By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports
Sports
Final Four: Rebounds, Steals Key for Arizona vs. Michigan
The past 25 years have led up to this moment.
Arizona finally broke its Elite 8 curse and is back in the Final Four.
The last time the Wildcats were here, they beat Michigan State to advance to the National Championship Game.
This time, another Big Ten program is standing in their way: The high-octane Michigan Wolverines, a team with enormous size and elite defense.
The winner of this game may very well end up as the 2026 National Champion.
Here’s my preview of what might be the best Final Four matchup in the history of the NCAA Tournament.
No. 1 Michigan vs No. 1 Arizona
Final Four
Saturday, April 4
5:49 pm PT, TBS
Indianapolis, IN
Offensive rebounding and steals.
Those are the keys to the game for Arizona.
Michigan is a great rebounding team, but the Wildcats are elite on the glass. The Cats come into the game No. 2 nationally in rebounds per game and No. 4 overall in rebounding margin.
Getting second-chance opportunities might end up being the difference in the game.
Generating extra possessions by forcing turnovers, however, is just as important.
The Wolverines are sloppy with the ball, coming into the night No. 201 nationally in turnovers per game. And they run at a high pace. That’s a weakness that must be exploited.
If Arizona can generate TOs and get transition buckets, it will be in a stronger position to win the game.
At the same time, the Cats can’t let Michigan get hot from three. The Wolverines are No. 31 overall in three-point percentage.
If they start burying their shots from deep, Tommy Lloyd’s team will be in an uncomfortable spot.
As for the individual matchups, the most important one might be the battle between Motiejus Krivas and Aday Mara. The two bigs are essentially evenly matched.
Whichever player has the better game, on both sides of the floor, could be the deciding factor at the end of the day.
Similarly, the battle between Koa Peat and Yaxel Lendeborg is critical. The two forwards could go toe-to-toe in an all-time battle on the biggest stage.
Lendeborg may be older and more experienced, but Peat is a winner who thrives in the brightest moments.
Yet, the reason why Arizona will win is Brayden Burries.
Who is going to guard him? Nimari Burnett? The guy who averages fewer than one steal per game and commits the least amount of fouls among the UM starters?
He sounds soft.
Burnett is about to learn the type of physical basketball that Arizona plays. Burries gets downhill quickly and finishes with efficiency around the rim.
Plus, the star freshman is the best three-point shooter on the Arizona squad.
Look for Burries to exploit the matchup and take it to Burnett. If Dusty May doesn’t have an answer, the Cats should win.
The Michigan coach could bring Trey McKenney off the bench to handle the defensive assignment.
But that would be a signal that the battle is already lost, potentially resulting in Burries getting even more aggressive and confident.
It’s the type of matchup where Burries could score 25 points or more. You heard it here first.
At the same time, Ivan Kharchenkov is a bit of a wildcard. There have been too many games where Kharchenkov is a high-volume, low-efficiency shooter.
In Arizona’s two losses, the freshman went a combined 10-for-28 from the field while taking 14 shots in each contest. Both were season-highs in field goal attempts, and both ended in losses.
That’s not a coincidence. It’s a clear stat that jumps off the page and is something the Michigan coaching staff will know to exploit.
May’s game plan could be to slack off him from three and the midrange, essentially goading him into jacking up shots. If those shots aren’t falling and Kharchenkov keeps taking them, it could play directly into Michigan’s hands.
The Wolverines are also an elite shot-blocking team. They come into the matchup No. 2 in the country in blocks per game.
That means Arizona might need to have its stroke going from the midrange.
Jaden Bradley, Burries, and Peat’s efficiency from the edge of the paint and inside the arc could end up being a game-changer. If the Cats aren’t making those shots, Michigan might end up on top.
But if Arizona forces turnovers, scores in transition, and gets second-chance buckets, the Wildcats could find themselves in the National Championship Game.
Miller covers College Basketball and College Football as well as Formula 1 racing as a Senior Writer and Assistant Editor for SuperWest Sports.
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Bodycam footage obtained by Fox News Digital showed Tiger Woods appearing drowsy, sweaty, and simply out of it when he was arrested on a DUI charge last Friday.
Woods crashed into another vehicle, resulting in his 2025 Range Rover to turn onto its driver’s side. Roughly two hours after escaping through the passenger side door with some assistance, he was placed in the back of a cop car.
It was not the first time Woods was placed in custody for driving under the influence, also doing so in 2017.
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Tiger Woods sits in the back of a cop car after getting arrested on March 27, 2026. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office)
Unfortunately for Woods, the back of a cop car was familiar territory, and moments after he was placed in the car, he simply uttered three words.
“This is fun,” he groggily and sarcastically said to himself.
Woods was placed in the vehicle after failing a field sobriety test, taken after he showed “signs of impairment” and was “lethargic.” He blew “triple-zeroes” in a breathalyzer, but after he failed to submit a urine test, he was hit with another charge. Officers found two pills that were later identified as hydrocodone, a prescription opioid used for pain relief.
Woods previously told law enforcement prior to the field sobriety tests that he underwent seven back surgeries and “over 20 operations on his leg.” He told law enforcement that “I take a few” prescription medications. In 2021, he got into a wreck that resulted in serious leg injuries that kept him off the golf course for the entire year.
Tiger Woods was drowsy after getting arrested. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office)
President Donald Trump said the five-time Masters champion “lives a life of pain.” Woods dates the mother of Trump’s granddaughter Kai, Vanessa. Vanessa is Donald Jr.’s ex-wife.
“He lives a life of pain. He has a lot of pain. He’s an amazing guy. He’s an amazing athlete. He does have pain,” Trump added Tuesday of Woods. “He doesn’t have an alcohol problem, but he does have pain,” Trump said.
Woods told officers he was “hoping to” play in the Masters, but in a statement earlier this week, Woods said he would pause his quest to get back on the golf course to “seek treatment.”
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today. I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery,” Woods said in a statement Tuesday posted to social media.
Tiger Woods was handcuffed after a field sobriety test, (Martin County Sheriff’s Office)
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“I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”
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Jose Mourinho is currently manager of Benfica having previously been in charge of Manchester United between 2016 and 2018
Manchester United legend Nicky Butt has backed the potential return of Jose Mourinho to Old Trafford. The Reds are on the hunt for a permanent manager following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal in January.
Interim boss Michael Carrick has impressed during his temporary stint, suffering just one loss so far – positioning himself as a contender for the permanent role. United currently occupy third place under their former midfielder as they move closer to securing Champions League qualification – a tournament they have been absent from for three years.
United’s decision-makers have yet to determine who will steer the club into next season. Paris Saint-Germain’s Luis Enrique, Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann and Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner have all been mentioned as potential candidates.
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Former Reds midfielder Butt has revealed to Paddy Power why he would welcome Mourinho’s return. The Portuguese was in charge of United from 2016 to 2018, claiming the League Cup and Europa League during his two-and-a-half-year tenure.
He said: “I would have him back. He’s a winner and can carry that football club, but the powers that be would never allow it, as they now prefer a manager who focuses solely on coaching rather than controlling recruitment.
“No established manager will want to come to Manchester United without guarantees on budget, time, and control. The structure right now makes it difficult, and they may prefer someone like Michael Carrick instead.”
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Carrick’s side require 16 points from their remaining fixtures to secure a place in the Champions League, though that would hinge on their rivals winning all of their remaining league matches.
United return to action on Monday, April 13, with a home clash against Leeds (8pm BST). They then face just six further matches, with their final game coming away at Brighton and Hove Albion on May 24.
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Indian-origin chess prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan has become England’s top-rated female player, according to the latest rating list of the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
The 11-year-old, whose parents moved from Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu to England in 2007, has 2366 FIDE rating points.
The primary school student based in North London has overtaken four-time British women’s champion, Lan Yao, who is 25, at the top of the FIDE list for England.
With this, she has also broken into the world’s top 100 women for the first time, currently sitting at number 72, stated the English Chess Federation in a press release.
“It is an extraordinary rise for a Harrow schoolgirl who took up the game during (the 2020 COVID-19) lockdown after finding a chessboard and set in a bag her father wanted to throw out,” the release added.
Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who is also of Indian origin, congratulated Sivanandan and recalled the time he played a game with her at his official residence.
“Huge congratulations to Bodhana Sivanandan on becoming England’s top female chess player at just 11 years old. We once played each other in the Downing Street garden. Let’s just say her success has not come as a shock,” he posted on ‘X’.
Sivanandan became a Woman International Master last year.
She went on to outwit Ukraine’s former world champion, Grandmaster Mariya Muzychuk, at the European Club Cup in Rhodes, Greece.
“She is blazing a trail not just for women and girls in the game, but for all chess players in England. Across all sports, she must be one of the most prodigious talents England has ever produced,” Richard Walsh, CEO of the English Chess Federation, said.
“We cannot wait to see what she can do in her career. Bodhana has worked so hard, her family have worked so hard, and now she is competing at the highest level flying the flag,” he added.
A 70-year-old legend has praised Triple H but also revealed the one big problem with WWE. The Stamford-based promotion is gearing up for its biggest show of the year, WrestleMania, in a few weeks but has faced scrutiny over some of its creative decisions.
Now, Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff has offered his take on the current WWE product. Speaking on D-Von Dudley’s YouTube channel, Bischoff said while the in-ring action is great, the storylines haven’t captured his attention.
Thanks for the submission!
He mentioned the storylines aren’t “rich enough”; however, he backed Triple H, saying he is the best man for the job when it comes to the creative.
“I think Paul Levesque is absolutely the best choice for that role. Paul is a traditional wrestling guy. He probably has much more respect for the old-school psychology, pacing, and match style than probably anybody in that company, other than maybe Shawn Michaels and Undertaker,” he said.
Bischoff did have one complaint, though, as he pointed out the biggest problem with the current WWE product. He said the product suffers from a “sameness” across characters and storylines.
“I think if there’s a problem with the product, if it feels a little flat right now, I think it’s starting to feel flat for the same reasons it felt flat to me back in 2019 when I complained about there being a sameness. There’s just a level of familiarity in each one of the characters and each one of the storylines and each one of the presentations and each one of the promos,” he added.
Triple H revealed the challenges of backstage role in WWE
Triple H has been heading WWE’s creative as the Chief Content Officer since 2022. During this tenure, he has overseen major creative decisions of the promotion and has also faced criticism for some choices.
In an interview with TKO Spotlight, The Game revealed the struggle after transitioning from an in-ring performer to a creative head.
He said as a wrestler one has to focus only on onself, but that changes with being an executive. He mentioned that you have to deal with a lot of people and focus on everything.
If you use quotes from this article, please credit D-Von Dudley’s YouTube channel and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.
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Edited by Sherjeel Malik
Liv Morgan debuted a new hairstyle on WWE RAW this past Monday. This caught the attention of former WWE Superstar, CJ Perry.
Morgan is feuding with Stephanie Vaquer on the red brand and will challenge her for the WWE Women’s World Championship at WrestleMania 42. On RAW, Morgan called out Vaquer and set up a trap by ambushing her with the help of the returning Roxanne Perez.
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On Instagram, Perry, who is a good friend of Liv Morgan, reacted to her new hairstyle and also seemed to be a fan of the merch she was wearing.
“Wow !!!!!! The hair looks so good ! And I love the shirt !!!!!!!!!!!!” wrote Perry.
Check out a screengrab of Perry’s Instagram comment:
Jacy Jayne wants a dream match against Liv Morgan
Jacy Jayne has established herself as the top woman of the NXT women’s division. She is the reigning and two-time NXT Women’s Champion.
Speaking in an interview with Tim Hann Rivera, Jayne expressed her interest in a singles match against Morgan, claiming they have similar in-ring styles. Jayne believes she and Morgan have the potential to have great chemistry and could deliver a good match. She said:
“I’d love to work with Liv Morgan. We’re both from Jersey. We have very similar styles. I feel like we would just have really good chemistry. I’ve never actually touched her or wrestled with her, but I just have a feeling that we would have a really great connection,”
Liv Morgan won the 2026 Women’s Royal Rumble Match and chose to challenge Stephanie Vaquer for the WWE Women’s World Championship. Things have gotten quite heated and personal between the two, with Vaquer reducing Morgan to tears. Morgan and Vaquer were also involved in an intense brawl after the champion ambushed the Judgment Day member while she was on her way to the ring with Dominik Mysterio.
The challenger got her lick back by humiliating Vaquer on the latest edition of RAW, where she even mentioned the champion’s mother in her callout. Morgan and Roxanne Perez stood tall over Vaquer at Madison Square Garden.
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Edited by Soumik Datta
If you watch tour pros around the greens, there’s one shot they rely on more than any other: the low, spinning wedge. When executed correctly, it comes out relatively flat and checks almost immediately. That predictability in both trajectory and spin gives players exceptional control and allows them to attack pins with pinpoint precision.
While it might look difficult, mastering this shot is easier than you’d think. According to Jason Sutton, a GOLF Top 100 Alumni, to add the low, spinning wedge to your arsenal you just need to dial in two set-up keys and learn the proper sequencing.
Step 1: Narrow your stance
To promote a lower ball flight, Sutton says to narrow your stance. As you set your feet, position them so your heels are close together while allowing your toes to flare slightly.
Step 2: Pressure on lead side
Next, Sutton says to pre-set your pressure into your lead side, focusing particularly on the heel of your lead foot. This forward pressure encourages a downward strike, which is key to producing a low ball flight and lots of spin.
Step 3: Sequence your downswing
“I think of this [sequencing] as a four-horse race,” Sutton says.
The first “horse,” he explains, is your body’s center and hips. The second is your lead arm, followed by your hands as the third, and finally, the clubhead as the fourth.
“We need to have that order in the downstroke in order to hit that low, spinning wedge,” he continues.
If you can sequence the downswing in that exact order, you will set yourself up to produce the flight and spin that you’re looking for.
With practice, this will become a dependable weapon around the greens, letting you attack pins confidently and convert more up-and-down opportunities.
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Derek Chisora’s much-anticipated retirement fight against Deontay Wilder has been hit by “issues” with the gloves, according to promoter Kalle Sauerland.
British heavyweight Chisora is due to face former world champion Wilder on Saturday, with the pair headlining at London’s O2 Arena, but the lead-up to Friday evening’s weigh-in has brought reason for concern.
Saturday’s event is being organised by MF Pro, which is co-run by Wasserman chief Sauerland, who was asked about a potential glove issue on Friday. And the promoter confirmed that such a problem had arisen.
“First of all, no panic on the Titanic here, it’s not our first rodeo,” Sauerland told iFL TV. “It’s also not the first time there’s been a big flare-up around big heavyweight fights and gloves.
“It’s also not the first fight ever involving Deontay Wilder, involving gloves,” Sauerland added, referencing the American boxer’s past glove-tampering allegations against three-time opponent Tyson Fury – allegations that Fury has always denied.
“So yeah, it was all too plain sailing,” Sauerland continued. “Yes, there were some dramatics this morning at the weigh-in. There’s some issues around the gloves, I can confirm that.
“I can’t really say much more to what those dramas were. Let me go and do my job!” Sauerland laughed.
The Independent understands that event organisers are “hopeful” the issues will be resolved, but that a resolution is yet to be confirmed.
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In his interview with iFL TV, Sauerland referred to the morning weigh-in, which took place behind closed doors as is customary, while a public weigh-in will take place on Friday evening.
Chisora, 42, has vowed to retire after Saturday’s main event, although retirement has seemed a daunting prospect to the former world-title challenger in recent years.
Meanwhile, some fans and pundits feel that Wilder should also retire this weekend, but the 40-year-old has suggested he will keep boxing regardless of the result.
Wilder previously accused Fury of tampering with the Briton’s own gloves during their three-year, three-fight rivalry. Wilder secured a controversial draw with Fury in 2018, before suffering stoppage losses to the “Gypsy King” in 2020 and 2021 – the first defeats of the American’s career.
Wilder has lost to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang since then, but he has also knocked out Robert Helenius and Tyrrell Anthony Herndon. As such, he will enter the O2 Arena on a 2-4 run in his last six bouts.
Some fans will wonder how Chisora will enter the O2 Arena, given he arrived at Thursday’s press conference in a tank, accompanied by controversial Reform UK politician Nigel Farage.
Chisora last fought in February 2025, dropping and outpointing Otto Wallin in Manchester. At the time, that fight was billed as Chisora’s final contest in the UK.
OTTAWA — The city of Ottawa gets a bad rap for being boring. Well, that narrative doesn’t carry over to its NHL team.
This season’s two main characters, Linus Ullmark and Brady Tkachuk, were excellent in thrusting the Ottawa Senators back into a playoff spot in a 4-1 victory over Buffalo on Thursday, despite the “outside noise” returning for what feels like the 100th time this season.
On Tkachuk’s end, he was a goal away from a Gordie Howe Hat Trick, while Ullmark stopped 21 of 22 shots, including a massive, monumental save that turned the game.
In the first period, Tkachuk’s heavyweight fight with Logan Stanley got the Senators engaged — even if Tkachuk isn’t supposed to touch a Stanley until the playoffs.
“Yeah, not surprising, he’s been stepping up lately,” Senators head coach Travis Green said. “I thought he was emotionally invested.”
Later, Tkachuk made an unreal dish to Dylan Cozens for a game-shifting, equalizing goal.
“It was a big response after they went up 1-0. Getting that tying goal was big,” said Green.
Ullmark made a ludicrous game-changing save, charging out from the net to confront an oncoming Bowen Byram in the dying seconds of the second period.
“I think that chance at the very end in the second period won us the game. He’s stood on his head all night,” said Tkachuk.
When Ullmark and Tkachuk excel, so too does their team. But lately, the two of them have become known as much for chaos and drama as for performance on the ice.
Let’s start with Ullmark.
The Swede battled mental-health struggles that forced him to take leave for several weeks earlier in the season. Then, last week, the team said that he was unable to play in a crucial game against Tampa Bay due to fatigue.
“I don’t have to talk about any of that,” Green said. “He needed rest and that’s fine.”
Ullmark echoed his coach in his first remarks to the media since the incident, which came after Thursday’s game. “No. We’re going to talk about that tomorrow.”
When he returned to play Tuesday, Ullmark gave up a goal eight seconds in and five goals overall in the first period against the Panthers only to be pulled. It wasn’t pretty.
Green was defiant when asked about it later: “(Ullmark) is our guy. Last game, I pulled him, but I pulled him more because the team was so s—–. Not because of him.”
“I want him to play every night. He’s our No. 1 goalie. He’s been playing well since he came back (from mental-health leave). But, in saying that, everyone in the room understands that it’s been a bit of a rough year for him off the ice, on the ice and, I think, since he’s come back from his leave.”
Asked about the “outside noise,” Ullmark said, “We’re used to it, nothing new.”
The docuseries level of drama was revved up when Tkachuk’s father, Keith, an NHL veteran, made comments on the Wingmen podcast Brady co-hosts with brother Matthew, saying, “my pinky hurts. I’m out for 6-8.” Keith seemed to mock Ullmark.
“’I just had a bad sleep, so I can’t play today.’ Oh, my God, disgusting,” he said. “Can’t play back-to-back, rest management.”
Brady Tkachuk denied that his father was talking about the Senators goalie: “I don’t know how that got twisted and (I) have to talk about it now, but I thought it was clear as day. He’s talking about the Florida Panthers.
“All those things didn’t come out of my mouth. And, I mean, I completely respect my dad. He’s going to be a Hall of Famer. So, I mean, I’m not going to put words in his mouth or explain what he said.”
Keith also had some spicy comments on Brady’s role in the Florida debacle.
“You didn’t play that much last game, either. I just wanted to throw that in there,” he said on the podcast, and went on to take what seemed like a shot at Green. “Why play him a lot in a big game? I’m just carving the coach right now.”
Brother Matthew chimed in: “Why play him more at the Olympics than the regular season? That makes sense.”
Green replied on Thursday: “If I’m not mistaken, he’s probably in our top three or four on our team for ice time. He’s a big man. I think Brady’s minutes are perfect, to tell you the truth.”
Green said he knows Keith Tkachuk “really well.” “He’s a friend. Played with him, known (him) a long time. I know he’s outspoken,” Green said.
Brady Tkachuk didn’t hide his frustration with having to answer questions about his father after a critical triumph over the Sabres.
“I’ve answered twice,” he said.
Although, there could be some gamesmanship, too.
“I’m so disappointed in your team right now. I’m disgusted,” Keith Tkachuk said on the podcast about the Ottawa Senators.
Back in 2023, Keith Tkachuk publicly called out the Panthers down the stretch while they were fighting for a playoff spot. It seemingly worked; they snuck into the playoffs, eventually making the Stanley Cup Finals.
Regardless, it seems like no matter what happens, both “outside forces” and inside forces conspire against the Senators captain’s hope for tranquility this season. Stick to hockey, right? But he’s the one with the podcast.
After the win against the Sabres, Ullmark and Tkachuk made an emotional display of camaraderie with a huge on-ice embrace in celebration.
The Senators goaltender and captain will define the team’s fortunes. Neither were good on their recent road trip but the two of them dragged Ottawa to victory Thursday. Whatever happens in the remaining seven games, the story of this Senators team will be narrated by Ullmark and Tkachuk.
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Injury blow after blow: Tyler Kleven left the game after taking a puck to the face in the first period and did not return. The Senators found themselves without six defencemen who’ve played for the team since the start of March, with Jake Sanderson’s and Thomas Chabot’s injuries at the forefront. The only defenceman on the ice who started the season in the top six was Artem Zub.
The Senators played the rest of the game with five defencemen who were all right shots led by Jordan Spence, who has flourished in an augmented role, playing a career high 30:48 on Thursday. If it weren’t for a little off-season trade by GM Steve Staios for the diminutive d-man, the Senators’ playoff hopes might already be dashed.
“Real unbelievable effort out of our defence, asking a lot out of a lot of players, some players we don’t know very well,” said Green.
There have been a ton of gutsy performances this season, but to win without four of your six best defencemen is astounding, especially against a great Buffalo team that would have clinched a playoff spot with a win.
It’s also a testament to the resiliency of the group, and the structure they play under Green.
On the injury front, Sanderson could return on the weekend. Asked about Kleven’s injury, Green said: “Hope for the best; I’m not expecting it to be great news.”
Cozens’ revenge: Cozens was a force against his former team, with a pretty goal that helped vanquish Buffalo.
“I think any time you face your former team, it’s personal,” said Cozens.
His goal tied the game and turned it around for a banged-up and depleted Senators squad.
“He’s a sneaky horse out there, the way he skates and the way he protects pucks, wins battles,” said Tkachuk, who has shared a line with him since early January. “And I told him that as a line that I really wanted to show up for him tonight, because I know how important this game is for him.”
Juxtapose that to Josh Norris exiting the game due to a 10-minute misconduct. The Senators had the last laugh Thursday night, but the Sabres have a virtual lock on the playoffs, while the Senators must soldier on.
Apr 2, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Dominic Smith (8) celebrates a home run during the third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images When Dominic Smith signed a minor league deal with the Atlanta Braves in mid-February, it was hard envisioning him having much of a role with the team.
After all, Smith’s best defensive position is first base and the Braves feature Matt Olson at that spot, and Olson hasn’t missed a single game in four-plus seasons with the team. He has failed to start a game just once, back in 2022.
But Smith is finding ways to contribute and quickly impressing the organization as Atlanta enters the second contest of a four-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night in Phoenix.
Smith homered and scored twice as the Braves routed the Diamondbacks 17-2 in Thursday’s series opener. It was the most runs Atlanta has ever scored in Phoenix, topping a 14-0 victory on July 29, 2007.
Smith, 30, is batting .375 with two homers and five RBIs in five appearances – four at designated hitter and one in the outfield.
Of course, Smith etched himself into baseball history by hitting a walk-off grand slam in a 6-2 win against the Kansas City Royals last Saturday. That made him the first player to ever end a game in such a fashion in his team debut.
Smith will continue to get starts at designated hitter due to the season-long suspension of Jurickson Profar, who was disciplined for a positive test of performance-enhancing drugs for the second time in his career.
Suddenly, lots of at-bats were available.
“When the suspension happened, I said there would be an opportunity for some guys, and guys are going to step up and shine and he’s certainly doing that,” Braves manager Walt Weiss said after Thursday’s one-sided affair. “Dom is taking advantage of the opportunity and we always talk about him giving a professional at-bat. He’s showing off some power too.”
The Braves are Smith’s sixth team and fifth in the past four seasons. Thursday’s homer was his 71st in 761 career games.
Olson also had a big game Thursday by going 3-for-5 with a homer, two doubles, three RBIs and three runs.
Mauricio Dubon and Jorge Mateo also went deep as Atlanta won for the fifth time in seven games this season. Arizona had a three-game winning streak halted and the game got away when it allowed eight runs in the fifth inning.
“It’s about execution, that’s the bottom line,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said. “If you don’t execute, you’re going to have games like this.”
Jordan Lawlar slugged his first career homer for Arizona but later was hit by a pitch on his right wrist in the bottom of the seventh and exited at the end of that inning.
X-rays were negative, and Lovullo said Lawlar will undergo a CT scan on Friday. Lawlar preferred talking about homer No. 1.
“It didn’t really feel like anything coming off the bat,” Lawlar said. “… I ran around the bases and got the silent treatment in the dugout. That was pretty cool.”
Left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will make his second start of the season for the Diamondbacks.
He received a no-decision in his first turn when he was charged with one unearned run and four hits in five-plus innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers last Saturday. Rodriguez, who turns 33 on Tuesday, is 1-0 with a 5.59 ERA in two career starts against Atlanta.
Right-hander Grant Holmes (0-1, 5.40) gave up three runs and five runs over five innings in a Atlanta’s loss to the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.
Holmes, 30, has a 6.08 ERA in four appearances (two starts) against Arizona. Both starts occurred last season when he gave up nine runs in nine overall innings.
–Field Level Media
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