President of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe, has praised Morocco for its strong commitment to hosting major football tournaments on the continent.
Motsepe said Morocco has continued to support African football at a time when many countries are reluctant to host competitions due to financial concerns.
“When we ask countries to host tournaments, no one steps forward because they are afraid of losing money. Morocco consistently steps in and saves the situation. Morocco has strong infrastructure and a clear willingness to host,” he said.
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Morocco has built a solid reputation in recent years, having hosted the latest editions of the Africa Cup of Nations and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The country is also set to host the next Women’s AFCON and the U17 Africa Cup of Nations, further strengthening its position as a dependable partner for CAF.
The billionaire owners of Premier League side Bournemouth are closing in on a takeover of Exeter Chiefs.
It was revealed last week that an American consortium were on the verge of securing a major stake in the Prem club, with Exeter members set to vote in an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) in May.
If the deal goes through, Exeter will be latest Prem club to secure major new investment.
Last August energy drinks giant Red Bull bought Newcastle, while Bath have been boosted by businessman James Dyson taking a 50% stake in the Prem champions.
Senior sources in the English game have indicated to the BBC other clubs are also of interest to external investors as the league looks to launch a new era following the decision to ring-fence the top flight and revamp standards on and off the field.
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Black Knight board member Ryan Caswell was a guest of Chiefs chairman Tony Rowe at Saturday’s thrilling 35-28 defeat by Northampton.
Rowe, whose businesses have propped up Exeter for the best part of three decades, has been open about his desire to seek fresh investment in the club.
“I’ve effectively run a business for the last 30-odd years for a shareholder who’s got no money,” Rowe told The Guardian last week.
“What I’m looking forward to is an investor who’s got some money. That’ll be a massive difference for me.
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“I think it will put us in a really good place to take advantage of the future.
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“Whether you like it or not professional sport is all about money. We need money to survive.”
One of Chelsea’s more senior players, Marc Cucurella, tried to head straight down the tunnel at full time last night.
He had just played in Chelsea’s latest defeat, a 1-0 Premier League loss against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge – marking the fourth in a row in the league.
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The left back has been involved in a lot of drama at the club recently, speaking out about the project not being good enough and also mentioning he would join Barcelona if they came calling.
He’s supposed to be one of the leaders and more experienced players in this young team, yet he wanted to just run straight down the tunnel last night after they got beaten once again. A real sign of the times with this team.
Marc Cucurella looks sad. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Journalist Kieran Gill, who was at the game, posted on X last night:
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“Didn’t mention it in my write-up, but Marc Cucurella tried dashing down the tunnel after full-time, only to be told to turn around by Willie Isa. Two years remaining on Cucurella’s contract this summer. Could end up one of those sold unless Chelsea convince him to extend.”
In other news today
Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior spoke to the media after Chelsea’s defeat to Man United and tried to be positive about the whole thing.
Apr 18, 2026; Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA; Matt Fitzpatrick and Viktor Hovland at the end of their round during the third round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Another strong finish from England’s Matt Fitzpatrick would put him where he wants to be in the RBC Heritage.
Fitzpatrick turned in a strong stretch on the back nine Saturday to shoot a 3-under-par 68 and keep the lead through three rounds at Hilton Head Island, S.C.
“I felt like I was making good enough swings to make a turnaround on the back nine,” Fitzpatrick said. “Obviously, some nice momentum with the hole-outs on 14 and 15.”
Fitzpatrick moved to 17-under 196 and increased his lead to three shots, but world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler stands as his closest pursuer going into Sunday’s final round.
Fitzpatrick’s eagle 3 on the 15th at Harbour Town Golf Links capped a four-hole stretch that he played at 4 under. He settled down after three bogeys on the front side.
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“It’s always satisfying when you can turn it around, particularly if you have not played that well and you are struggling a little bit and not scoring as well as you want,” Fitzpatrick said.
Scheffler shot 64 to climb into second. Brian Harman (63) joined Austria’s Sepp Straka (67) and South Korea’s Si Woo Kim (66) at 13 under.
Fitzpatrick will be aiming for his second victory of the year. He won a month ago at the Valspar Championship, just one week after a runner-up finish at The Players Championship.
Saturday’s turnaround was rewarding.
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“I was pleased the way I hit the ball off the tee coming in,” Fitzpatrick said. “Obviously, then just some good putting on that back nine to take advantage of it.”
He rolled in a putt from off the green — 26 feet away — the par-3 14th. On the next hole, he chipped from off the green for the eagle on a shot from just inside 30 feet.
Scheffler sizzled at the start Saturday with birdies on five of the first six holes.
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“I was a little bit behind the 8-ball going into today but had a nice round to put myself back in position,” Scheffler said. “… As you start kind of getting back into contention, I think that’s always fun.”
Fitzpatrick said he understands there will be a pro-Scheffler tone in Sunday’s galleries.
“We’re in America, so I wouldn’t expect any different,” Fitzpatrick said. “Yeah, they’ve got to support their guy, and that’s totally fine.”
Harman became the clubhouse leader before the final groups reached the round’s midway mark. Harman began the day in 27th place, but he posted birdies on the final three holes to be the first to finish at 13 under.
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“Just tried to keep the pedal down,” Harman said. “It’s going to take a low number to win. The weather is going to turn a little bit (Sunday), so it was nice to get out there with some good conditions.”
Still, Harman said the setup could work to his advantage.
“You really have to think your way around this place,” he said. “It’s not just a bomb-and-gouge. I’m not a bomber.”
The golfers at 12 under are Andrew Novak (65), Gary Woodland (66), Patrick Cantlay (68), Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg (68) and South Africa’s Aldrich Potgieter (67).
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“I think I kind of got to go in with the same kind of attack mentality as today and get it going, go post a number, and see how guys handle the wind late,” Novak said.
Joe Gibbs Racing driver Taylor Gray won Saturday’s Kansas Lottery 300 and secured his second career win. The O’Reilly Series driver did so by holding off Haas Factory Team driver Sheldon Creed. Later, during a post-race interview, Gray expressed his views on the same.
The JGR driver qualified among the top ten drivers on the grid and began the 200-lap race from P10. Meanwhile, Creed was faster than him in the qualifying session and secured a P4 start. Gray made steady progress in stages one and two, securing sixth-place and seventh-place finishes, respectively.
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Following that, Taylor Gray secured the lead with a strategic move by his crew chief, Jason Ratcliff. The crew chief called Gray in the pits ahead of the dominant drivers Creed and Brandon Jones, giving him an advantage over his competitors with a set of fresh tires. As a result, the JGR driver took home his second career victory and told the media in the victory lane:
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“First of all, thank you to everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing,” said Gray in Victory Lane. “How about (crew chief) Jason Ratcliffe? That pit call was awesome. I knew we had a car capable of winning. I thought the No. 20 (Jones) was a little better than us before the green-flag cycle, but you just have to stay locked in.”
“Jason made a really good adjustment on the car, a really good pit call, and got us the clean air. I can’t thank everybody enough. It’s been a long start to the year, man. Not that we’re not bringing speed to the race track, but things just haven’t gone our way. So it’s nice to finally be able to close one out,” he added.
Taylor Gray crossed the finish line with a small margin of 0.718 seconds ahead of Sheldon Creed. Meanwhile, JRM driver Justin Allgaier secured third place, followed by Jesse Love in fourth place and Brent Crews in fifth place.
“Originally, I was supposed to be the 19”: When Taylor Gray opened up about his future with Joe Gibbs Racing in stock car racing
In October 2024, stock car racing driver Taylor Gray revealed that he was initially set to drive the #19 Toyota in his sophomore season with Joe Gibbs Racing. However, the NASCAR team announced that it would bring back the #54 Toyota for the last season and named Gray as the full-time driver.
The stock car racing team was impressed by the 21-year-old driver’s performance in the 2024 season. Following that, the team offered Gray a full-time contract for the 2025 season in the O’Reilly Series. Later, the JGR driver told the media:
“We were kind of talking about next year a little bit. And he was asking me about number stuff and what number I was supposed to be. And originally, I was supposed to be the 19. Like that was what I was going to do with the 19. And he looks at me and goes, “No,” he said, “you’re going to run the 54.” And so they, they drug the 54 kind of out of retirement. I like to say. And yeah, it’s pretty cool.”
Taylor Gray is currently ninth in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series with 294 points to his credit. He moved up three spots after the Kansas Speedway win. Additionally, he has secured one top-five and four top-ten finishes in ten starts so far.
KOLKATA : Vaibhav Sooryavanshi isn’t a normal 15-year-old kid. He is quite different and the Rajasthan Royals sensation has the cricket world watching him with great excitement. However, Kumar Sangakkara, the Royals head coach, wants this batting prodigy to be just like any other 15-year-old.“I just want him to be this 15-year-old kid that goes out and bats the way he wants,” Sangakkara said here on Saturday. “He has got to enjoy everything, whether it’s 100 off 35 balls, a 50 off 15 or a first-ball duck.”
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Sooryavanshi had his first taste of failure this season in the last game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, when he got out on the first ball he faced. The boy grimaced, perhaps a little angry at himself. “You’re allowed to score runs, you’re allowed to fail. It’s part and parcel of cricket,” was Sangakkara’s message to the youngster. “He must never lose the freedom he plays with.”
Oct 18, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) warms up before the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.
The time has come. Every April, just before the draft, we ask our staff to predict the Minnesota Vikings’ first draft pick, whether the franchise stays at its organic spot of No. 18 or trades up or down. These are our writers’ official predictions.
Twelve predictions. One pick. Draft night is almost here.
The prognostications are scattered in 2026, probably because Minnesota has an interim general manager, Rob Brzezinski, and he doesn’t have a track record.
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The Prospects Dominating Minnesota’s Draft Outlook and Our Pick
Showtime is in five days.
San Diego State Aztecs cornerback Chris Johnson (1) celebrates after a play against Washington State during the first half, Sep 6, 2025, at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Washington, showing visible energy and emotion as he reacts near teammates following a defensive stop in a tightly contested early-season matchup. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images
1. Chris Johnson | CB, San Diego State
Predictor: Janik Eckardt
After botching recent drafts, the Vikings are in desperate need of hitting on several selections. To increase the odds, the front office adds even more picks in a trade-down. Johnson has an intriguing athletic profile and could be the young corner the Vikings have been looking for.
2. Caleb Banks | DT, Florida
Predictor: Josh Frey
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The Vikings need to recover at the defensive tackle position next season. Jalen Redmond blossomed into a very capable player in the middle of the defensive line, but Minnesota needs another player to line up alongside him. Caleb Banks is massive and strong, with an explosive first step that could make him a great pass rusher in the NFL.
3. Jermod McCoy | CB, Tennessee
Predictor: Kyle Joudry
The Vikings scoop up Jermod McCoy, doing so after a modest trade down.
4. Colton Hood | CB, Tennessee
Predictor: Brevan Bane
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It’s a trade-down with the San Francisco 49ers! The package looks a little something like this: MIN sends: Pick 18. SF sends: Pick 27, Pick 127, and a 2027 2nd Round Pick.
The Vikings trade down in the first round to pick up extra draft capital (including a 2nd in a very stacked 2027 draft), and keep the fifth year of control on their selection this year. That selection is Tennessee CB Colton Hood. The kid has fluid hips, natural ball skills, and an instinctual ability to play press-man at the line.
5. Peter Woods | DT, Clemson
Predictor: Dustin Baker
If you really want to get this prediction right, the process this year is not easy. The Vikings could bend in about five directions that would shock nobody. Usually, the draft pick, or at least the player’s position, is pretty damn evident.
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This year is different, mainly because Kwesi Adofo-Mensah isn’t employed in Minnesota.
In 2023, the Vikings needed a wide receiver. They drafted one. In 2024, they needed a quarterback. They drafted one. Last year, they needed a guard after the embarrassing playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams. They drafted one.
In 2026, the Vikings have released defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. They need an interior defensive lineman. Whether sticking-and-picking at No. 18 or trading down, Woods will be the guy. He’s considered by most as the top DT in an otherwise weak class.
t6. Kenyon Sadiq | TE, Oregon
Predictor: Wesley Johnson
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The Vikings could go in a few different directions here and are really set up to take the best player available. While I would entertain DT Kayden McDonald, OT’s Monroe Freeling and Max Iheanachor, or one of the WRs that may fall, Sadiq fits a more immediate need. T..J Hockenson will, in all likelihood, be leaving the team next offseason, and finding a capable replacement now is smart football.
Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) catches a pass for a touchdown during the second half, Nov 22, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon, securing the ball in stride as he breaks free from coverage and completes a scoring play that energizes the crowd in a late-season conference matchup. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
While an athletic freak at TE, fans should temper their expectations for Sadiq compared to other recent first-round TEs (Loveland, Warren, Bowers), as he is not as refined a pass-catcher.
t6. Kenyon Sadiq | TE, Oregon
Predictor: Cole Smith
The Vikings’ first pick will be Kenyon Sadiq. Everyone has thought that safety Dillon Thieneman was destined to be the pick, but his Oregon teammate gives the Vikings a unique offensive weapon in year one while providing them with their next TE1 after T.J. Hockenson leaves following the season.
t8. Kayden McDonald | DT, Ohio State
Predictor: Adam New
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The Vikings trade back to later in the first round and select Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald. Giving the interior of the Vikings’ defensive line a boost by adding a big nose tackle.
t8. Kayden McDonald | DT, Ohio State
Predictor: Sean Borman
The Vikings need iDL, and McDonald has no injury-related absences. In McDonald, they’d be getting more powerful up front. He’s a big run stuffer with some flash quickness
t10. Dillon Thieneman | S, Oregon
Predictor: Tony Schultz
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So many are trying hard to figure out who the Vikings will draft. In some cases, maybe too hard. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again and a third time to make it happen: Thieneman! Thieneman! Thieneman! Dillon Thieneman is the popular choice not just because of his skills but also his fit and need in the Vikings’ defense.
The sphere of pick 18 is where he projects in this draft, regardless of who’s picking. Recent rumors suggest there could be a run on offensive linemen, and teams might trade up to get ahead of others. It would not shock me if the Vikings trade down a bit and still get their man in the former Oregon Duck.
Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) reacts after defeating Penn State at Beaver Stadium, Sep 27, 2025, in University Park, Pennsylvania, displaying visible emotion following the final whistle as teammates celebrate a major road win against a ranked opponent in a high-stakes Big Ten matchup. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
Adding a 3rd rounder or maybe a low second, while still landing the best player available and a player of need, will look great for a team trying to get over past mistakes. Don’t overthink it. Draft him!
t10. Dillon Thieneman | S, Oregon
Predictor: Ted Schwerzler
Every mock draft continues to say the same thing, and at this point, there’s no reason to believe they aren’t speaking it into existence. Dillon Thieneman, you are a Minnesota Viking.
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t10. Dillon Thieneman | S, Oregon
Predictor: Henrique Gucciardi
It’s one of the most common picks in mock drafts around the world, and for good reason. He’s a great prospect, safety is a position of need, and Thieneman could be an immediate heir to Harrison Smith.
It was a shocking move for multiple reasons. Who would have thought a 28-year-old defensive tackle coming off his worst NFL season and due a massive raise was worth a top 10 pick? And who would have guessed the conservative Bengals would be the ones to facilitate this change of scenery? ESPN reports it’s the first time the franchise has traded a top 10 pick for a player.
The Giants are now the sixth team to own multiple first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, but they are the only franchise to hold two selections in the top 10. New York could package the extra pick to move further up the draft board, or potentially move down depending on how the draft goes.
What happens at No. 10 overall depends on who the Giants take at No. 5 overall. If New York selects a wide receiver for example, the Giants wouldn’t take another wideout at No. 10. If the Giants go offense at No. 5, could they go defense at No. 10? When it comes to that top five pick, Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles and wide receiver Carnell Tate are a couple of players that have been commonly mocked to New York. Let’s take a look at the favorites to be selected at No. 5 overall, via DraftKings Sportsbook:
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Odds to be the No. 5 overall pick
LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
+160
OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
+400
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S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
+400
RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
+500
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WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
+800
WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
+1400
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Regardless of who the Giants take at No. 5 overall, who are some of the best options that could be available at No. 10 overall? Let’s take a look:
5. EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
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Miami pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr. could fall to No. 10 overall due to his 30 7/8” arms. Pass rusher is not exactly the top need for New York, but Bain is CBS Sports’ No. 2 overall prospect in this entire class. He could also potentially move inside, and use his deep arsenal of pass-rush moves there.
Bain led all players last season with 83 pressures. He also stepped up his play in the College Football Playoff for the Hurricanes, recording 24 pressures and five sacks in those four games. If Bain does fall this far, he should be in consideration for the Giants.
Drafting an offensive guard at No. 10 overall could be considered a bit rich to some, but Vega Ioane is a clean prospect that fits a clear need for the Giants. At 6-foot-4, 323 pounds, he allowed zero sacks, zero QB hits and just four pressures in 2025. If we are talking about high-floor prospects in this class, Ioane should be mentioned.
I actually mocked Mansoor Delane to the Giants at No. 5 overall numerous times because I believe he’s arguably a top five talent in this class. He allowed the lowest passer rating (24.1) in the SEC, didn’t allow a single touchdown in coverage and had zero penalties. He reminded me a bit of Quinyon Mitchell, and I expect Delane to have that kind of immediate impact at the next level as well.
As soon as the Lawrence trade went down, it was Jordyn Tyson’s name that probably received the most buzz. In fact, Tyson is now listed at -360 to be a top 10 pick over at DraftKings. I guess that workout he had for NFL teams this past week went pretty well. ESPN reported that Giants general manager Joe Schoen was in Arizona on Thursday night, and had dinner with Tyson.
Tyson caught 61 passes for 711 yards and eight touchdowns in nine games played this past season, but had a 1,100-yard season in 2024. In fact, no Big 12 player has caught more passes than Tyson over the past two years. Yes, the injury history is worrisome. Over the past four years, Tyson suffered a knee injury where he tore his ACL, MCL and PCL, he broke his collarbone in 2024, and then had hamstring issues this past season. With all that being said, Tyson could be considered the top receiver in this class if we ignored the injury issues.
1. S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
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I don’t want to pretend that Caleb Downs is Ed Reed, but he may be underrated at this point. He was just the sixth college defensive back to be named a Unanimous All-American twice, and the only defensive back to record 250 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and five interceptions in the FBS over the past three seasons. Downs can play multiple positions in the secondary and potentially be John Harbaugh’s Kyle Hamilton.
Manchester City and Arsenal meet at the Etihad this afternoon in what is being billed as a Premier League title race decider.
Mikel Arteta started a fire at the training ground this week but if his Arsenal team fall at the Etihad tomorrow their season could go down in flames.
Manchester City have the momentum, the home advantage and the title-winning know-how. They’ve also seemingly clicked into gear at just the right time.
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Pep Guardiola oozed calm when he faced the media on Friday afternoon. The City boss, dressed in crisp white club attire, spoke at length on the match, the title race and how City must play the game and not the occasion.
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He referenced Arsenal’s 22-year wait for the title more than once, openly offered up an injury update on Nico O’Reilly when he often opts for caution, and seemed completely at ease with what is in front of him.
There is a sense at City that they have found their rhythm, that the team is settled and in sync, and that they are in the best possible place heading into the final few weeks of an absorbing campaign.
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Few gave City a chance of winning the league this year. Last season was way below par and they lost two of their first three this term. Liverpool set the early pace but quickly fell away and ever since it’s looked Arsenal’s to lose. It still is.
But the Gunners have looked frayed and frazzled in recent weeks, suffering a Carabao Cup final reverse to City and then exiting the FA Cup to Championship side Southampton. Defeat at Bournemouth followed in the Premier League and while the Gunners remain in the Champions League having progressed to a second successive semi-final, they were far from convincing in edging past Sporting Lisbon 1-0 on aggregate.
Mikel Arteta seemed calm enough in his media duties on Friday, engaging in a couple of jokes with journalists and insisting his side will not spend ‘one single second’ thinking about taking a draw at a place where they haven’t won in a decade.
City have had a full week on the training ground with no European commitments and the mood in the camp has been relaxed but buoyant. There is a confidence in the group that they are now comfortable with each other after 18 months of rebuilding.
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And yet there is an acceptance that even in three superb victories over Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea, aspects of all three matches could have been better. But the manner in which they took the game away from those sides in devastating fashion has raised belief levels.
“We are ready,” declared Guardiola in the build-up. So is the Etihad, the Premier League and the football world.
Sunday could see one team’s title aspirations go up in smoke.
LOS ANGELES — The Houston Rockets were without star forward Kevin Durant for their 107-98 loss in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday due to a knee injury. Durant, who popped up as questionable on the injury report during the week, went through pre-game warmups at Crypto.com Arena but was ruled out with what the team called a right knee contusion.
Rockets coach Ime Udoka said before the game that Durant bumped his knee at practice on Wednesday. He hopes Durant’s absence is just a “one-game thing.”
“He tried it out and didn’t feel good enough,” Udoka said.
Udoka said Durant underwent imaging and “nothing major” came up. Durant’s “limited movement” was more the cause of him being out rather than pain tolerance. The Lakers were also shorthanded with Luka Dončić (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) sidelined.
“It’s very tender, tough to bend certain ways,” Udoka said of Durant’s knee. “He hit it in a very awkward spot, I guess, more than anything. It could be a regular bumped knee and I think he could kind of play through that. But right above the knee, the patellar tendon area, up there, it’s just very tender and sore. Pain tolerance is one thing, but limited movement is more the cause.”
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In his first season with Houston, Durant missed just four games total during the regular season. The Rockets are 4-0 without Durant in the lineup.
Durant entered the playoffs averaging 26 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists since being traded from the Phoenix Suns last offseason. After losing in seven games to the Golden State Warriors in last year’s NBA Playoffs, Houston added Durant to give the team a go-to scoring punch.
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Durant’s postseason debut with Houston will have to wait at least a few more days. The Rockets face the Lakers in Game 2 on Tuesday in Los Angeles.
Whether it was a snowy Friday giving way to a sunny Saturday or the playoff vibes from the Denver Nuggets and the Colorado Avalanche spilling over, the Mile High Magic was palpable across the city today.
For the cherry on top of a wonderful sports day in Denver, the Colorado Rockies got the best of the Los Angeles Dodgers in a 4-3 rollercoaster of a win.
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Runs early and often
It was a good night if you bet YRFI.
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Starting pitchers Ryan Feltner and Emmet Sheehan brought a pair of high ERAs into their matchup today (7.30 and 6.60, respectively). That showed as the scoreboard was lit up immediately in the first inning.
That’s sadly not out of character for the Rockies, who have given up 161 runs in the first inning since the start of last season — the most in MLB.
To start off the evening, Shohei Ohtani reached first base after a throwing error by Troy Johnston on the first pitch. Kyle Tucker followed immediately with a home run on the second pitch of the game, giving the Dodgers an early 2-0 lead.
The Rockies responded in the bottom of the inning. Mickey Moniak doubled to center and was brought home with a line-drive single from TJ Rumfield to bring the game to 2-1.
The Dodgers and Rockies would notch one more run each in the second inning. L.A.’s came on a Dalton Rushing homer knocked right above the out-of-town scoreboard in right on a 78 MPH curveball from Feltner. The Rockies’ run came after Johnston put himself in scoring position with a line-drive single, a stolen base, and a move to third on a Brenton Doyle ground out. Johnston ultimately came home on a Kyle Karros sacrifice fly to make it 3-2 Trolley Dodgers.
Pitchers dueling
That “early and often” hot start dried up pretty quickly. Despite some scattered chances, the offensive action calmed down and yielded scoreless third, fourth, and fifth innings as both pitchers found their rhythm.
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After walking Freddie Freeman in the top of the third, Feltner sat down eight straight batters. Among those eight, Feltner struck out Teoscar Hernández, Alex Freeland, and Andy Pages. Feltner looked in command of his four-seam fastball in particular across those punch outs. He also got a fly out to left from Ohtani, dropping Ohtani to 1-10 against Feltner across their last encounters.
Sheehan walked a couple of baserunners and gave up a double in the fourth inning, but otherwise looked sharp. He gathered strikeouts against Hunter Goodman, Brenton Doyle, and Edouard Julien across those three innings.
Feltner’s streak came to an end on a Freeman triple in the top of the sixth. Lucky for him, Karros would save a run with an incredible diving grab to stop a ball driven down the third base line, throwing out Hernández at first.
Following that, Brennan Bernardino came in to relieve Feltner with two outs and Freeman on third. Feltner finished his day with five strikeouts, five hits, and three runs surrendered via two home runs.
The Rockies got rolling
Despite a 1-2-3 fifth inning from Sheehan, the Dodgers pulled him at 77 pitches, swapping in Will Klein. That did not go well.
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The Rockies immediately pounced with a Goodman double to deep center. Up next, Ezequiel Tovar singled with a ball banked off of Klein over to Freeman, with Tovi winning the foot race to first. Johnston brought those two in with a double to center for his team-leading 10th RBI, giving the Rockies their first glorious lead over the Dodgers in what felt like an eternity.
Klein would get the next three batters out to keep Johnston at second and to limit the damage at 4-3 Rockies.
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Catching a crazy eighth
The top of the eighth inning got a little dicey for the Rockies, with much of the commotion centered around Goodman behind the dish.
Jaden Hill replaced Bernardino to kick off the inning with the Dodgers back at the top of the order. Hill worked to an 0-2 count against Ohtani. In an at-bat that looked like it might end in another Ohtani out, Goodman was called for catcher interference as hit glove bumped Ohtani’s swing, putting the batter on first.
Tucker singled next, putting two men on with no outs. Just when things felt like they were about to get worse, Goodman redeemed himself with a wonderful ABS challenge, overturning a ball and sitting Pages down on strikes.
Freeman flied out to center next, moving Ohtani and Tucker up a base. In a tense at-bat for Hernández, the Rockies would challenge a pitch again, but this time unsuccessfully. Hernández walked to load the bases.
Hill responded extremely well to cap off a nice relief pitching performance, throwing two strikes to Max Muncy before getting him to ground out on a changeup to end the (very stressful) inning.
No insurance needed
The Rockies wouldn’t get any insurance runs in the bottom of the eight, but luckily they wouldn’t need them (although that would have reduced some ninth inning stress).
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Victor Vodnik came in to close out the ninth, trying for his third save of the season. He sat Rushing and Hyeseong Kim out quickly. With two outs, Will Smith singled on a nice hit to second that made for a just-difficult-enough throw for Julien.
Santiago Espinal came in to pinch run and Ohtani got his first hit of the night to move the runner to second. With the game on the line, the energy in Coors felt exciting in a way it hasn’t felt too often is recent years. Tucker sent a routine flyball to left field, and Vodnik got his save.
There was a lot to be proud of for the Rockies today. Namely, the Rockies looked resilient.
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Feltner settled down after a shaky start. The bullpen was flawless in relief. Hits and baserunners came when they were needed most. Scoring chances were converted. Key defensive plays swung the game in Colorado’s favor.
It had been a rough week in the wake of a sweep at the hands of the San Diego Padres and a series loss to the Houston Astros. After a 7-1 loss last night, it felt like an uphill battle to steal even one from Los Angeles.
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The Dodgers were 10-0 against the National League this season. Emphasis: were. Your Colorado Rockies just served up a tally mark in the L column.
The Rockies are having fun!
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First and foremost, it’s Dinger Day at the ballpark! Our favorite purple dino and all of his friends will try to bring some good vibes and even better luck to the matchup.
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The Rockies and Dodgers square off for Game 3 of the wraparound series at 1:10 p.m. MT. Roki Sasaki (0-2, 6.23 ERA) is scheduled to start for Los Angeles, while Michael Lorenzen (1-2, 8.10) is slated to go for Colorado. The Rockies will try to take the series lead in a Sunday matinee matchup.
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