Game thread XX – Royals at Yankees

Michael Wacha, wearing the new city connect uniform, throws a pitch
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - APRIL 11: Michael Wacha #52 of the Kansas City Royals pitches during the 1st inning of the game against the Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) | Getty Images

There is never a good time to play the Yankees, one of MLB’s most consistently good teams throughout its long history. But the Royals still have to do it. From a certain perspective, maybe this is a good time to face them; if you’re already losing, what’s a few more losses? Then, when you get on a roll, the Yankees won’t be there to stomp on your dreams.

Michael Wacha, the last winner the Royals had, will attempt to closely replicate the eight shutout innings he pitched against the White Sox last weekend. It will probably be harder against the Yankees, but the seemingly rejuvenated right-hander seems like the guy if the Royals have one. Not only has he pitched to a 0.43 ERA, but the underlying metrics suggest he’s pitching the best baseball of his life. Yes, not just as a Royal, but ever.

Wacha did make one start against the Yankees early last year; he allowed 3 runs in 5.2 innings. But even as he’s pitching better now than ever before, the beginning of 2025 was his worst period as a Royal.

The Yankees have been prone to giving up a lot of runs lately. The Royals scored a lot of runs yesterday. Maybe they can finally get something going in New York, where all their left-handed hitters can aim for the short fences in right field. Certainly, if Vinnie hits the ball in New York like he did all week in Detroit, he could have 10 home runs at the end of the weekend. Unfortunately, Cam Schlittler (don’t say that five times fast around impressionable ears!) has been one of the bright spots in the early going.

Schlitter was promoted to the big leagues last July and hit the ground running, immediately becoming one of the Yankees’ best starters. He’s somehow been even better than that this year, with underlying metrics that suggest he might somehow be underrated by his sparkling 2.49 ERA. He has an MLB-leading 35.8% K-BB%. The best pitchers will strike out more than a third of the batters, but he has also only walked only 1 in his 22.2 innings so far this year.

At least he’s a right-hander.

Lineups

Following yesterday’s offensive outburst, manager Matt Quatraro hasn’t changed the lineup much. Michael Massey is back in there at second after being pulled partway through yesterday’s game. Lane Thomas is in left field again, as Isaac Collins is still day-to-day with his knee contusion. We’re just going to have to hope yesterday wasn’t a flash in the pan.

New York Yankees vs. Kansas City Royals: Cam Schlittler vs. Michael Wacha

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - APRIL 12: Cam Schlittler #31 of the New York Yankees reacts after giving up a hit against the Tampa Bay Rays during the second inning of a baseball game at Tropicana Field on April 10, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Earlier this week, the Yankees played a very frustrating series against the Angels. While it ended in a split of the four games, it sure didn’t feel like it. Both Yankees’ wins required ninth-inning comebacks, while both losses saw the pitching get blow out of the water. That being said, each new series is a chance to get a new winning run going, and they can do that tonight as the Royals come to town.

For tonight’s series opener, the Yankees will send Cam Schlittler to the mound. Schlitter has gotten off to an incredible start to the season, but has allowed a couple runs in his last two starts. Tonight, we’ll get to see him try and get back to dominance again Royals’ lineups that’s only been so-so

For the Royals, veteran Michael Wacha will take the hill. Wacha has gotten off to a very good start to 2026, coming in with a 0.43 ERA in his couple starts so far. It’s worth noting that in a signal of how little confidence the Yankees (understandably) seem to have in Ryan McMahon right now, he is sitting despite being a lefty bat who could face the righty Wacha; Amed Rosario will take his place at the hot corner. It’s also not a good sign for the slumping Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Austin Wells that they’re both batting behind Rosario. But Rosario’s been one of the few consistent bats for the Yanks thus far and has hit righties early on, so he’ll get his shot.

Here’s all the information to know on how to catch tonight’s game, and we hope you’ll come join us in the game thread for all the action!

How to watch

Location: Yankee Stadium — Bronx, NY

First pitch: 7:05 pm ET

TV broadcast: YES (NYY) | Royals.TV (KCR)

Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280 (NYY) | 96.5 The Fan, Royals Radio Network (KCR)

Streaming: MLB.tv, Gotham Sports App

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Mikal Bridges ready to raise his game in playoffs for Knicks — again

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) reacts after scoring during the fourth quarter when the New York Knicks played the Indiana Pacers Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at Madison Square Garden, Image 2 shows New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) when the New York Knicks practiced Friday, April 17, 2026 at Madison Square Garden Training Center in Greenburgh, NY
Mikal Bridges Knicks

One by one, Knicks player after Knicks player echoed the same sentiment — they will be judged on what comes next, not on the regular season. 

That rings true for Mikal Bridges as much as anyone. 

Last year, his largely underwhelming regular season was mostly forgotten when he made some of the biggest plays during the Knicks’ playoff run.

There was the steal on Jaylen Brown in the final seconds of overtime to seal Game 1 of the second round against the Celtics.

There was the steal on Jayson Tatum in the final seconds to seal Game 2 of that series.

New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) reacts after scoring during the fourth quarter when the New York Knicks played the Indiana Pacers Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at Madison Square Garden. Robert Sabo for NY Post

There was his game-tying tip-in with 35.1 seconds left in Game 6 of the first round against the Pistons, a game in which he scored 25 points. 

“Playoffs are fun and real amped up and a lot of aggression, a lot of thinking,” Bridges told The Post earlier this month. “It’s just fun being in those games. The crowd and everything just goes up another level. So it’s always fun playing playoff games. Just trying to do whatever it takes to win.” 

Does he feel like he raises his game in the postseason? 

“I would want to,” Bridges said. “I feel like every player would want to. I just try to be the best I can be and try to do whatever it takes to help the team win.” 

Bridges is on the receiving end of more criticism than anyone on the Knicks. Karl-Anthony Towns is probably a close second, but Bridges tops the list, given the five first-round picks the Knicks traded to get him. 

His regular-season output — offensively, at least — has not matched that trade haul. But he’s been vocal about sacrificing offensively for the betterment of the team.

New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) when the New York Knicks practiced Friday, April 17, 2026 at Madison Square Garden Training Center in Greenburgh, NY. Robert Sabo for NY Post

It’s something that Josh Hart voiced support for to The Post, claiming that Bridges could score more if he got more shots, but that’s not what he’s been asked to do. 

Coach Mike Brown has been clear in the offensive hierarchy — Jalen Brunson first, Karl-Anthony Towns second, everybody else after that. And usually it’s OG Anunoby coming in third, so that makes Bridges the fourth option.

If that’s what you compare him to — the different fourth options around the league — rather than his trade compensation, his output looks much stronger. 

“Sacrifice for your brothers,” Bridges said after practice Friday. “… Putting your body on the line, doing whatever it takes to make the play to help your teammates out.” 

Fourth option or not, Bridges has shown the ability to make game-changing plays regardless of how he performs beforehand. On a veteran Knicks team, he has as much playoff experience as anyone. 

“That’s kind of what I’ve known,” Bridges said. “It’s kind of my DNA.” 

Draymond Green, Devin Booker ejected in final moments of Warriors' play-in loss

Draymond Green, Devin Booker ejected in final moments of Warriors' play-in loss originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Draymond Green wasn’t on the floor for the Warriors’ season-ending loss in the NBA play-in tournament to the Phoenix Suns on Friday night.

That’s because Green, along with Suns star Devin Booker, was ejected after the two exchanged heated words in the game’s closing moments.

The Warriors forward already had fouled out of Friday’s game at the 1:06 mark in the fourth quarter. During the ensuing dead ball, Green and Booker earned a double technical, but that didn’t appear to put an end to their jawing. Just after the ball was inbounded — only two seconds of game time later — referee Scott Foster tossed them both.

Once Foster directed him to the showers, Green immediately responded by imitating his ejection, before egging on the antagonistic Phoenix crowd as he walked to the locker room:

It was a frustrating night for Green, who finished with as many points as turnovers (five), in addition to his six personal fouls and a minus-13 rating.

Shortly before his exit, Green shared an intimate moment on the court with coach Steve Kerr and teammate Steph Curry, the three longtime tenets of the Golden State dynasty over the last 12 seasons.

In some ways, it’s a fitting end to the Warriors’ 2025-26 season, one that had some hope, but also was filled with injuries and plenty of other maddening moments.

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With homestand sweep complete, Padres face burgeoning Halos ace

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 16: Ramón Laureano #5, Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 and Jackson Merrill #3 of the San Diego Padres react after defeating the Seattle Mariners 5-2 at Petco Park on April 16, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images

After going 2-4 in the Opening Week homestand, the San Diego Padres have now improved their record at Petco Park to 9-4 with a perfect 7-0 homestand. The Friars cannot seem to lose.

Last night’s win was particularly fantastic with Walker Buehler proving his last start (0 R, 6.0 IP) wasn’t a fluke. He went five-plus innings, giving up two runs but earning his first win as a Padre.

Tonight the Friars will have their work cut out for them against the Los Angeles Angels. But if the knuckleballer can pull off some magic in Anaheim, San Diego might just eke out a victory.

Taking the mound

José Soriano (LAA) v. Matt Waldron (SD)

Soriano has been absolutely incredible for the Halos so far this year. He’s pitched to a 0.33 ERA across 27 innings. He’s had a crazy breakout this season, limiting batters to a .103 average.

The right-hander has only allowed one run this season. That lone run came in his longest start of the year (8.0 innings) against an Atlanta Braves offense that has been potent. The Padres will have to hope they can do what no other team has yet: get to Soriano. If they don’t, they’ll hope to at least get a shot at the Angels’ lackluster bullpen.

Waldron pitched three scoreless outings in Triple-A after rehabbing his way back from preseason surgery. He’s the last remaining true knuckleball pitcher in MLB. This will be Waldron’s first start with the big-league club since his lone 2025 start against the Philadelphia Phillies.

He’s struggled with consistency in the majors. But if Waldron can get off to a good start against Los Angeles, it’ll go a long way to soothing concerns about Nick Pivetta’s temporary absence from the rotation.

Batter up!

With a right-hander on the mound in Soriano, the Friars will likely go with a similar lineup as yesterday’s. That being said, Ty France has good numbers against Soriano (4-for-8 with 5 RBI) so he could see time at first base.

  1. Ramón Laureano, LF
  2. Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
  3. Jackson Merrill, CF
  4. Manny Machado, 3B
  5. Xander Bogaerts, SS
  6. Gavin Sheets, DH
  7. Ty France, 1B
  8. Luis Campusano, C
  9. Jake Cronenworth, 2B

Campusano will keep getting starts at catcher until Freddy Fermin returns from his recent concussion scare. That’s a-ok for the Friars since Campy has been destroying baseballs lately (and owns a .500 career average against Soriano).

Tatis has also put up some slug against the righty. Perhaps he could finally end his season-long homer drought tonight?

Relief corps

With Buehler going five-plus innings, the winning formula for San Diego was on full display: the starter leaves with a lead, and the ‘pen does exactly what it does best. Never was that more true than last night.

Bradgley Rodriguez, Adrian Morejon, Jason Adam and Mason Miller covered four scoreless innings. Morejon continues to look more and more like his dominant self, and Adam continues to wow in his return from injury.

Miller took Randy Jones’ place on the Padres’ leaderboard after last night with 30 2/3 scoreless innings pitched. The only one standing in his way from the top spot is Cla Meredith’s 33 2/3 mark.

For tonight’s game, that leaves Kyle Hart, Ron Marinaccio, David Morgan and Wandy Peralta. The first out of the bullpen if San Diego has a lead would be Hart, given his lack of use in the last few games. But it wouldn’t be surprising to see Morgan come out in a high-leverage spot.

Game 20: Reds at Twins (8:10 PM ET) – Williamson vs. Ryan

Milwaukee Brewers v Cincinnati Reds

Brandon Williamson gets the start on Friday evening in the Twin Cities as the Cincinnati Reds hit the road after their 3-3 homestand. The Minnesota Twins will counter with Joe Ryan.

First pitch is set for 8:10 PM ET. Lineups for both clubs are listed below!

Today’s Lineups

REDSTWINS
TJ Friedl – CFByron Buxton – CF
Matt McLain – 2BAustin Martin – LF
Elly De La Cruz – SSLuke Keaschall – 2B
Sal Stewart – 1BRyan Jeffers – DH
Eugenio Suarez – 3BJosh Bell – 1B
Nathaniel Lowe – DHVictor Caratini – C
Spencer Steer – LFMatt Wallner – RF
Will Benson – RFBrooks Lee – SS
Tyler Stephenson – CRyan Kreidler – 3B
B. Williamson – LHPJoe Ryan – RHP

What we learned as Steph Curry goes cold in Warriors' season-ending loss to Suns

What we learned as Steph Curry goes cold in Warriors' season-ending loss to Suns originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

BOX SCORE

The epilogue of this agonizing Warriors’ season came Friday night and, appropriately, was a microcosm of their regular season, with a hail of turnovers and several players displaying visible signs of discomfort.

Golden State’s offseason began immediately after a 111-96 loss in the NBA play-in tournament finale to the younger, quicker Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix.

Stephen Curry gritted his teeth long enough to play 36 minutes, scoring 17 points, with Brandin Podziemski producing a team-high 23. Kristaps Porzingis, questionable with right ankle soreness until an hour before tipoff, limped through 15 minutes to score 11 points before retiring for the night.

The Warriors head into the offseason while the Suns advance to play a first-round playoff series against the defending champion and top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.

Here are three takeaways from a night that spins the Warriors into an offseason rife with questions in search of solutions:

Warriors lose the battle of No. 2s

With Curry and Suns star Devin Booker, the featured performers for their teams, basically offsetting each other, the outcome rested on which team would get the most production from its No. 2 scorer.

The Suns won that contest in a runaway. Jalen Green blistered the Warriors for a game-high 36 points on 14-of-20 shooting from the field, including 8 of 14 from beyond the arc. Playing 39 minutes, he posted a plus-21.

Green’s eight triples nearly equaled Golden State’s total of 11 and made him the central figure in the Suns posting a decisive advantage in 3-point makes (18-11).

No one on the Warriors came close. The three players, aside from Curry, to score in double figures were Podziemski, Porzingis and De’Anthony Melton (16 points).

Curry’s 17 points came on 4-of-16 shooting from the field, including 3 of 10 from distance, and Booker finished with 19 points on 5-of-12 shooting from the field, including 0 of 4 from deep.

Grotesque beginnings

The Warriors this season put forth countless sour first quarters, but they might have bottomed themselves in this game.

The first five minutes alone featured six Golden State turnovers, including three by Podziemski; Gui Santos losing his dribble without pressure, Porzingis missing a dunk and Curry dribble-driving out of bounds.

By the time the buzzer sounded to end the quarter, the Warriors had committed nine turnovers, giving Phoenix 13 free points; shot 30 percent from the field, including 11.1 percent from distance; been outscored 8-0 in transition, and were trailing by 18 (33-15).

With a symphony of poor shooting, botched possessions, curious decision-making and charitable donations, Golden State dug itself a massive hole and spent the next 36 minutes playing from behind and never catching up.

When it was all said and done, the Warriors committed 20 turnovers and the Suns scored a staggering 30 points off those giveaways.

The two Podziemskis

No player on the Warriors gets more public love and hate from the fan base than Podziemski, who, in this game, exhibited a masterclass demonstration of things to love and hate.

It’s easy for Dub Nation to be pleased by the Podziemski, who delivered a terrific second quarter that was crucial in keeping the Warriors within distance of the Suns. He contributed 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting from the field, including a 3-pointer, and three rebounds. He was plus-14 over 11 minutes.

It’s not so easy for the fan base to enjoy the Podziemski, who committed two turnovers in a 13-second span immediately after and impetuously tried a solo fast break against three defenders and failing in what the Golden State coaches consider a “shot turnover.” He did not record an assist.

In addition to his 23 points on 9-of-17 shooting from the field, including 3 of 5 from deep, Podziemski grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds.

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Game 19: Red Sox vs. Tigers – Suárez vs Mize

Maybe the greens wull change the mojo of this team? Pretty please with a cherry on top?

⚾️ First Pitch: 7:15pm ET —Fenway Park, Boston, MA

📺 TV: Apple TV

📻 Radio: WEEI

Washington Nationals vs San Francisco Giants Game Thread

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 14: Gus Varland #47 of the Washington Nationals reacts after his team's 5-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on April 14, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) | Getty Images

After a great 5-2 road trip, the Washington Nationals come back home looking to keep the good times rolling. It has been a small sample, but this team has been much better on the road so far. At home, they are just 1-5. The Nats will look to add a second home win tonight.

Blake Butera has shuffled up his lineup a bit. Daylen Lile will be in the 6 spot, the lowest he has been this season. Butera told me this was strictly a matchup based move. After getting hit in the hand yesterday, Jacob Young is not in the lineup, but Butera said he was available off the bench. Joey Wiemer will be in center instead. Jose Tena will be at DH today and Keibert Ruiz will be behind the dish. The dependable Zack Littell will be on the mound.

The Giants offense has not been great so far this year, which has Tony Vitello searching for answers. His top 3 hitters have been reasonably effective, but Rafael Devers has been off to a slow start. The Giants picked up Daniel Susac in the Rule 5 draft, and he has earned more reps behind the plate with his red hot start. Logan Webb has been one of the steadiest and most underrated arms in the league. He will be on the mound tonight.

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Game Info:

Stadium: Nationals Park

Time: 6:45 PM EST

TV: Nationals.TV and Fox 5 WTTG

Radio: 106.7 The Fan

The Nationals have been playing solid baseball so far, but that has mainly been the case on the road. It would be nice to give the home fans a taste of Butera ball. The Giants are struggling right now, but they have solid talent and cannot be taken lightly. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats!

Game Thread: Hello, old friend

PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 14: Brandon Lowe #5 of the Pittsburgh Pirates rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the first inning during the game between the Washington Nationals and the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Christopher Denver/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Go Rays!

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How to watch San Francisco Giants vs. Washington Nationals

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - APRIL 11: Logan Webb #62 of the San Francisco Giants throws a pitch in the fifth inning during a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 11, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/IOS/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The San Francisco Giants begin a three-game road series against the Washington Nationals this afternoon.

Taking the mound for the Giants will be right-hander Logan Webb, who enters today’s game with a 5.25 ERA, 3.20 FIP, with 21 strikeouts to nine walks in 24 innings pitched. His last start was in the Giants’ 6-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday, in which he allowed four runs on five hits with six strikeouts and three walks in six innings.

He’ll be facing off against Nationals right-hander Zack Littell, who enters today’s game with a 4.20 ERA, 7.16 FIP, with 10 strikeouts to five walks in 15 innings pitched. His last start was in the Nationals’ 8-6 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday, in which he allowed three runs on six hits with three strikeouts in five innings.

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Game #20

Who: San Francisco Giants vs. Washington Nationals

Where: Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.

When: 3:45 p.m. PT

Regional broadcast: NBC Sports Bay Area

National broadcast: n/a

Radio: KNBR 680 AM/104.5 FM, KSFN 1510 AM

Cubs 12, Mets 4: Home runs by Moises Ballesteros, Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ lead to a blowout

The Mets came to Wrigley Field riding an eight-game losing streak in which they had been outscored 44-12.

Those sorts of things are usually ripe for the losing streak team to break it, especially with the wind blowing out at the ol’ ballyard.

Not in this one. The Mets looked like a team in disarray and now have a nine-game losing streak in which they have been outscored 56-16 after the Cubs demolished them 12-4 on a warm, windy April afternoon.

The Cubs wasted no time getting the bats going after Edward Cabrera threw a scoreless first. With one out, Michael Busch walked and Alex Bregman singled him to third. Ian Happ struck out, but this bloop single by Seiya Suzuki made it 1-0 Cubs [VIDEO].

That 1-0 lead quickly became 4-0 courtesy of Moisés Ballesteros [VIDEO].

About the four-run first, from BCB’s JohnW53:

The Cubs’ four runs in the first inning equal their total in the first in their previous 18 games. That had been their fewest in any inning. They began today having scored six each in the second and fourth.

The Mets made it 4-3 off Cabrera in the second with four hits in the inning, and it could have been more if not for this terrific throw from Pete Crow-Armstrong [VIDEO].

The Cubs got two of those runs back in the bottom of the second on another homer. With one out, Dansby Swanson walked and Nico Hoerner put one in the bleachers [VIDEO].

That was Nico’s third of the year. Last year he hit his third home run on June 28, in the Cubs’ 79th game.

Cabrera had an easy third and fourth thanks to two double plays, one of those a strikeout-throwout DP by Carson Kelly [VIDEO].

The Cubs then extended the lead to 7-3 in the bottom of the fourth. Swanson singled with one out and Hoerner and Busch also singled, loading the bases. Bregman hit a sharp line drive right to Francisco Lindor at short for the second out, and then this happened [VIDEO].

The Mets have some definite holes in their defense and it showed there. Meanwhile, the Cubs were getting some slick defense from Hoerner. This one ended the fifth [VIDEO].

This leaping catch by Nico was the second out in the sixth [VIDEO].

Hoerner was 3-for-5, his third three-hit game in his last eight. Between that and the great defense, if he keeps this up he might be NL Player of the Week, or even Player of the Month for April. He’s just been outstanding.

Cabrera finished up with six innings, allowing eight hits and three runs. Not a great outing, but good enough with the offense the Cubs provided. Riley Martin, who I am liking better and better with each outing, threw a scoreless seventh which included Kelly getting this ball call overturned for a strikeout [VIDEO].

Then the Cubs blew the game open in the bottom of the seventh. With one out, Suzuki doubled and scored on this double by Matt Shaw [VIDEO].

Shaw advanced to third on a single by Kelly, and scored on this wild pitch [VIDEO].

PCA walked to load the bases, and Swanson scored Kelly with this sac fly to make it 10-3 [VIDEO].

Jacob Webb allowed the Mets a run on four hits in the top of the eighth, and the Cubs did that one better in the bottom of the inning. Busch led off with a single and one out later, Happ launched this towering home run to Waveland [VIDEO].

Check out the height and distance on that one! [VIDEO].

Hoby Milner entered to throw the ninth and allowed a leadoff single, but one out later ended the game on this double play [VIDEO].

A note from John on the Cubs’ three straight 10+ run games:

The Cubs had last scored at least 10 runs in three consecutive games Sept. 13-15, 2019, when they crushed the Pirates at home, 17-8, 14-1 and 16-6, setting a franchise record for total runs in a three-game series. This is the Cubs’ ninth three-game double-digit streak since 1901. Their record is five in a row, June 1-6, 1930.

And about the Cubs’ three wins in a row:

The Cubs’ previous three-game winning streak was the final three games of last season, when they swept the Cardinals at Wrigley Field, 12-1, 7-3 and 2-0.

Their last four-game streak was Sept. 14-17, when they beat the Rays at home, 4-3, then swept at Pittsburgh, 4-0, 4-1 and 8-4.

This is the sort of offense I think we will see more of from this team — some long-sequence innings, some home runs, taking advantage of the other team’s errors.

Unfortunately, there was bad news that broke just before the first pitch today, the Cubs announcing that Daniel Palencia was going on the 15-day IL with an oblique strain. Here’s how that happened (Bluesky link):

At this writing the Cubs have not announced who’s being called up to replace Palencia on the active roster. There aren’t a whole lot of choices, to be honest. As always, we await developments.

More on the game from Craig Counsell [VIDEO].

The Cubs will go for four straight wins Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field. The weather will be much colder with the wind likely blowing in, which could be good news for Jameson Taillon, who will start for the Cubs. Old NL Central friend Freddy Peralta goes for the Mets. Game time is again 1:20 p.m. CT and TV coverage will be via Marquee Sports Network (and MLB Network outside the Cubs and Mets market territories).

Here’s how to watch Warriors vs. Suns in NBA Play-In Tournament for free

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Stephen Curry in a white Golden State Warriors jersey with his hands on his hips, Image 2 shows CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 05: Oso Ighodaro #11 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles the ball against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on April 05, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jayden Mack/Getty Images)

The final game of the 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament is here with a “win to get in” matchup between the No. 10 Golden State Warriors and the No. 7 Phoenix Suns for the Western Conference’s No. 8 seed.

Despite creating an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter against Portland, the Suns let their lead, the win and the No. 7 seed slip away. A Suns loss today could lead to a first for the Play-In tournament — since this format was introduced in 2021, a No. 7 seed has never dropped two consecutive games to fall out of the bracket entirely.

The Warriors advanced into today’s game with a 126-121 win over the Los Angeles Clippers in which they erased a 13-point fourth quarter deficit and didn’t lead at all in the second half until an Al Horford 3-pointer with 2:12 left in the game.

Warriors vs. Suns: what to know
  • What: NBA Play-In Tournament
  • When: April 17, 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET
  • Where: Mortgage Matchup Center (Phoenix, Arizona)
  • Streaming: Prime Video (try it free)

The winner of tonight’s matchup officially becomes the Western Conference’s No. 8 seed and will face the No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs, tipping off Sunday, April 19.

Warriors vs. Suns start time:

Tonight’s (April 17) Warriors vs. Suns play-in game tips off at 7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. ET on Prime Video.

How to watch Warriors vs. Suns for free:

The NBA Play-In Tournament, including tonight’s Warriors vs. Suns matchup, is streaming exclusively on Prime Video, so you’ll need an Amazon Prime subscription to watch the game.

If you aren’t a Prime Video subscriber yet, you can get started with a 30-day Amazon Prime free trial, including Prime perks like the Prime Video streaming service, free two-day shipping, exclusive deals, and more. After the free trial, Amazon Prime costs $14.99/month or $139/year.

PRIME VIDEO PRIME FOR YOUNG ADULTS

All 18- to 24-year-olds, regardless of student status, are eligible for a discounted Prime for Young Adults membership as well, with age verification. After a six-month free trial, you’ll pay 50% off the standard Prime monthly price of $14.99/month — just $7.49/month — for up to six yearsand get all the perks.

NBA Playoffs key dates:

  • April 14-17: NBA Play-In Tournament
  • April 18: NBA Playoffs First Round begins
  • June 3: Game 1 of the NBA Finals

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How to watch Warriors vs. Suns, Play-In Tournament Round 2

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 18: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts to a three-point shot against Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on December 18, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Golden State Warriors will determine the fate of their season Friday night as they face the Phoenix Suns in the second round of the Play-In Tournament. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM PT in Phoenix and can be watched on Prime Video.

Previously with the Warriors:

The Warriors kept their season alive on Wednesday night with a 126-121 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Los Angeles led for most of the game, but Golden State never let it get out of reach as they responded to every run to stay within striking distance.

Trailing by six entering the fourth quarter, the Warriors flipped the game behind a huge stretch from Al Horford, who knocked down four straight threes to swing the momentum in Golden State’s favor.

When it mattered most, the Warriors turned to their stars to close it out. Steph Curry delivered with a clutch three-pointer as part of his 35-point night to give Golden State the lead. Draymond Green, meanwhile, came up with several key defensive stops, including two big steals in the game’s final moments to seal the victory.

What to watch for tonight:

The Warriors’ season hangs in the balance Friday night, and the biggest question for them will be health. Kristaps Porzingis is the primary concern after scoring 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting against the Clippers, as he’s now listed as questionable with ankle soreness.

Another storyline to monitor is the matchup with Suns forward Dillon Brooks. Golden State has plenty of history with Brooks, and he’s already made it clear he’s looking forward to the matchup against the Warriors’ stars.

With both teams fighting to keep their seasons alive, tonight’s game is expected to be physical. For the Warriors, the key will be maintaining their composure and avoiding any emotional letdown after Wednesday’s win. Golden State went 3-1 against Phoenix during the regular season, so if they can match the urgency and focus they showed against the Clippers, they should be able to punch their ticket to the postseason.

Enjoy the game Dub Nation. GO WARRIORS!!! 

Projected Starters

Warriors: Steph Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Gui Santos, Draymond Green, Kristaps Porzingis

Suns: Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Jordan Goodwin, Dillon Brooks, Mark Williams

How to watch Play-In Tournament Round 2

Who: Golden State Warriors (1 – 0) vs. Phoenix Suns (0 – 1)

When: Friday, April 17th, at 7:00 p.m. PT

Where: PHX Arena — Phoenix, Arizona

TV and Streaming: Prime Video (available on fuboTV)

Atlanta Braves vs Philadelphia Phillies Game Thread: April 17

The Atlanta Braves have not lost any of their first six series of the season, the last team in the majors who can make that claim.

They’re atop the NL East at 12-7 and are now taking aim at the two-time defending division champions in the Philadelphia Phillies for a three-game series which begins Friday evening at Citizens Bank Park.

Atlanta turns to Martín Pérez (0-1, 3.14 ERA) on the mound against Philadelphia right-hander Taijuan Walker (1-2, 7.36 ERA) for the series opener.

Let’s see if the timing to take on the Phillies (who have lost three straight series) is as good as it looks for the Braves.

Game Notes

Preview

Lineup