournament

DateGameTime (ET)Watch
Tue., April 14Hornets 127, Heat 126 (OT)
Trail Blazers 114, Suns 110
Wed., April 15Sixers 109, Magic 97
Clippers vs. Warriors10 p.m.Prime Video
Fri., April 17Hornets vs. Magic 7:30 p.m.Prime Video
Suns vs. Clippers/Warriors winner10 p.m.Prime Video

Eastern Conference first round

(1) Pistons vs. (8) TBD

DateGameTime (ET)Watch
Sun., April 19Game 1 at Detroit6:30 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Wed., April 22Game 2 at Detroit7 p.m.ESPN, ESPN app
Sat., April 25Game 3 at East No. 81 p.m.Peacock
Mon., April 27Game 4 at East No. 8TBDTBD
Wed., April 29Game 5 at Detroit*TBDTBD
Fri., May 1Game 6 at East No. 8*TBDTBD
Sun., May 3Game 7 at Detroit*TBDTBD

* if necessary

(2) Celtics vs. (7) Sixers

DateGameTime (ET)Watch
Sun., April 19Game 1 at Boston1 p.m.ABC, ESPN app
Tue., April 21Game 2 at Boston7 p.m.Peacock
Fri., April 24Game 3 at Philadelphia7 p.m.Prime Video
Sun., April 26Game 4 at Philadelphia7 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Tue., April 28Game 5 at Boston*TBDTBD
Thu., April 30Game 6 at Philadelphia*TBDTBD
Sat., May 2Game 7 at Boston*TBDTBD

* if necessary

(3) Knicks vs. (6) Hawks

DateGameTime (ET)Watch
Sat., April 18Game 1 at New York6 p.m.Prime Video
Mon., April 20Game 2 at New York8 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Thu., April 23Game 3 at Atlanta7 p.m.Prime Video
Sat., April 25Game 4 at Atlanta6 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Tue., April 28Game 5 at New York*TBDTBD
Thu., April 30Game 6 at Atlanta*TBDTBD
Sat., May 2Game 7 at New York*TBDTBD

* if necessary

(4) Cavaliers vs. (5) Raptors

DateGameTime (ET)Watch
Sat., April 18Game 1 at Cleveland1 p.m.Prime Video
Mon., April 20Game 2 at Cleveland7 p.m.Peacock
Thu., April 23Game 3 at Toronto8 p.m.Prime Video
Sun., April 26Game 4 at Toronto1 p.m.ESPN, ESPN app
Wed., April 29Game 5 at Cleveland*TBDTBD
Fri., May 1Game 6 at Toronto*TBDTBD
Sun., May 3Game 7 at Cleveland*TBDTBD

* if necessary

Western Conference first round

(1) Thunder vs. (8) TBD

DateGameTime (ET)Watch
Sun., April 19Game 1 at Oklahoma City3:30 p.m.ABC, ESPN app
Wed., April 22Game 2 at Oklahoma City9:30 p.m.ESPN, ESPN app
Sat., April 25Game 3 at West No. 83:30 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Mon., April 27Game 4 at West No. 8TBDTBD
Wed., April 29Game 5 at Oklahoma City*TBDTBD
Fri., May 1Game 6 at West No. 8*TBDTBD
Sun., May 3Game 7 at Oklahoma City*TBDTBD

* if necessary

(2) Spurs vs. (7) Trail Blazers

DateGameTime (ET)Watch
Sun., April 19Game 1 at San Antonio9 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Tue., April 21Game 2 at San Antonio8 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Fri., April 24Game 3 at Portland10:30 p.m.Prime Video
Sun., April 26Game 4 at Portland3:30 p.m.ESPN, ESPN app
Tue., April 28Game 5 at San Antonio*TBDTBD
Thu,. April 30Game 6 at Portland*TBDTBD
Sat., May 2Game 7 at San Antonio*TBDTBD

* if necessary

(3) Nuggets vs. (6) Timberwolves

DateGameTime (ET)Watch
Sat., April 18Game 1 at Denver3:30 p.m.Prime Video
Mon., April 20Game 2 at Denver10:30 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Thu., April 23Game 3 at Minnesota9:30 p.m.Prime Video
Sat., April 25Game 4 at Minnesota8:30 p.m.ABC, ESPN app
Mon., April 27Game 5 at Denver*TBDTBD
Thu., April 30Game 6 at Minnesota*TBDTBD
Sat., May 2Game 7 at Denver*TBDTBD

* if necessary

(4) Lakers vs. (5) Rockets

DateGameTime (ET)Watch
Sat., April 18Game 1 at Los Angeles8:30 p.m.ABC, ESPN app
Tue., April 21Game 2 at Los Angeles10:30 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Fri., April 24Game 3 at Houston8 p.m.Prime Video
Sun., April 26Game 4 at Houston9:30 p.m.NBC, Peacock
Wed., April 29Game 5 at Los Angeles*TBDTBD
Fri., May 1Game 6 at Houston*TBDTBD
Sun., May 3Game 7 at Los Angeles*TBDTBD

* if necessary

NBA playoffs bracket 2026

The bracket will be updated as teams are locked into seeds.

Eastern Conference

  • (1) Pistons vs. (8) Play-In TBD
  • (2) Celtics vs. (7) Sixers
  • (3) Knicks vs. (6) Hawks
  • (4) Cavaliers vs. (5) Raptors

Western Conference

  • (1) Thunder vs. (8) Play-In TBD
  • (2) Spurs vs. (7) Trail Blazers
  • (3) Nuggets vs. (6) Timberwolves
  • (4) Lakers vs. (5) Rockets

NBA Playoffs round-by-round schedule 2026

  • Play-In Tournament: April 14-17
  • First round: April 18
  • Conference semifinals: May 4-5 (possible move up to May 2-3)
  • Conference finals: May 19-20 (possible move up to May 17-18)
  • NBA Finals: June 3-June 19 

Related Links

Instant observations: Sixers win play-in slugfest vs. Magic to advance to playoffs

Instant observations: Sixers win play-in slugfest vs. Magic to advance to playoffs
Apr 15, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) drives against Philadelphia 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe (77) during the second quarter of a play-in round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Behind 31 points from Tyrese Maxey and a spirited effort from their eight-man rotation, the Sixers secured a playoff berth with a 109-97 victory over the Orlando Magic. Andre Drummond gave the Sixers a big lift with 31 minutes off the bench, and VJ Edgecombe offered a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds in his postseason debut.

Here’s what I saw.

Live by the iso, win by the iso (for now)

— If you paid much attention to either of these teams all season, you knew this game was going to be a slog on offense. Orlando has been rough to watch there all season, and without Joel Embiid, the Sixers are a predictable group. But I don’t think Philadelphia did themselves many favors with the strategic approach to this game, because there wasn’t much of one beyond matchup hunting.

For much of the first half, the Sixers relied on their ability to win one-on-one matchups as the totality of their offense. It was particularly stark at the start of the second quarter, with Paul George isolating against Franz Wagner over and over again, and with reasonably strong results, knocking down a few picturesque jumpers to pad the lead. The problem is that those possessions are inherently hard to live on, even for scorers with the size and touch of George. So it left the others out to dry, with VJ Edgecombe struggling early and Tyrese Maxey needing some pull-up magic to sustain his own offense. The stakes were clear — George and Maxey were going to need to summon some special possessions in isolation.

The Magic have turned to Jamal Cain to get some bench shooting in the rotation over the second half of this season, but he was drawing dead trying to keep up with George, not long enough to contest him from the midrange and not quite strong enough to wall him off from the rim. George turned around a game that started poorly within that “Cook his ass, Paul!” scheme, hitting a particularly nasty three over both Wagner and Goga Bitadze on the right wing. It was even worse for the Magic when the Sixers were able to force a few Bane switches, lining George up against a guy with no chance to get a hand in his face. After Edgecombe set up George for a beautiful baseline turnaround in the third, the rookie put his index finger and thumb just an inch apart, grinning at his buddy for the TOO SMALL moment of the evening.

Maxey, of course, is the straw that stirs the drink in Philadelphia. What was so impressive about his game was his commitment to setting the pace in a game that otherwise crawled for long stretches. He went up-tempo whenever possible in transition, played with brilliant downhill speed in the halfcourt, and showed a level of aggression as a pull-up shooter that has been missing from a lot of his recent performances. With Orlando forced to cope with him from all three levels, it opened up the floor for an excellent playmaking effort from Maxey, who zipped passes to open corner shooters with his ailing right hand.

But just as it seemed they were about to break the game open, pulling up by double digits after an Edgecombe layup over Suggs in transition, the downside of stagnant, isolation offense became clear. A double-dribble possession for Edgecombe here, some missed stepback jumpers for Maxey, and the Magic were able to keep themselves in position to strike heading into the fourth. Desmond Bane was on a heater already, and with opportunities to attack against a scrambling transition defense, he picked up some cheapies and trips to the free-throw line late in the third.

I think there were some clear drawbacks on defense from asking so much of these guys as isolation creators, too. George played some outstanding defensive possessions against the core duo of Banchero and Wagner over the first three quarters, but as the Sixers kept going back to the isolation well, it was clear that he was running out of steam in the fourth. Wagner absolutely torched him on a possession with about 8.5 minutes left in the fourth, and anyone with a layman’s understanding of fatigue could figure out why. When you’re asking a guy in his mid 30s to prop up the offense through the sort of plays they ran, it’s only a matter of time before the legs start giving out.

They were able to pull through mostly because Maxey is cut from a different cloth, and he summoned an individual scoring outburst from thin air when they needed it most in the fourth. Running some basic pick-and-rolls with both Bona and Drummond, Maxey pulled together some beautiful off-the-dribble scoring, including a high-arcing shot off the glass with about four minutes to go that laid out the gap in scoring talent between the two teams. If they don’t

Sturdy work from the centers

Andre Drummond went through two months of pretty dire hoops midway through this season, masked by the fact that Joel Embiid was around to vacuum up time and touches on the floor. But he has returned to form at the perfect time for Philadelphia, and he tilted this game as a massive spark plug off the bench.

The method to the madness isn’t a surprise to anyone: Drummond is in the game to control the glass, and he made an impact there almost immediately after checking in for Bona four-and-a-half minutes into this game. Philadelphia’s two wins against Orlando in the regular season were two strong rebounding efforts, and after 24 minutes, the teams were basically in a dead heat on the glass. That’s a tie that goes to the home team in this game, because it neutralized one of the few things the Magic do well as a group.

A bit of credit is due to Adem Bona, who had a pretty quiet stat line that far undersold his efforts to extend possessions. The Magic took multiple fouls trying to stop him from pulling in offensive rebounds, and he was a bolt of lightning to start the third quarter, skying for some of the best blocked shots he has had in two full seasons. He still managed to pick up a couple of heinous fouls, of course.

But there was no doubting who would get the call to finish the game, with Drummond’s physicality bringing him through some weak-armed and weak-willed box outs and toward his ultimate goal. I can’t believe I am typing these words, but I have also gotten to the point where I welcome an Andre Drummond corner three as long as he’s open and in rhythm. Save for a few games where he went off script — hello, San Antonio game — Drummond has done a good job of playing corner spacer without using it as an opportunity to jack up more shots than he should in his role. He even passed up a potential shot to find VJ Edgecombe on an incisive drive-and-kick play by George, and the basketball gods rewarded him with a three to close out the first half in style.

Naturally, it was Drummond who had the dagger to end it. Hell of a night.

Edgecombe’s up-and-down postseason debut

There was no doubt that VJ Edgecombe would leave his imprint on this game one way or another, even if it was an offensive struggle in the first half as he adjusted to playoff-level defense. Edgecombe’s first attempt of the game was a wild layup while falling away from the basket, with the rookie trying to stay away from the outstretched arms of Banchero. His jumper was hit or miss in this one, with Edgecombe missing his first two threes of the night.

But as always, this kid was all action. Edgecombe was dynamite in transition, kick-starting a ton of Philadelphia’s fast break possessions by going up on defensive rebounds and high-pointing the ball before anyone else had a chance to grab it. The Magic, as tough of a defensive backcourt as they have, don’t have a prayer of keeping up with him when Edgecombe hits the turbo button. And even when they were able to meet Edgecombe with a body, he did a great job of reading where the Magic were heading and beating them to the spot:

Sure this wasn’t the plan but they’ll take it 🌪️ pic.twitter.com/BUCawCEap3

— PHLY Sixers (@PHLY_Sixers) April 16, 2026

When drafting Edgecombe was heavily debated last offseason, his lack of wing-level size was viewed as a non-starter for some, but it has rarely shown up in a negative way this season. The rookie ripped Banchero clean on a switch midway through the fourth and played some excellent defense to bother him on spot possessions throughout the game, hanging tough against a player he should have no chance to guard on paper.

Unsurprisingly, it was Edgecombe time when the game was on the line in the closing minutes of the fourth, the rookie dashing in for a heavily-contested layup with two and change to play before drawing free throws on the next possession, offering the little bit of help Maxey needed to see this game through.

Still a lot of work for him to do in this type of environment, of course. Edgecombe got caught between worlds as a ballhandler several different times in this one, turning the ball over multiple times as you could see the decision-making gears turning in his head. Orlando is not good enough to punish those lapses in concentration, but the Celtics will be, and this soft launch for the playoffs should give him a better understanding of what he needs to be ready for starting on Sunday afternoon.

Other notes

— For anyone who is a play-in skeptic, I can tell you that watching these games in person is much closer to a playoff environment than it is to an 83rd regular-season game. There was a possession in the first quarter where Quentin Grimes (probably illegally) bumped Desmond Bane while chasing him off-ball, fought through a screen to stick with Bane as he came back for the ball, and ultimately ripped the possession away from him as Bane cried foul to the officials. In a mid-January game, Grimes probably gets called for at least two fouls on the same possession.

— For as long as he remains in Philadelphia, Kelly Oubre is the walking X-factor, the guy whose confidence and microwave scoring can carry a game and, well, give one right back in the wrong circumstances. In a starting lineup featuring Maxey, Edgecombe, and George, teams have decided to stray from Oubre on the perimeter and live with the results from deep.

The problem with doing so is that Oubre is completely unfazed by a miss, or even a series of misses. He was charged up for this one — after spearing Franz Wagner with an illegal screen in the first quarter, Oubre jawed back and forth with Banchero to the delight of the home crowd, earning matching techs with the Magic’s young star. And as the Magic kept selling out to stop Maxey in the middle of the floor, Oubre did his job and took his open threes with absolutely no second-guessing.

— Tony Brothers called essentially two different games between the first and second quarters, which is about the standard for him. Dreadful to watch. For the record, I love that Edgecombe stood and stared in Suggs’ grill on that sequence in the third, even though he drew a taunting foul for it. Send Tony Brothers to jail!

LaMelo Ball assessed a flagrant 2 foul, fined $35,000 for play on Bam Adebayo

LaMelo Ball was assessed an after-the-fact flagrant foul 2 and fined $35,000 for "making unnecessary and reckless contact with Miami Heat center-forward Bam Adebayo that created a significant injury risk," the NBA announced on Wednesday.

That means he will not be suspended and will play Friday night when Charlotte travels to Orlando for a win-and-you 're-in play-in game. Ball was fined an additional $25,000 for "using profane language during a live postgame television interview," bringing his total fined for Tuesday night's game to $60,000.

The play in question happened in the second quarter, when Ball drove the lane and threw up a shot that Simone Fontecchio blocked. Ball went to the ground, Adebayo grabbed the loose ball, and Ball reached over and hit Adebayo's leg, leading to a nasty fall.

The play where Bam Adebayo got taken out. LaMelo Ball was complaining to the referees afterward. pic.twitter.com/xbKAhslFHB

— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) April 15, 2026

Adebayo left the game not to return, and Charlotte went on to beat Miami 127-126 on a Ball driving layup in overtime.

If Ball had been called for a flagrant 2 foul during the game he would have been ejected. The play was not reviewed (because there was no foul call and play continued on the other end of the court).

"I didn't see it [when it happened], but I don't think it's cute," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said postgame. "I don't think it's funny. I think it's a stupid play. It's a dangerous play...

"He should have been thrown out of the game for that. There is no place in the game for that."

Ball apologized after the game.

"I apologize on that one," Ball said. "I got hit in the head and didn't really know where I was. But I'm going to check on him and see if he is OK and everything."

76ers advance; Magic to face Hornets with the winner to play Pistons

The Detroit Pistons are even closer now to finding out their first-round opponent in the NBA playoffs.

The Philadelphia 76ers advanced on Wednesday by beating the Orlando Magic, 109-97. Philadelphia will now face the Boston Celtics.

76ers guard Vj Edgecombe (77) reaches for a loose ball against Magic forward Jamal Cain (8) during the first quarter of the play-in rounds at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

The Magic will host the Charlotte Hornets on Friday with the winner playing the Pistons on Sunday at Little Caesars Arena.

Charlotte advanced with a victory in overtime over the Heat on Tuesday.

More: Pistons in 'a great spot' as they await first-round playoff opponent

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Detroit Pistons are closer to finding out their first-round opponent

Jays Lose to Brewers, 2-1

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 15: Brandon Valenzuela #59 of the Toronto Blue Jays is out at second base as Joey Ortiz #3 of the Milwaukee Brewers turns a double play during the third inning at American Family Field on April 15, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It was a dark and stormy night in Milwaukee, with big lightning displays outside the stadium and rain leaking through cracks in the American Family Field roof. Inside the stadium, it was a pretty juiceless affair. Neither offence could get much of anything going. Ultimately, it was the Brewers who cobbled together a little bit more.


Toronto struck first. Daulton Varsho worked a one out walk in the first, moved to third on a Vladimir Guerrero jr. ground ball single, and came home on a Jesus Sanchez sac fly. From there, it settled into a pitchers’ duel. Cease gave up a line single in the bottom of the first, walks in the second and fourth, and another hit to Joey Ortiz in the fifth. In the sixth, he gave up his third walk but a strike’em out-throw’em out double play ended the inning. All told, he went six shutout innings on two hits and three walks, striking out six.

After his stumble out of the gate, Chad Patrick was even stingier, conceding just one single each in the third (by Brandon Valenzuela) and fifth (by Lenyn Sosa). He also went a bit deeper than Cease, recording two outs in the seventh around a walk to Kazuma Okamoto. DL Hall took over to face the lefty Lenyn Sosa, getting a fly out.

Mason Fluharty started the bottom of the seventh, giving up a single while getting two outs before giving way to Braydon Fisher. Fisher got Ortiz to ground out to preserve the shutout.

In the eighth, Aaron Ashby gave up a single to Varsho and walked Guerrero with two out. Myles Straw was called on to pinch hit for Jesus Sanchez, but struck out.

Tyler Rogers took the eighth. David Hamilton reached on a swinging bunt that Rogers couldn’t bare-hand. Brandon Valenzuela misplayed a ball chopped straight down onto the plate, allowing Sal Frelick to reach and Hamilton, representing the tying run, to move all the way to third with none out. A Contreras ground ball single tied the game with runners still on the corners. A Turang chopper bounced just over Rogers’ head, scoring the go ahead run. Rogers got out of it from there, but the damage was done. The four balls that resulted in either batters reaching or scored runs traveled a total of 22 feet in the air. So it goes.

Abner Uribe locked it down, retiring the Jays in order


Jays of the Day: Dylan Cease (0.39)

Less so: Nathan Lukes (-0.12), Ernie Clement (-0.13), Tyler Rogers (-0.54)


Getaway day tomorrow, with first pitch at 1:40pm ET. The Jays will hope that Patrick Corbin (0-0, 9.00) can do a little better than he managed last time out. For Milwaukee, top prospect Brandon Sproat (0-1, 10.45) will look to bounce back from a dreadful first three starts of the season.

Angels Lose To Yankees, 5-4, On Another Brutal Blown Save By Closer Jordan Romano

The Los Angeles Angels snatched defeat from the jaws of victory as they blew a fine homer-driven comeback against the New York Yankees in the bottom of the ninth, 5-4, on another blown save by Jordan Romano in a sequence  of plays that had to be seen to be believed. 

The Angels came from behind in this one via another round of homers after falling behind 3-0 early on, and they led 4-3 going into the ninth. Manager Kurt Suzuki elected to go with closer Jordan Romano despite reliever Drew Pomeranz posting a 1-2-3 inning in the eighth, and he paid a big price for his decision. 

The ninth actually started out alright for Romano because of Bryce Teodosio, who made a brilliant leaping catch of a shot to left by Giancarlo Stanton that was headed for the wall to get the first out. 

After that disaster struck. An ordinary pop up to the left side of the infield by Jazz Chisolm Jr. somehow fell between third baseman Oswald Peraza and shortstop Zach Neto on a ball Neto clearly should have called for. Chisolm stole second after the Little League mistake, and a walk to Austin Wells put the potential winning run on. 

It was light-hitting Jose Caballero who then delivered the walk-off hit on a line-drive double to left center that brought home both Chisolm and Wells, although the tag play at the plate on Wells was close. The Angels challenged and lost, and that was the game. 

This was Romero’s second straight bad blown save, and it raised questions about how long he should have the job. He nibbled and fell behind constantly throughout the inning, and when the pop up fell in it almost felt like a win by the Yankees was inevitable. 

The early innings featured much of the back-and-forth, long-ball exchanges that have characterized the series. Aaron Judge started the scoring with yet another home run in the first, this one a solo shot to right, and an RBI single by Trent Grisham drove home two more in the second inning to make it 3-0. 

The Angels came back to take the lead with some long ball of their own, however. Adam Frazier started the Halos scoring in the third with an unlikely home run that made it 3-1, and Logan O’Hoppe finally got his first homer of the season on a blast to left center in the fifth. Mike Trout has been a part of every Angels home-run sequence in this series, seemingly, and he brought home Neto with a two-run blast later in the inning to put the Angels ahead 4-3. 

Angels starter Jack Kochanowicz found his equilibrium after that, though, and he managed to pitch 6-2/3 innings of three-run ball to go with six strikeouts. Yankee starter Luis Gil managed to make it through the fifth after the Angels home-run binge, but he was picked up nicely by four New York relievers who shut down the Angels from there, and it was David Bednar who wound up getting the win as Romano’s record dropped to 0-2. 

This has been a fascinating series, and it closes out tomorrow with Max Fried going for the Yank, with the Angels not having named a starter yet.

Dallas Stars game notes: 20RQUE, full health, & it’s finally over in SO win at Sabres

Dallas Stars game notes: 20RQUE, full health, & it’s finally over in SO win at Sabres
Apr 15, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Jack Quinn (22) is pushed by Dallas Stars defenseman Esa Lindell (23) in the second period at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

The Dallas Stars picked up their 50th victory of the season in a 4-3 shootout win against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center on Wednesday.

Stars lines

  • Steel – Johnston – Rantanen
  • Robertson – Duchene – Bourque
  • Bunting – Hryckowian – Benn
  • Bäck – Faksa – Erne
  • Lindell – Lyubushkin
  • Harley – Lundkvist
  • Bichsel – Myers  
  • Oettinger
  • DeSmith

Scratches: Petrovic, Capobianco, Blackwell, Hyry, Heiskanen (injured), Bastian (injured), Hintz (injured), Seguin (SELTIR)

Top story

It’s finally over. Everybody who played tonight appears to be healthy.

Let the playoffs begin.

The NHL regular season is a funny thing. When you are in the dog days of January or March, it feels like the season is never going to end. You go to work seemingly every day, the Stars play pretty much every day, the energy is low, the sickness is running rampant through the dressing room, and the finish line appears only as a mirage of delicious chocolate soft serve in the middle of the Sahara Desert.

Wow, I really am a poet.

But then the season finally ends, and it feels like it absolutely flew by. You can’t remember every game or every detail, and it feels like you were just sitting in Frisco watching training camp and preseason practices. It’s a pretty wild perspective, and one that has not failed to pop up in nearly 25 years of following the sport every day.

Now, the Stanley Cup Playoffs have arrived. Sure, it feels like Mikko Rantanen just singlehandedly beat Colorado in Game 7 two days ago. But, it’s real, and it’s here.

It’s going to be a hell of a series against Minnesota in round one. Physical, heavy, and incredibly competitive. I don’t know what’s going to happen. Heck, that’s the fun of it all. But I can tell you that I cannot wait to watch it go down. And it starts (most likely) Saturday.

Let’s drop the puck.

Live game notebook

Period 1

  • It took all of 2:18 to turn Mavrik Bourque into a 20-goal scorer. I am not sure if Esa Lindell did it on purpose, but his point shot perfectly bounced — despite all science (who believes in scientists?) — off the end boards and onto the tape of Bourque to the right of the net. Wow. What a year for Bourque, and most of it has come after the New Year.

#20 for Bourque on a rebound off the end boards. That was fast. pic.twitter.com/nYpPrGc3RH

— Robert Tiffin (@RobertTiffin) April 15, 2026
  • Matt Duchene made a nice play to track his man to the back post, even though he didn’t get much on the stick or puck. Better than getting beat clean for an easy goal.
  • Dallas is still sitting at two shots and hasn’t created much since the Bourque goal.
  • Rantanen tried to take on multiple Sabres off the rush, but got stopped up. Soon after, Buffalo goes the other way, and Josh Norris rips a wrist shot over the glove side of Jake Oettinger. This was another one of those shots that Oettinger doesn’t look to read well off the stick. Instead of snatching it with a relatively easy glove save, Oettinger moves his glove low like he is guessing a bit, and then has to try to shrug to recover. It’s definitely something in Oettinger’s game.

What a SNIPE from Josh Norris 🎯 pic.twitter.com/31cXAd6q2D

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) April 15, 2026
  • Dallas is so famous for not creating a ton, but still leading or being tied. I know it’s frustrating for fans, but they do often find ways to win or get that goal.

Stars 1, Sabres 1

Period 2

  • Wyatt Johnston made a nice play to get a piece of a shot from the slot. If he doesn’t get a piece, it’s probably 2-1 Buffalo.
  • Dallas seems to be stuck on one power-play entry, and it’s just not working. To me, it doesn’t look like they have much of a plan. It feels like they get to the blue line and just hope they can make a great pass or stickhandle their way in. Could be wrong, but that feels like it needs to improve.
  • And another turnover on an entry, this time by Duchene, leads to a breakaway from the offensive blue line and a goal for Buffalo. Woof.
  • The puck, sometimes, is your friend. Lindell’s point shot rattles in off a Buffalo skate in front just as the power play was coming to an end. Just as he planned. Tie game.
  • If this game is meant to build Oettinger’s confidence, it’s certainly not doing that. Whether it’s on him or not, he just allowed a goal from behind the icing line, never, ever a good thing. Alex Tuch quickly banked it off of him to give Buffalo the lead.

3-2, Alex Tuch. pic.twitter.com/mjc66tW5hp

— Robert Tiffin (@RobertTiffin) April 16, 2026
  • So far, nobody has gotten injured. So, that’s good.
  • How about the surprises of the season? Bourque with 20 goals. Justin Hryckowian has 14 goals and 29 points. Jamie Benn has still tallied 15 goals despite his age and injury. Obviously, Johnston and Jason Robertson hitting 45 goals apiece. Adam Erne wins a job on a PTO and stays with the team all year, coming off hip surgery. It’s been a fun year.
  • Speaking of Hryckowian, the rookie wins a puck at the defensive blue line, skates in 2-on-1 with Jamie Benn, looks off the goalie, and buries his 14th goal of the season five-hole. Unlike the empty-netter against Colorado, Hyrckowian was not deferring to the captain on this play.

Justin Hryckowian buries one 😮‍💨#TexasHockeypic.twitter.com/4k8UBxWgao

— Victory+ (@victoryplustv) April 16, 2026
  • Never listen to me if I take the under, apparently.

Stars 3, Sabres 3

Period 3

  • The Stars power play has looked horrendous tonight. Yes, they have the goal by Lindell, but like, come on.
  • If you are wondering why players look like they are slow or not competing, it’s because they are slow and not competing. Makes sense, right? You can clearly see the half effort from both teams. That’s fine, but I always get nervous about injuries when players skate at half speed.
  • Why, just why is this game going to overtime? Like, why?

OT

  • Robertson nearly ended it on a wraparound immediately.
  • Stars get sloppy at the blue line and turn the puck over. Bourque takes a penalty getting back, and Tuch makes a cheeky spinning between-the-legs pass. Oettinger with a huge save.
  • Josh Doan just pulled off the Tyler Seguin chip shot into the crowd.
  • Nearly everybody scores, and some filthy goals, but Johnston wins it for the Stars’ 50th win of the season. More importantly, the regular season is over.
  • Nice moment here, too:

Class act from both teams as they stick around to congratulate linesman Steve Barton on his final NHL game 🤝 pic.twitter.com/kFXJiCTlV5

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) April 16, 2026

Final: Stars 4, Sabres 3 (SO)

PLAYOFFS??!!

Player grades: Tyrese Maxey, Sixers beat Magic to advance to playoffs

PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers began their postseason run on Wednesday night as they played host to the Orlando Magic in the 7 vs. 8 matchup in the play-in tournament. The winner advanced to the playoffs as the No. 7 seed while the loser prepared for a win-or-go-home situation in a second play-in game.

The Sixers entered this one with Joel Embiid sidelined, but they were able to lean on Tyrese Maxey and their veterans to step up and get the job done in this situation. Philadelphia walked away with a 109-97 win over the Magic to advance to the playoffs as the No. 7 seed and set up a date with the Boston Celtics in Round 1 starting on Sunday.

Maxey had 31 points and six assists for Philadelphia, Kelly Oubre Jr. had 19 points, and Paul George added 16, five rebounds, and five assists. VJ Edgecombe had 19 points and 11 rebounds while Andre Drummond chipped in with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks.

Here are the player grades following the win:

Tyrese Maxey: A

The star guard put his head down and attacked this Magic defense early and often. There were some struggles in the early going as he had to battle through Orlando’s physicality, but once he found a rhythm, he was able to get the scoreboard moving for Philadelphia. His 3-point shooting in this one was a big help as he was able to get himself going and cause problems for the Magic all night. He was living in the paint, spreading out to shooters, and was tough on the defensive end as well. He made some big plays in the fourth to help Philadelphia seal it. This was a big Maxey game on a night they needed it.

VJ Edgecombe: A-minus

Playing in his first postseason game, Edgecombe made an impact in a number of ways. He was able to get to the basket and finish, was tough and physical on the defensive end, and was helpful on the glass. There were some miscues as Orlando’s guards bothered him at times, but Edgecombe played tough as he was able to make an impact. He and Magic guard Jalen Suggs got into it in the third after Edgecombe finished on the break, but the rookie did not back down and continued to attack. For his postseason game in this environment, he was terrific.

Paul George: B-plus

After a slow start, George found a spark in the second quarter. He was able to get into the mid-range and give the Sixers a bucket there as well as knock down a tough 3-pointer over a good Magic contest. He was judicious with his shot and did a great job of finding his teammates. It wasn’t a big night in terms of his scoring, but the 9-time All-Star contributed in a number of ways between his playmaking, defensive ability, and leadership out on the floor.

Kelly Oubre Jr.: A-minus

The Sixers needed a big Oubre night and he gave those big moments. He knocked down three big 3s in the early going to allow Philadelphia to get off to a hot start and he was battling on the defensive end against Banchero and the variety of other Magic players he had to defend. He had success getting into the paint and finishing as well as he used his herky-jerky style to finish over Orlando’s length.

Adem Bona: C

This was a tough matchup for Bona. The Magic employ a frontline that features some physical players who have a lot of size and length and it seemed to bother him. To his credit, he had three fantastic blocks in the third quarter, including one when Magic big man Wendell Carter Jr. tried to take him off the dribble. The fouling in the fourth was a problem, however.

Andre Drummond: A

The Sixers turned to Drummond early and he made an immediate impact. He was able to attack the glass, finish with his offensive rebounding, made plays with his passing, and protected the basket. He was terrific in every sense of the word in his initial stint. His size was a real strength for Philadelphia in this one as he gave the Sixers a little bit of everything off the bench, including some 3-point shooting.

Dominick Barlow: B-minus

Playing in his first postseason game as well, Barlow had an early dunk when he cut baseline and converted on an opportunity. He moved his feet well defensively as he was able to make an impact on that end. He bothered the Magic every time they tried to get into the paint and he was able to help on the glass. Barlow did get into foul trouble, but he was able to give the Sixers some production.

Quentin Grimes: C-plus

Grimes took some wild shots in this one, but when he put his head down and attacked the basket, he was able to give the Sixers a big lift. He had some terrific finishes inside and battled through contact in an effort to give Philadelphia some offense.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Player grades: Tyrese Maxey, Sixers beat Magic to advance to playoffs

NBA Insider Reveals Celtics' Biggest Threat In Eastern Conference Playoffs

Jaylen Brown and Mikal Bridges

NBA Insider Reveals Celtics' Biggest Threat In Eastern Conference Playoffs originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Entering the 2026 NBA Playoffs, the Boston Celtics are favored to win the Eastern Conference. 

However, that doesn't mean it's going to be a cakewalk for the Celtics. The Detroit Pistons are the one seed and have home-court advantage, while the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers look dangerous as well.

According to NBA insider Brian Windhorst, there's one team in particular that Boston needs to watch out for.

"I think that the Knicks are the team that the Celtics have to contend with most seriously, and that is simply because the Knicks have been constructed with the exact purpose of beating the Celtics," Windhorst said on Wednesday's episode of "First Take."

"I think that the Knicks are the team that the Celtics have to contend with most seriously. ... The Knicks have been constructed with the exact purpose of beating the Celtics."@WindhorstESPN says the Knicks are the biggest threat to the Celtics 👀 pic.twitter.com/oMTTKQAgbv

— First Take (@FirstTake) April 15, 2026

"That is why they invested so heavily in Mikal Bridges. That is why they invested so heavily in OG Anunoby," Windhorst continued. "Those players were brought in specifically to deal with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and they have had success."

New York has beaten the Celtics in seven of their last 10 matchups dating back to last year's Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Knicks play physical basketball and were the best fourth-quarter team in the NBA this year, so getting past them won't be easy for Boston.

Colin Cowherd expects the Celtics to beat New York due to their deeper bench and superior 3-point shooting, but that wasn't enough last year.

More NBA: Colin Cowherd Predicts Three Potential NBA Finals Scenarios For Celtics

CBS Sports names five potential Eagles targets at pick 23

The NFL Draft is almost here, and the noise is only getting louder. Mock drafts are flying in from every direction. Eagles Wire recently dropped its own, one that adds Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Eli Stowers, and Malachi Fields to the Philadelphia Eagles' nest, among others. Opinions are stacking on top of each other. Most, however, agree on what the Eagles' top needs are as the selection meeting approaches. From the offensive line to edge rusher... From safety to wide receiver and tight end. There's no shortage of ideas about how Philadelphia should approach the 23rd overall selection.

Recently, CBS Sports' Jared Dubin added his voice to the conversation, identifying five prospects who could make sense for Philadelphia in Round 1 at the 23rd selection. Here's a closer look at those names, along with some added intel.

1. Max Iheanachor, offensive tackle, Arizona State Sun Devils

Max Iheanachor is a traits-based prospect with plenty of upside. Still relatively new to football, he’s developing technically, but his size and movement skills give him the foundation of a future starting tackle.

2. Dillon Thieneman, safety, Oregon Ducks

Dillon Thieneman offers reliability and versatility. He's a steady presence who can contribute in coverage and against the run, making him a strong candidate to step in and stabilize the back end of a defense. He'd certainly be an upgrade to the last line in Philadelphia's defense.

3. Kenyon Sadiq, tight end, Oregon Ducks

Kenyon Sadiq brings modern versatility to the tight end position. He can line up all over the formation and create mismatches, offering immediate value as both a receiver and a developing blocker. He's also a burner, having notched a historically good 40-yard dash time for tight end prospects at the most recent NFL Combine.

4. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, safety, Toledo Rockets

Stop us if you have heard this before. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is a physical, playmaking safety with a knack for forcing turnovers. His connection to former Toledo Rockets standout Quinyon Mitchell only adds to the intrigue, as Philadelphia continues to explore that pipeline.

5. Blake Miller, OT, Clemson Tigers

Blake Miller is a steady, experienced tackle with the tools to develop into a long-term starter. His consistency in pass protection and familiarity with a pro-style system make him a relatively safe projection.

With so many viable paths available, the Eagles aren't locked into one direction. That's what makes pick 23 so fascinating. The board will dictate the decision, but if this list proves anything, it's that Philadelphia will have options, and plenty of them.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: CBS Sports names five potential Eagles targets at pick 23

UNC backup center becomes latest Tar Heel to enter transfer portal

North Carolina reserve center Ivan Matlekovic has entered the transfer portal, becoming the latest Tar Heel to seek a move, Inside Carolina reported Wednesday.

The 7-footer from Sisak, Croatia, spent his only season at UNC in a limited role, appearing in four games and logging seven total minutes before a hand injury ended his season in January. He scored his only points of the year on a basket in the Tar Heels’ 99-51 win over East Carolina on Dec. 22.

Matlekovic transferred to North Carolina after his freshman season at High Point, where he appeared in five games. Before coming to the United States, he played two seasons for HAKK Mladost Zagreb in Croatia’s Prva Liga.

North Carolina reserve forward Ivan Matlekovic has become the most recent Tar Heel to enter the transfer portal, On3 confirmed Wednesday night.

More: https://t.co/giG1wEfmHjpic.twitter.com/6C2oCUEZp5

— InsideCarolina (@InsideCarolina) April 16, 2026

Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC basketball: Tar Heels lose reserve center to transfer portal

Cincinnati Bearcats add local talent Evan Mahaffey from Akron Zips

The Cincinnati Bearcats have added some local flavor to the roster with the addition of Eric Mahaffey from the Akron Zips, by way of Moeller High School.

On3 Sports reported the news late on April 15, which has been confirmed by The Enquirer.

Akron transfer guard Eric Mahaffey has committed to Cincinnati, he told @On3.

The 6-6 freshman and Cincinnati native averaged 7.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game this season, shooting 39% from three. Was MAC All-Freshman Team. https://t.co/P2CLLLO2iqpic.twitter.com/sZmKNhNjjv

— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) April 16, 2026

The 6-foot-6, 200-pound wing averaged 7.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game for the Zips with a high game of 20 points vs. Iona and a top rebounding performance of 13 against the Miami RedHawks. Mahaffey's father, Jamie, played for Miami University and also once coached NBA players OJ Mayo and Bill Walker at North College Hill.

Akron Zips guard Eric Mahaffey reacts after a play against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during an NCAA Tournament first-round game March 20 in Tampa.

Mahaffey made the All-Mid-American Conference Freshman Team. He shot 53% from the field, 39.1 % from 3-point range and 76.3% at the free throw line.

As a senior at Moeller, playing for Carl Kremer, he averaged 8.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game and 2.9 assists. The Crusaders averaged just 57.3 points per game that season but finished 26-2, losing only to Centerville twice. Mahaffey led the Greater Catholic League-South in assists that season.

Akron Zips’ Eric Mahaffey (4) shoots against NIU during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6 at James A Rhodes Arena

His older brother Evan Mahaffey also played at Moeller, along with stints at Penn State, Ohio State and Akron.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Eric Mahaffey transferring to Cincinnati basketball from Akron

Cincinnati Bearcats add local talent Evan Mahaffey from Akron Zips

The Cincinnati Bearcats have added some local flavor to the roster with the addition of Eric Mahaffey from the Akron Zips, by way of Moeller High School.

On3 Sports reported the news late on April 15, which has been confirmed by The Enquirer.

Akron transfer guard Eric Mahaffey has committed to Cincinnati, he told @On3.

The 6-6 freshman and Cincinnati native averaged 7.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game this season, shooting 39% from three. Was MAC All-Freshman Team. https://t.co/P2CLLLO2iqpic.twitter.com/sZmKNhNjjv

— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) April 16, 2026

The 6-foot-6, 200-pound wing averaged 7.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game for the Zips with a high game of 20 points vs. Iona and a top rebounding performance of 13 against the Miami RedHawks. Mahaffey's father, Jamie, played for Miami University and also once coached NBA players OJ Mayo and Bill Walker at North College Hill.

Akron Zips guard Eric Mahaffey reacts after a play against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during an NCAA Tournament first-round game March 20 in Tampa.

Mahaffey made the All-Mid-American Conference Freshman Team. He shot 53% from the field, 39.1 % from 3-point range and 76.3% at the free throw line.

As a senior at Moeller, playing for Carl Kremer, he averaged 8.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game and 2.9 assists. The Crusaders averaged just 57.3 points per game that season but finished 26-2, losing only to Centerville twice. Mahaffey led the Greater Catholic League-South in assists that season.

Akron Zips’ Eric Mahaffey (4) shoots against NIU during a Mid American Conference men’s basketball game, March 6 at James A Rhodes Arena

His older brother Evan Mahaffey also played at Moeller, along with stints at Penn State, Ohio State and Akron.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Eric Mahaffey transferring to Cincinnati basketball from Akron

TSMC’s 2nm Supply Crunch Is Forcing Smartphone Makers to Reserve Top Chipsets for ‘Ultra’ Models Only, as DRAM Shortage Piles On      

16 April 2026 at 05:46

Expect smartphone makers to make chipset downgrades this year, thanks to TSMC

The 2nm node is expected to be the most cutting-edge lithography the industry has ever laid eyes on, with none other than TSMC leading from the front with orders secured for AI chips and mobile SoCs. Unfortunately, the complexities of mass-producing these advanced wafers at a monumental scale pose a major challenge for multiple smartphone companies planning to use these chipsets in their devices. In fact, one tipster suggests that TSMC will partly be responsible for firms introducing silicon downgrades to their handsets later this year, with the other culprit being the DRAM crisis. The advanced 2nm process has ‘insufficient […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/tsmc-to-force-smartphone-makers-to-make-chipset-downgrades-this-year/

Nothing unveils Warp app for easy transfers between Android and your computer

16 April 2026 at 05:02

While Google has already given its two newest flagship smartphone series support for AirDrop, and Samsung is slowly following suit, Nothing is releasing its own system for easily transferring files between Android devices and computers running macOS, Windows, or Linux. It's called Nothing Warp and it's available as a free download for your Android phone from the Play Store. On the computer side, you need to install the Warp extension for Google Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers. You can find this extension in the Chrome Web Store. On your Android device, Warp...

Sporting´s Champions League exit leaves Borges with ´infinite pride´

Rui Borges left the Emirates Stadium with “infinite pride” despite Sporting CP’s Champions League elimination against Arsenal in the last eight. Sporting held Arsenal to a goalless draw in Wednesday’s second leg, though Mikel Arteta’s side progressed as 1-0 aggregate winners, thanks to Kai Havertz’s last-gasp winner in the team’s first meeting in Lisbon. Sporting […]

The post Sporting´s Champions League exit leaves Borges with ´infinite pride´ appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Sporting´s Champions League exit leaves Borges with ´infinite pride´ appeared first on Soccer News.

´Who cares what people think?´ – Rice hits back after Arsenal scrape into last four

Declan Rice is not interested in any opinions from outside of the Arsenal camp after they scraped into the Champions League semi-finals. Wednesday’s uninspiring goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium was still enough to see Arsenal past Sporting CP with a 1-0 aggregate win, thanks to Kai Havertz’s late winner in the opening meeting in […]

The post ´Who cares what people think?´ – Rice hits back after Arsenal scrape into last four appeared first on Soccer News.

The post ´Who cares what people think?´ – Rice hits back after Arsenal scrape into last four appeared first on Soccer News.

49ers met multiple times with '5-position versatility' OL prospect

The San Francisco 49ers recently hosted Oregon offensive lineman Alex Harkey for a Top 30 visit, but that is only a portion of their meetings with the former Ducks player. While Sports Illustrated's Justin Melo reported the Top 30 visit, San Francisco Standard reporter David Lombardi added that the 49ers also interviewed Harkey at the NFL Scouting Combine, as well as conducted a Zoom interview with the prospect.

This doesn't necessarily mean Harkey is a clear draft target for the 49ers, but they've certainly done their due diligence on the prospect. And for good reason — while Harkey played mostly tackle in college, he has experience at guard and even started as a tight end. He also told teams he'd be willing to play center if necessary. That's why Melo wrote that teams "believe he has true 5-position versatility."

And, as Lombardi noted, 49ers general manager John Lynch is close with Oregon head coach Dan Lanning. That connection surely helps with the evaluation of a player.

As for Harkey himself, the 24-year-old stands at 6-foot-5 and 313-pounder and is expected to be a mid-to-late Day 3 pick. He's started just 26 games over the past two seasons, but has six years of collegiate experience, starting with two years at Tyler Junior College before a year at Colorado and two years at Texas State, before he joined the Ducks in 2025.

Adding someone like Harkey late gives the 49ers ample time to develop him into a player they could use throughout the offensive line. The only real starting role available is at left guard, but Harkey would need to get comfortable with the position before he stepped into any starting role.

In any event, this is just another example of the 49ers looking into the offensive line. They also met with Travis Burke, Kadyn Proctor and Caleb Lomu, the two of whom are considered first-round prospects.

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: NFL draft: 49ers, OL Alex Harkey met multiple times

Bayern Munich finally overcome Real Madrid in the Champions League — La Bestia Negra is BACK!!!

Olicho is built for the biggest moments. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images) | Getty Images

WHAT. A. GAME.

Blood flooding into my head, heartbeats reverberating through my body,

End-to-end action. I was watching this game from home, and my neighbours definitely had a rough night. However, I do think Bayern players can somehow hear me scream at them. They tend to play better as soon as I criticize them. But I digress.

Terrible mistakes by the goalkeeper, some shoddy defending, and three inexplicable goals later. Bayern trailed by a goal, with the score at 3-2 in favor of Real Madrid and the tie at 4-4 on aggregate. A pulse pounder of a first half was followed by a slower, sluggish second half.

All the way to the 86th minute.

That was when it happened. Eduardo Camavinga makes a late challenge on Harry Kane and then, in typical Real Madrid style, grabs the ball and starts walking away with it, like a complete buffoon.

Unlike in the past, the referee was not having it. Already on a yellow card, this was always going to be risky. Another yellow awarded, and deservedly so. Madrid went down to 10 men.

That was all the galvanizing Bayern needed.

Luis Diaz, who was having a stinker of a game till then, suddenly found inspiration to receive the ball and unleash it from long range. A rocket of a curler took a slight deflection off Éder Militão and sailed into the top right corner.

BEDLAM.

It took me a whole minute to process what happened. With just three minutes to spare, Bayern Munich were leading a UCL quarterfinal against Real Madrid. There was hope, after all. There was a feeling of “THIS CLUB MIGHT ACTUALLY DO IT.”

And then came Michael Olise. Saving up a moment of magic for the biggest of moments. When the match needed a match winner, Olise said, “I got this.” The aura farming extraordinaire received the ball in space, squared up the Real Madrid defense, licked his lips after spotting Antonio Rüdiger, and dribbled straight toward goal.

Cutting in, slaloming past the defense, and unleashing his signature curling long-range belter into the top corner.

I screamed. You screamed. Everyone watching the game screamed. Because that was a SCREAMER.

Olise has trademarked the “Arjen Robben special.” He’s replaced the legend and is writing his own story at Bayern.

And that was the last kick of the game.

Bayern beat Real Madrid 6-4 on aggregate and beat Real Madrid BOTH HOME AND AWAY.

Let that sink in.

Tonight is a night of jubilation for all Bayern Munich fans. Quality football has triumphed. Footballing excellence has been awarded. Vincent Kompany’s Bayern has made history.

Ethical football has won.

Bayern has won.

MIA SAN MIA.


If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…

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High Stakes Meet Higher Scores At The 2026 NCAA Gymnastics Championships

2026 NCAA Gymnastics Regionals - Corvallis

CORVALLIS, OREGON - APRIL 5: Jordan Chiles of the UCLA Bruins poses after receiving a perfect ten on the floor exercise during an NCAA Regional Final gymnastics meet at Gill Coliseum on April 5, 2026 in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Ali Gradischer/Getty Images)

Getty Images

When NCAA Gymnastics’ top eight teams take to the floor this Thursday in Fort Worth, Texas, fans can expect a few things: high-level talent, high stakes, and even higher scores.

The competition begins on Thursday, April 16, with two National Semifinals – effectively, the sport’s ‘Elite Eight’ round. Four teams will compete in each semifinal, and the top two finishers will advance to the NCAA National Championship on Saturday.

This year’s field is both unique in its composition and uniquely talented. While the sport’s powerhouses – Oklahoma, LSU, Florida, and UCLA – return for another battle on the national stage, surging programs like Georgia, Stanford, Arkansas, and Minnesota head to Texas ready to shake up the standings.

But most of all, the eight programs will need to weather the storm.

The Perfect Scoring Storm

Former ESPN Commentator and U.S. Olympic medalist Kathy Johnson Clarke describes the current collegiate climate as a “perfect storm.” It’s a storm that pulls from many sources, both good and bad.

The storm brings increased television coverage to a growing sport (good). With increased visibility and growth, so has come an “obsession with huge scores" (bad).

Scoring has skyrocketed in recent years, in proportion with increased coverage and athlete visibility in the new era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). Since 2022, perfect tens have become more common than not. In 2024, judges awarded almost 90 perfect scores, the highest amount awarded since 2004.

Line chart of the number of perfect tens awarded in NCAA Women's Gymnastics over the last two decades.

Line chart of the number of perfect tens awarded in NCAA Women's Gymnastics over the last two decades.

Caroline Price

In 2024, an attempt was made to tranquilize the lenient evaluations. The Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA) announced a judging evaluation system established “to create a level playing field of scores across the country.” Dubbed the “SCORE Board,” the proposed system would evaluate the quality of the judges.

Though the gymnastics community had high hopes for progress, the WCGA has been slow to roll out the program due to financial and logistical constraints.

In the fall of 2025, the board confirmed to me that the program remains in its "pilot stage" and “will not be used as criteria for ranking or assigning officials to the 2026 NCAA postseason.”

Though judges awarded 45 perfect scores in 2025 and 44 thus far in 2026 – a marked decrease from 87 in 2024, many experts maintain that the scoring remains inflated across the board.

Designing The Game of Gymnastics

Though the conversation surrounding perfect scores remains contentious, perfect tens can often catalyze program growth. The score is now synonymous with women’s college gymnastics, with perfect-ten routines garnering millions of views across TikTok, X, and Instagram.

Though the scores might be inflated and highly contested by the sport’s most dedicated fans, perfect tens bring new eyes to college gymnastics. Broadcasters have responded accordingly.

The sport’s growing popularity has led to distinct changes in how fans and spectators interact with it. Organizers have helped make gymnastics “more like a game,” Johnson Clarke tells me.

2026 LSU Archive

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - MARCH 13: Kailin Chio of the LSU Tigers scores three perfect 10's against the Arkansas Razorbacks at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on March 13, 2026 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by LSU Athletics/University Images via Getty Images)

University Images via Getty Images

With judges only penalizing obvious errors: a fall, a wobble, a step on a landing, even the most inexperienced fan can watch a balance beam routine and logically anticipate its score. “Fans can get excited because they do know how a game is played,” Johnson Clarke adds.

Fans can now view the sport like they would football: offense and defense (we’ll forget special teams for a moment). The athlete competing is on offense, trying to score as high as possible. The defense is the Code of Points.

The defense has been underperforming. "Since [the defense] is not in play – at least not in any huge sense—nothing is being deducted that the casual fan can’t see," Johnson Clarke admits, chuckling.

Finding Joy in the Eye of the Storm

For the avid fans who mourn gymnastics’ withering defensive line, Johnson Clarke also has a message: find the joy in watching your sport.

“Enjoy the athletes. Enjoy the sport. View it as a game—an exciting game—and see who comes out on top... or just who has their best meet. That’s to be celebrated.”

Over the last decade, we’ve seen countless records fall. In 2017, the Oklahoma Sooners posted the highest NCAA Championship score in the sport’s history (198.3875). From 2016 to 2025, all but one NCAA team champion scored a 198 or above – that’s an average of a 9.9+ on each routine. In the previous decade, only one winning team reached that golden benchmark.

The 2026 NCAA Championships in Fort Worth represent a pivotal moment and a pivotal question: Will the 'defense’ finally fight back, or will the 'offense’ continue to run up the score?

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Wisconsin reserve forward Jack Robison commits to North Dakota State

MADISON – One of Wisconsin’s departing transfer portal players has found a new home.

Ex-UW reserve forward Jack Robison has committed to North Dakota State, he announced on April 15 on social media.

Robison will join the Bison – the reigning Summit League champions – with two seasons of eligibility remaining. The 6-foot-6 wing totaled 23 career points in 48 minutes in two seasons with the Badgers.

Wisconsin forward Jack Robison (2) is guarded by Washington forward Christian King (7) during the second half of their game Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin beat Washington 88-62.

The Lakeville, Minnesota, native was a former three-star recruit who chose the Badgers over other scholarship offers from Minnesota, Nebraska and South Florida. He was high school teammates with Nolan Winter, who has blossomed in his first three seasons with the Badgers.

Robison is the first of four UW’s transfer losses to announce a new school. The other three are reserve forward Riccardo Greppi, star guard John Blackwell and starting forward Aleksas Bieliauskas. Blackwell recently narrowed his list of possible schools to Alabama, Arizona, Duke, Illinois, Louisville and UCLA.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin basketball transfer Jack Robison chooses Summit League team

Jaire Alexander opens up about his mental health struggles

The Ravens traded cornerback Jaire Alexander to the Eagles on Nov. 1, and he stepped away from football on Nov. 12 without playing a game for his new team. The Eagles retain his rights, so if he ever decides to return, it will be with Philadelphia unless the team releases him or trades him.

Alexander, 29, posted about his mental health struggles on social media on Wednesday and made it sound as if his football career is over.

“As much as I loved Baltimore, I didn’t love the position I was in," Alexander wrote. "I had a bunch of internal battles with myself. I didn’t have that confidence in my abilities I once did. At corner, you need ultimate confidence in your abilities, and I felt it slipping away. It was at this moment I contemplated if I was making the right decision for my career. What helped me get through these times was not only God & my family, but I had some really cool teammates who made it fun to be there. I felt as if I let the organization down. My family and friends would drive up to see me, and I wasn’t even playing in the games. I never questioned God, but why me? All this while having a smile on my face. Football is a true gladiator sport, and once the confidence has gone, it’s time to hang it up. Thank you Flock Nation for embracing me. Thank you EDC for believing in me & thank you for the unlimited therapy sessions I had to encounter to help me with my time there. I am so grateful for the experience.”

Alexander made two Pro Bowls in eight seasons. He played seven seasons in Green Bay before the Packers released him last summer, and he appeared in two games with the Ravens last season.

Ronda Rousey blows up on Kayla Harrison in brutal response to UFC champ: 'Who the f*** are you?'

Ronda Rousey already has her hands full with Gina Carano ahead of the pair's dual returns to MMA atop Netflix's May 16 mega-event. But at Wednesday's pre-fight press conference in New York, Rousey also sent verbal heat-seeking missiles toward the sitting UFC bantamweight champion, Kayla Harrison.

In a recent interview on Jorge Masvidal's "Death Row MMA" podcast, Harrison reacted to a story Rousey told from their judo pasts about one of their "king of the hill" style training sessions. The sessions consisted of testing a single judoka for as long as they could, with the rest of the gym going at them for a set period. In Rousey's story, she claimed to take out all the women until a male judoka took her out after an hour of the session. Harrison labeled the story a "blatant f***ing lie," before mocking the concept of Rousey vs. Carano and calling each woman irrelevant, given the hiatuses they've been on.

Rousey, 39, erupted with an unexpectedly scathing response Wednesday.

"Gina is so relevant that she's the whole reason that the 145-pound division even exists," Rousey told Uncrowned's Ariel Helwani. "I am so relevant that the only reason [Harrison] has a job at the UFC is because of me. Kayla is so irrelevant that she couldn't even keep the 145-pound division around. Honestly, she's just sour because no matter what she does or what she accomplishes, she can't change the fact that she has the charisma of a wet towel and will always be in me and Gina's shadow. 

"So the next time she wants to talk s***, she should look down at her feet and consider who paved the road that she's walking on. Oh wait, she can't look down at her feet because she's too busy holding onto the belt in a neck brace. And then she goes on and says that I lied about training in judo in Canada in, like, 2006. Who the f*** are you to call me a liar, OK? I was training there for five months. B****, you weren't even there.

MIC DROP 🎤

Rousey cut a promo on Kayla Harrison. #RouseyCaranopic.twitter.com/Vd2N4lFeZK

— Uncrowned (@uncrownedcombat) April 15, 2026

"Over the last decade and a half of being a public figure, I have cultivated a reputation of being unabashedly truthful. This b**** just got here and was already caught in a lie. What did she say after she won the belt? She said, 'Oh, I'm never going to say anything bad about Ronda. She took care of me when I was broke in Japan and bought me groceries.' How about you shut the f*** up and eat your groceries?"

The inaugural UFC bantamweight champion didn't stop there.

Comparing their two situations, Rousey took her rebuttal one step further, digging into Harrison's last scheduled bout — a showdown with Rousey's former opponent, Amanda Nunes. The fight was set for UFC 324 this past January until Harrison withdrew due to a neck injury that required surgery. 

Before its cancellation, the bout positioned a seemingly unstoppable champion against the returning women's GOAT, who retired on top. Yet Harrison vs. Nunes was also set to play second fiddle as UFC 324's co-main event behind an interim lightweight title clash between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett.

"Her and [UFC CBO] Hunter [Campbell] are trying to act like her next upcoming fight is the biggest women's fight of all time," Rousey said. "Then why is it being booked as a co-main for a men's interim title fight? The b**** isn't even bigger than Paddy 'The Baddy' [Pimblett]. No offense to Paddy, I think he's got more potential than anybody in the UFC, and he should call me when his contract runs out.

Mar 10, 2026; Inglewood, California, United States; Ronda Rousey poses during a press conference for upcoming MMA featherweight bout at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Ronda Rousey is doing everything in her power to ignite change in MMA.
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect / Reuters

"Here's another contradiction that I think is a f***ing kicker: If she thinks that her fight is the biggest women's fight of all time, why is she getting paid less now than I was 10 years ago? Riddle me this, b**** — are you overvalued or are you underpaid? And what really pisses me off more than anything else — yeah, I'm not f***ing done — is how small she thinks. [My fight] is not just the biggest women's fight of all time — this is the biggest MMA fight of all time. It's going to get the most views, on the biggest platform, on the card with the biggest stars, and will be headlined by two women who dare to dream big. And this dream is going to bring more opportunities and greater revenue share to fighters than they've ever had before, because this fight is bigger than just me and Gina. It's bigger than anybody on this stage. It represents an unstoppable force of change in this industry, spearheaded by the fighters themselves.

"Bet your f***ing ass this is the biggest MMA fight of all time. Bar none."

Since Rousey vs. Carano was announced, Rousey (12-2) has explicitly done her best to become a new voice of reason and change throughout the MMA space. That shift has come as a massive surprise, given that she left the sport in 2017 to pursue a professional wrestling career. While Rousey has had equally distasteful things to say about both industries over the past decade, she knows how impactful the first MMA event on Netflix can be.

For starters, every fighter on the Netflix card will make a minimum of $40,000, according to Rousey. That significantly outpaces UFC's base pay of $12,000 to show and $12,000 to win.

"Fighting for MVP and on Netflix, it makes this fight bigger than us. It's a game-changer for the entire industry," Rousey said. "Everything's going to be different for all of the fighters after this. This is an experiment that Netflix is undertaking. We're going to outperform every single expectation on this card. UFC is going to have somebody to bid against in the future, and the fighters are actually going to have some bargaining power, and this is part of us taking our power back."

"I saw that Mike Tyson had something still [when he fought Jake Paul] that everybody misses, even at [age] 60," Rousey continued. "They put on the most-viewed combat sports event of all time. And I knew that me and Gina bring something to the table that people miss and it would be a huge success. It wouldn't be nostalgia bait or a cash grab.

"A vacuum has been left, and I think we need to remind all of the women and everybody in the sport to not just be comfortable with their place. You need to demand your space and demand your opportunities and try to aim for more. Everyone's content with what they have."

Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell says ‘it’s not easy to lose a friend’ after McIntosh’s exit

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell acknowledged Tuesday he was disappointed about the departure of athletic director Chris McIntosh, but doesn’t believe his friend leaving will have a major impact on his future with the Badgers.

Fickell was going to have to start producing more victories regardless.

“I think the easiest thing for us right now is to understand you’ve got to win,” Fickell said after a morning practice. “We’re not beating around the bush.”

Fickell spoke one day after the announcement that McIntosh was leaving Wisconsin to take a newly created job as the Big Ten’s deputy commissioner for strategy. McIntosh, who had been Wisconsin’s athletic director since the summer of 2021, hired Fickell and continued to back him as the Badgers went 9-15 over the last two seasons.

Fickell said McIntosh had let him know “last week at some point in time” about the possibility of this move. Fickell added that “it’s not easy to lose a friend.”

“Anytime there are changes with people you know were in your corner, it’s always a little difficult, disappointing, whatever you want to say,” Fickell said. “But so is life. You’ve got to be able to move and continue to go on.”

Marcus Sedberry, who had been Wisconsin’s deputy athletic director/chief operating officer, is working as interim athletic director until a permanent successor for McIntosh is announced. Sedberry previously worked at Baylor, Arkansas and Central Florida as well as with the Philadelphia Eagles.

“When you’ve been to other places and seen how things are done, you get a lot of experiences — good and bad — you take a lot of things in, you recognize how things are done,” Fickell said. “I think that’s one of the great things about Marcus. He’s been in the NFL. He’s been in several different spots.”

McIntosh hired Fickell away from Cincinnati at the end of the 2022 regular season after firing Paul Chryst that October. The move earned rave reviews at the time because Fickell had gone 53-10 in his last five seasons at Cincinnati and had led the Bearcats to a College Football Playoff berth in 2021.

Fickell has gone 17-21 at Wisconsin thus far. The Badgers were 4-8 last year after going 5-7 in 2024, snapping what had been a Power Four-leading streak of 22 straight winning seasons.

McIntosh continually stood behind Fickell.

He made public comments supporting Fickell after a 27-10 home loss to Maryland in September. After Wisconsin was shut out at home against Iowa and Ohio State in consecutive October weekends, McIntosh sent a letter to season-ticket holders saying the school planned to increase its investment in its football program to “provide our coaches the tools necessary to succeed.”

Wisconsin had lost six straight games when McIntosh said Fickell would remain as coach beyond the 2025 season. The Badgers responded by splitting their final four games with wins over then-No. 24 Washington (No. 23 College Football Playoff) and Illinois (then-No. 21 CFP).

McIntosh’s promise to increase Wisconsin’s football investment also helped the Badgers add 34 transfers — including 27 from other Football Bowl Subdivision programs — this offseason.

Fickell said it was helpful to have an athletic director he knew so well but added that the expectations don’t change after McIntosh’s departure.

“We all understand this is big-boy ball and this is big business,” Fickell said. “It comes down to doing your job and doing it really well. … In the spots where I’ve been, there’s been different relationships with each AD. I think each one of them are unique. However it goes and whatever it is, what helps the relationship best of all is having success on the field and having a good product. I don’t think that’s going to change.”

Game 18: Seattle Mariners at San Diego Padres

San Diego, CA - April 14: Jackson Merrill #3 of the San Diego Padres hits a single in the third inning as Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners looks on at Petco Park on April 14, 2026 in San Diego, CA. (Photo by K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)

Seattle Mariners (8-10) at San Diego Padres (11-6), April 15, 2026, 6:40 p.m. PST

Watch: Padres.TV

Location: Petco Park – San Diego, Calif.

Listen: 97.3 The Fan


Today, we all wear 42 💙 pic.twitter.com/v7Tp3FwpvX

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) April 15, 2026

Here’s how we line up on Jackie Robinson Day. #Jackie42pic.twitter.com/yvMIYFRHQ8

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) April 15, 2026

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Game 18 Game Day Thread – Texas Rangers @ West Sacramento Athletics

Apr 15, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager hits a double against the Los Angeles Angels during the eighth inning at Globe Life Field. All MLB players will be wearing the number 42 on Jackie Robinson Day to commemorate Robinson making his major league debut in 1947. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Texas Rangers @ Athletics

Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 8:40 PM CDT (105.3 The Fan / Rangers Sports Network)

Sutter Health Park

RHP Kumar Rocker vs. RHP J.T. Ginn

Today’s Lineups

RANGERSATHLETICS
Brandon Nimmo – RFNick Kurtz – 1B
Corey Seager – SSShea Langeliers – C
Wyatt Langford – DHCarlos Cortes – DH
Evan Carter – CFTyler Soderstrom – LF
Joc Pederson – 1BJacob Wilson – SS
Josh Jung – 3BJeff McNeil – 2B
Josh Smith – 2BMax Muncy – 3B
Danny Jansen – CLawrence Butler – RF
Ezequiel Duran – LFDenzel Clarke – CF
Kumar Rocker – RHPJ.T. Ginn – RHP

Go Rangers!

Reports: Likelihood of NFL replacement refs enters new stage with background checks, physicals

NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL's process of hiring replacement referees has reached another stage, according to a memo sent to teams.

ESPN and The Athletic both reported Wednesday that several replacement officials have completed hiring steps including background checks and will soon progress to undergoing physical exams. Training sessions with NFL officiating supervisors would then begin as early as next month.

The league has undertaken these steps because negotiations with the referees’ union have been unsuccessful, two people with knowledge of the discussions told The Associated Press last month. Both people spoke on condition of anonymity because the conversations are private.

The NFL's collective bargaining agreement with the NFL Referees Association is set to expire on May 31.

According to ESPN, NFL senior vice president of officiating Perry Fewell informed teams in his memo Wednesday that teams will receive further information in the coming weeks about when replacement refs would be able to work offseason workout programs and minicamps which begin on June if no new agreement is reached with the union.

The league and the union have been negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement since the summer of 2024.

The NFL has increased its offer to a 6.45% annual growth rate in compensation over a six-year labor deal, but the NFLRA wants 10% plus $2.5 million for marketing fees, the two AP sources said last month.

NFLRA executive director Scott Green told the AP “those numbers are not accurate.” He said negotiations with the league are similar to 2012 when a stalemate resulted in a 110-day lockout and replacement referees were used. ___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

Veteran Skylar Diggins determined to bring high standards to Sky: ‘We’re not going to get punked’

CHICAGO — For Skylar Diggins, the weeks of free agency leading up to her decision to sign with the Chicago Sky created a rare moment of reframing.

More than 80% of the league was out of contract in anticipation of the newly signed collective bargaining agreement. For months, every team took on an amorphous shape with no guarantees except for the players left on their rookie contracts. Players essentially were provided with a week to sit down with teams for serious discussions, then make a decision. Ahead of her 12th WNBA season, Diggins said this offered a unique situation to sit back and reevaluate the entirety of the league — and how she saw herself within it.

After playing her entire career on the West Coast, Diggins wanted to come home. The guard grew up in South Bend, Ind., less than two hours from Chicago, and starred at Notre Dame. As the mother of 3- and 7-year-old children, Diggins felt herself drawn to the prospect of playing with family in the stands.

But the pitch had to be more than just proximity to home. Diggins, 35, wants to lead a team. More importantly, she wants to lead a winning team. To land their new starting point guard, general manager Jeff Pagliocca had to convince Diggins that the Sky and coach Tyler Marsh could provide that opportunity.

Diggins acknowledged the risk she’s taking by joining a team fresh off two losing seasons — “A little bit of it is a leap of faith,” she said — but didn’t waver in her confidence.

“I’m bought into the vision,” Diggins said Wednesday during an introductory news conference at The Metropolitan. “I’m not just coming here saying this is the end or whatever for me. I want to play some good basketball. I still have a lot to go as far as what I feel like I can do, especially with this team.”

Pagliocca was incredibly high on the team’s prospects for landing free agents, but Diggins is experienced enough not to put too much stock into the hopeful projections of a front office before the negotiation window actually has opened. The guard felt confident enough investing in the foundation of the Sky’s plan, which centered on a partnership with center Kamilla Cardoso.

But as free agency opened, Diggins also gained additional confidence from the prospective players the Sky seemed poised to acquire. She shares an agency with Rickea Jackson, which gave her an inside track on the possibility that the forward might be traded to the Sky. And Diggins also knew that forward Azurá Stevens was dead set on signing with the Sky long before free agency opened.

“She was telling everybody pretty much that would listen that she was going to Chicago,” Diggins said with a laugh.

When all the chips fell, Diggins ultimately felt Pagliocca had succeeded in assembling a competitive roster that made sense with herself at the helm. The Sky prioritized two-way players, which fit the defensive-minded approach Diggins brings to the game.

The guard also feels the Sky landed on the correct balance of personalities in the roster. She knows her reputation as a commanding team captain who isn’t afraid to confront coaches or teammates when a team is falling short.

“Everybody that knows me knows I challenge my teammates around me,” Diggins said. “I wouldn’t say I’m an easy teammate, but I’m a good teammate because I’m going to challenge you.”

On this roster, Diggins trusts that this leadership style will be met with enthusiasm — and that her fellow veterans can help to set and enforce that standard.

Fellow point guard Courtney Vandersloot is similarly demanding of both herself and teammates. Guard Rachel Banham brings levity to a locker room. Center Elizabeth Williams is “always the adult in the room.”

“We’re not a monolith,” Diggins said. “We need the diversity.”

Diggins knows leadership will be necessary to reestablish the Sky as a competitive team.

They won only 10 games last season. They won 13 games the year before that. The Sky have not made the playoffs since the 2023 season. On the court, they visibly struggled to create any cohesive style of play while cycling through three coaches in three seasons.

But Diggins believes that can change — and quickly.

“Our standards have to be strong,” Diggins said. “Because if we have strong standards, then that demands respect. We’re not going to get punked. I’m the chief of security right here. It’s just our identity. Who are we going to be?”

This free-agency cycle was also a crucial first step in recalibrating player perception of the Sky as an organization. For years, the franchise has struggled to attract free agents and retain top talent. The construction of a new training facility will help to alleviate some of those concerns, but the Sky’s problems went deeper than resources.

Marsh said this required the team to start “tough conversations that have been had behind closed doors” and make internal adjustments as a result. Pagliocca said Sky ownership spent the offseason working to invest in continued improvements that would make the team a free-agent destination well beyond 2026.

This resulted in an explosive free-agency cycle — with Diggins at the heart of it all.

“Players are aware of the negative things that get said on the daily,” Marsh, 38, said. “We’re all engaged in social media. We’re aware of it. But Skylar’s been around this league a long time to know the fake from the real. There’s a reason why she wanted to be here. Being close to home helps, but you’ve also got to be able to trust the people that you’re going into war with.”

____

Did Tigers' Javier Baez channel Jackie Robinson, execute MLB slide of the year?

Did Tigers' Javier Baez channel Jackie Robinson, execute MLB slide of the year? originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

On MLB's Jackie Robinson Day, Detroit Tigers' Javier Baez paid homage to the Hall of Famer. 

With one Detroit Tigers' baserunner already thrown out at home plate during the fifth inning Wednesday, Baez tempted fate again eight pitches later. As Jake Rogers lifted a fly ball to right fielder Jac Caglianone, Baez raced down the third-base line, attempting to beat what developed into the fastest replay throw by a Kansas City Royals outfielder this season.

Baez came up short, but executed mid-slide trickery.

The 98-plus mph throw to catcher Salvador Perez beat Baez to the plate, but during his slide, he utilized a sleight of hand to avoid the tag and break a scoreless tie at Comerica Park.

Could Baez's slide evolve into an early candidate for MLB slide of the year?

Tigers' Javier Baez channels Jackie Robinson

For Caglianone, his secondary assist on a throw home earlier in the fifth inning proved to be an act of revenge.

In the top of the third inning, Caglianne, who led off with a triple, was thrown out at home on Kyle Isbel's ground ball to second baseman Gleyber Torres, who was drawn in on the play.   

The early stages of Wednesday's game featured a trifecta of plays at the plate.

With McKinstry hustling from first base on Baez's double down the right-field line, Caglianne fielded the ball and threw to Michael Massey, who pivoted and tossed a replay to Perez. McKinstry was initially ruled safe, but a challenge overturned the run, keeping the game scoreless. 

But for only a short time, until Baez pulled off a wizard-like slide to score.

Just like Robinson, who stole home 19 times during the regular season and once in the World Series.

Dave Roberts Explains Why Shohei Ohtani Didn’t Hit During Pitching Start

Apr 4, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) talks with the media before the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts elaborated on the decision to have Shohei Ohtani only pitch against the New York Mets on Wednesday.

Roberts ahead of the series finale against the Mets, spoke with reporters about the team’s choice to have Ohtani not hit.

Shohei Ohtani is out of today's lineup against the New York Mets, but he will be pitching a regular starter's workload.

Kyle Tucker will be hitting leadoff, and Dalton Rushing will be lining up in the designated hitter spot.

The Dodgers are being careful with their ace.

— Nelson Espinal (@nelson__espinal) April 15, 2026

The manager directly cited as Ohtani’s hit by a pitch that he suffered on Monday at the hands of lefty David Peterson.

The hit on his shoulder extended his on-base streak to 47 straight games of successfully reaching at the time, which was raised to 48 straight on Tuesday, but it did leave him in a good deal of pain.

Apr 4, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) talks with the media before the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images
Apr 4, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) talks with the media before the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images

Roberts made sure to clarify that the norm for Ohtani going forward will be to hit on days that he makes a pitching start, but the team are taking a difference approach amid the shoulder injury.

The Dodgers are seemingly taking a careful approach with the Japanese sensation this early, but they are clearly letting him still push himself to a certain extent as a pitcher.

“This one game, it just makes the most sense to give us the best chance to manage the shoulder and back,” Roberts said.

Additionally, the manager wanted to allow Ohtani to stay loose in between his mound appearances as a pitcher rather than adding the stress of hitting as well, which is a different motion.

The last time Ohtani pitched without hitting

Per Jack Harris of The California Post, Wednesday’s absence from the lineup is the first time he has pitched and not hit in a very long time.

“First time since May 28, 2021, that Ohtani has not hit during a pitching start (and that was before MLB instituted its new two-way rule that allows him to stay in games as a hitter after his pitching start is done),” Harris notes in a post on X.

The Dodgers seemingly don’t want to make this a regular thing for the Japanese star, but there is clearly some concern about the pain and wear on his body.

Luckily, Ohtani will be able to continue competing as a pitcher and chasing a Cy Young award.

Texas QB Arch Manning says he’s feeling ‘100 percent’ after foot surgery

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas quarterback Arch Manning is doing light workouts so far in spring practice following offseason foot surgery.

But he said Wednesday that his body is as strong as it’s been since he had what school officials said was a minor procedure in January.

“I feel 100 percent right now. We’re kind of taking it slow, but if we had a game today I’d be playing,” Manning said. “Obviously when you’re not out there, you’re kind of antsy. It was hard the first few weeks just not being able to do anything. Now I get to do a little bit more.”

Manning is coming off his first season as the Longhorns’ full-time starter. The nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning passed for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns and ran for 10 TDs in 2025.

While he waits to do more on the field, he’s been focused on mental reps, footwork drills and getting to know some of his new teammates.

“It’s been different, but it’s been good,” Manning said. “It’s honestly been unique for me getting a bunch of mental reps and kind of being off to the side. But I’ve gotten to spend a lot of time with these new guys — freshmen, transfers — and guys coming back. So, it’s been fun.”

Texas was the preseason No. 1 and finished ranked No. 12. The Longhorns missed the College Football Playoff and finished 10-3 with a Citrus Bowl win over Michigan that included Manning’s 60-yard, game-sealing touchdown run.

Manning described the season as a roller coaster.

“I think I could have had more fun. The first half of the season, I was (ticked),” Manning said. “I wasn’t playing well and it wasn’t fun for me. And then I kind of sort of said ‘screw it’ and had a little more fun and started winning some games.”

Now he said he’s concentrated on being the best version of himself going forward. He plans to leave the evaluations of how much he’s improved to others.

“I think I’m just trying to get better every day,” Manning said. “That’s not for me to judge, really.”

Final Mel Kiper 2-round NFL Mock Draft has Bengals going defense

Dec 20, 2025; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive end Cashius Howell (9) tackles Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Malachi Toney (10) during the game between the Aggies and the Hurricanes at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Love him (I do) or hate him, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., is one of the most respected voices in the NFL Draft scene. After coming on the scene in 1984, before the NFL Draft was what it is today, Kiper has helped revolutionize one of the final weekends in April into must-watch television.

While his mock drafts aren’t always spot-on, he has a good pulse on the league, and, in particular, the AFC North. Kiper has an affinity for the Baltimore Ravens, but he also knows his stuff when it comes to their divisional rivals.

Recently, Kiper unveiled his final two-round mock draft on the Mothership’s main site. In it, the Bengals take two talented defenders, but they don’t come without their questions.

As many are leaning recently, Kiper has the Bengals taking a cornerback at No. 10 overall. And, true to the Bengals’ standards, they take the big-school SEC guy who has few medical red flags.

Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

This has become a pretty popular mock draft match, and it makes sense. Cam Taylor-Britt signed in Indianapolis, and the No. 2 corner spot opposite DJ Turner II is up for grabs in Cincinnati. The Bengals have to do something on defense to catch that unit up to the offense a bit; it allowed 7.8 yards per pass attempt in 2025, fourth worst in the league. Delane is technically sound, and he can make plays to get the defense off the field and put the ball in quarterback Joe Burrow’s hands. Over four college seasons — including three at Virginia Tech — Delane had 27 pass breakups and eight interceptions.

While defensive line and linebacker remain a primary focus for the Bengals’ defense, Kiper’s mock has a number of coveted players off the board when Cincinnati picks. Arvel Reese, Caleb Downs, David Bailey, and Sonny Styles have all been picked in this mock.

And, as we know with the Bengals’ hardball negotiations with many of their stars over the years, it’s not within the realm of impossibility that the team selects a high-end corner in the wake of potential negotiations with Dax Hill and DJ Turner. Even so, the team could be coveting another quality corner to aid a defensive line in flux.

As it goes with Delane, he’s a clean prospect. However, the main knock, oddly enough, is that teams did not challenge him at LSU. He was a shutdown corner by many accounts, but how does that SEC approach translate to the NFL?

At No. 41—another valuable pick—Kiper has the Bengals addressing the defensive line. Uber-productive, albeit physically-limited edge defender, Cashius Howell, was pegged to Cincinnati by Kiper in his mock.

Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M

Bengals fans will see “Texas A&M edge rusher” and have flashbacks to last April, when the team took Shemar Stewart despite his 4.5 sacks over three seasons with the Aggies. Stewart ended up with one sack as a rookie. Howell wears the same uniform but is on the other end of the spectrum. He had 11.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss last season. That’s big-time production for a Cincinnati team that just lost Trey Hendrickson.

Howell is one of those players in whom you hope the tape outweighs the measurables. That’s where this makes sense in the second round. Teams often take “risky” players on Night 2, and Howell fits that bill.

Cashius Howell is a DE prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored a 8.16 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 384 out of 2085 DE from 1987 to 2026.

Pending pro day.https://t.co/4zL5tGzSEspic.twitter.com/cZcIytAZDy

— RAS.football (@MathBomb) March 19, 2026

His arm length. scheme fit, and wingspan will undoubtedly be an issue for teams, but his production can’t be denied (15 sacks the last three seasons). When you look at his size, it isn’t the prototypical defensive end the Bengals target, but the team needs able pass-rushers with the departures of Trey Hendrickson, Joseph Ossai, and Cam Sample.

To put it gently, the Bengals would be going against the grain in picking Howell for a number of reasons. However, there is stock to be taken in teammates to be taken together and the knowledge of playing styles together.

Both of Kiper’s picks make the defense better in the immediate and long-term future.

Possible 49ers 1st-round pick had pre-draft visit with team

The San Francisco 49ers have met with a lot of 2026 prospects in the weeks leading up to the draft. From receivers to offensive linemen to edge rushers, general manager John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan should have a good sense of who they'll pick at No. 27.

And at some point during the pre-draft process, the 49ers met with potential first-round edge rusher Malachi Lawrence, according to KPRC2's Aaron Wilson. The UCF product is a projected to be selected late in the first round or early in the second round — a prime spot for the 49ers' first pick.

The 22-year-old Lawrence has 20 sacks, 28 tackles for a loss, 72 combined tackles and three forced fumbles in his career. He stands at 6-foot-4 and 253 pounds, and NFL.com's Lance Zierlein compared him to Arizona Cardinals pass rusher Josh Sweat.

NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah endorsed this move, saying in his pre-draft news conference that Lawrence would be an ideal fit in the 49ers defense.

"When you talk about guys who fit that scheme, you've got to feel their juice off the edge and (Lawrence), he brings that," Jeremiah said. "The run [stopping] stuff, he's got to get a little better. There's times he gets stuck at the point of attack. He needs to improve. But if you told me Malachi Lawrence, you could handpick him to play in one defense, I'd send him to San Francisco."

The 49ers need edge-rushing support. Nick Bosa and 2025 first-round pick Mykell Williams are recovering from ACL injuries and Keion White is recovering from an off-field gunshot wound. San Francisco, if anything, needs bodies on the defensive line, and Lawrence could be a Day 1 impact starter for Raheem Morris' defense.

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Malachi Lawrence had a pre-draft visit with 49ers

Jake Livanavage plays big role in NHL debut for Pittsburgh

Apr. 15—GRAND FORKS — The Pittsburgh Penguins did not ease Jake Livanavage into his first NHL game.

The former UND defenseman took the ice first in warmups and did the traditional rookie lap, skating by himself for 30 seconds at Enterprise Center in St. Louis.

Then, the Penguins treated him like anything but a rookie.

Livanavage played 25 minutes, 14 seconds — more than any other player on the ice — during Pittsburgh's 7-5 loss to the St. Louis Blues.

Livanavage also ran Pittsburgh's first power-play unit and was on the ice when Pittsburgh pulled the goaltender at the end of the game to try to get the tying goal.

"It's obviously what you dream of, growing up as a kid," Livanavage said. "To kind of have it out of the way and done with, it's unbelievable. I can't thank the guys in the locker room enough and the Pittsburgh organization as well. It was awesome."

It was Pittsburgh's last regular-season game. The Penguins will now move into the playoffs, but because Livanavage was signed as an undrafted free agent after the NHL's trading deadline, he is not eligible to play in the playoffs.

Penguins coach Dan Muse praised Livanavage after the game.

"He played well," Muse said. "You can see the skating, confident with the puck. Early on in the game, too, I think first shift, good stick detail, disrupts a play. Then, a couple of shifts later, a couple of good plays on breakouts, some little subtle things. I thought you saw that confidence build. He did a good job getting into the game."

Livanavage played three seasons at UND, earning All-American honors as a sophomore and junior.

He led the Fighting Hawks to the National Collegiate Hockey Conference's Penrose Cup and to the NCAA Frozen Four this season. UND's year ended with a 2-1 loss to Wisconsin in the Frozen Four semifinals last Thursday.

Livanavage signed his NHL deal in the hours following the game.

"It's never an easy thing for a guy playing his first NHL game," Muse said. "No real team practice. You're jumping right into the fire. I thought he found his way into the game really well."

Livanavage was asked what he could take from his NHL debut.

"Everything that comes with the experience," Livanavage said. "Getting that game under my belt, just knowing the style of play, the pace that it's played at. Just move forward with it, take it with me in the summer."

Livanavage became the 114th former UND player to play in an NHL game and the third to make his debut this spring.

Forward Sacha Boisvert debuted with the Chicago Blackhawks last month, while defenseman Abram Wiebe debuted with the Calgary Flames on Saturday. Wiebe has now played three NHL games.

Livanavage is the fifth undrafted UND player to make an NHL debut in the last decade, joining Matt Kiersted, Cole Smith, Troy Stecher and Drake Caggiula.

His parents, Amy and Jim, and brother, Johnny Walker, attended the game in St. Louis.

"They obviously mean the world to me," Livanavage said. "I wouldn't be here without them. It's just super incredible and special to share this moment with them."

Ben Strinden, Ellis Rickwood sign AHL deals, will begin pro careers soon

Apr. 15—GRAND FORKS — UND's top scorers, seniors Ben Strinden and Ellis Rickwood, have signed professional contracts and will soon begin their professional careers.

Strinden signed a two-year deal with the Milwaukee Admirals, the top minor-league affiliate of the NHL's Nashville Predators. His contract will start next season. He will finish this season on a tryout deal.

Rickwood signed a one-year deal with the Texas Stars, the top affiliate of the Dallas Stars. His contract also starts next season. He will finish this year on a tryout deal.

Both played starring roles in helping UND win the National Collegiate Hockey Conference's Penrose Cup as regular-season champions and reaching the NCAA Frozen Four.

Strinden, of Fargo, had a breakout senior season. He scored 15 goals and tallied 35 points in 38 games. Strinden was a seventh-round pick of Nashville in 2022.

Rickwood, who came to UND as a transfer from Clarkson, led UND in points, tallying nine goals and 37 points in 35 games. He centered one of UND's top two lines all season. Rickwood was an undrafted free agent.

In Austin, Rickwood will reunite with his old Clarkson linemate, Ayrton Martino.

Five players from the 2025-26 UND team have now signed professional deals.

Defensemen Abram Wiebe

(Calgary Flames)

and Jake Livanavage

(Pittsburgh Penguins)

have already made their NHL debuts.

Winger Dylan James

signed a two-year deal

with the Detroit Red Wings beginning next season. He will finish this season on a tryout deal with their top affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins.

James and Strinden, teammates of the last four years, could go head-to-head on Friday night. Grand Rapids plays at Milwaukee.

Michael Malone, UNC sign son of Tar Heels legend, two-time NBA champion

Mike Malone

Michael Malone, UNC sign son of Tar Heels legend, two-time NBA champion originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Michael Malone and the North Carolina have been busy at the start of the 2026 offseason, cutting ties with several assets and targeting potential replacements. 

On Wednesday, Malone and the Tar Heels made a notable roster move bound to make headlines: signing the son of a North Carolina legend and two-time NBA champion. 

“Malloy Smith, a 6-5 guard from Encino, Calif., has signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University of North Carolina and play men's basketball for the Tar Heels,” TarHeel247 Sports reported.

“Smith attends Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California. He is the son of Kenny Smith and Gwendolyn Osborne Smith. Kenny Smith played for the Tar Heels from 1983-87, won two NBA titles in Houston, and is an Emmy-winning broadcaster. Malloy's brother, K.J., played three seasons for the Tar Heels from 2018-21.”

There’s no question that Smith, who’s an unranked prospect according to multiple recruiting services, has big shoes to fill in Chapel Hill. Smith’s father was a consensus first-team All-American, a first-team All-ACC member, and a two-time All-ACC member before thriving in the pros.

If Smith turns out to be half the player his old man was at the collegiate level, he’ll undoubtedly enjoy an impactful and successful career with UNC. The high school senior averaged 8.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game with Mater Dei this past season (according to MaxPreps).

It’ll be interesting to see how Smith performs in a Tar Heels uniform in the foreseeable future.

More college basketball: Duke reportedly pursuing 19.1 PPG Wisconsin transfer who 'could command as much as $5 million'

Mets' Christian Scott goes 5.1 innings for Triple-A Syracuse, retires last 11 hitters in a row

Mets right-hander Christian Scott took the mound for Triple-A on Wednesday and had a second consecutive solid start for Syracuse.

After giving up some early runs, Scott settled in and struck out five in his 5.1 innings of work, retiring the last 11 hitters he faced and 13 of the last 14. The one batter that reached base during that stretch reached on an error. 

Scott allowed just two hits and a walk in his outing while throwing 82 pitches (50 strikes), but the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the Yankees' Triple-A affiliate, made them count. Spencer Jones hit a two-out double following a walk to open the scoring in the first and Ernesto Martinez Jr. tagged the 26-year-old for a solo shot to lead off the second. 

From there, Scott faced one over the minimum until he was pulled from the game in the sixth, in line for the loss with Syracuse down 2-0. Regardless, his season ERA dropped from 6.48 to 5.27 over 13.2 innings this season.

Scott missed the entire 2025 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery following a big league promotion in 2024. That year, Scott had a 4.56 ERA in nine major league starts and a 2.76 ERA in nine starts in Triple-A. 

Did ESPN give Ravens ideal draft selection?

Did ESPN give Ravens ideal draft selection? originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

For most, the Baltimore Ravens' biggest draft need is to add an offensive lineman to help protect Lamar Jackson.

With Tyler Linderbaum now a Las Vegas Raider, getting the interior strengthened has to be one of the franchise's top priorities.

Picking at No. 14, there's a fair chance that the Ravens will have their pick of the top offensive linemen in the class, but who could/should the franchise be looking at?

Well, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. just dropped his latest mock, and he might have given the Ravens their ideal draft selection -- Spencer Fano.

“Taking Fano here would give Baltimore options,” Kiper Jr. wrote. “He could stick at his traditional position and become a swing tackle in Year 1 behind Ronnie Stanley and Roger Rosengarten before eventually taking a starter role.

"He could kick inside to guard and replace Andrew Vorhees. Or he could even be the team's next starting center after Tyler Linderbaum signed with the Raiders; Fano took snaps at the combine to show teams he could handle the pivot.”

More: ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has fascinating Chiefs draft vision

Is Fano ideal Ravens selection?

Well, you could make that case, as Kiper Jr. just laid out exactly why he could be.

Able to play in a variety of positions, including center, Fano could be the Ravens' offensive chess piece, able to line up nearly anywhere.

Given that Lamar needs protection and with no Linderbaum, I wonder if Baltimore could make Fano its new center this offseason. Granted, having a rookie in such an important position isn't ideal, but Fano, it appears, has all the tools to make it work.

Is Spencer Baltimore's ideal pick? He very well could be.

More NFL news:

Annual WVU Coaches Caravan Glade Springs stop coming

The longest-running fundraising event for West Virginia University athletics keeps going.

The WVU Coaches Caravan will kick off May 4, and one of the stops will be at The Resort at Glade Springs. About 20 officials from the WVU athletics department will be at the venue on Wednesday, May 6. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and the event will start at 6 p.m.

Southern West Virginia has been hosting a stop on the caravan since 1970, and this will be the 54th.

“It would have been 56 but Covid knocked us out a couple of times,” said Jim Ferguson, a member of the Mountaineer Athletic Club who organizes the event.

Among those who have been confirmed to appear are head football coach Rich Rodriguez, head men’s basketball coach Ross Hodge and head women’s basketball coach Mark Kellogg, as well as Director of Athletics Wren Baker.

There will also be coaches from the Olympics sports, depending on availability.

WVU football and men’s basketball play-by-play announcer Tony Caridi will emcee the event. Caridi, who has been in that capacity since 1997, will be three days removed from receiving the Morehouse Award from the West Virginia Sports Writers Association.

Also, the annual Mountaineer Spirit Award will be presented by Reese Allen, who on Friday will officially become the 71st Mountaineer Mascot. He will be presented the rifle by current mascot and Midland Trail graduate Cade Kincaid during the annual Passing of the Rifle ceremony.

Ferguson said there will be a tailgate outside the white tent at the Glade Springs event with hamburgers and hot dogs. Other food and nonalcoholic beverages will be available. Legal beverages must be purchased.

Individual tickets are available for $50, and tables seating 10 are available for $750.

Tickets can be purchased by going to mountaineerathleticclub.com and clicking on Events.

3 final mock drafts have Cowboys trading ahead of Saints for defender

We're one week away from the 2026 NFL Draft, and some trends are beginning to develop among those in the know. Three separate mock drafts from ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr., The Athletic's Dane Brugler, and The Ringer's Todd McShay each have the same conclusion -- predicting the Dallas Cowboys trade ahead of the New Orleans Saints for a top defensive prospect. But are the Saints really as big a threat to pick Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles as Dallas may fear?

While the Saints did lose Demario Davis in free agency, they signed his replacement (and his former backup) in Kaden Elliss, who is expected to man the middle linebacker spot on early downs while getting ample opportunities to rush the quarterback in obvious passing situations. Pete Werner and Danny Stutsman should compete for the other starting job in Brandon Staley's 3-4 defense, with Chase Young and Carl Granderson lining up outside.

So it's probably not New Orleans worrying Dallas about whether or not they can get their guy. Odds are Styles would not get past the Washington Commanders (at No. 7), the Kansas City Chiefs (No. 9), Cincinnati Bengals (No. 10), and Miami Dolphins (No. 11), to say nothing of other teams that may want to trade up for him. But with almost every team ahead of the Saints looking to trade down, it's telling that the No. 6-picking Cleveland Browns are seen as the match for the Cowboys moving up from No. 12.

Given the unique makeup of this year's draft class -- players like Styles, his Ohio State teammate Caleb Downs, and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love are all seen as talents at non-premium positions -- it makes sense that teams want to trade down. There may not be the high-end pass rushers and quarterbacks teams covet. Maybe the Saints should look into trading down to get more picks, too.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Final mocks have Cowboys trading ahead of Saints

HIGH SCHOOL ROUNDUP: Sandwich softball picks up big win over Monomoy

The Sandwich softball team belted a result on Wednesday that resonated throughout the Cape and Islands.

The Blue Knights (6-2) beat previously undefeated Monomoy (5-1), 11-6.

Maddie Brown led the Blue Knights' offense with four RBIs. Mia Consalvi, Capri Barber and Arabella Finton each collected two hits.

Sophie Farrington struck out 13 to collect her third win of the week. 

Lexi Totten went 4-for-4 with two home runs, a triple and a double. She drove in three runs to pace Monomoy's offense. Kiley Mawn went 2-for-3 with two RBIs. The Sharks had 10 hits.

Also in high school sports action:

Softball

Falmouth 2, Dennis-Yarmouth 0: The Clippers (2-5) beat the Dolphins (2-3) to win their second in their last three games. In a strong defensive game by both teams, Falmouth had four hits and D-Y had three.

Falmouth's Ellie Bennett had one hit and two runs scored. Nina Alther had two hits. Mickayla Codd had one hit. Tenley Briggs had two RBIs and one sacrifice fly. Bennett went seven innings in the circle with 11 strikeouts.

Nauset 12, Barnstable 3: The Warriors (5-1) topped the Red Hawks (1-4) with another standout performance from Brynn Kew. Kew had four hits, including a double in five at-bats. She pitched four innings in relief, with no hits or runs allowed and struck out 11. Ava Lagasse started in the circle and struck out four. The Warriors had 14 hits. Savion Smith, Ellie Comier and Lucy Hartung had multiple hits each.

For the Red Hawks, Madison Flynn pitched a complete game with 13 strikeouts. Flynn was 1-for-3 at the plate with one run scored and had the Red Hawks' only stolen base of the game. Danielle Franklin was 2-for-3 with one RBI. Camilla Nascimento also went 2-for-3 with one RBI. Ryleigh Sheppard had a heads-up diving play at the plate in her one inning behind the dish to tag out a Nauset runner attempting to score.

Somerset Berkley 20, Bourne 0: The Canalmen (0-5) fell as Michaela Muldoon had two hits and Olivia Meda also had a hit.

Baseball 

Falmouth 7, Dennis-Yarmouth 2: The Clippers (4-2) beat the Dolphins (5-2) for their fourth straight victory. Eathen Vecchione went seven innings, scattered five hits with two runs allowed, and struck out 11. It was a scoreless game until the top of the fifth inning where Tre'Chaun Days, Max Inman, Vecchione, Trey Cardoza and Dave Velesig had big hits. Josh Matta also had a sacrifice bunt in that inning. The Clippers added two more runs on an Inman triple to score Days, and a sacrifice fly from Vecchione to score Inman. Inman went 2-for-4 with two runs scored. Matta went 2-for-3. Cardoza went 2-for 4 with one run scored and one RBI. Velesig went 1-for-3 with one RBI. Frostholm went 1-for-3 with two RBIs.

Martha’s Vineyard 4, Sandwich 3: The Vineyarders (2-2) beat the Blue Knights (2-5) to end a two-game losing streak. Senior Eli Bryant threw a complete game (seven innings pitched, three earned runs allowed, seven strikeouts), and was 2-for-2 with two RBIs. Senior Joe Medeiros was 3-for-4 with an RBI double and a run scored.

For Sandwich, Joe Coughlan went five innings, allowed three hits and two runs, and struck out 13 batters. Blue Knights pitchers combined for 18 strikeouts as Chase Barrette had three and Ty Creighton had two. Creighton went 1-for-4 with two RBIs. Drew Peters went 1-for-4 with a double. James Lehane went 1-for-4 with a double. Cotter Bolton went 1-for-3 with an RBI. Damian King went 1-for-3.

Bristol Plymouth 6, Upper Cape 4: The Rams (3-2) lost their second straight. The Rams took a 4-3 lead in the fifth inning on a Brady Sprague two-run single, but were unable to close out the game. Starter Tyler Weston pitched four strong innings, while Max Ewing and Mitchell Kirkland had two hits each.

Boys Lacrosse 

Southeastern 8, Upper Cape 6: The Rams (6-1) lost for the first time this season. Jacoby Starucki led the Rams with three goals. Oliver Barton scored two goals and Braiden Hoban had one goal.

Bourne/Mashpee 20, Seekonk 3: The Canalmen(6-0) stayed perfect with a decisive win. Charlie Seitz had five goals, including his 100th of his career, and four assists. Jack Balfour had five goals and one assist. Brady Banks had two goals and five assists. Ty Hawkes had four goals and one assist. Mike Valois had three goals and two assists, and was 100 percent on face offs. Drew Kelley had one goal and four assists. Henry Bonzagni had three assists. Mycah Hingston had one assist. Nolan Scofield made eight saves.

Girls Lacrosse

Seekonk 20, Bourne 11: The Canalmen (0-5) lost despite five goals from Taylor Simard. Eliza Denietolis had three goals, while Charlotte Taylor and Mackenna Luce had one goal each. Mackinley Scully made one assist. Aniyah Robinson had two saves, while Lexi Diede had four saves.

Girls Golf 

Barnstable 6, Dennis-Yarmouth 0: The Red Hawks (4-0) beat the Dolphins (0-5) at Bass River Golf Course to stay perfect on the season.

Boys Volleyball

Barnstable 3, Bellingham 0: The Red Hawks (8-0) stayed perfect so far this season with a sweep win 25-19, 25-13, 25-17. Setter Matheus Alvarenga had 25 assists, 11 digs and four aces. On defense, Rafael Ferias had eight digs, Ian Fernandes had five digs, and Brady Kundel had five digs. Kundel and middle hitter Joao Pedro Andrade led the attack with nine kills each, while Ian Fernandes had eight kills at outside hitter. Middle hitters Leayon Brooks and Wesley Sullivan both contributed on offense and defense. Brooks finished with one kill and Sullivan with three kills. 

Girls Tennis 

Monomoy 5, Sandwich 0: The Sharks (6-0) beat the Blue Knights (1-4) to stay perfect on the season. At first singles, Hanadi Rezk beat Abby Binienda 6-1, 6-0. At second singles, Ella Cutter beat Senja Kravitz 6-0, 6-0. At third singles, Darcy Addison beat Tenley Rothera 6-0, 6-2.

At first doubles, Madison Mahfouz and Momoka Akatsuka beat Cora Tedeschi and Lauren Meyer 6-3, 7-5. At second doubles, Lauren Laselva and Alexa Babes-Deel beat Casey Pestilli and Lily Shinn, 8-3.

Martha’s Vineyard 4, Nauset 1: The Vineyarders (6-0) stayed unbeaten by beating the Warriors (2-4). At first singles, the Vineyarders' Laina Dubin beat Angeline O'Brien 6-2, 6-0. At third singles, the Vineyarders' Jossey Johns beat Sophie Votteles 6-4, 6-1. At first doubles, the Vineyarders' Leah Thomson and Maple Martone beat Haley Jackson and Callie Murphy 6-0, 6-2. At second doubles, Bella Schilling and Leela Khealfa beat Daniella Chianciola and Olivia Vining 6-1, 6-1.

At second singles, Nauset's Samantha Gomez beat Charlotte Marshard 6-3, 6-3.

Mashpee 3, Rockland 2: The Falcons (3-3) earned their second straight win. At first singles, Esme Milde won 6-1, 6-3. At second singles, Hayden Shvonski won 6-1, 6-3. At first doubles, Chloe Fischer and Hanna Shvonski won 6-1, 6-2.

Barnstable 4, Middleboro 1: The Red Hawks (3-3) won to end a two-match losing streak.

Boys Tennis

Cape Cod Academy 4, St. John Paul II 1: The Seahawks (4-0) beat the Lions (2-5) to remain perfect. At first singles, Cape Cod Academy's Ben Catalano beat Zach Jones 6-0, 6-1. At second singles, the Seahawks' Garrett Wilson beat Daniel Cheglakova 6-0, 6-0. At third singles, the Seahawks' Connor Hall beat Henry Chun 6-1, 6-0. At first doubles, the Seahawks' Rowan Lewison and Austin Newhall beat Ben Kowal and Will Sutton 6-3, 6-3.

At second doubles, the Lions' Michael Maynard and Cullen Lynch beat Nicholas Brown and Silas Zhang 6-4, 6-1.

Monomoy 5, Sandwich 0: The Sharks (5-1) beat the Blue Knights (0-4) to bounce back from Monday's loss to Falmouth. At first singles, Roman Pavluchenko defeated Nathaniel Delman 6-0, 6-0. At second singles, Ethan Seufert defeated Luke Caleshu 7-6 (8-6), 6-3. At third singles, Tom Hereford defeated Nathan DeBlanc 6-0, 6-1.

At first doubles, Khush Patel and John Sene defeated Bradley Moesman and Owen Kravitz 6-1, 7-5. At second doubles, Ben Cao and Thomas Jordan defeated Elliot Fecteau and Joseph Penna 6-4, 6-1.

Nantucket 4, Sturgis West 1: The Whalers (4-3) topped the Navigators (2-2) for their second straight win. At first singles, Nantucket's Nik Krasten beat George Foster 6-3, 6-0. At second singles, Nantucket's Knox Keating beat Joel Kinkead 6-0, 6-1. At third singles, Nantucket's Toni Toddrov beat Baylor Bowen 6-1, 6-2. At second doubles, Nantucket's Prosha Artemenko and Dalton Frazier beat Michail Petaev and Lukas Monzon 6-3, 6-3.

At first doubles, Sturgis West's Adam Alharthy and Mason Smith beat Rojos Rascius and Maxim Iancu, 6-2, 6-3.

Falmouth 5, Dennis-Yarmouth 0: The Clippers (6-0) kept it rolling with a win over the Dolphins (0-5). At first singles, Brady Keyser won 6-0, 6-0 over Landon Richter. At second singles, Jacob Faidell defeated Ryan Clarke 6-0, 6-1. At third singles, Quinton Hefferan beat Lucas Woods 6-0, 6-0.

At first doubles, Moss Junker and Eli Conners beat Matt Andserson and Vladias Valchkou-Rse 6-1, 6-1. At second doubles, Sam Stoermer and Joe Ledwick beat Joseph Martin and Jeremiah Calle 6-0, 6-0.

Adam Kurkjian covers softball, baseball, girls tennis and outdoor track & field for the Cape Cod Times. You can contact him at akurkjian@gannett.com and follow him on X at @AdamKurkjian.

Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans.

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Cape Cod and Islands high school scores and highlights from April 15.

'Riddle me this, b*tch': Ronda Rousey goes off on Kayla Harrison

NEW YORK – Ronda Rousey went off like never before, and this time her anger was aimed not at the UFC, but at UFC women's bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison.

Rousey, a former WWE and UFC star, went on a lengthy rant after being asked about Harrison's recent comments on "Death Row MMA" podcast at a press conference on Wednesday promoting her upcoming MMA return against Gina Carano – which is set to go down on MVP's first MMA card live on Netflix on May 16 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif.

Harrison took issue with Rousey calling her fight against Gina the biggest fight in women's MMA, and called her "irrelevant." These comments didn't sit well with Rosuey.

"Gina is so relevant that she's the whole reason why the 145-pound division even exists; I'm so irrelevant that the only reason she has a job is because of me," Rousey shouted on the microphone. "Kayla is so irrelevant that she couldn't even keep the 145-pound division around. And honestly, she's just sour because no matter what she does or what she accomplishes, she can't change the fact that she has the charisma of a wet towel and will always be under me and Gina's shadow. So the next time she wants to talk sh*t, she should look down at her feet and consider who paved the road she's walking on. Oh, wait! She can't look down at her feet because she's too busy holding on to the belt and a neck brace."

Although both are considered women's MMA legends, neither Rousey nor Carano has fought in a good bit. Rousey, 39, returns to MMA competition after almost 10 years since her last fight. On the other hand, Carano, 43, hasn't fought since 2009.

Regardless, Rousey insists she's about to have the biggest women's MMA fight of all time, and threw shade at Harrison's expected title defense against women's MMA GOAT Amanda Nunes. That fight was originally scheduled as the co-main event of UFC 324 in January, but was canceled due to a neck injury Harrison suffered that required surgery.

"Her and Hunter (Campbell) trying to act like her upcoming fight is being booked as the biggest women's fight, then why is being booked as a co-main for a men's interim title fight?" Rousey said. "The b*tch isn't even bigger than Paddy 'The Baddy.' No offense to Paddy. I think he's got more potential than anybody in the UFC, and he should call me when his contract runs out.

"Here's another contradiction I found a kicker. If she thinks her fight is the biggest women's fight of all time, then why is she getting paid less now than I was 10 years ago? So riddle me this, b*tch: are you overvalued or underpaid?"

Rousey believes her fight with Carano is more than just the biggest fight in women's MMA. She thinks that this bout is a revolution in MMA. Rousey has been very intentional about criticizing UFC fighter pay, which has long been a hot topic in the sport, and she feels this MVP MMA card will open up future opportunities for fighters to get better paid.

"This is not just the biggest women's fight of all time; this is the biggest fight of all time that's going to get the most views on the biggest platform on a card with the biggest stars and will be headlined by two women who dared to dream big," Rousey said. "And this dream will bring more opportunities and greater revenue for fighters than ever before because this fight is bigger than just me and Gina and anybody on stage; it represents an unstoppable force of change in this industry, spearheaded by the fighters themselves. Bet your f*cking ass this is the biggest fight of all time."

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Ronda Rousey goes off on 'sour' Kayla Harrison in fiery rant

Mets place Jared Young on IL with meniscus tear, recall MJ Melendez from Triple-A

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 12: Jared Young #29 of the New York Mets gets set against the Athletics during the game at Citi Field on April 12, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Caean Couto/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Prior to tonight’s series finale against the Dodgers, the Mets placed Jared Young on the IL, retroactive to April 13, with a meniscus tear in his left knee. The team later revealed that Young will undergo surgery and is expected to miss six to eight week of action as a result. To take his place on the roster, the team called up MJ Melendez from Triple-A Syracuse. As an unrelated roster move, the team also released reliever Luis García, whom they designated for assignment last week.

Young had seen more playing time since Soto’s injury, picking up some at-bats at first base and the outfield. In 23 plate appearances, he’s posted a .350/.391/.450 slash line with two runs scored, two runs batted in, a 137 wRC+, and a 0.2 fWAR. Looking at tonight’s lineup, the team will go with Brett Baty at first base, an outfield configuration of Tommy Pham in left, Luis Robert Jr. in center, and Carson Benge in right, and the newly-recalled Melendez manning the DH role.

Melendez is coming off a game in which he homered and tripled for Syracuse Mets in an 8-6 victory over the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders on Tuesday night. In all, the 27-year-old outfielder, whom the Mets signed to a one-year, $1.5 million deal over the winter, is hitting .216/.286/.431 with two homers, three runs batted in, and seven runs scored for Syracuse.

Joshua Kimmich provides perfect summary for Bayern Munich’s 4-3 victory over Real Madrid

MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 15: Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid competes with Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Munich during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between FC Bayern M¸nchen and Real Madrid CF at Football Arena Munich on April 15, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images) | Getty Images

All eyes were locked firmly on Bayern Munich’s second leg grudge match against Real Madrid at the Allianz Arena and it did not disappoint. The fastest goal in the UEFA Champions League this season, a red card, late goals and controversial officiating, the European Clásico delivered everything football fans wanted and more.

After Luis Díaz and Michael Olise’s late-match heroics earned Die Rekordmeister a double victory over Los Blancos, Joshua Kimmich tied a bow on a game that will go down in Bayern history.

“We knew that both teams can hurt each other,” explained Kimmich (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “Bayern with the high pressing, Real Madrid through quick transitions. We got off to a bad start, and then conceded again through a free kick and a counter. The first half was hectic. The second half was calmer, we had more control – and then managed to win it in the end. It wasn’t our best performance, but we’ll take the win. We shouldn’t forget that we won both games against a team like Real Madrid.”

The vice captain’s explanation of the game was spot on. An average performance at best, but two key victories turn the page on a team that has been a thorn in Bayern’s side for over a decade, ushering in a new era for the Munich-based side.

It wasn’t perfect, but it didn’t have to be. At long last, Madrid has been conquered!


If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…

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Shohei Ohtani to take mound as pitcher only for first time in 5 years

Since joining the Los Angeles Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani has played as a designated hitter 347 times and a designated hitter/starting pitcher 20 times (including playoffs). On Wednesday, he will play his first game as a pitcher only.

Ohtani was not in his usual leadoff spot in the lineup against the New York Mets for the Dodgers’ Jackie Robinson Day game, but was penciled in to make his scheduled start on the mound.

Kyle Tucker, the team’s usual No. 2 hitter, took over leadoff duties, while Freddie Freeman got bumped up from cleanup to No. 2.

Tonight's #Jackie42 Dodgers lineup vs. Mets: pic.twitter.com/6uTzRstcGJ

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) April 15, 2026

The last time Ohtani started as a pitcher without hitting was May 28, 2021 during his career with the Los Angeles Angeles. That start also predated the Ohtani rule, which allows him to remain in the game as a DH after being done as a starter.

Once he’s finished throwing Wednesday, he’s out of the game.

The decision to give Ohtani a break as a hitter comes two days after he took a hit-by-pitch to the shoulder from Mets pitcher David Peterson. He went 0-for-7 at the plate after that between Monday and Tuesday.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters Wednesday that Ohtani is still sore from the HBP, but it didn’t play a factor in Ohtani not hitting. Instead, he said the set-up “gives him the best chance to stay loose during the outing.”

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 08: Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) delivers a pitch during the third inning of a MLB game between the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers on April 8, 2026, at Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Shohei Ohtani will be a one-way player on Wednesday.
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

There were also complaints from the Toronto Blue Jays during Ohtani’s last start over how much time he was given to warm up between innings after coming off the basepaths, continuing a debate from last year’s World Series. Again, it’s unclear if that has any bearing here, but it at least illustrates that being a two-way player requires more than the already formidable task of becoming elite at both hitting and pitching.

Ohtani entered Wednesday as the only real starting pitcher to have not allowed an earned run so far this season. He has looked like a somewhat different pitcher in his two 2026 starts, but most important for the Dodgers is he remains healthy.

Ohtani playing as a pitcher only also won’t endanger his MLB-best 48-game on-base streak, already a record among Japanese-born players.

Hay’s late homer lifts Mizzou softball over kU

Abby Hay put the team, Mizzou and the entire city of Columbia on her back, hitting a go-ahead two-run homer in the seventh inning as Mizzou softball defeated kU 4-2 in Lawrence.

Hay was a productive bat all game, recording three hits and two RBI. She scored Abby Carr, who had a productive day in her own right with three walks, scoring twice. She also earned the win in the circle, pitching the last two innings and allowing no runs and only two hits with three strikeouts.

She entered the game in relief of Marissa McCann, who pitched five innings of great softball, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out four.

One of Mizzou’s strengths came in its fast starts, leading off the inning with hits on four separate occasions. By comparison, the Jayhawks only did that once.

Read the play-by-play of the game below:

Mizzou scored one run in the first inning, jumping out to an early lead. Carr started the rally with a two-out walk before powering over to third on a single from Hay. Sidney Forrester capped off the rally with a single of her own, bringing Carr around to score. McCann forced the Jayhawks into three straight outs to start the game, including her first K.

T1 | MIZ 1 🥎 kU 0

Hot Start 🌶️#MIZ 🐯🥎 | #OwnItpic.twitter.com/NBdwy4ttL5

— Mizzou Softball (@MizzouSoftball) April 15, 2026

The Tigers added another run in the second, starting with an infield single from Claire Cahalan, advancing into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt. The bases were loaded after Kayley Lenger was hit by a pitch and Addy Waits walked. Stefania Abruscato brought home Cahalan from third with a sac fly to centerfield. McCann gave up a two-out single in the bottom of the second, but that was the only kU baserunner as the pitcher shut down the rally.

Hay led off the third inning with a single, making it all the way to third with a stolen base and advancing on a groundout. But she could not come around to score, as a flyout ended the offensive rally for Mizzou. The Jayhawks pushed their first runner into scoring position with a blooper of a double into shallow left field, but McCann extinguished the rally with a groundout then flyout.

Waits was the only Mizzou baserunner with a two-out single in a quiet fourth inning offensively. But the Jayhawks had an even quieter 1-2-3 inning, capped off with an amazing diving play and throw across the diamond for the groundout from Waits at third.

E4 | MIZ 2 🥎 kU 0

QUICK REFLEXS (@AddyWaits)#MIZ 🐯🥎 | #OwnItpic.twitter.com/o65q62P0Zk

— Mizzou Softball (@MizzouSoftball) April 15, 2026

Carr led off the fifth with a walk but the Tigers couldn’t add anything, ending the inning with three consecutive outs. McCann responded with two more strikeouts en route to her third 1-2-3 inning of the game.

It was deja vu for Mizzou in the sixth, as Saniyah Hill led off with a walk before three outs including two strikeouts ended a potential rally. McCann was pulled after allowing back-to-back singles to start the inning. Carr came in relief, helping stop the damage with back-to-back outs. But Kansas refused to go away, with a triple to score two baserunners and tie the game. The Tigers escaped the inning without any more damage with a strikeout.

But the Mizzou bats responded in a major way, as Carr drew a walk before being scored on a two-run homer from Hay that scraped over the wall in right-center.

T7 | MIZ 4 🥎 kU 2

BIG TIME MOMENT (@abbyhay24) 💥💥💥#MIZ 🐯🥎 | #OwnItpic.twitter.com/HfvLiL6cz8

— Mizzou Softball (@MizzouSoftball) April 15, 2026

Carr shut the door on the mound, surviving a pair of baserunners with one final strikeout to seal the victory.

With this win, Mizzou moves to 23-22 and back over .500. The Tigers are five wins away from securing a winning record to close the regular season. They will attempt to get one win closer when they open the series against South Carolina at 6 p.m. Friday from the Mizzou Softball Stadium. The game will be available to watch on SEC Network+ on the ESPN app.

Shohei Ohtani pitches but doesn't bat for first time since 2021. He's still sore from a hit-by-pitch

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani was the starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday night but he was held out of the lineup as designated hitter, the result of getting hit by a pitch this week.

It's the first time since May 28, 2021 with the Los Angeles Angels that Ohtani has not been in the batting lineup during a mound start.

Ohtani is still sore from being struck on the back of his right shoulder by a pitch from the New York Mets' David Peterson on Monday. The Japanese superstar let out a howl, but stayed in the game.

“If it weren’t for the hit by pitch, he would’ve been DHing and pitching tonight,” manager Dave Roberts said before the game. “But I do think that just to be able to pitch and focus on that will be a benefit for the mind and the body, and hopefully, we’re just in a little moment of fatigue and we can get past it.”

Roberts said Ohtani has felt progressively better since Monday. But the training staff, coaches and Roberts felt it was better for him not to hit in the series finale, although Ohtani was initially surprised to hear the decision.

“Because I’ve never asked him to pitch and not hit,” Roberts said. “I think that he understands that I’m making a decision that’s best for the player, for him, and for the team.”

Ohtani is 0 for 7 at the plate since getting hit.

His career-best on-base streak reached 48 games after he was intentionally walked in the eighth inning on Tuesday. It's the fourth-longest streak in franchise history.

Roberts expects Ohtani to be back hitting and pitching in his next start, although he said he would consider giving Ohtani a hitting break again on a night when he's pitching at some point in the future.

“It's got to make sense to not have your best hitter not in the lineup,” Roberts said. “Then the question is when he does hit, on days that he pitches, where’s the best for him to hit in the order? I think there’s fair arguments to both, to moving him down a little bit, give him a breather, let him get into the game. But I’m not prepared to make that decision quite yet. But it is something that I’m mindful of it.”

On the mound, Ohtani had his 22 2/3 inning scoreless streak snapped at Toronto last week, but the right-hander hasn't allowed an earned run since Aug. 27, 2025, against Cincinnati — a span of 28 2/3 innings.

Ohtani made his Dodgers pitching debut last season, going 1-1 with a 2.87 ERA and 62 strikeouts in 47 innings over 14 starts. His four-seam fastball averaged a career-best 98.4 mph last year.

Ohtani owns the longest on-base streak by a Japanese-born player at 48 games, surpassing Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki, who reached in 43 straight games in 2009.

Roberts said Ohtani would not be available to pinch hit against the Mets.

“You can tell Carlos Mendoza he's an option, though,” he joked, referring to New York's manager.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Najai Hines transfers to UConn men’s basketball

Feb 28, 2026; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; Seton Hall Pirates center Najai Hines (25) defends against UConn Huskies guard Solo Ball (1) in the second half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

UConn men’s basketball’s first addition in the transfer portal is a big one. After the Huskies have lost four players to the portal including potential starting center Eric Reibe, Dan Hurley and UConn landed big man Najai Hines from Seton Hall. Hines is the No. 27 player overall in the transfer portal according to 247Sports and the sixth-best center.

Hines, a 6-foot-10 rising sophomore from Plainfield, New Jersey, didn’t start any games for the Pirates but was incredibly effective off the bench all season long. He ranked second nationally in block percentage at 16.4 percent and was the 19th best player in offensive rebounding percentage at 15.3 percent. He averaged 6.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in 18 minutes per game this past season.

Hines posted two double-doubles on the season, one of which came against UConn on Feb. 28 with 11 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks in 29 minutes against Tarris Reed Jr. and the Huskies. He also hit double figures in his first matchup against UConn, scoring 10 points while adding seven boards and three blocks.

While Hines might be raw offensively, almost no other big in the portal offers the rebounding prowess, shot blocking skills and physicality that Hines brings to the table. With three years of eligibility remaining, Hines has time to follow a developmental path similar to Reed, who transformed from a raw but talented center to the key piece in the Huskies’ 2026 Final Four run.

UConn is far from done shopping in the portal for this coming season, but the Huskies have a foundational centerpiece to build their next great core around.

🚨GRID UPDATE🚨

A lot of grid action today.

Off the grid: Uroš Paunović and Jacob Furphy

On the grid: Najai Hines https://t.co/aY2RovVcOSpic.twitter.com/LywJI2tgro

— tcf15 (@tcf_15) April 15, 2026

Rival player admits Mike Vrabel is '10 out of 10' head coach

Miami Dolphins center Aaron Brewer really appreciated New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel's fair approach to the game.

The veteran offensive line spent time with Vrabel during his run with the Tennessee Titans, which means he got a front-row seat to see what sets him apart from other coaches.

Vrabel took the Titans all the way to the AFC Championship Game in his second year with the team in 2019. And last season, in his first year as the Patriots' head coach, he led the team all the way to Super Bowl LX. It takes a special coach to pull off those feats.

"It was amazing, man. It was 10 out of 10," Brewer said on being coached by Vrabel on NFL Spotlight. "Any day of the week, any time, hats off and nothing but respect for Mike Vrabel. ...He don't care where you came from, what round you was drafted, undrafted, drafted—it's black and white with him. It's nothing in between.

"He go off how you work and what you put on tape. He going off exactly what he seeing. So you just got to respect him in that matter, cause It don't matter where you come from. It don’t matter how big you are, how strong you are, fast—it's all about what you can put on that tape and your mentality out there."

Brewer signed with the Titans as an undrafted rookie free agent and worked his way up to becoming a full-time starter for the team. He has gone on to earn the starting center job for the Dolphins as a direct rival to Vrabel's Patriots.

Vrabel is viewed as one of the greatest player-coaches in the league, and it's clear that he has made a lasting impact on a lot of athletes, including Brewer.

His incredible ability to connect with his players is a big reason why the Patriots made it to the Super Bowl in Year 1 of a rebuild. He is an elite evaluator of talent and clearly one of the best coaches in the NFL.

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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Rival player admits Mike Vrabel is '10 out of 10' head coach

Singer leading Jackie Robinson festivities collapses before White Sox game against Rays

CHICAGO (AP) — A singer leading the “Jackie Robinson Day” festivities before the Chicago White Sox's game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday night collapsed and was taken to a hospital.

The White Sox said Gerald Chaney of Chicago was alert after he collapsed while performing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” He was a few words into the hymn considered the Black national anthem when he stopped. He started again and collapsed.

Emergency medical technicians tended to Chaney for several minutes before he was loaded onto a gurney and taken from the field. The teams watched from their dugouts. The start of the game was delayed 12 minutes.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Ronda Rousey unloads on UFC’s ‘wet towel’ Kayla Harrison for calling her ‘irrevant’ – ‘Getting paid less now than I was 10 years ago’

Ronda Rousey speaks during the Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and Netflix 5X5 Professional MMA bound pre-fight press conference outside the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, on March 10, 2026. Rhonda Rousey will face off against Gina Carano on May 16, 2026. Both fighters will be returning after lengthy retirements. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images

“Rowdy” came loaded.

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Bantamweight champion and WWE star Ronda Rousey is set to face women’s MMA pioneerGina Carano on May 16, 2026, at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California, with the event scheduled to stream on Netflix.

And while most see this as a mega event because it’s the first MMA fight to be featured on Netflix, UFC women’s Bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison — someone who has history with Rousey — couldn’t care less about the huge main event between two women pioneers.

“I don’t think we should talk about this because I don’t think I have anything nice to say,” Harrison said about Rousey’s return on Death Row MMA a couple of weeks ago. “She said this is the best female fight of all time. How old is Gina, though? She hasn’t fought in 17 years. Like, shut up.”

Harrison later doubled down, calling Rousey “f—king irrelevant.”

That didn’t sit well.

Rousey fired back today during the MVP MMA 1 press conference (watch here) — and didn’t hold anything back.

“Gina is so relevant she’s the reason the 145-pound division even exists,” Rousey said. “I’m so relevant that the only reason she has a job in the UFC is because of me. Kayla is so irrelevant that she couldn’t even keep that division around.”

Then it got personal.

“Honestly, she’s just sour because no matter what she does, she has the charisma of a wet towel and will always be in mine and Gina’s shadows,” Rousey continued.

“So, the next time she wants to talk shit, she should look down at her feet and consider who paved the path she is walking on. Oh, wait, she can’t look down at her feet because she’s too busy holding onto her belt with a neck brace,” Rousey added. “And then she goes on and says I lied about training in Judo in Canada in 2006. Who the f—k are you to call me a liar? I was training there for five months. B—ch, you weren’t even there.”

Rousey was referencing a story that Harrison told on that same podcast where she called her irrelevant (details here)

“Over the last decade and a half of being a public figure, I’ve cultivated a reputation for being unabashedly truthful,” Rousey said,. “This b—ch just got here, and she’s already been caught in a lie. What did she say after she won the belt? She said, ‘Oh, I’m never gonna say anything bad about Ronda, she took care of me and bought me groceries.’ How about you shut the f—k up and eat your groceries.”

Rousey then took aim at how the now-canceled Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes was being promoted as “the greatest women’s fight of all time.

“If she thinks that her fight is the biggest women’s fight of all-time, why is she getting paid less now than I was 10 years ago?” Rousey concluded. “So riddle me this, bitch, are you overvalued or are you overpaid? What really pisses me off more than anything else is how small she thinks. This is not just the biggest women’s fight of all time; this is the biggest MMA fight of all time, it’s going to get the most views on the biggest platform on the card with the biggest stars, and it was assembled by and will be headlined by two women who dared to dream big.”

Sheesh.

Rousey didn’t leave anything on the table.


For much more on “Rousey vs. Carano” checkout our comprehensive archive right here.

Mets and Dodgers celebrate Jackie Robinson Day: ‘It’s special to wear his jersey here’

LOS ANGELES — Jackie Robinson may not have played at Dodger Stadium, but make no mistake, his influence is as much a part of one of baseball’s most storied ballparks as the World Series trophies and the sweeping views of the Sierra Madre mountain range.

His influence extends for miles all over the Los Angeles area, stretching from Pasadena, where he grew up, to Westwood, where he lettered in baseball, basketball, football and track at UCLA. His boyhood home on Pepper Street has been preserved by the Pasadena Historical Society. There are monuments dedicated to him in Pasadena and beyond, and numerous fields named for one of baseball’s most impactful heroes.

Where the Bruins play, there is both — a bronze statue of Jackie Robinson that sits near the entrance of Jackie Robinson Field, adjacent to the UCLA campus.

There is extra meaning for some when it comes to playing in Los Angeles on Wednesday, when the league celebrates Jackie Robinson Day.

“It’s special to wear his jersey here,” Mets second baseman Marcus Semien told the New York Daily News this week. “Jackie is from this area, Jackie is an L.A. guy. I get to play a position he played a little bit of.”

These things exist all year round, yet they get all shined up for the one day a year when baseball recognizes the anniversary of the historic day in 1947 when Robinson broke the sport’s color barrier. April 15 is celebrated every year to ensure his legacy lasts and that inclusivity in sports continues.

“It’s about helping the next generation,” Semien said. “I think about the youth in the game, players who maybe look like me. I hope to inspire them to play this game because it’s changed my life and it’s opened a lot of doors for me as a Black player.”

We all know his story, though we’ll never truly understand his burden.

Some of his own teammates in Brooklyn threatened to sit out. The St. Louis Cardinals threatened to strike and plan a league-wide lockout. He was derided by fans and became the target of hard slides and cheap shots from opponents.

Branch Rickey and Leo Durocher, the Dodgers’ general manager and manager, took great pains to protect Robinson, but protecting him from all of the vitriol was an impossibility. Still, Robinson became one of the best players of his generation, possibly of all time, showing tremendous mental fortitude to go along with his elite athleticism.

“Some things none of us will ever understand,” Semien said. “The only thing we can do is appreciate it to make things a lot smaller for us. I always looked at the level of play that he actually played on the field as an MVP. People talk about him being the first player, but he was an MVP, and he was such a quality player. Just a special, special talent.”

Even Latinos were separated by skin color before 1947. Cuban-born Adolfo Luque was light-skinned enough to play in the National League in the early 1900s. But a decade after he left the game, Cuban-born Minnie Miñoso was playing in the Negro Leagues. Miñoso, like many other Afro-Latino players of that era, went to the major leagues after the color barrier fell.

“It means a lot, especially for me as a Latino because I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him,” said Mets manager Carlos Mendoza. “We talk about dealing with pressure at this level, but imagine what he dealt with, or the pressure that he dealt with back in the day.”

Robinson’s relationship with MLB and the Dodgers became fraught later in his life, in part because of what he felt was a lack of support for Black managers and coaches. He made it so that Black players and Afro-Latino players could succeed at all levels of the game, but he wasn’t seeing them ascend to the highest personnel levels after they stopped playing.

Just nine days before his death at age 53, he made his final public appearance in baseball, throwing out the first pitch at Cincinnati’s Riverfront Stadium before Game 2 of the 1972 World Series. He told the world what he wanted to see.

“I’m extremely proud and pleased to be here this afternoon, but I must admit I’m going to be tremendously more pleased and more proud when I look at that third base coaching line one day and see a Black face managing in baseball,” he said.

Wednesday night, those who watch the game on ESPN will see diversity just about everywhere. They’ll see Mendoza in the Mets dugout, a Venezuelan manager and one of only three skippers born in Latin American countries or territories. In the Dodgers’ dugout, they’ll see manager Dave Roberts, who is African-American and Japanese. The game’s biggest star, Shohei Ohtani, is Japanese.

Representation matters, whether it’s in Los Angeles, New York, Cincinnati or anywhere else in the world where kids want to play baseball. It’s what Robinson spent his life fighting for, and what baseball is responsible for carrying forward.

“There will never be another like him. We will never go through what he went through,” said Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor. “It’s gratitude. A lot of gratitude.”

Chicago Cubs reliever Porter Hodge to undergo season-ending UCL surgery, another injury blow to pitching staff

PHILADELPHIA — The Chicago Cubs have lost another pitcher for the season.

Right-hander Porter Hodge, who had been dealing with a flexor strain since early in the spring training, suffered a setback in his rehab and will undergo season-ending ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) surgery Monday. Right-hander Cade Horton is scheduled to have his elbow surgery Thursday. Dr. Keith Meister will perform both procedures.

The extent of Horton’s and Hodge’s surgeries and potential timeline for their return won’t be known until Meister goes in and determines the level of damage to their UCLs.

“My process is probably very similar for both guys where you just immediately feel sorry for the player, but then you process, OK, who’s up next, and you kind of have to move on quickly mentally,” president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said Wednesday. “It kind of sounds coldhearted, but that’s the nature of the job that we’ve had a lot of injuries early on. The season goes on, the games go on, you have to find replacements. And sometimes I look at it as an opportunity that maybe a guy steps up we didn’t expect and then when everyone gets healthy, all of a sudden you have another reliever you weren’t counting on.

“But it’s certainly been a trying time for us from an injury standpoint, and we just have to fight through it and try to get healthy.”

The Cubs hoped Hodge, 25, would be an important part of the bullpen following a disappointing 2025 when he had a 6.27 ERA in 36 appearances and missed time with injuries. Hodge showed his potential during his 2024 rookie season, posting a 1.88 ERA and nine saves in 39 games.

“He’s super talented, he’s physical, has a great fastball and great slider when he’s right and he hasn’t quite been right really since I guess last May, and so maybe that’s a big part of it,” Hoyer said. “And some guys come back even better from this. So unfortunately we won’t have him for a while, but hopefully he bounces back strong.”

The Cubs are trying to survive this challenging stretch as they have been decimated by pitching injuries. The organization will evaluate if there is anything they can identify to explain the volume of injuries so early in the season, but, as Hoyer noted, a lot of pitchers get hurt these days.

“We’ll do a deep dive and see if there’s a commonality to the injuries,” Hoyer said. “I feel like the last couple years coming out spring training we haven’t had these issues and then all of a sudden this year, we’re 17 games in, and we have this many injuries. So I certainly hope the pace slows — and hopefully we can get some of these guys back and start the process of kind of rebuilding that.”

They have 10 pitchers from their 40-man roster on the injured list. That group does not include top prospect Jaxon Wiggins, who went on the IL at Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday with right elbow inflammation. Manager Craig Counsell said the Cubs believe Wiggins should be OK after giving his arm a little down time. The Cubs don’t want Wiggins to throw until he’s asymptomatic, whenever he gets to that point.

“With everyone early in the year, you need to be conservative,” Hoyer said. “I mean, I think that’s with a lot of these guys, there’s zero benefit of pushing guys early in the season when we have hopefully six-plus months to play.”

Counsell provided multiple injury updates on sidelined pitchers before Wednesday’s series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies.

RHP Hunter Harvey

Harvey (right biceps inflammation) hasn’t been doing much activity since landing on the IL last week. Counsell said he will need more than the minimum 15 days, adding there’s “no bad news, we’re still in the same place, but probably more in the strengthening mode right now.”

RHP Phil Maton

Maton (right knee tendinitis) continues to improve each day and is in a good place with his knee. The plan is for Maton to throw off a mound during the upcoming homestand and see where that leads. Maton hasn’t stopped throwing since being placed on the IL a week ago. “It’s really a matter of how long does it take to get the arm back to game condition, essentially recovery condition, where he can recover enough to be a member of the bullpen,” Counsell said.

LHP Jordan Wicks

Wicks (left elbow inflammation) is at Iowa and scheduled to pitch Saturday. He has been sidelined since early in spring training and has been in buildup mode the last few weeks. Wicks’ return would give the Cubs much-needed starting pitching depth at Iowa.

LHP Matthew Boyd

Boyd (left biceps strain) will join Iowa for a rehab start Thursday in Columbus, Ohio, putting him on track to come off the IL to rejoin the rotation. Counsell said that lines up Boyd to start “probably Wednesday-ish” against the Phillies at Wrigley Field.

RHP Trent Thornton

Thornton (Achilles tear), who signed a minor-league deal with the Cubs in the offseason that brought him to camp as a nonroster invitee, is heading to Iowa, where he will throw a few more simulated games. Counsell estimated Thornton, 32, is about a week away from getting into Triple-A games. Thornton had a 4.68 ERA in 33 games for the Seattle Mariners before suffering a torn left Achilles at the end of July.

RHP Kyle Wright

Wright (right shoulder strain) came into spring training as another potential bounce-back arm after dealing with injuries the last couple of years, including a right shoulder issue and oblique injury last year. Wright remains in Arizona throwing in sim games, which means he is still in the early stage of his throwing-program buildup.

For the next seven to 10 days, Counsell won’t be able to fully go with the best matchups out of the bullpen with five lefties and just three right-handers available. Triple-A depth is starting to get healthy, too, with right-hander Corbin Martin coming off the IL on Sunday after dealing with back spasms and getting into Tuesday’s game, while right-hander Collin Snider (arm fatigue) is expected to pitch for Iowa in the next day or two.

“There’s being opportunities created for other guys, and through this process, we’re going to find some guys that are going to help us this year and so that’s how you’ve got to look at it, that’s what’s going on,” Counsell said. “There’s some guys that have already made you take notice a little bit, and that’s a great thing, that’s a positive out of all this.”

OPEN THREAD: CASINO ROYAL | APRIL 16, 2026

Welcome to The Daily Merengue!

THESE ARE YOUR MODS: Valyrian Steel, Ezek XI, KungFuZizou, NeRObutBlanco, Felipejack, and Juninho

THE GAMBLE THAT FAILED

IN THE END, NOBODY WON…..

It was a losing bet from the start. Maybe the club were hoping that Arbeloa will be to us what Di Mateo was to chelsea in 2012, when they sacked a young and budding Andre Villas Boas and sided with the grumbling players/veterans. Although they won a CL with RDM playing nasty football, making them look like they were initially right. Maybe arbeloa should’ve tried that instead of being somewhat dynamic. Who knows, the result could’ve been different LOOOL. I digress. All it took was the very next season to show how nothing was actually fixed or resolved because RDM wound up getting sacked mid season. over the same thing he was hired to quell, poor performances from the same set of grumbling players. And it wasn’t until they started shedding those players out of the club, that chelsea saw new life again with a young Eden Hazard signing for them shortly.

OR MAYBE….

They thought it would be like Zidane coming in for Benitez mid season, and leading the same fractured setup to a CL title…..only that they didn’t account for the lack of hunger for success in the players. Something that was pre-installed by mourinho over a period of 3 seasons a long time ago. Then there’s no generational god-tier player like ronaldo to spam victories when tactics fail, no prime generational midfielders like modric/Kroos, and strong defenders in ramos for leadership and locker room control amongst other missing CRITICAL things. Instead, the club board were boldly banking on pure vibes, route 1 football that got stuck in a viscous time loop, vacation mode behavior from players, overall poor man management that led to inordinate amount of injuries DURING PRACTICE, NOT EVEN GAMES, Players were getting injured in practice. Then add a YES MAN “it’s always my fault” type of coach in Arbeloa. And a set of players that were like a foreign language you didn’t understand, their every word had you wishing for SUBs to translate their strange behaviors. and there you have it, the soup is ready to be thrown into the sewer.Don’t let that last line go over your head. at least arbeloa gave us the castilla bright lights in thiago. the best thing to come out of this season.

BUT IN REALITY…

Our club’s board took a HUGE and risky gamble with our season and backed the player/s, causing Xabi to leave mid-season with everything still to fight for as at that time. Only For the club/players to lose the bet miserably. Knockout after knockout after knockout from all comps. Unfortunately for the sad press and the media, there’s no Xabi to crucify every week in the papers. Speculating about his future everyday in his face. Every loss deemed a sharp stake in his fate at the club. How quickly that ended in a dumpster fire. They can’t bother to print such papers against arbeloa in rapid fashion, he was never their target from the jump. No apologies needed for Xabi, because he’ll never get one from such a proud & esteemed club as ours. Nor will he ever get one from the gutless, lying and vain media. The only respite he may get is that he was able to leave before things got EVIDENTLY worse. This gamble didn’t fail today, it failed 6 months ago. Each loss is no longer about Xabi’s future hanging in the balance. Each loss is now a reminder of the gruesome natural disaster, otherwise known as “The Great Tantrum”, that struck our club in 2025. Leaving us bereaved of success ever since. Every year from october 26, 2026 onward, our club must hold a moment of silence in remembrance of the victims of hope that The Great Tantrum of 2025 took away from us. This is not to paint this club in a bad light, but boy was that a disastrous decision.

SPECTRE

That should be the name of our board. IYKYK

DR NO.

It’s time for our club to tell some players NO!

A QUOTED COMMENT FROM DAI SUKE

First of all, I was sad that we lost but looking back at it. This is the first Vital Loss in a long time where we lost with our heads held High. We were simply Undone by a Redcard( same with Barca yesterday).

As for Camavinga, I forgive him. He is human, and Mistakes are characteristics of human beings….no matter how much we think we can learn to avoid them, they are inevitable.

AND I COULDN’T AGREE MORE. Our first fighting loss, tho it came at the end. We went down swinging. I said it in the DT for april 15, that fighting spirit can prevail even if tactics and all else fail. We let ourselves down.

ICYMI:

MM PODCAST from the last game vs Bayern. Number’s narrative summing up the end of our CL campaign.

First Commissioner Of The CWHL To Be Inducted Into Ontario Sports Hall Of Fame

The founding commissioner of the historic Canadian Women's Hockey League, Brenda Andress, will be inducted into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in October. 

Andress is this year's recipient of the Bruce Prentice Legacy Award. 

The Ontario Sports Hall of Fame said it presents the award "to an individual whose outstanding contribution to a sport or athletics is already well documented. Their legacy recognizes those feats as well as their remarkable contribution to the people and well-being of Ontario and beyond."

Andress' contribution to women's hockey includes her role as the first commissioner of the CWHL.

In 2007, the CWHL was established after the former National Women's Hockey League folded. The CWHL built on what the original NWHL did from 1999 to 2007, which tried to develop professional women's hockey.

The CWHL showcased top talent, such as Jennifer Botterill, who will also be inducted along with Andress in October. Shortly after, Andress was named the league's inaugural commissioner in 2008.

The league featured 12 teams during its 12-year run, though not all played at once. Andress was key in developing the league's expansion, adding a team in Boston and two in China. 

During this time, Andress established partnerships with the NHL, including the Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs, even getting Scotiabank Arena (then called the Air Canada Centre) for three CWHL All-Star Games. She also secured a broadcasting deal for the league with Rogers Sportsnet.

Andress left the CWHL in 2018. In 2019, the league ceased operations, as league officials and owners determined the business model was not financially sustainable long-term.

But Andress' work in women's sports goes beyond the CWHL.

In the news - Ontario Sport Hall of Fame | Brenda Andress (She/Her/Hers) | 29 commentsIn the news - Ontario Sport Hall of Fame | Brenda Andress (She/Her/Hers) | 29 commentsI’m deeply honored to be named the 2026 recipient of the Bruce Prentice Legacy Award and to be inducted into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame. This recognition means a great deal to me because it reflects the many people, partners, athletes, and advocates who have been part of the journey to grow and strengthen sport in Ontario, especially for women and girls. Congratulations to my fellow 2026 inductees and special award recipients. I’m humbled and proud to be included among such an outstanding group, and I look forward to celebrating together. https://lnkd.in/efTT9CKj In the news - Ontario Sport Hall of Fame Thank you to the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame for this incredible honor. Brenda Andress (She/Her/Hers) SheIS Sports Network SheIS | 29 comments on LinkedIn

After founding SheIs in 2017, Andress founded SheIs Sports Network in 2021, an organization dedicated to the uplifting of women's sports by their community. 

The Bruce Prentice Legacy Award will be another honor recognizing her work for women's hockey. 

Andress was named one of Canada's 100 Most Powerful Women by the Canadian Association for Advancement of Women & Sport in 2014, one of "The Powers of the Future" by The Hockey News in 2018 and the 2013 recipient of the YWCA's Women of Distinction Award for championing diversity and accessibility in sport.

"This recognition means a great deal to me because it reflects the many people, partners, athletes, and advocates who have been part of the journey to grow and strengthen sport in Ontario, especially for women and girls," Andress said in a LinkedIn post earlier this month.

Brenda Andress will receive her award at the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Community Celebration held at the Granite Club in Toronto on Oct. 15.

Elayna Lee-Young is an intern for The Hockey News.


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Giants go down swinging in 2-1 loss to Reds

CINCINNATI, OHIO - APRIL 14: Willy Adames #2 of the San Francisco Giants runs the bases after hitting a home run during the fifth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on April 14, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The most telling statistic in the San Francisco Giants’ 2-1 loss to the Cincinnati Reds is the two teams’ pitch counts. Four Giants pitchers combined to throw 145 pitches in eight innings. The Reds got through nine innings against the free-swinging Giants in just 111 pitches, an average of 12.3 per inning.

The Giants had seven hits but only one walk, getting their lone run when Willy Adames crushed his third home run of the season in the 5th inning. Cincinnati got only three hits in the game but two of them were solo home runs off Robbie Ray (2-2), which gave the Reds the first game of the series. The defining moment came in the bottom of the 4th, when Reds first baseman Sal Stewart fouled off four pitches before going deep on Ray’s ninth pitch of the at-bat.

Sal Stewart slugs his 5th home run of the season 💪 pic.twitter.com/rhX7XY3FeV

— MLB (@MLB) April 14, 2026

The Giants pitchers didn’t make too many mistakes apart from that fastball to Stewart and a hanging slider that Spencer Steer turned into a 401-foot bomb in the 3rd.

Way to get us started, Spence‼️@spenc__erpic.twitter.com/D607kcODZq

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) April 14, 2026

Reds starter Brady Singer pitched a solid six innings of one-run ball, striking out only one batter, hitting another, but walking none. That’s less of a challenge with the walk-averse Giants, but it allowed him to get through six innings in only 75 pitches. The Giants never had more than one runner on base at a time Tuesday, thanks to a caught stealing in the first inning and a Matt Chapman GIDP in the 8th.

Both teams had runners erased in the opening frame, with Cincinnati’s Tyler Stephenson throwing out Adames trying to steal and Gold Glover Patrick Bailey gunning down Matt McClain. Perhaps traumatized, neither manager called for a steal the rest of the game.

Adames did crush one in the 5th inning, reaching the second deck in left after sitting on Singer’s sweeper.

¡Willy Adames directamente para el segundo piso! 🏌️ pic.twitter.com/NnNhIQqZUT

— MLB Español (@mlbespanol) April 15, 2026

But that was it for the Giants offense, besides two singles by Luis Arraez, who went 3-for-4 and raised his batting average to .333. Jung Hoo Lee had a single and a double, but six Giants starters went hitless.

Even the team’s leading hitter, Daniel Susac, couldn’t come through Tuesday. He pinch-hit for Bailey with two outs in the 9th and hit one to the wall, but the ball fell short and lowered his average to .583. What a bum!

The Reds bullpen was excellent. Graham Ashcraft, Tony Santillan, and Emilio Pagan (5 saves) struck out four Giants in three innings, giving up only a single to Arraez and an unintentional-intentional walk to Rafael Devers. Ashcraft was particularly filthy, getting Jared Oliva to whiff on a pitch at least five feet wide of home plate.

SF’s relievers were solid as well, with Keaton Winn and Ryan Walker throwing no-hit innings and Caleb Killian escaping a two-on, no-out jam in the 6th with a strikeout and a timely double play.

It’s the third game in a row that the Giants have scored two runs or fewer. It’s the ninth time in 17 games this season they’ve scored two or fewer and they’re 0-9 in those games.

Tony Vitello may be considering dramatic lineup changes. The most obvious move might come in left field, where Heliot Ramos has two extra-base hits all season, though the team isn’t exactly flush with options. Harrison Bader has struck out in a third of his at-bats. Oliva has one hit this season. Jerar Encarnacion might have the most upside — at least based on exit velocity.

If you can’t hit in the Great American Ballpark, that’s a very bad sign. It’s encouraging for the Giants pitching staff but another rough data point for the sputtering Giants hitters.

NFL analyst thinks OL prospect is a great fit for Rams

Offensive line isn't a clear need for the Los Angeles Rams, but there are some who believe the team should invest in the position at some point in the 2026 NFL draft to shore up one of the most important positions in the game.

While the Rams might not use their No. 13 overall pick on a lineman, there will be plenty of other opportunities to add depth throughout the draft. Whether or not they do remains to be seen, but The Athletic's Scott Dochterman believes Iowa center Logan Jones would be a great fit for L.A. if they went in that direction.

Jones (6-3, 299) has the measurables that will give some teams pause, especially those who prefer mass and power at the point of attack. Plus, as a pure center, Jones has limited position flexibility. But what he does well, he does at a high level.

As a four-year starter at Iowa, Jones followed his predecessor, Tyler Linderbaum, in moving from defensive line and built a similarly sterling career as a first-team All-American. Jones, however, is faster than Linderbaum — his 4.90-second 40-yard dash was the seventh fastest ever recorded by a center at the combine, just behind Jason Kelce. Jones also holds Iowa’s squat record (705 pounds), and his 470-pound hang clean ranks second only to Tristan Wirfs’ 500-pound explosion.

That quickness and explosiveness come out on video in Iowa’s zone scheme, which is identical to the Rams’ style of play. Jones is cerebral and technically sound enough to start on day one for a Sean McVay-Kyle Shanahan style of play, without needing to put on more weight.

Current starting center Coleman Shelton is in the final year of his two-year deal, and while he was solid for L.A. in 2025, the team may want to find a long-term replacement at the position in the years to come. While he is a bit undersized, he has the experience and the collegiate pedigree that translate well at the next level.

Jones is expected to be in the third or fourth round, so he could be a target for L.A. with the No. 93 pick.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: NFL draft: Analyst thinks center Logan Jones is a great fit for Rams

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has fascinating Chiefs draft vision

Patrick Mahomes

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has fascinating Chiefs draft vision originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Kansas City Chiefs are doing all they can this offseason to ensure a smooth transition back into the playoffs and AFC dominance in 2026.

After missing the playoffs, work has been done to fill out the roster and rejuvenate it, which will be helped by having two first-round draft picks.

But where could the Chiefs go? Corner with LSU's Mansoor Delane is a popular pick, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has Kansas City going another way.

And it's one that is becoming rather popular right now -- receiver Jordyn Tyson.

"We can't ignore Tyson's durability concerns, considering he missed a third of his possible college games because of injuries, but we also can't ignore his fantastic skill set when he is on the field," Kiper Jr. wrote. "He makes tough catches in traffic and had 711 yards last season. I'm already picturing Mahomes buying time in the pocket and firing 50-50 balls to Tyson in the end zone."

More:ESPN has Commanders doing huge Jayden Daniels favor in mock draft

Chiefs get home run threat?

Sort of. Tyson is an elite route runner and great at creating separation, and if your quarterback is Mahomes, you're getting the ball a lot if you do that.

Called a contested catch specialist, we know how Mahomes loves to scramble and dial up the launch codes for deep shots downfield, and that is where Tyson is at his best.

The Chiefs need another receiver to help Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy be consistent in the passing game, and Tyson can be that sort of player.

Yes, injuries are a concern, but the production on the field is what will make the Chiefs take Jordyn in the first-round.

More NFL news:

White Sox turn to local product Sam Antonacci for first MLB at-bat vs. Rays

White Sox turn to local product Sam Antonacci for first MLB at-bat vs. Rays originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Chicago White Sox continue to lean into their youth movement, and Wednesday brought another defining moment. Just one night after a pitching debut that grabbed attention, the lineup card told a new story as Sam Antonacci stepped in for his first major league at-bat against the Tampa Bay Rays. After making a play defensively in both the first and second innings. Antonacci singled on a bloop to right to start his career.

For a team searching for energy early in the season, Antonacci represents more than just another call-up. He is a fast-rising prospect with deep Illinois roots, a polished offensive approach, and recent experience on one of baseball’s biggest international stages.

Sam Antonacci has arrived🤩 pic.twitter.com/Vra5o5RO2U

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) April 15, 2026

Springfield roots shape Antonacci’s path

Antonacci’s journey to the majors starts in Springfield, Illinois, where he built his reputation as one of the state’s most productive high school players at Sacred Heart-Griffin. He was not just a standout on the diamond but also a multi-sport athlete, earning all-conference honors in basketball before fully committing to baseball.

His development accelerated at Heartland Community College, where he put together one of the most dominant junior college seasons in recent memory. Antonacci won NJCAA National Player of the Year honors while leading his team to a national championship, posting eye-popping numbers across the board. That performance turned him into a legitimate pro prospect and set the foundation for his rapid climb.

He later transferred to Coastal Carolina Chanticleers baseball, continuing to refine his approach before the White Sox selected him in the fifth round of the 2024 MLB Draft. From there, his rise through the minors was steady and convincing.

MoreChandler Simpson is turning the clock back — and MLB can’t keep up

Minor league production forced the call

Antonacci did not need much time to prove he could handle professional pitching. Across multiple levels, he consistently showed elite bat-to-ball skills, plate discipline, and base-running instincts.

By the time the White Sox made the call Wednesday, his early 2026 numbers at Triple-A Charlotte made the decision unavoidable. He was getting on base at an elite clip, controlling the strike zone, and impacting games without needing power to carry his profile.

That identity fits exactly what Chicago has been missing. Antonacci is not a traditional slugger, but his ability to grind at-bats, draw walks, and create pressure on the bases gives the lineup a different dimension.

World Baseball Classic helped accelerate readiness

One of the most important steps in Antonacci’s development came earlier this year in the World Baseball Classic. Representing Italy, he was thrown into high-leverage situations against some of the best pitching in the world.

Antonacci started multiple games during Italy’s surprising run to the semifinals and even delivered a home run against Team USA in pool play. More importantly, he gained exposure to elite velocity and advanced pitching sequences that mirror what he now faces in the majors.

That experience is not just a résumé line. It is part of why the White Sox felt comfortable giving him an immediate opportunity. Facing top-tier international arms helped close the gap between Triple-A and MLB competition.

Versatility and effort define his role

Antonacci’s defensive flexibility adds another layer to his value. While he entered Wednesday’s game at second base, he has already logged time in the outfield and at multiple infield spots this season.

That versatility, combined with his high-motor style of play, aligns with what Chicago manager Will Venable has emphasized. Antonacci’s approach is simple: control the zone, play hard every pitch, and impact the game in multiple ways.

For a roster still searching for consistency, those traits matter as much as raw tools.

A moment that signals more than just a debut

Antonacci’s first MLB at-bat was a milestone, but it also represented a bigger shift for the White Sox. The organization is clearly prioritizing young, controllable talent and giving prospects real opportunities early.

Whether Antonacci immediately produces or needs time to adjust, his arrival signals belief in his long-term role. His track record suggests he will find ways to contribute, even if it is through contact, walks, and speed rather than power.

For now, the focus is simple. A Springfield native stepping into a big league batter’s box, trying to turn years of steady development into a lasting major league career.

More MLB news:

Real Madrid star blames referee for defeat against Bayern Munich

MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 15: referee Slavko Vincic (SVN) shows red card to Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid , Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid Kilian Mbappe of Real Madrid Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid disappointed during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between FC Bayern München and Real Madrid CF at Football Arena Munich on April 15, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by EyesWideOpen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Real Madrid got dumped out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich. Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić was in charge of officiating the high-profile fixture. Despite being bested by Bayern Munich and several of the ref calls going in favor of Real Madrid, Dani Carvajal thinks that it was the referee who lost them the game.

Rüdiger kicks Stanišić in the action before the goal. Nothing given. Goal awarded pic.twitter.com/lHz3uTrMer

— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) April 15, 2026

A majority of Real Madrid goals against Bayern once again turned out to be controversial. The foul that led to the freekick goal of Real Madrid was later shown to be a dive by Brahim Diaz. Antonio Rüdiger’s actions to injure Bayern’s Josip Stanišić was completely overlooked. It was part of the build-up that led to the third goal. The ref did not concern himself with any of the Real players’ actions. However, this was not sufficient to Real Madrid who wish to shift the entire blame of the defeat on the ref.

Per a report by DAZN (as captured by @iMiaSanMia), Dani Carvajal was livid with the referee. “It’s your fault. It’s your f***ing fault,” Carvajal is reported to have said following the defeat to Bayern.

Carvajal can complain all he wants, but the fact of the matter remains. Madrid’s had no real tactic in build-up other than waiting for a Bayern mistake. Arda Güler in the 22nd minute was struggling to create anything from the sluggish movement and rigid structure of his team.

Left to their own against a low block, this Real Madrid side showed they have nothing to get through a defense. Further, their behavior post the game continued their embarrassment off the pitch as well. Güler received a red card as he lead his teammates in a prolonged fight with the referees. The penalty call for Bayern, that wasn’t given in the first leg, the several over the top tackles that refs turned a blind eye to have not seemed to register with the Real Madrid players. Bayern Munich have a lot more to talk about refs should they want to.


If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…

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Baseball: Pirates shut out Lions for EIAC victory

Greensburg hosted EIAC foe Rushville Tuesday to open the week. Led by the 1-hit outing of pitcher Luke Hoeing, the Pirates cruised to a 10-0 victory against the Lions.

Hoeing pitched 5.0 innings, allowing just the one hit and no runs with five walks and five strikeouts.

Greensburg opened the scoring in the bottom of the first inning when Ayden Sefton scored on the Chase Walsman double. Colt McCalvin followed with an RBI single to left field to put the Pirates in front 2-0.

In the bottom of the third, the Pirates scored five runs. Ethan Smith was hit by a pitch. After Smith stole second base and went to third on a passed ball, Logan Meyer followed with an RBI single. Walsman reached on a Rushville error.

With two outs, Hoeing doubled to right field. Ethan Bishop was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Jacob Duerstock drew a walk to score Walsman. Zayden Miller then cleared the bases with a 3-run double to put Greensburg up 7-0.

Rushville's lone hit came in the top of the fourth inning off the bat of Josh Campbell.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, Smith singled to lead off the inning. He stole second and third bases and scored on a wild pitch to give Greensburg an 8-0 lead.

In the home-half of the fifth inning, Hoeing reached on an error and came around to score on a Bishop double to right field. With one out, Miller brought in the game-winning run with an RBI single.

Miller led the Pirates' offense with a single, double, triple and four RBIs. Bishop and Walsman both had an RBI and a double. Hoeing added a double. Smith, Meyer (RBI) and McCalvin (RBI) all added a single. Duerstock also had an RBI.

For the Lions on the mound, Carter Woolf pitched 2.2 innings, allowing seven earned runs on seven hits and one walk with one strikeout. Casey Thompson pitched 1.2 innings, allowing three earned runs on four hits with three strikeouts.

Greensburg won the junior varsity contest 12-4.

South Decatur 8, Milan 4

The host Cougars rallied from a 3-1 deficit to double up Milan 8-4.

Milan scored one run in the top of the first inning. South answered with a run in the bottom of the second inning. JP Scudder drew a 1-out walk and Brayden Gerrian was hit by a pitch. Both Cougars move up a base on the steal and Scudder scored on Karson Templeton's sacrifice fly.

After Milan scored two runs in the top of the third, South took the lead with three runs in the bottom of the third. Corey Nugent scored on a Cayden Drake single to left field. Carter Tull scored on a passed ball and JP Scudder's sacrifice fly drove in Drake for the 4-3 South lead.

The Indians plated another run in the top of the fourth inning.

South put the game away with four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. With two outs and the bases loaded, Tull reached on an error to score JP Scudder. Grady Scudder provided a 2-run single. Drake then reached on another Milan error to score a run and make the final 8-4.

South only had four hits in the game. Drake led the way with two singles and two RBIs. Grady Scudder singled and drove in two runs. Tull added the other single. JP Scudder and Templeton both had one RBI.

On the mound for South, Drake pitched 5.0 innings, allowing two earned runs on six hits and one walk while striking out six. JP Scudder pitched 2.0 innings, allowing no earned runs on one hit while striking out four.

Union County 16, North Decatur 9

The offenses were on their game Tuesday as Union County played host to North Decatur. The Patriots scored in every inning except the sixth and went on to the 16-9 victory.

The Chargers scored five runs in the first inning. Wyatt Reisman opened the game with a walk. He went to second and third bases on wild pitches and came in to score on Matthew Fields' ground out. With the bases loaded due to walks to Tyler Dean, Eli Trenkamp and Henry Kinker, Kipton Ruf's fielder's choice plated another run.

After a walk to Hayden Koehne, Gage Gabbard cleared the bases with a 3-run triple to give North a 5-0 lead. Union County scored four runs in the bottom of the first inning.

Reisman opened the second inning getting hit by a pitch. Fields followed with a home run to right field. Dean followed with a single, but was out at second on Trenkamp's fielder's choice. A double by Kinker had runners at second and third. Trenkamp scored on a wild pitch and Kinker scored on a double by Gabbard.

Union County scored 12 runs in innings two through six to lock down the win.

At the plate for North, Fields singled, homered and drove in three runs. Ruf had a single and RBI. Kinker added a double and RBI. Dean added a single. Gabbard drove in three runs to go with a triple and double.

North added two runs in the second inning.

East Central 1, Batesville 0

East Central's Brayeden Reis singled to score Ben Bond in the bottom of the seventh inning to give the Trojans a 1-0 victory against Batesville.

Dane Dudley pitched 5.2 innings for Batesville, allowing no runs on three hits and one walk while striking out 11. Ronan Post pitched 1.0 inning, allowing one earned run on two hits and one walk while striking out one.

Dudley and Post both singled for the only two hits for the Bulldogs.

Batesville's junior varsity was defeated by the Trojans 18-1.

Braden Hochstetler pitched 2.1 innings for Batesville, allowing four earned runs on three hits and five walks while striking out one.

Brody Rudolf, Hochstetler (RBI) and Max Meyer each collected one hit for Batesville.

Columbus North 10, Batesville 6

Tuesday, the Bulldogs of Batesville traveled to Columbus North to take on the Bull Dogs. The host squad led 5-0 and stretched the lead to 10-2 en route to the 10-6 victory against Batesville.

On the mound for Batesville, Jake Schornick pitched 1.0 inning, allowing one earned run on one hit. Brayden Maple pitched 1.0 inning, allowing no earned runs on two hits and one walk while striking out three. Max Meyer pitched 4.0 innings, allowing five earned runs on six hits and two walks.

Extra base hits by Batesville came off the bats of Jackson Peetz (double), Ronan Post (double) and Dane Dudley (double). Peetz led Batesville with two RBIs. Post, Dudley and Meyer all had one RBI. Preston Blessing finished with three singles and one RBI. Tiago Batta, William Huber and Noah Weigel all had a single. Maple had three singles and Dudley had a single and double.

Softball: Greensburg's Adams strikes out 30 in two starts

Greensburg opened the softball week’s schedule hosting EIAC foe Rushville Monday. The Lady Pirates scored one run in the first inning, four in the second inning and five in the fourth inning en route to the 10-0 victory.

In the bottom of the first inning, Greensburg’s Harper Adams led off with a single. Addyson Dolan hit into a fielder’s choice. With two outs, Aubrie Barnes-Pettit singled. Tinley Klene followed with an RBI double to right field to put Greensburg up 1-0.

In the bottom of the second inning, Kamryn Haas drew a walk and Kirkley Lowe singled. With one out and with Lady Pirates on second and third base, Layla Murray’s ground out scored Haas. After a walk to Adams, Dolan doubled to push the Greensburg lead to 4-0. Barnes-Pettit was walked and Klene’s single scored Dolan to make it 5-0.

Rushville’s lone hit was a double off the bat of Becca Tabeling in the top of the fourth inning.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, Greensburg pushed across five runs. Murray scored on a Barnes-Pettit ground out. Makayla Kieffer tripled to score Alexis Dolan and Addyson Dolan. Haas blasted a home run to center field to push the lead to its final margin 10-0.

Greensburg’s Adams pitched 5.0 innings, allowing no runs on one hit and one walk while striking out 15.

Extra base hits for Greensburg came from Addyson Dolan (double), Klene (double), Kieffer (triple) and Haas (home run). Klene, Kieffer and Haas all finished with two RBIs.

In the circle for Rushville, Althea Tellas pitched 3.2 innings, allowing five earned runs on nine hits and four walks while striking out four. Tabeling pitched .1 inning with a walk and a strikeout.

Tuesday, the Lady Pirates shut out Rising Sun 4-0.

Harper Adams pitched all seven innings for Greensburg, allowing two hits while striking out 15.

At the plate, Klene doubled and drove in one run. Addyson Dolan singled and drove in two runs. Layla Murray added an RBI. Emma Herbert and Aubrie Barnes-Pettit both had a single.

South Decatur 20 Oldenburg 5

South Decatur scored early and often in Monday’s home contest against Oldenburg Academy. The Lady Cougars scored five runs in the first inning, six runs in both the second and third innings and three runs in the fourth inning en route to the 20-5 victory.

The Lady Cougars pounded out 22 hits. Dalilah Martin tallied two singles, a double, a triple and four RBIs. Lilly Murray finished with two singles, a double and two RBIs. Raegan Benge added a single, double and two RBIs. Riley Benge and Lyndsey Shireman both had two singles, a double and two RBIs. Carly Shook added two singles and three RBIs. Lily Huey had a single and a double. Jocelynne Collins doubled and drove in one run. Samantha Cole and Lanie AmRhein both had a single. Teghan Pittman added an RBI.

Riley Benge pitched 5.0 innings for South, allowing two earned runs on two hits and five walks while striking out 13.

North Decatur 16 Jac-Cen-Del 4

Good pitching and solid offense propelled the Lady Chargers to a 5-1 record with a 16-4 win against Jac-Cen-Del.

Brynlee Green pitched 4.0 innings, allowing one earned run on one hit and four walks while striking out three. Brooklyn White pitched 1.0 inning, allowing no earned runs and no hits while striking out two.

North finished with 11 hits in the game, including three extra base hits. Macie Leake was 3-for-3 at the plate with a single, two doubles and three RBIs. Madison Rohls finished with a single, triple and one RBI. Green added a pair of singles and two RBIs. Kendall Hostkoetter tallied two singles and an RBI. Carmen Thackery and Haylee Schoettmer both singled and drove in one run. White finished with two RBIs.

Track: Morristown sweeps 3-team meet at ND

North Decatur’s track and field teams hosted a 3-team meet Tuesday with Morristown and Oldenburg Academy also competing.

For the girls, Morristown won the team title with 67 points. The Lady Chargers were second with 58 and Oldenburg finished with 31.

For the boys, the Yellow Jackets took first with 64 points. The Chargers were second with 47 and the Twisters were third with 43.

North took first place in eight events. Here is a look at North’s event results.

First place

Chargers’ 4x800 relay team of Harper Gunn, Michael Gomala, Conner Goolsby and Jackson White – 9:41.28

Sarah Moeller – 100 hurdles (16.50)

Miley Scudder – 100 (12.41), long jump (14-11.5)

Harper Gunn – 1600 (4:54.68)

Lady Chargers’ 4x100 relay team of Sarah Moeller, Layla Fellows, Keiran Lusk and Miley Scudder – 54.69

Jackson White – 300 hurdles (42.37)

Mason Kunz – high jump (6-0)

Sophie Rohls – high jump (4-10), discus (97-1)

Second place

Lady Chargers’ 4x800 relay team of Ellie Johnson, Mallory DeHaven, Ava Lecher and Norah Amberger – 12:21.16

Michael Gomala – 400 (57.00)

Ava Lecher – 400 (1:06.74)

Eli Weisenbach – 300 hurdles (46.44)

Norah Amberger – 800 (2:53), long jump (14-3.5)

Mason Kunz – long jump (18-4.5)

Evan Cherry – discus (110-2), shot put (39-2.5)

Third place

Deegan Orozco – 100 hurdles (20.70)

Ellie Johnson – 1600 (6:57)

Malachi Baltus – 400 (1:00)

Sarah Moeller – 300 hurdles (54.24)

Hayden Goolsby – 200 (24.72)

Adam Wade – 3200 (12:38), high jump (5-4)

Chargers’ 4x400 relay team of Eli Weisenbach, Malachi Baltus, Harper Gunn and Jackson White – 4:08.03

Lady Chargers’ 4x400 relay team of Keiran Lusk, Norah Amberger, Ellie Johnson and Ava Lecher – 5:13

Miley Scudder – high jump (4-4)

Avery Weisenbach – long jump (13-11)

Charlie Parmer – discus (109-4), shot put (37-8)

Fourth place

Riley Rosenberger – 100 hurdles (19.20), 300 hurdles (56.82)

Branden McBride – 100 (11.90)

Mallory DeHaven – 1600 (7:13)

Keiran Lusk – 400 (1:14.96)

Ellie Johnson – 800 (3:09.26)

Sarah Moeller – 200 (29.44)

Jayden Lawrence – 3200 (12:58)

Emerson Gunn – 3200 (16:07)

Melanie Hart – high jump (4-4)

Simon Barber – long jump (16-10.75)

Nolan Barber – discus (100-1)

Ellie Metz – discus (85-5)

Sophie Rohls – shot put (23-0)

Batesville

Batesville’s track and field teams traveled to South Dearborn for a 4-team meet.

The Lady Bulldogs won the team title with 116.5 points followed by Madison 74.5, South Dearborn 31 and Franklin County 18. The Bulldogs posted 86 points to get the win. South Dearborn was second with 61 followed by Franklin County 49 and Madison 45.

First place

Ella King-shot put (39-5) and discus (103-4)

Maggie Jelinek-100 hurdles (18.18) and 300 hurdles (50.69)

Maycee Holtkamp-high jump (5-2)

Ava Wade-800 (2:28.02)

Jayla Bedel-1600 (6:04.71)

Caitlin Raver-3200 (13:17.12)

Levi Essick-3200 (11:01.52)

Griffin Koester-800 (2:08.87)

Girls 4x800 relay (10:12.07)-Bayleigh Demaree, Paige Allgeier, Jayla Bedel and Ava Wade

Girls 4x400 relay (4:13.81)-Maggie Jelinek, Bayleigh Demaree, Paige Allgeier, Abby Miller

Boys 4x800 relay (9:01)-Cannon Clark, Cash Myers, Levi Essick and Griffin Koester

Boys 4x400 relay (3:31.54)-Cannon Clark, Cash Myers, Griffin Koester and James Rowland

Second place

Reillee Adams-100 hurdles and 300 hurdles

Abby Miller-100, 200

Abrey Webering-1600, 3200

Isabel Meyer-pole vault

Paige Allgeier-800

Bayeigh Demaree-400

Zadiin Small-long jump

Camden Kaiser-shot put

Gavin Britch-110 hurdles

Lukas Lovins-300 hurdles

James Rowland-400

Girls 4x400 relay B team-Maycee Holtkamp, Francesca Myers, Jayla Bedel, Ava Wade

Boys 4x100 relay team-Liam Wagner, Tyler Malone, Noah Davis, Gavin Britch

Third place

Leah Meyer-discus

Jade Martin-100 hurdles

Francesca Myers-400

Nick Tirado-high jump

Jeff Gerstbauer-shot put

Camden Kaiser-discus

Zadiin Small-100

Cash Myers=400

Gavin Britch-100 hurldes

Lukas Lovins-300 hurdles

Girls 4x100 relay-Magge Jelinek, Isabel Meyer, Maycee Holtkamp, Jenna Goldsmith

Boys 4x100 relay B team-Kaden Lamping, Dylan Shane, Lukas Lovins, Isaac Butz

Fourth place

Paige Allgeier-high jump

Jenna Goldsmith-long jump

Reillee Adams-pole vault

Jade Martin-1600

Dakota Helcher-long jump

Brody Gibson-3200

Cannon Clark-1600

Zadiin Small-pole vault, 200

Nick Tirado-110 hurdles, 300 hurdles

‘Maybe he’s man enough to admit it’ — Bayern Munich’s Josip Stanišić says Antonio Rüdiger insulted him after kick

MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 15: Josip Stanisic of FC Bayern Munich goes down with an injury and is checked on by teammates Joshua Kimmich, Michael Olise, Serge Gnabry and Referee Slavko Vincic during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between FC Bayern München and Real Madrid CF at Football Arena Munich on April 15, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Bayern Munich defender Josip Stanišić had a tough go during his team’s 4-3 (6-4 on aggregate) win over Real Madrid in the Champions League.

The Croatian needed to leave the game after halftime due to an injury sustained after a collision with Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger. The play, which ended up resulting in a goal for Real Madrid, stung Bayern Munich in both ways as it could have easily been called a foul on Rüdiger — preventing the goal from counting.

As Stanišić was down in pain, he said that Rüdiger said something to him after kicking him while he was down. Whatever it was, Stanišić was offended and did not want to repeat it.

“I don’t need to talk about what happened when I was on the ground. You can ask him, but in my opinion it’s completely unacceptable. Only one word was spoken, twice — you can ask him yourself — maybe he’s man enough to admit it. I don’t want to say anything because I’m not someone who wants bad blood. I don’t take it personally. It happens in the heat of the moment. But I don’t think it’s acceptable,” Stanišić told Kicker (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).

Rüdiger is no stranger to crossing the line, so it is an open canvas as to what might have been said to get Stanišić so bothered.

It seems as if the Croatian wants to publicly bury this now, but the bad blood will likely remain.


If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…

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