PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 03: Ronald Acuña Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves hits the ball against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Happy Easter to all who celebrate!
We are back with Sunday baseball on the West Coast, as the Braves take on the Diamondbacks for the series finale, hoping to secure the win.
Martín Pérez is taking the hill for his first career start with the Braves, with a solid squad behind him to handle offense.
Ronald Acuña Jr. has yet to go yard this season, with only one run accounted for. Maybe this time, leading off as the designated hitter will produce different results, as hitting will be his primary focus, eliminating the field work for the day. Eli White is taking over that area in right field and batting ahead of Jorge Mateo, who’s set to occupy shortstop. Mike Yastrzemski is moving up to the fourth slot, and Michael Harris II is following behind at fifth.
Mauricio Dubón is also making a return and taking over third base, giving Austin Riley, who’s been producing a .497 OPS lately, the day off.
The first three slots have stayed consistent throughout the series, with some shifts in the remaining holes. Carlos Santana has returned to occupy first base, moving Jose Fernandez—a Dbacks fan-favorite— over to DH and batting fifth in the lineup. Tim Tawa and James McCann, who were absent from yesterday’s start, are also making a return to close out the series, with Brandon Pfaadt hoping to improve his start as he takes the mound.
The Braves are looking to secure their third consecutive series win, while the Diamondbacks are going for the split before both teams hit the road. Let’s see how the chips fall in this finale.
The banged-up Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks square off tonight, two nights removed from NBA Rookie of the Year favorite Cooper Flagg’s 51-point outburst against Orlando.
We’ve looked at the stats, the betting data, as well as our Covers projection model to see where the market missed the mark.
The Mavericks' interior defense is a sieve, and Hachimura attacks the paint effectively. Expect an uptick in his usage and finishing opportunities tonight against a vulnerable front court.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Hachimura Now at bet365!/span
Lebron James Over 1.5 made threes (-125)
Projection: 2.0 made threes
LeBron James has been cold from 3-point range lately, but he continues to launch as many as four attempts per night.
The Los Angeles Lakers legend may catch a break against the Mavericks, who have allowed the 27th most made threes per game over their last 10 contests.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet James Now at bet365!/span
Jake LaRavia Over 4.5 rebounds (-150)
Projection: 5.7 rebounds
Jake LaRavia has seen an uptick in minutes since Luka Doncic hit the IR, and he’s made the most of his time, pulling down at least seven boards in his previous two games.
Dallas ranks 26th in the NBA in opponent rebounds in their past 10 contests, and won’t have enough size to handle LaRavia.
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Mavericks computer picks
Max Christie Over 9.5 points (-120)
Projection: 10.7 points
Dallas guard Max Christie has been in a scoring slump but seems to have turned things around after scoring 14 points against Orlando.
Christie should have ample opportunities to score tonight, as he won’t have to deal with Austin Reaves defending him.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Christie Now at bet365!/span
Max Christie Over 2.5 rebounds (+100)
Projection: 3.1 rebounds
Christie may be in a scoring slump, but he’s been a sneaky rebounder and has snatched at least three boards in four straight games.
The Dallas guard should grab at least three tonight, as he won’t have to worry about the handsy Reaves or Bronny James slowing him down.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Christie Now at bet365!/span
Cooper Flagg Under 24.5 points (-105)
Projection: 22.5 points
Cooper Flagg is coming off a 51-point explosion against the Magic, but this Lakers defense is a tough test.
Before that outburst, Flagg stayed Under his scoring prop in five of eight games. Expect the Lakers to slow him down again, making the Under our play tonight.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Flagg Now at bet365!/span
How to watch Lakers vs Mavericks tonight
Location
American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
Date
Sunday, April 5, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock
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TORONTO, ON - MARCH 30: Colorado Rockies Starting Pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano (11) throws a pitch during the MLB regular season game between the Colorado Rockies and the Toronto Blue Jays on March 30, 2026, at Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
After a blowout loss on their Home Opener and yet another one-run loss last night, the Colorado Rockies stand just one game away from being swept at home by the Philadelphia Phillies. Believe it or not, the problem hasn’t been the pitching. Only two of the Rockies’ seven losses this season have been by more than one run and only one has been in blowout fashion.
The problem instead lies in the offense. The Rockies have scored just five total runs in their last four games, and in that time they’ve scored more than one run just once. They’re striking out more than 11 times per game on average, have the fewest walks in the league, have homered just five times, and are tied for having the second-fewest runs in baseball.
Tomoyuki Sugano will take the mound this afternoon, looking to keep the train of pitching positivity alive and hoping his Coors Field debut goes better than Michael Lorenzen’s did on Friday. Sugano looked excellent in his Rockies debut against Toronto last week, where he worked 4.2 innings and gave up just one earned run on two hits and two walks. The lone run came via a solo home run—those will happen with Sugano—but he also struck out four batters.
Making the start for the Phillies is the right-handed Taijuan Walker. Walker struggled in his first outing of the year against the Washington Nationals, giving up seven runs—six earned—on ten hits and three walks over 4.2 innings. However, Walker has also been historically successful against the Rockies. In ten career starts against the Rockies he holds an ERA of just 2.36 over 61 innings and has given up just five home runs. This season Walker is utilizing a six pitch mix consisting of a slider, a cutter, a sinker, a curveball, a four-seam fastball, and a primary split-finger.
Apr 4, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) defends on San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) in overtime at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Coming off a blowout win against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Spurs traveled to Denver for their last road game of the regular season. Victor Wembanyama returned from injury management. Both teams started the game blazing from the field, with the Spurs outscoring the Nuggets 43-36 in the first quarter. The pace continued in the second, as the Spurs took a seven-point lead into halftime. Denver chipped away at the Spurs’ lead in the third, and the lead shrank to four to start the fourth. The Spurs were in a great position to close out the game multiple times late in the fourth.
With 1:39 remaining, the Spurs held a six-point lead. Then, Cam Johnson drained a three while being fouled by De’Aaron Fox to cut the lead back to two. After an alley-oop dunk by Devin Vassell, the lead grew back to four. However, after two Nikola Jokic free throws, the Spurs had a chance to clinch the game on their next offensive possession. After draining the clock, Fox missed a three-pointer, and the Nuggets called a timeout. Aaron Gordon tied the game with a dunk, and the Spurs had yet another chance to close out the game with a victory. Wemby put up a tough fallaway shot that grazed the rim, and the game went to OT. After some back-and-forth buckets, the Spurs had a chance to tie the game late. After Wemby stole the ball from Jamal Murray, Fox led the fastbreak. He then threw an errant pass to a cutting Vassell but quickly recovered the ball. Unfortunately, he missed a wide-open short jumper, and the Nuggets were fouled on the rebound. The Nuggets ultimately won 136-134 in OT.
Victor Wembanyama returned and dropped another MVP-type performance: 34 points (16-17 FT), 18 rebounds, seven assists, five blocks, and a steal. Wemby shot just under 50% from the game, but made up for it at the free-throw line. He dominated the paint defensively, aside from Jokic draining impossible jumpers. Wemby battled a contender and did not blink. In his last three games, he is averaging 38.7 points per game, 17.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 3.7 blocks. If it wasn’t for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic having MVP seasons in their own right, Wemby would be the favorite. Look for him to use this game as fuel for his confidence heading into his first playoffs.
UFO APPROACHING! Stephon Castle finds a cutting Wemby on the alley-oop slam for the AREA 51 connection!
Another drive, another dime! Wemby drives in on Tim Hardaway Jr., attempts a fadeaway, but then changes his mind at the last second for a tough reverse layup for HB!
Stephon Castle dropped 20 points (9-17 FG), nine assists, and five rebounds. Steph started the game guarding Murray, but after picking up two quick fouls, Mitch Johnson had him guard Christian Braun instead. The result: a career-high five threes on a career-high 11 attempts. Granted, Steph wasn’t responsible for all of the open threes, but regardless, it was not his usual defensive game. Nonetheless, Steph nearly garnered a double-double and drained middies, and earned tough and-one opportunities.
AND-ONE JUMPER! Steph absorbs the contact from Gordon and drains the midrange jumper for the and-one!
Devin Vassell dropped 18 points, five rebounds, two assists, and a block. Dev started the game with a laser three and dropped clutch buckets to end the fourth. Although, like Steph, he would sometimes lose track of Denver’s open shooters. He still stepped up when the team needed an offensive spark, which is exactly what this team needs heading towards the postseason.
Julian Champagnie dropped 18 points (6-9 3PT), five rebounds, and two assists. Julian was on fire from three. Denver decided to have Jokic covering him, which in turn allowed Julian to take open threes and allowed him to drive past him to the cup. Unfortunately, some of those drives turned into missed shots and a blocked dunk. Nonetheless, Julian eclipsed Danny Green for the franchise record for most threes in a season for the Spurs with 192!
All in all, this game was much needed for the Spurs. Whether they won or lost, it is important for this young team to encounter a contender right before the playoffs start. The game itself felt like a playoff game, where every single shot or mistake changed the outcome late. Everything is magnified in a hostile environment, and while some players stepped up, some faltered. For example, Keldon Johnson, Castle, and Fox all shot a combined 0-16 from three. Luckily, that is not likely to happen again. The perimeter defense will have to step up as the teams get tougher. With one week remaining in the regular season, the Spurs will look to close the season on a high note, with a rematch against the Nuggets on April 12th.
Finally, here are the full game highlights.
The Spurs return home to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday at 7:00 P.M. (CST) on FDSN-SW.
The Astros put Brown on the injured list on Sunday, April 5 with a shoulder strain.
Brown, the Astros' opening day starter, had only allowed a total of one earned run in his first two starts of the season with 17 strikeouts and six walks.
The move was retroactive to April 2, so it's possible he could have sustained the injury during a bullpen session between starts. Brown would have been lined up to make his next start on Sunday against the Athletics in Sacramento.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 31: A fan dressed as an Easter bunny reacts during the seventh inning between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on March 31, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Happy Easter!
In addition to candy, the Phillies are hoping the bunny gives them a sweep as they conclude their series against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday afternoon.
They’ll hope that Taijuan Walker can do better in his second start of the season after a rough outing against the Nationals. He oddly has good career numbers at Coors Field.
The Cleveland Cavaliers will look to get closer to clinching a top-four playoff seed as they host the Indiana Pacers tonight.
Cleveland and Indiana have both been playing to big scores in recent games, and I’m taking the Over to hit again tonight in my Pacers vs. Cavaliers predictions below.
Let’s look at the full breakdown of tonight’s matchup as I share my free NBA picks for Sunday, April 5.
Pacers vs Cavaliers prediction
Pacers vs Cavaliers best bet: Over 239 (-110)
The Indiana Pacers have been bad at just about everything this season, but their biggest failures have come on defense. Indiana is allowing 120.8 points per game with a defensive efficiency of 116.2, both of which rank among the Bottom 5 in the NBA.
That already had Indiana leaning toward the Over, but the Pacers have added to that trend by finding some offensive spark in recent weeks. Over their last eight games, they are averaging 124.6 PPG, a total that would make them the league's best offensive team if they had maintained that level all year.
A Top-10 pace means both Indiana and its opponents have plenty of possessions, resulting in frequent Overs.
At 119.3 PPG, the Cleveland Cavaliers have one of the most prolific offenses in the NBA. They're shooting 48% from the field and will likely do even better against the Pacers, who are allowing opponents to hit 49.1% of their shots.Donovan Mitchell (27.7 PPG) and James Harden (20.2 PPG) have this offense humming, with Cleveland hitting the Over in three of its last four games.
These trends are all likely to continue tonight. The Pacers may suffer a bit with the loss of Pascal Siakam, but that’s going to hurt them on both sides of the ball, meaning Cleveland’s offense can pick up any slack if Indiana struggles.
I’m expecting a fast-paced game that will bring home the Over.
Pacers vs Cavaliers same-game parlay
Along with taking the Over tonight, I’ll be looking at Cleveland’s Max Strus to continue his recent run of strong play for our parlay. Strus has averaged 18.8 PPG and five made threes over his last four games. Given the expectation of a high-scoring game — and the likelihood that the Cavaliers will be on the winning side — Strus has every opportunity to hit the Over on both his points and threes made props tonight.
Pacers vs Cavaliers SGP
Over 239
Max Strus Over 3.5 made threes
Our "from downtown" SGP: Cleveland rocks
For our long-shot SGP tonight, I’m going to look at a few different Cleveland props that will come together in this game.
That starts with taking James Harden to pick up his 21st double-double of the season. I also like Dennis Schroder to hit his assists total, as he’s averaging 4.8 assists per game on the year and dished out six against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday.
Finally, let’s back Donovan Mitchell to get Over 4.5 rebounds, a total that’s right at his season average (4.5) and should be boosted against an Indiana team that ranks second-last in the NBA in rebound rate.
The Over is 9-1 in Indiana’s last 10 games overall. Find more NBA betting trends for Pacers vs. Cavaliers.
How to watch Pacers vs Cavaliers
Location
Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
Date
Sunday, April 5, 2026
Tip-off
6:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN Indiana, FDSN Ohio
Pacers vs Cavaliers latest injuries
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At one point, Kopitar was asked if there were a time in his career when he thought he wouldn't be a King.
"Honestly, I didn't, no," Los Angeles' captain said confidently. "I felt like L.A. was my team, it's where I belong, and it didn't really cross my mind to where I'd go somewhere else."
While Kopitar admitted he wouldn't want his career to pan out any other way in terms of what his home has been for the past 20 years, he played the hypothetical game.
"(If) I really have to pick… probably Montreal," he admitted to Friedman. "I don't know, I just enjoy the city, I enjoyed playing there. Yeah, if I had to pick one, it'd probably be the Canadiens."
While it's not possible for Kopitar to switch teams at this point in the season - nor would he even entertain the idea - but he'd be a great fit for the Habs right about now.
Jake Evans and Anze Kopitar (Eric Bolte-Imagn Images)
The Canadiens are doing just fine as they're second in the Atlantic Division and are hovering around being a top-five team in the NHL at this stage of the season. But one weakness they have is the hole on the second line at the center position.
It would be fun for Habs fans to fantasize about having the Kings' all-time point scorer on their roster, but Kopitar wouldn't trade his time in Los Angeles for anything else.
And because he knows he's calling it quits at the end of this season, why not play around with some hypothetical scenarios as he looks back on his incredible NHL career?
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
INDIANAPOLIS – Michigan star Yaxel Lendeborg said he feels great and is expected to "give it a go" in the national championship game after he was injured in the Final Four on Saturday, April 4.
Coach Dusty May provided an update to his player on Sunday, April 5, after Lendeborg suffered a sprained MCL of his left knee and an injured ankle, per CBS Sports' Tracy Wolfson. Lendeborg had an MRI earlier in the day and all imaging came back clean and he'll be receiving treatment.
"I'm sure he'll give it a go tomorrow, but that'd be entirely up to him and the medical staff," May said.
Lendeborg didn't speak with media, but was seen inside the stadium walking around without much of a limp. When asked how he feels, he said, "great" and he didn't fall during the day.
Michigan guard Roddy Gayle Jr. added Lendeborg has done a "tremendous job" with his recover and the team knows "nothing's going to stop Yax being available and being able to play on Monday."
"Right now it's just about how comfortable does he feel and I think that he's more than excited to be in this one," Gayle added.
While concerning, Michigan was able to continue without its star as it dominated Arizona in the semifinal to punch its ticket to the national championship game. After the win, Lendeborg told reporters he is "playing Monday night regardless" against Connecticut, going for the Wolverines' second national championship, and first since 1989.
"He played the second half like a 38-year-old at the YMCA, and a really good 38-year-old at the YMCA," May said. "Whatever version of Yaxel we get it's going to be somebody that helps us play better basketball."
What happened to Yaxel Lendeborg?
Lendeborg got hurt with just under nine minutes left in the first half of the semifinal game, appearing to have twisted his ankle after stepping on the foot of Wildcats forward Motiejus Krivas while going to the basket for a layup.
He left the game and headed to the locker room, not returning for the remainder of the first half despite coming back to the bench. Lendeborg went through warm-ups out of halftime and despite walking gingerly, he started the second half and played roughly nine minutes, knocking down two 3-pointers in the second half.
The Wolverines had a commanding lead over Arizona, up by at least 20 points for nearly all of the second half. There was questions why May let a clearly injured Lendeborg play, and the Michigan coach said it had to with not wanting a late comeback from the No. 1 seeded Wildcats.
"You're playing Arizona, one of the best teams — statistically, the number one or two team all year in the country and you're up 20 with 10 minutes left, with eight and a half minutes left. We didn't feel quite as confident as you guys did that we could just put the kids to bed. And he came in and Elliot [Cadeau] was in foul trouble, and so he just held it down," May said after the game.
Michigan will play UConn on Monday, April 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:50 p.m. ET.
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 2: A general view of the Willis Tower formerly known as the Sears Tower and the rest of the Chicago city skyline during an afternoon MLB game between the Toronto Blue Jays and Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field formerly known as Comiskey Park on May 2, 2004 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The last of our three-game series with the White Sox.
I am in Nagasaki, Japan today. This is going be one of those heavy days that we sometimes get on holidays. The US dropped an A-bomb on the city near the end of the Second World War. We have been to a few of these places that really are tough on the psyche and remind me how lucky I am.
A few years ago we visited one of the German concentration camps in Poland where thousands and thousands of people were killed. I had to walk away from the guide a few times, cause the stories were just too bleak. Then, last year, we were at the island of Gorée that many of the slaves coming to the ‘New World’ from Africa went through. There is way too much evil in the world.
Anyway, you can’t have fun on holiday all the time. I guess.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 04: Tatsuya Imai #45 of the Houston Astros pitches against the Athletics in the bottom of the six inning of a major league baseball game at Sutter Health Park on April 04, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The latest news and updates on the Houston Astros and from around MLB:
Astros ace Hunter Brown placed on the 15-day IL today:
Christian Walker is off to a torrid start. He currently is tied for the team lead in hits (11) and leads the team in doubles (6) and RBI (9). He hit his first HR of the season yesterday:
Christian Walker on his first home run of the season and the Astros patient hitting approach that led to 13 walks today pic.twitter.com/ttPsjBhgCw
Cam Smith hit an elevated 97.9 mph four-seamer from Luis Medina an estimated 402 feet to left-center field at 111.1 mph off the bat for his home run. It’s the third-hardest-hit ball Smith has put in play in the majors.
Mets’ OF Juan Soto is out of the lineup again. His MRI revealed a calf strain. His manager, Carlos Mendoza, addresses it here:
Carlos Mendoza elaborates on Juan Soto's recovery plan:
"Give it 48, 72 hours, see how he continues to progress. Again, I was surprised when I saw him today the way he was moving around, but they're tricky. We'll wait, we'll continue to call it day-by-day until we have to make a… pic.twitter.com/dxGDFJz6qd
MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 31: Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Jonathan Aranda (8) watches his home run leave the park during a game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Tampa Bay Rays on March 31, 2026 at American Family Field, in Milwaukee, WI. (Photo by Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
A cyclist rides past Hogan's Hangout, a restaurant owned by Terry Bollea, best known as Hulk Hogan, who died in Clearwater, Florida, on July, 24, 2025. Hulk Hogan, the 1980s icon of professional wrestling who helped propel the low-budget spectacle into the global spotlight and parlayed his prowess in the ring into pop culture stardom, died Thursday. He was 71. Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, was pronounced dead at a Florida hospital after emergency personnel responded to a cardiac arrest call at his home in Clearwater, police said. (Photo by Thomas Simonetti / AFP) (Photo by THOMAS SIMONETTI/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
First Chuck: 1:10 PM CDT (click here each week for a new anthem!)
In seeing the 21 MLB ballparks I’ve been to thus far, I’ve traversed a lot of territory. Besides ranking the yards, it has given me an opportunity to think about whether I could live in different parts of these United States.
There are some locales I could never tolerate. Houston’s humidity would melt me, as would the dryer heat of Arlington. Even St. Louis would be too soggy.
I wouldn’t last a week in NYC—too many people too close together. I’d give a little more rope to LA because I love movies—but the constant crush of citizens would be too much.
Of course, some spots I’ve really enjoyed. Colorado is a veritable paradise for someone who hates humidity, likes outdoor activities, and doesn’t mind prolonged stretches of bad baseball. Seattle’s intriguing mix of extremely fun stadium experience, coastal locale, and every eatery serving biscuits and gravy (my favorite breakfast fare) would perhaps satiate me.
But of all the places I’ve baseball-tripped to, the one (at least so far) that I’d choose to live in if wanting a change from the Land of 10,000 Lakes: St. Petersburg, home of today’s MN Twins opponent Tampa Bay Rays.
Three reasons for this seemingly odd choice (considering I might choose literal purgatory over the Orlando area):
St. Pete isn’t nearly as hot or humid as central Florida. It gets a constant cool breeze from the ocean. In the dead of summer a few years ago, my Mom and I walked for hours along the bay and it was wonderful!
Tropicana Fieldisn’t that bad! Yes, it is a dome and yes it is utilitarian. But the people are friendly, the team somehow finds a way to be competitive despite spending no money, and it has a “mid-2000s Metrodome” feel where everyone is there to watch the ballgame instead of schmooze on a roof deck.
Granted, the problem with Rays Baseball is that while the location would be perfect for me, it is terrible for everyone else. St. Pete got the ballpark, but all the people are in Tampa Bay Proper across the bay and don’t want to drive across the long bridge to go to games. To be honest, I was somewhat surprised that the Trop got fixed up and will host further ballgames at all.
If my growing weariness of MN winters continues, perhaps someday I’ll turn into a beach bum and retire to Clearwater/St. Pete. But not today. For now, my home remains the site of today’s Twins/Rays clash.
(I’m often out walking or busy right up ‘til first pitch and last-minute lineup inputs stress me out—so, a clickety-click above will give you the pecking orders provided to the robotscyborgs Men in Blue)
After clinching a series win yesterday, Munetaka Murakami, Seranthony Domínguez and the White Sox will try to achieve a home opening series sweep for the first time in 22 years. | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Spread the word — the White Sox are on a winning streak!
Just when it looked like things were as bad as ever or even worse, the Sox have begun to show some life as they’ve taken their season back home to Chicago. Now, after back-to-back wins over the defending American League champions, they’re on the precipice of something unthinkable: a sweep.
In my hurried research, the last instance I could find of the Sox sweeping their first series at home came all the way back in 2004, when they took three straight from Kansas City in Ozzie Guillén’s managerial debut at then-U.S. Cellular Field. The winning pitchers in that series? Esteban Loaiza, Jon Adkins and Dámaso Marte. Technically, they did sweep their opening series in 2018, though that was just two games, also against Kansas City — and on the road.
The 2004 home opener was the first one I ever attended in person, and I can still picture my view from a far upper right-field corner as chants of “Ozzie! Ozzie!” rang through the stadium. Given that the loudest cheer of this past Friday’s opener was reserved for the surprise announcement of Ozzie’s forthcoming jersey retirement ceremony, this is as fitting of a time as ever to repeat the other part of history from that series.
Just for the sake of Remembering Some Guys, here are the lineups from the third game in that 2004 opening series, which the Sox took home 6-5 in 10 innings to complete the sweep.
What a time to be alive. Here’s the lineup that they’ll use today to try to reach the same end.
Tanner Murray will be making his big league debut at shortstop after the team announced his call-up this morning, with outfielder Everson Pereira hitting the IL due to a left ankle sprain. Murray was acquired alongside Pereira from Tampa Bay last November in exchange for Yoendrys Gómez and Steven Wilson. Murray swung the bat well in Arizona this spring, slugging .692 with three walks and just two strikeouts in 27 trips to the plate. He’s continued to rake in Charlotte, notching two homers, a double and six walks through six games.
Murray’s start will give Colson Montgomery a day off, and Derek Hill makes his first start in the outfield after appearing in five of the first eight games as a late substitution. Call it a reward for Friday’s fantastic execution of a two-out bunt to save the game.
The main arsenal change that Davis Martin brings back with him is a new sinker that serves as his primary fastball against lefties and helps generate all those ground balls. In Spring Training, he employed two distinct arsenals. He comes at lefties with the sinker and a low-80s sweeper, a classic ground ball combination of sinkers in on the hands with sweepers breaking off the outer edge of the plate. Against righties he pairs his traditional four-seamer with a 90 mph slider that has just enough break to be distinct from a cutter. That’s when he uses the changeup as an out pitch, typically employing it with one or two strikes and an aggressive hitter.
Here’s the lineup John Schneider’s Blue Jays will be sending at Davis Martin this afternoon:
Personally, I’d be pretty tired of having to pitch to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. already. Let’s get the win and gear up for Baltimore’s trip into town this week.
First pitch is at 1:10 p.m. CT, and will be available on TV via CHSN and radio via WMVP AM 1000.
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 03: Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers retires Brady House #12 of the Washington Nationals and throws to first base to turn a double play against the Washington Nationals during the seventh inning at Nationals Park on April 3, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Nats have been unable to stop the Dodgers lineup so far this series. They will get one more opportunity to solve the puzzle that is the Dodgers lineup this afternoon. Due to weather, the game will be delayed, but the forecast should clear up later in the afternoon.
Despite his struggles, Blake Butera is sticking with James Wood in the leadoff spot. Interestingly, Nasim Nunez will be in the 2 hole. Joey Wiemer will be back in the lineup, with Blake Butera wanting a spark from his team. CJ Abrams will be in the 6 hole, even though he is red hot. Keibert Ruiz and Jose Tena are also in the lineup. Brady House has the day off. Foster Griffin, the crafty lefty, will have his hands full with this Dodgers lineup.
happy anniversary of that one clip of the easter bunny wrecking teddy to all who celebrate
Due to injuries, matchups and off days, this Dodgers lineup is not quite as intimidating. However, it still has plenty of thump with Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman and the red hot Andy Pages. Former Nat Alex Call will get his second straight start of the series. We will be seeing Santiago Espinal and Dalton Rushing for the first time in this series. The enigmatic Roki Sasaki will be on the mound for the Dodgers. He will be interesting to watch.
The last couple games have been rough, but a win today would help the Nats get back on track. They have really had to run the gauntlet so far, but the schedule lightens up after this. 4-5 is much more manageable than 3-6, so that should be the goal today. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats!
Lakers
Mavericks
