At least for one day, the Yankees spared themselves the drama.
After each of their previous five wins had come by taking the lead for good in their final at-bats, the Yankees jumped ahead early Saturday and kept piling on — against a lefty starter, to boot — while Will Warren turned on cruise control.
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Cody Bellinger crushed two of four Yankees home runs and drove in five while Warren dominated across seven innings as the Yankees breezed to a 13-4 win over the Royals on a sunny afternoon in The Bronx.
The Yankees (12-9) had not won a game like this since the home opener on April 3, having to grind for everything in between with nothing coming easy — including 11 of their 13 games in that stretch decided by two runs or fewer, the exceptions coming in blowout losses.
But they finally synced strong pitching and strong hitting on the same day, which made for a much-needed laugher — so much so that Aaron Judge, who had played every inning of every game, got the final three innings off — as they tried to finally break out of this early-season funk with their fourth win in the past six games.
New York Yankees left fielder Cody Bellinger (35) watches his two-run homer during the sixth inning on April 18, 2026 at Yankee Stadium. Robert Sabo for NY Post
“Obviously, these games are more ideal,” Bellinger said. “We’ve had a lot of close ones recently, had a crazy series against the Angels. Will did a great job of doing what he does and for us to get a few runs on the board, that was big for us.”
That they did it against a left-hander made it even more encouraging, after southpaws had given them trouble through the early going. Entering Saturday, the Yankees’ .535 OPS against lefties was the second-lowest mark in the majors, and they were 2-4 against lefty starters.
Royals lefty Noah Cameron offered little resistance, though, as the Yankees got to him for seven runs across four innings — keyed by a five-run third inning in which Amed Rosario, Bellinger and Ben Rice all went deep.
New York Yankees left fielder Cody Bellinger (35) is greeted by his teammates in the dugout after he scores on his two-run homer during the sixth inning. Robert Sabo for NY Post
That alone was more than enough run support for Warren, who tied a career high with 11 strikeouts while easily turning in his best start of the season. Getting ahead early and often, he scattered three hits through the first six innings before finally giving up a two-run homer to Carter Jensen in the seventh, the only damage the Royals (7-13) had against him all day.
“It’s nice to go out there with the lead,” Warren said. “You’re not worried about giving up one or two [runs].”
The Yankees have now hit 15 home runs over their last six games after hitting only 14 through their first 15 games, getting back to the kind of offense they are built for.
Bellinger, the left-handed hitter who crushed lefty pitching last season, took Cameron deep for a two-run shot to the second deck in the third inning before adding another two-run homer against righty Mitch Spencer in the sixth that made it 10-0.
“I was joking with him, he had one homer in two months since the start of spring and then two in an hour,” manager Aaron Boone said. “So it’s a funny game that way. But a lot of good swings from him and obviously up and down the lineup. And against a tough lefty, too, so good to see the bats break out like that.”
New York Yankees pitcher Will Warren (29) throws a pitch during the first inning. Robert Sabo for NY Post
Rice’s homer off Cameron marked the third straight game in which he has gone deep, his second left-on-left and seventh overall this season.
“He’s just continuing to solidify himself as one of the really outstanding hitters in the league,” Boone said. “We’re seeing that more and more, whatever hand you throw with.”
Rosario and J.C. Escarra both drove in three runs to help the cause, with Escarra doing so on a double and triple after coming into Saturday 1-for-15 with a single on the season.
The backup catcher got the third-inning rally started when his fly ball to the gap was dropped in a collision between right fielder Jac Caglianone and center fielder Kyle Isbel. He later put an exclamation point on his day with a two-run triple that made it 12-2 in the seventh.
“It’s just being ready — taking lots of swings every single day when no one’s watching,” Escarra said. “It’s great to catch Will and get some knocks in and ultimately help the team win.”
Apr 18, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Kansas City Royals right fielder Jac Caglianone (14) dives but cannot catch a two run triple hit by New York Yankees catcher J.C. Escarra (not pictured) during the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The Royals will probably win another game this year, but you’d be forgiven if you doubted it.
Royals fans were hoping for a different result from the previous six games, and it was different, alright, just not the way they hoped. The Royals were blown out in New York. The Yankees hit four home runs – including two by Cody Bellinger, who was available as a free agent for much of the offseason. The Royals did get a home run from Carter Jensen in the seventh inning, which was nice, but only cut the deficit from 10-0 to 10-2 at that point.
If you want an inning that exemplifies the Royals’ struggles this year, the first had it for you. Maikel Garcia smacked a double down the left field line on the first pitch he saw. Unfortunately, Bobby Witt Jr. struck out swinging, Vinnie Pasquantino struck out looking (on a pitch he probably would have been best served to challenge, even if it was probably ultimately in the strike zone), and Jac Caglianone smashed a line drive at 111 MPH and a launch angle of 21 degrees to center, where it was run down by Bellinger. The ball had an expected batting average of .950, but it was just a long, loud out.
Then, when the broadcast came back from commercial break, we discovered that manager Matt Quatraro had been ejected, likely for arguing that Will Warren should have been called for a balk in the first inning. It was a curious time for the argument to occur, as at least one pitch had been thrown since the alleged balk and had nothing else changed, Caglianone’s flyout still would have ended the inning. As many fans, including your truly, would joke later: maybe Q just saw what was coming and decided he didn’t want to be in the dugout for it.
Things started off pretty good for Noah Cameron; he retired seven of the first eight he saw with a four-pitch walk to Aaron Judge. Then, with one out in the third inning, Caglianone and Kyle Isbel collided on what could have been a routine flyout, leading to a three-base error. Isbel, as the centerfielder, has priority on the play, but without having been on the field, I blame him for not being louder when calling for it. He’s the one who got the error because the ball initially landed in Jac’s glove before being jostled free by the collision. From there, things went off the rails.
Amed Rosario smashed a two-run home run, Aaron Judge took a second walk, and Cody Bellinger smashed his first home run of the day. Giancarlo Stanton hit a grounder for the second out, but Ben Rice hit a home run to make it 5-0 Yankees, and we all knew the game was basically over.
In the top of the fourth, Bobby Witt Jr. led off with a single but was picked off first base after a Vinnie Pasquantino popout and before Jac Caglianone could strike out looking. The Royals struck out 12 times on the day, 5 of those were looking. They didn’t advance a runner until Carter’s home run in the seventh, and not again until Carter’s walk in the ninth and Massey’s subsequent 2-RBI double. Isaac Collins returned to the lineup to collect a golden sombrero from the designated hitter slot. The Royals played some sloppy, sloppy baseball and look badly in need of a reset. The TV broadcast team had hoped the road trip would serve as one for the offense, but it seems to have only made things worse.
Two of Noah Cameron’s three worst starts are against the Yankees, his only two against them. Maybe Q should arrange the rotation such that Cameron never faces them again. Small hat tip to Mitch Spence, who pitched the final four innings of the game. He gave up six runs while striking out 3 and walking 5, but at least the rest of the bullpen got a day off to think about what they’d done this whole road trip.
Tomorrow, as always, is another day. It’s a day where the Royals will battle a left-handed starting pitcher, Ryan Weathers, so don’t get your hopes up too much. Cole Ragans will go for the Royals. If his stuff looks as bad as it didn’t against Detroit, don’t expect the team to be in it for very long. The game will be broadcast on Royals.TV at the same time as today’s contest, 12:35 central.
Apr 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) celebrates after hitting a three point basket against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers defended their home floor in Game 1 of their first round series against the Toronto Raptors.
Let’s go over today’s winners, because there were no losers.
WINNER – Pace
Controlling the tempo was a point of emphasis for the Cavaliers entering this series. Toronto is one of the deadlier transition teams in the league, while Cleveland was just a middling transition defense throughout the regular season. Naturally, this was a cause for concern.
Cleveland kept the Raptors at bay in the first half. They only allowed one point in transition during the opening quarters by hustling back on defense and forcing the game into a half-court setting. The Cavs also benefitted from drawing a load of fouls, attempting 17 free throws in the first half, and making it harder for Toronto to push off rebounds.
“You tell a group that’s hungry to win, ‘this is what we need to do to win the game,’ and I think they lock in,” said Kenny Atkinson of his group after the game.
This carried deep into the second half, where the Raptors remained stuck in the mud as Cleveland grew its lead. The Cavs kept the game slow and pummeled them 52-36 in the paint. Toronto finished with just 3 fastbreak points.
Closing the door on what should be Toronto’s biggest advantage in this series is a testament to Kenny Atkinson’s game plan and the players for bringing it to life. If they can continue to win on the margins, they’ll go on to win the series.
WINNER – Pick and Roll
One result of slowing the game down is that it forces you to dig deeper into your offensive bag. For the Cavs, a slower game set in the halfcourt meant the world was theirs. Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, especially, dominated in that regard.
We’ve seen Harden’s mastery in the pick-and-roll for more than a decade at this point. It turns out, he’s still going at running that action even in a classic ‘07 Cavs jersey. He worked the Raptors in pick-and-roll, coming up with an answer to any problem he was presented. Harden scored either with his step-back jumper or by getting into the lane with his floater. If the Raps blitzed the ball or overcommitted on his drives, he’d quickly zap the ball to a teammate.
That’s the Beard’s special.
“He’s firing darts to shooters,” said Atkinson. “I’d love to see the passes he threw to Max… he’s almost like a quarterback, super accurate, just kind of picking them apart with short passes and then he hits the long ones every once in a while.”
Mitchell, meanwhile, took more of an all-gas, no breaks approach. He put relentless pressure on the basket, slicing into the paint and taking advantage of the Raptors lack of rim protection. When he’s doing that and his three-point shot is falling? Good luck.
The Cavs’ backcourt combined for 54 points and 14 assists.
WINNER – Max Strus
The playoffs are where stars shine brightest. But make no mistake, this environment has always been ripe for big performances from role players, too.
Max Strus fits that bill.
Strus started the game by using his gravity to attack poor closeouts and get to the rim. It’s always good to see someone who was previously considered a three-point specialist then use that skill against the defense to find new opportunities. Strus darted to the basket for numerous layups in the first half, including a buzzer-beating layup to close the first quarter.
“He’s a dog,” said James Harden. “Whether he makes shots or misses shots, he’s more impactful to our team in ways that probably don’t show up in the stat sheet.”
From there, Strus was loose.
We saw more of what you’d expect from Strus as the game went on. A three-pointer in the first half got the ball rolling. That carried over into the second half, where he nailed three more. Strus ended the game 8-10 from the floor, scoring a playoff career-high 24 points and giving Cleveland a massive boost off the bench.
“When you look at how he works, he practices individually for the big moments,” said Atkinson after the game. “We needed his gravity today, I think it turned the game for us offensively, and that got us our separation.”
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - APRIL 17: Brandon Nimmo #24 of the Texas Rangers looks on during the third inning Mariners at T-Mobile Park on April 17, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Texas Rangers lineup for April 18, 2026 against the Seattle Mariners: starting pitchers are Nathan Eovaldi for the Rangers and George Kirby for the Mariners.
The Rangers look to make it two in a row against the Mariners and three in a row overall. Josh Smith gets a day off.
The lineup:
Nimmo — RF
Seager — SS
Langford — LF
Burger — 1B
Pederson — DH
Jung — 3B
Carter — CF
Duran — 2B
Higashioka — C
6:15 p.m. Central start time. Rangers are +110 underdogs.
For Ron Harper Jr., the journey has been about patience, growth, and finding his role on a championship-caliber roster. After grinding his way into the league, Harper has carved out a role with the Celtics as a versatile wing—someone who can defend multiple positions, space the floor, and provide energy off the bench.
Boston enters the playoffs as one of the Eastern Conference’s premier contenders, built around elite two-way play and postseason experience. With Jayson Tatum back from injury, the Celtics clinched the second seed in the Eastern Conference and will look to return to their championship pedigree. While Harper isn’t the focal point, his value shows up in the margins—rotational minutes, defensive assignments, and timely shooting. On a team with championship aspirations, those details matter.
The Celtics’ playoff outlook is simple: they’re in it to contend for another title. Depth pieces like Harper often swing key moments in long series, and his ability to stay ready could be the difference in tight games. For Rutgers fans, seeing a former Scarlet Knight trusted in meaningful playoff minutes is a testament to both his development and the program he came from.
Dylan Harper’s Arrival in San Antonio
While Ron’s role is about contributing to a contender, Dylan Harper represents something different: the future.
The Spurs have been building toward this moment, and Harper’s stellar rookie season after being drafted second overall has been a major step in that process. As a young guard with size, poise, and playmaking instincts, he’s already shown flashes of becoming a cornerstone piece. His ability to control tempo, attack downhill, and create for others has added another layer to San Antonio’s evolving identity.
The Spurs are among the top teams in the West, only behind the Oklahoma City Thunder in the standings, and San Antonio beat OKC three times in the regular season. With an otherworldly athlete in Victor Wembanyama at center and a dangerous guard lineup including De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, Harper’s role becomes easier off the bench as a dynamic playmaker who can make a difference when the team needs it the most.
Playoff Outlooks For The Celtics and Spurs
Boston opens the postseason tomorrow at 1 PM as they host the Philadelphia 76ers, rekindling a familiar rivalry in the Atlantic Division. Should they advance, they will likely face the New York Knicks in the second round, a rematch of New York’s thrilling elimination of the Celtics in six games last year.
Otherwise, the Celtics will play another familiar foe in the Atlanta Hawks, with the two sides last facing each other in the playoffs in 2023. If Boston makes it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals, their most likely opponent would be an upstart in the Detroit Pistons, as Cade Cunningham’s team has won 60 games this season, including three victories over New York and the Celtics this season. However, the experience the C’s possess could be critical in a seven-game postseason series, which the young Pistons are lacking despite their talent.
San Antonio opens the playoffs against the Trail Blazers tomorrow at 9 PM at home as they look to make their deepest postseason run in quite some time. Should they advance, a second-round series against the winner of the Nuggets and Timberwolves is looming.
In a crowded Western Conference, the Thunder and Spurs have been a notch above everyone else, so a conference finals matchup between the sides would be the series that NBA fans would truly enjoy seeing, and the series could even serve as the de facto NBA Finals, much like the Warriors-Rockets series of the past.
The Bigger Picture
As the playoffs unfold, the spotlight in this area will naturally be on the Knicks, Sixers, and other local and national brands. But for the Rutgers faithful, there’s another storyline worth following: two Scarlet Knights, two different journeys, and one shared foundation—making their mark when the lights are brightest.
And in a league defined by legacy, the Harper name is only getting stronger.
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The Stanley Cup playoffs had barely begun when Staal and Tkachuk went at it, much to the delight of the crowd at the Lenovo Center. While Tkachuk threw some early punches during the brief bout, it was Staal who dragged Tkachuk to the ice.
Both players were assessed major penalties for fighting, leaving the teams without their respective captains to open the postseason just three seconds in.
LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 9: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots against Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets at Staples Center on November 9, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2008 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakers have had a history with many teams, including this year’s matchup in the Rockets.
One might not think the Lakers and Rockets have any history together, but there is one surprising link between the two franchises.
Pat Riley.
Drafted by the San Diego Rockets in the 1967 NBA draft as the seventh pick in the first round, Riley stayed with the team for the first three years of their existence. The Rockets would remain in San Diego for one more season before moving to Houston in the 1971-72 season.
Of note, in the Houston Rockets’ initial season, the head coach was Tex Winter, the architect of the triangle offense.
Riley would join the Los Angeles Lakers in 1970 and remained with the franchise until the start of the 1975-1976 season, when he was traded to the Phoenix Suns. He would retire as a player that season and then join the Lakers’ broadcast team in 1977 and the rest was history
Let’s have a look back at the history of these two franchises in the postseason
1981 First Round
In this matchup, Riley was the assistant coach for Paul Westhead. This was the early Showtime era with second-year Magic Johnson and an eleventh-year Kareem Abdul-Jabbar fresh off the NBA championship. On the Houston side, Del Harris was the head coach.
Game 1 was close as the starting 5 combined for 97 points. Magic led with 26 points, Norm Nixon had 22 and Cap had 21. Malone led all players with 38 points, 23 rebounds. 4 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks. The final score was 111-107 in favor of Houston.
Game 2 went better for the Lakers as they tied the series. The Lakers made a lineup change, starting Michael Cooper. Norm, Magic, Wilks, and Cap were happy with Cooper’s defensive focus joining the starting 5. Magic scored 15 points with 18 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals. Kareem, Nixon, and Wilkes all had at least 20 points.
Game 3 was a nailbiter and a defensive clinic for both teams. It was a back-and-forth game with the Lakers running their Showtime transition offense and the Rockets utilizing their strength inside with Malone.
In the closing minutes, it was the Lakers’ defense that helped pick up a few extra possessions. Magic had a chance late to win the game, but after a fancy behind-the-back dribble to his left hand, his shot ended up being short. The Rockets won this series 2-1 and went on to face the Celtics in the NBA Finals.
1986 Western Conference Finals
Once again, the Rockets faced the champion Lakers. Houston was running the Twin Towers lineup of Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson. The Lakers had solidified their starting five with Magic, Byron Scott, James Worthy, Kurt Rambis and Kareem.
Game 1 would be one of Magic Johnson’s greatest games as he finished with 26 points, 7 rebounds, 18 assists and 3 steals.
Game 2 would be a bounce-back game for the Rockets with the play of Sampson and Olajuwon taking over. Both would have double-doubles, Sampson with 24 points and 16 rebounds and Hakeem with 22 points and 13 rebounds.
Game 3 is when Hakeem took over, scoring 40 points with 12 boards, 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks in 46 minutes of play. Kareem was going at Hakeem in a duel for the ages.
Hakeem would go on to win this game to push the Rockets up 2-1. He took over Game 4 as well to push the series nearly out of reach.
Game 5 was the Lakers’ last chance to come back in the series. Midway through the game, a fight led to Hakeem and Kupkak getting ejected. The game, though, would be remembered for an improbable game-winner from Sampson to eliminate the Lakers.
Once again, the Rockets would make the Finals where they would once again face the Celtics and lose in 6 games.
1990 Western Conference First Round
Lots of things happened since the 1986 series between the two. Sampson was not there and it would be a few more years before Hakeem got a championship team around him.
In Game 1, James Worthy took over the game and scored 34 points with 11 boards, 3 assists, 1 steal and 3 blocks to lead LA to a win. Game 2 was the Sleepy Floyd game as he scored 27 points as Houston won.
The last two games were not a contest. The Lakers took care of business to close out the first round.
1991 Western Conference First Round
This was the beginning of a new era for Lakers.
The Lakers had a balanced approach to Game 1 and everyone scored in double figures en route to a 94-92 Lakers win, the closest game in the series.
Game 1 was emblematic of how the series would go as the Lakers would win the series in a 3-0 sweep before eventually losing to Jordan’s Bulls in the Finals.
1996 Western Conference First Round
After retiring, Magic would eventually return with this being his final season. There would be quite the clash Magic and Nick Van Exel, negatively impacting the chemistry heading into the playoffs.
The Lakers would face the defending champion Rockets in the first round. Unfortunately, the Lakers were unable to beat the champions. Houston would win the series 3-1.
1999 Western Conference First Round
In the last year before Phil Jackson, the Lakers faced the Rockets in the first round. Del Harris would only last 12 games to start the season. Bill Bertka would go 1-0. Kurt Rambis would go 24-13 to finish out the regular season.
Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher and Shaquille O’Neal would be in their third year together. With the Bulls dynasty having concluded, the Rockets had morphed from the Hakeem- and Clyde Drexler-led teams to the Hakeem, Charles Barkley and Scottie Pippen Big 3.
In Game 1, the Lakers won on a pair of Kobe free throws in the final seconds. Game 2 saw Houston’s bench of Sam Mack, Brint Price, Othella Harrington carry the Rockets, but it wouldn’t be enough as the Lakers won handily, 110-98. In Houston, the Rockets came back to win Game 3 behind Pippen and Barkley, who each had at least 30 points.
Glen Rice would sit and Rick Fox would take his place in the starting 5 for Game 4, which would be all about the stars. Shaq would dominate Hakeem with 37 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks. Kobe would join Shaq with 24 points, 6 boards, 8 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks as the Lakers would go on to eventually win the series.
2004 Western Conference First Round
The Lakers were en route to the Finals with Shaq, Kobe, Gary Payton and Karl Malone — with Ime Udoka on the bench — while the Rockets were entering a new era with Yao Ming, Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley.
Throuout the series, it would be a different star showing out for each team. Game 1, it was Shaq with 20 points, 17 boards, 3 assists and 2 blocks. Game 2, it was Kobe with 36 points and Yao with 21
Game 3, it was more balanced for both teams with Shaq and Kobe leading the Lakers with 25 and 21, respectively. Game 4, it was Malone had 30 points. Game 5 was closed out by Kobe with 31 points.
2009 Western Conference Semi-Finals
Kobe and Pau were on the heels of a Finals appearance in the previous year versus the Celtics.
This is probably the closest series between the two franchises just because of how hard it was to score and the intense defense on both sides. Four of the seven games would have final scores below 100 points.
Game 1 set the tone with the defense. Kobe would be battling flu-like symptoms but managed to still score 32 points in a losing effort. Game 2 would go better for the Lakers as they scored above 100 points, resulting in a win. LA would score north of 100 three times in the series and won all three games.
Game 7 turned out to be the lowest-scoring game of the series, but LA still came away with the win.
2020 Western Conference Semi-Finals
The first of two Lebron James-Rockets series. In the bubble, this would be a clash of styles with the Rockets going micro-ball and speedy defense while the Lakers were huge inside.
In Game 1, it was JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard struggled as the Rockets won. Frank Vogel called for a change in Game 2, turning to Markieff Morris in a more prominent role as LA bounced back. By Game 4, Markieff would start, as the Lakers won the final four games to take the series in five.
Coaches tie the Rockets and Lakers together throughout their history, from Riley, Harris and Winter.
This year, will Houston have a problem or will the Lakers be in too deep for their own good?
All playoff history for A Dip in the Lake is from landofbasketball.com
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 18: Cody Bellinger #35 of the New York Yankees runs the bases after his sixth inning two-run home run against Mitch Spence #54 of the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium on April 18, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Their overall record is still fine, but the Yankees have struggled of late. Even a lot of their wins have required comebacks or them holding on for dear life over the final couple outs. That included Friday night’s series-opening win over the Royals.
On Saturday afternoon in the Bronx, the Yankees finally played a laugher. A hat trick of home runs in the third inning allowed the Yankees to open up a lead over the Royals, and they never let their foot off the gas after that. On the mound, Will Warren had a very nice day, striking out 11 Kansas City batters in his seven innings. Meanwhile, his offense kept things going, as they clubbed 11 hits and four homers in total.
That allowed the Yankees to have a pretty relaxed final couple innings, as they beat the Royals 13-4.
After a quiet first couple innings, the Yankees unleashed a barrage of homers in the third to take control. Things started out with a bit of good fortune, when a deep fly ball from J.C. Escarra ended up dropping in. That was thanks to an error on center field Kyle Isbel, but it was really a combination of Isbel and Jac Caglianone miscommunicating and colliding, causing Isbel to drop it. Just two pitches later, Amed Rosario hit a rocket out to left field to give the Yankees the lead.
After Aaron Judge drew a walk, Cody Bellinger then added a second two-run homer, taking one into the second deck in right field. Two batters after that, Ben Rice hit his third homer in as many games, as he completed the trio of third-inning dingers.
An inning later, Escarra and Bellinger were in on the action again as the Yankees tacked on. With José Caballero on base, Escarra ripped another ball to center, this one going for a RBI double, without any help. Shortly after that, Bellinger punched through a hit to score Escarra.
A couple innings after that, the Yankees got into double digits. In the sixth inning, Caballero set the table again when he led off with a single. He moved to second on an Escarra groundout and then scored when Rosario singled to pick up another RBI. Shortly after that, Bellinger went deep for the second time on the day, hitting a porch job for a second two-run shot.
Warren mostly cruised through the first six innings, but the Royals eventually got on the board in the seventh. With Caglianone on after a single, Carter Jensen homered off Warren to end the Yankees’ shutout.
However even then, the Yankees immediately answered right back. With two runners on, Escarra hit a fly ball to right. Caglianone’s attempt at a diving catch came up short, allowing both runners to score, with Escarra going to third with his first career triple.
Warren’s day ended after that, as the Yankees went to the bullpen for the eighth. His line looked even better before the seventh, but he still had a pretty good day. In his seven innings, he allowed two runs on five hits, while striking out 11 to tie his career-high.
Paul Blackburn replaced him for the eighth and had a quick and easy inning before the offense picked up one final run on a Randal Grichuk sacrifice fly. Blackburn came back out for the ninth and allowed a couple garbage time runs before sealing the deal.
The Yankees and Royals will wrap up their series in the Bronx tomorrow at 1:35 pm ET, with the Yankees trying for the series sweep. Ryan Weathers is expected to go for the Yankees, opposite Cole Ragans for Kansas City.
The Yankees cruised to their second win in a row, beating the Royals 13-4 on Saturday afternoon in the Bronx.
Here are some takeaways...
- Aaron Boone said pregame that Amed Rosario was in the lineup against a lefty over Ryan McMahon because he earned the opportunities. Rosario immediately made the decision pay off, smacking the first of three homers to open the scoring and a commanding advantage in the bottom of the second.
Rosario added an RBI single later in the game, bringing his OPS to .856 on the season.
- The other two homers came left-on-left and landed in the second deck. First, Cody Bellinger crushed a two-run shot, then Ben Rice cranked a 398-foot solo blast of his own, making it 5-0 Yanks. For Rice, it was his seventh homer of the season and his second against left-handed pitching.
Bellinger reached four times, homering twice, doubling, drawing a walk, and driving in five.
- New York tacked on again an inning later, as back-to-back extra base-hits from Jose Caballero and J.C. Escarra resulted in the sixth run of the game. Escarra has gotten off to a bit of a slow start with the bat, but he doubled home Caballero, was gifted a triple that was later ruled an error, and then drove in another with a legit triple in the seventh.
Escarra finished the day 2-for-4 with a pair of extra-base knocks and three RBI.
- Working with the big league for most of the game, Will Warren continued his strong start to the season. The righty found himself in immediate trouble, giving up a double on the first pitch he threw, but he danced around it with a pair of strikeouts and a flyout. Warren cruised from there, retiring the next six hitters before allowing a leadoff single in the fourth.
He quickly erased that baserunner, picking Bobby Witt Jr. off first to close another scoreless frame. The 26-year-old gave up another leadoff hit in the fifth, but then went on another run where he retired the next seven hitters in order before allowing a one-out knock in the top of the seventh.
Two batters later, rookie Carter Jensen broke up the shutout, lifting a two-run homer to right. Warren responded by setting down the next two batters easily, ending his day with just those two runs allowed on five hits and no walks while matching his career-high with 11 strikeouts.
The youngster is down to a 2.49 ERA and 1.11 WHIP with 31 strikeouts through five starts.
- Paul Blackburn saved the Yankees' bullpen by eating the final two innings, but he gave up a pair of runs on a walk and two hits in the top of the ninth.
- It wasn't all pretty for New York, as Jazz Chisholm Jr's struggles continued. Boone said pregame that he thought the slumping infielder wasn't too far off the plate, but he went hitless in four at-bats with a pair of strikeouts in this one, bringing his average down to .149 on the season.
- Royals manager Matt Quatro was ejected in this one after arguing Warren balked when he appeared not to come set before a pickoff attempt at second base.
Game MVP: Cody Bellinger
New York's offense exploded in general, but Bellinger paced them with his five RBI.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 17: Kevin McGonigle #7 of the Detroit Tigers tags out Ceddanne Rafaela #3 of the Boston Red Sox during the fifth inning at Fenway Park on April 17, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Detroit Tigers (10-10) vs. Boston Red Sox (8-11)
Time/Place: 4:10 p.m., Fenway Park SB Nation Site: Over the Monster Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network Pitching Matchup: LHP Tarik Skubal (2-2, 2.22 ERA) vs. RHP Brayan Bello (1-1, 6.14 ERA)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 18: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over Ja'kobe Walter #14 of the Toronto Raptors during the first quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena on April 18, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers took care of business in a blowout win to start the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
All grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.
Donovan Mitchell
32 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals
Mark another special start to the playoffs for a guy who is one of the league’s most prolific postseason scorers ever. Mitchell expertly sliced his way through Toronto’s defense, splitting double teams like it was nothing. His finishing at the rim was completed by a 4-7 three-point shooting performance.
Grade: A+
James Harden
22 points, 10 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals
While Mitchell’s game was flash and fire, Harden took a more methodical approach. He carved the Raps up in the halfcourt, orchestrating the pick-and-roll to perfection and making sure the Cavalier offense never faltered. We should all be familiar with his shot creation by now, but I don’t plan on getting tired of it any time soon.
Grade: A+
Evan Mobley
17 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists
Mobley played this game like someone ready to make a statement on the big stage. He was aggressive, attacking mismatches whenever they were offered to him. This offense will never cater to Mobley’s self-creation, but he can still be a massively impactful scorer due to his abilities as a play finisher. To that, he was excellent today.
Grade: A
Jarrett Allen
10 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal
Allen opened this game with a fresh pair of shoes and three thunderous dunks. How’s that for a start?
The Cavs bigs understand what’s at stake this postseason. They’ve been labeled soft for years by their detractors. Only a strong showing in the playoffs can dispel that narrative once and for all. Both Mobley and Allen looked eager to get started on that.
The box score doesn’t tell the full story. Allen was a huge presence on both sides of the floor.
Grade: B+
Dean Wade
5 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals
Wade airballed his first three-point attempt, then looked hesitant to shoot again. Once he finally did, it was a clean jumper from the corner during the fourth quarter. The Cavs’ offense flowed seamlessly regardless of Wade’s hesitancy, and the value he brings as their only true wing defender is irreplaceable. Wade finished as a plus 20 in 22 minutes.
Grade: B+
Max Strus
24 points, 3 rebounds
Strus looked spry in this one. He was quick off his feet, attacking a closeout early in the first half for a tough finish at the rim and then later doing the same thing all over again. He’s always had a knack for showing up in big moments, and today was no different.
Grade: A+
Keon Ellis
3 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal
Ellis’ only bucket came on a potential four-point play as he was knocked down while shooting a three-pointer. He missed the free throw and didn’t score the rest of the day. His defense was positive, though limited against Toronto’s length.
Grade: C-
Jaylon Tyson
2 points, 1 assist, 1 steal, 4 fouls
Tyson picked up three fouls in his first stint on the court. That’s not the way he wanted his playoff career to begin. However, I can’t fault him for trying to set the tone by being overly physical on defense. That’s something that usually turns into a positive in the playoffs.
Grade: F
Sam Merrill
7 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists
Merrill started the game 0-3 from the field and wasn’t able to hit either of his three-point attempts. The Cavs will hope that changes as the series goes on. Otherwise, Merrill held his own on defense and contributed on the boards to save his grade. Of course, his gravity on offense has value on its own.
Grade: C+
Dennis Schroder
2 points, 2 assists, 1 rebound
I’m sure that Schroder is capable of having a better game than this. He’s someone I’d expect could swing a playoff game at one point throughout this run if his scoring, playmaking, and scrappy defense ever hit at the same time. That didn’t happen today.
PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 17: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors look on during the game during the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament on April 17, 2026 at PHX Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
“Don’t let good be the enemy of great”. It’s something my father has told me since I was young. Just because the Phoenix Suns came up short in the 2021 NBA Finals doesn’t mean that the season was a failure. The same can be said about the 2023 Miami Heat that got to the last round as an eighth seed, and the Dallas Mavericks two seasons ago, when they surprised the masses in 2024.
That is the perspective that is most relevant when looking at the Suns before they face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs. No matter what happens the rest of the way, the Suns exceeded expectations. While they struggled down the stretch of the season and lost the seventh seed in the 7/8 play-in game, they remained in the top eight for almost the entirety of the year, including being in the top six at times.
Going into the year, many had doubts about the Phoenix Suns. Many pundits and sports books had them projected to be one of the worst teams not only in the Western Conference, but in the entire league. The team’s Vegas win total before the season was 30.5. Outside of Phoenix Suns Insider John Gambadoro, most people were very bearish on the team’s outlook for the 2025-2026 campaign.
Always fun to see what the so-called “experts” thought about the Suns before the season. Proud of what we’re building here in Phoenix and we are just getting started! https://t.co/K5vjjuEl56
While at times the team showed flashes of being better than their record suggested, like when they beat the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City, and the Detroit Pistons, that doesn’t negate the fact that it was a great year for the team.
It’s not just that the Suns made the playoffs and blew away expectations; it’s that they have found a direction, which would have been true even if they had lost to the Golden Warriors in the play-in. The team has built an identity and a core around Devin Booker. Dillon Brooks has brought a much-needed toughness to the team. Jordan Goodwin and Collin Gillespie present how Brian Gregory and Jordan Ott can build teams around the margins, and Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale are examples of how veterans can have career years in Phoenix.
For a team that has limited draft assets for the foreseeable future, the development of Rasheer Fleming, Oso Ighodaro, Ryan Dunn, and Khaman Maluach remains pivotal. Outside of Ighodaro, none of them played consistent roles for the team this year, so it wasn’t a perfect season, but throughout the year, the team established that they are in a much better spot than they were a year ago.
It’s quite likely that the Suns get trounced by the Thunder, and if that happens, that doesn’t take away from the fact that Phoenix exceeded expectations from what they were projected to do to start the season.
It’s Benny and Mune atop the lineup again today. | Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
Unfortunately, pleasurable though being on the winning side of a blowout may be, the rules say you have to start the next game all over again at 0-0. That’s a bad break for the White Sox, who had about as many hits last night as they’d had in a normal week over the past four seasons.
Trying to build on the pitching momentum from last night’s fine performance by Davis Martin will be Erick Fedde, who’s having a solid year so far with a 3.63 ERA (4.22 FIP) and 1.063 WHIP. Fedde was particularly strong last time out, giving up just a solo homer to the Royals in five innings.
Trying to tame the Big Sox Machine will be veteran righty Luis Severino, who is having a lousy season so far (0-2 with a 5.59 ERA/4.50 FIP). The problems are mostly of his own making, since at age 32 the two-time All Star is apparently suffering from early onset memory loss and and can’t remember where the strike zone is, walking 16 in 19 1/3 innings.
Severino will face a a Sox lineup that has Andrew Benintendi (who had what was about his season’s worth of hits last night and has hurt Severino at a .342 clip through the years) again in the leadoff spot, and Munetaka Murakami (whose grand slam blast last night is probably still traveling) again hitting second:
Only one batter for the young A’s has ever faced Fedde — but that’s leadoff hitter Jeff McNeil, who’s 7-for-18 against him.
First pitch is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. Central, with perfect baseball weather of 73° and almost no wind. Usual broadcast suspects.
MIAMI — The Marlins will get a huge offensive boost soon.
Miami plans to activate Kyle Stowers off the injured list on Sunday, clearing the way for the All-Star outfielder to make his season debut after being sidelined with a hamstring strain.
Manager Clayton McCullough said before Saturday’s game against Milwaukee that Stowers, who was at the ballpark, is ready to go.
“Everything from the rehab checked out,” McCullough said. “He continued to check the necessary boxes. I think certainly there was a physical component with how he felt, how the hamstring was.”
Stowers, who strained his right hamstring in spring training, made five rehab appearances with Triple-A Jacksonville, including outings on Thursday and Friday.
“He got back-to-back, nine-inning games,” McCullough said. “I think he came out of that feeling like he’s in a really good spot physically. Also, I think mentally now he feels like, ‘OK, I’m kind of over this.’”
Stowers is coming off a career-best year in 2025 when he recorded 115 hits, 25 home runs and 73 RBIs in 117 games, earning his first career All-Star nod before a left oblique strain sidelined him for the final stretch of the season.
Before breaking out last season, Stowers was shuffling back and forth between Triple-A Norfolk and Baltimore — which drafted him in the second round of the 2019 amateur draft — trying to establish himself as a major leaguer.
The Orioles eventually dealt him to Miami, where he batted .186 in his first 50 games.
But last season was the start of his ascension.
He began that year by singling in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth to defeat Paul Skenes and Pittsburgh on opening day. He led Miami in home runs and RBIs while becoming the first Marlins outfielder to be named an NL All-Star since Marcell Ozuna and Giancarlo Stanton in 2017.
This season, the Marlins have started 9-11 and are currently second in the NL East behind Atlanta (13-7), looking to build on the momentum from last year’s surprising 79-83 season. They’re sixth in the league in total hits (171), 11th in runs (93) and 10th in RBIs (90).
“Getting Kyle back in the lineup will really be a nice boost to help lengthen some things out,” McCullough said. “And then also, Kyle is a really steady teammate. A lot of guys lean on him. He’s not usually too up and down. I think he handles things in stride very well. And a lot of that probably is due to just his path of getting here. He’s been knocked down a lot, but he keeps getting up.”
CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 18: Max Strus #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates during the game against the Toronto Raptors during round one Game one of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 18, 2026 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes /NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers took care of business in Game 1 against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday afternoon on the strength of a strong third quarter. They controlled the pace of the game and executed at a high level in the half-court thanks to superstar performances from their guards Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. This added up to a stress-free 126-113 victory.
The Raptors had a strong start. Three quick triples from Scottie Barnes allowed the Raptors to grab a five-point lead by the tail end of the opening quarter. The Cavs responded with seven-straight baskets to close the first, which included five points in the final 26 seconds from Max Strus to give Cleveland a four-point advantage at the end of the first.
Toronto responded well at the start of the second. They kept the Cavs from pulling away by continuing to execute their game plan on both ends, but they once again weren’t able to close the quarter well.
Harden controlled the tempo of the game while making sure the Cavs got a good shot on every possession. That was seen most clearly at the end of the second quarter when the Cavs stretched what was a two-point lead to a 10-point advantage near the end of the second. An RJ Barrett three just before time expired in the half made it a seven-point lead for the Cavs heading into the break.
Toronto’s first-half resiliency broke in the opening minutes of the third quarter. The Cavs opened the third on a 21-6 run that was capped off by a triple and layup from Strus that pushed their seven-point lead at the break out to 22. Cleveland ended up winning that frame 36-22.
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To the Raptors’ credit, they didn’t roll over. They could’ve stopped competing and opted to save their energy for Game 2. Instead, they pushed through the finish line and kept things from getting completely away from them. But their chance to actually take this game ended with Strus’s run in the middle of the third quarter.
Mitchell led the Cavs with 32 points. He did so efficiently by going 11-20 from the field, while also contributing four assists and two steals. This was the ninth time he scored 30 or more in the opening game of a playoff series.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson liked how Mitchell got to the basket. “I love how downhill he was.” He pointed out that this was a team-wide focus. Mitchell went 7-11 in the paint in the victory.
Despite how well Mitchell played, this was a complete team performance.
Harden showed how valuable he can be. The Raptors struggled to keep him from getting to his spots. His court vision and ability to make every pass are invaluable in keeping the offense on schedule. Harden finished with 22 points on 8-17 shooting with 10 assists and two steals.
Afterward, Atkinson said this was a “typical” game from Harden. “He just commands the game.”
Strus didn’t score the most points, but his short scoring spurts came at the right times to change the momentum of the game. He supplied 24 points on 8-10 shooting, which included going 4-6 from three in the victory.
The Raptors were led by 24 points from RJ Barrett. Scottie Barnes had an inefficient 21 points on 6-14 shooting. Brandon Ingram had 17 points and four assists on 5-9 shooting.
This type of showing was important for the Cavs. They’ve struggled with intensity and effort throughout the regular season — especially in afternoon games. That wasn’t an issue here. The Cavs were the aggressors in both this game and the series.
“You set the tone first,” Atkinson said. “It’s hard to come back from that.”
In the Donovan Mitchell-era, playoff series have been won by the team that prevailed in Game 1. Cleveland is hoping that trend continues here.
Additionally, the victory brings the Cavs’ all-time record against the Raptors in the playoffs to 13-2.
Game 2 will be back at Rocket Arena on Monday evening. Tip-off is at 7 PM.
