
By SuperWest Sports Staff
Sports
Tempers flare between Nuggets, Thunder as Dort is ejected after fouling Jokic
OKLAHOMA CITY — Tempers flared in the fourth quarter of Oklahoma City’s 127-121 overtime victory over the Denver Nuggets on Friday night and resulted in the ejection of the Thunder’s Lu Dort.
Dort fouled Denver’s Nikola Jokic in the midst of a tight game and Jokic got in Dort’s face. A scrum ensued and Jokic and Oklahoma City’s Jaylin Williams were called for offsetting technical fouls. Dort was issued a Flagrant 2 and ejected.
The matchup was physical from the start.
Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was called for an early technical when he threw the ball at Jokic, who made high contact with him after play had stopped. Denver’s bench was called for a technical in the third quarter, and there was plenty of trash talking and shoving throughout.
Sports
Orioles contact-less lineup tries for better results vs. Guardians
Apr 14, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser (17) reacts to an inside pitch during the eighth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images There was a glaring lack of contact from Baltimore Orioles’ hitters on Saturday.
The Orioles had four hits — two of them homers — while striking out a stunning 16 times.
Baltimore will look to have their bats smack the ball more often in Sunday’s finale of a four-game series against the host Cleveland Guardians.
The Guardians have won two of the first three games, including Saturday’s 4-2 victory when right-hander Gavin Williams dominated the Orioles.
Williams struck out 11 in seven innings and allowed one run, three hits and one walk. He leads the majors with 40 strikeouts.
“That’s not the biggest goal for me,” Williams said of the strikeouts. “I’m just trying to help the team win games. It’s cool, but I don’t think it’s necessary to have to punch that many people out. I’m just trying to win games.”
Meanwhile, Baltimore’s Pete Alonso and Colton Cowser struck out in all four at-bats and Dylan Beavers fanned three times on Saturday.
That breeze inside the ballpark wasn’t necessarily coming from the nearby lake.
Orioles manager Craig Albernaz pointed to Williams’ dominance as the reason for Alonso and Cowser’s difficulties.
“They couldn’t see the breaking ball early enough to either make an adjustment or hold off on it,” Albernaz said.
Alonzo was the club’s marquee offseason acquisition and signed a five-year, $155 million contract. But so far, he has fizzled with a .208 average, two homers and eight RBIs to go with 26 strikeouts in 78 at-bats.
Cowser has yet to go deep and is batting .178 with 16 strikeouts in 45 at-bats. The fifth overall pick in the 2021 draft continues to struggle with big-league pitching. “Colton, he’s our guy, and he has to figure it out how he wants to approach guys and what he’s trying to feel,” Albernaz said. “But with Colton at the plate, he’s dangerous. He’s a guy where, if he’s not feeling great, he can still get one pitch and do damage on, and that’s something where we feel very confident in.”
Leody Taveras and Gunnar Henderson hit the homers for Baltimore’s runs.
All of Cleveland’s runs also came on homers on Saturday. Brayan Rocchio smacked a three-run homer and Bo Naylor hit a solo blast.
Rocchio said a more patient approach is paying off for him. He has three homers in 63 at-bats after having five in 344 at-bats in 2025. “That’s impressive for me, too,” Rocchio said. “Last year, I was struggling at hitting. Now I’m able to help the team with my at-bats and to see more pitches is pretty cool.”
Left-hander Joey Cantillo (1-0, 2.61 ERA) will start the finale for the Guardians.
Cantillo, 26, received a no-decision against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday when he gave up two runs and five hits over six innings. Both runs came on solo homers.
Cantillo is 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA in four appearances (two starts) against Baltimore. Cowser is 2-for-4 with one strikeout against Cantillo. Left-hander Trevor Rogers (2-1, 3.04) will take the mound for Baltimore.
Rogers, 28, was roughed up by the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday and took the loss. He gave up four runs and nine hits over 4 2/3 innings.
Rogers is 0-1 with a 5.79 ERA in two career starts against the Guardians. Rhys Hoskins is 9-for-21 (.429) with four homers off Rogers while David Fry (1-for-4) also has taken him deep.
–Field Level Media
Sports
All-time Top 5 NFL Draft Picks for Schools in the West
Atotal of 78 players from schools in the West have been taken in the Top 5 overall picks in the NFL Draft since it premiered in 1936.
USC leads the way with 20 top picks, followed by Stanford with 8, and Cal and Oregon with 7 each.
We have included UTEP on this list because, beginning in 2026, the Miners are playing in the Mountain West, and the City of El Paso is in a direct line with Albuquerque and west of Boulder, Fort Collins, and Cheyenne.
Here is a table of all the players from the region who have been drafted in the top five.
There is a breakdown by program at the bottom.
Top 5 Overall NFL Draft Picks for Programs from the West
| Year | Pick No. | Player | College | NFL Team | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | Travis Hunter | Colorado | Jaguars | WR/CB |
| 2024 | 1 | Caleb Williams | USC | Bears | QB |
| 2022 | 5 | Kayvon Thibodeaux | Oregon | Giants | DE |
| 2021 | 2 | Zach Wilson | BYU | Jets | QB |
| 2018 | 3 | Sam Darnold | USC | Jets | QB |
| 2017 | 3 | Solomon Thomas | Stanford | 49ers | DE |
| 2016 | 1 | Jared Goff | Cal | Rams | QB |
| 2015 | 2 | Marcus Mariota | Oregon | Titans | QB |
| 2013 | 3 | Dion Jordan | Oregon | Dolphins | DE |
| 2013 | 5 | Ezekiel Ansah | BYU | Lions | DE |
| 2012 | 1 | Andrew Luck | Stanford | Colts | QB |
| 2012 | 4 | Matt Kalil | USC | Vikings | OT |
| 2009 | 5 | Mark Sanchez | USC | Jets | QB |
| 2006 | 2 | Reggie Bush | USC | Saints | RB |
| 2005 | 1 | Alex Smith | Utah | 49ers | QB |
| 2003 | 1 | Carson Palmer | USC | Bengals | QB |
| 2002 | 1 | David Carr | Fresno St | Texans | QB |
| 2002 | 3 | Joey Harrington | Oregon | Lions | QB |
| 1999 | 3 | Akili Smith | Oregon | Bengals | QB |
| 1998 | 2 | Ryan Leaf | WSU | Chargers | QB |
| 1997 | 2 | Darrell Russell | USC | Raiders | DT |
| 1996 | 1 | Keyshawn Johnson | USC | Jets | WR |
| 1996 | 4 | Jonathan Ogden | UCLA | Ravens | OT |
| 1995 | 2 | Tony Boselli | USC | Jaguars | OT |
| 1995 | 4 | Michael Westbrook | Colorado | Redskins | WR |
| 1994 | 2 | Marshall Faulk | SDSU | Colts | RB |
| 1994 | 4 | Willie McGinest | USC | Patriots | DE |
| 1993 | 1 | Drew Bledsoe | WSU | Patriots | QB |
| 1992 | 1 | Steve Emtman | Washington | Colts | DE |
| 1991 | 2 | Eric Turner | UCLA | Browns | DB |
| 1990 | 5 | Junior Seau | USC | Chargers | LB |
| 1989 | 1 | Troy Aikman | UCLA | Cowboys | QB |
| 1985 | 5 | Duane Bickett | USC | Colts | LB |
| 1983 | 1 | John Elway | Stanford | Colts | QB |
| 1982 | 3 | Chip Banks | USC | Browns | LB |
| 1982 | 5 | Jim McMahon | BYU | Bears | QB |
| 1981 | 3 | Freeman McNeil | UCLA | Jets | RB |
| 1981 | 4 | Kenny Easley | UCLA | Seahawks | DB |
| 1980 | 3 | Anthony Munoz | USC | Bengals | OT |
| 1979 | 2 | Mike Bell | CSU | Chiefs | DE |
| 1979 | 3 | Jack Thompson | WSU | Bengals | QB |
| 1977 | 1 | Ricky Bell | USC | Buccaneers | RB |
| 1977 | 4 | Marvin Powell | USC | Jets | OT |
| 1977 | 5 | Gary Jeter | USC | Giants | DE |
| 1976 | 3 | Chuck Muncie | Cal | Saints | RB |
| 1976 | 5 | Mike Haynes | ASU | Patriots | DB |
| 1975 | 1 | Steve Bartkowski | Cal | Falcons | QB |
| 1974 | 2 | Bo Matthews | Colorado | Chargers | RB |
| 1972 | 2 | Sherman White | Cal | Bengals | DE |
| 1972 | 4 | Ahmad Rashad | Oregon | Cardinals | RB |
| 1971 | 1 | Jim Plunkett | Stanford | Patriots | QB |
| 1971 | 3 | Dan Pastorini | Santa Clara | Oilers | QB |
| 1971 | 4 | J.D. Hill | ASU | Bills | WR |
| 1969 | 1 | O.J. Simpson | USC | Bills | RB |
| 1968 | 1 | Ron Yary | USC | Vikings | OT |
| 1968 | 5 | Fred Carr | UTEP | Packers | LB |
| 1965 | 5 | Craig Morton | Cal | Cowboys | QB |
| 1964 | 3 | Charley Taylor | ASU | Redskins | WR |
| 1964 | 5 | Pete Beathard | USC | Lions | QB |
| 1963 | 1 | Terry Baker | Ore St | Rams | QB |
| 1962 | 3 | Merlin Olson | USU | Rams | DT |
| 1961 | 4 | Marlin McKeever | USC | Rams | LB |
| 1959 | 2 | Dick Bass | Pacific | Rams | FB |
| 1957 | 2 | Jon Arnett | USC | Rams | HB |
| 1957 | 3 | John Brodie | Stanford | 49ers | QB |
| 1956 | 1 | Gary Glick | CSU | Steelers | DB |
| 1955 | 1 | George Shaw | Oregon | Colts | QB |
| 1954 | 1 | Bobby Garrett | Stanford | Browns | QB |
| 1953 | 4 | Johnny Olszewski | Cal | Cardinals | FB |
| 1952 | 2 | Les Richter | Cal | Yanks | LB |
| 1952 | 3 | Ollie Matson | San Francisco | Cardinals | RB |
| 1949 | 5 | Stan Heath | Nevada | Packers | QB |
| 1947 | 4 | Cal Rossi | UCLA | Redskins | RB |
| 1942 | 3 | Pete Kmetovic | Stanford | Eagles | HB |
| 1941 | 3 | Norm Standlee | Stanford | Bears | FB |
| 1941 | 4 | Rudy Mucha | Washington | Rams | OG |
| 1938 | 4 | Whizzer White | Colorado | Steelers | TB |
| 1937 | 2 | Ed Goddard | WSU | Dodgers | RB |
Breakdown of Top 5 Picks by Program
| Top 5 Picks | School | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | USC | 2012, 2009, 2006, 2003, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1990, 1985, 1982, 1980, 1977, 1969, 1968, 1964, 1961, 1957 |
| 8 | Stanford | 2017, 2012, 1983, 1971, 1957, 1954, 1942, 1941 |
| 7 | Cal | 2016, 1976, 1975, 1972, 1965, 1953, 1952 |
| 7 | Oregon | 2022, 2015, 2013, 2002, 1999, 1972, 1955 |
| 6 | UCLA | 1996, 1991, 1989, 1981, 1947 |
| 4 | Colorado | 2025, 1995, 1974, 1938 |
| 4 | WSU | 1998, 1993, 1979, 1937 |
| 3 | ASU | 1976, 1971, 1964 |
| 3 | BYU | 2021, 2013, 1982 |
| 2 | CSU | 1979, 1956 |
| 2 | Washington | 1992, 1941 |
| 1 | Fresno St | 2022 |
| 1 | Nevada | 1949 |
| 1 | Ore St | 1963 |
| 1 | Pacific | 1959 |
| 1 | San Francisco | 1952 |
| 1 | Santa Clara | 1971 |
| 1 | SDSU | 1994 |
| 1 | Utah | 2005 |
| 1 | Utah St | 1962 |
| 1 | UTEP | 1968 |
Sports
Braylon Mullins passes on NBA draft, staying at UConn
Apr 6, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) controls the ball against Michigan Wolverines guard Roddy Gayle Jr. (11) during the second half in the national championship of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament between the and the Michigan Wolverines at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images UConn’s sharp-shooting wing Braylon Mullins announced Saturday on social media that he is passing on entering the NBA draft and returning to the Huskies for his sophomore season.
Mullins, regarded as a first-round and possible lottery pick in the 2026 draft in June, made the announcement on Instagram on his 20th birthday.
The slender 6-foot-6 Mullins, a five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American out of Greenfield, Ind., was a unanimous pick for the Big East All-Freshman Team after averaging 12.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 33 games after missing the first six with an ankle injury. He started 29 of UConn’s final 30 games.
His 72 3-pointers were second most for a freshman in UConn history. He shot 33.5% (72 of 215), with his most famous the shot of the NCAA Tournament. Mullins’ 35-footer with 0.3 seconds left beat Duke 73-72 in the Elite Eight, sending UConn to the Final Four. The Huskies (34-6) later lost 69-63 to No. 1 Michigan in the national championship game.
Earlier on Saturday, rising sophomore Nikolas Khamenia announced he was transferring from Duke. The 6-foot-8 wing joins a squad returning Mullins and point guard Silas Demary Jr., wing Jayden Ross, transfer Najai Hines (Seton Hall) and incoming freshmen Colben Landrew and Junior County.
UConn is waiting on guard Solo Ball to announce his plans and has lost forward Jaylin Stewart and center Eric Reibe to the transfer portal.
–Field Level Media
Sports
76ers vs. Celtics prediction, odds, line, time: 2026 NBA playoff picks for Sunday
The Boston Celtics look to win their second championship in three years as they open up their 2026 NBA playoff run against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of their first-round series on Sunday. Philadelphia is coming off a 109-97 play-in game win over Orlando on Wednesday, while Boston defeated the Magic 113-108 on Sunday. The Sixers (45-37), the seventh seed in the East, are 22-19 on the road this season. The Celtics (56-26), the second seed, are 30-11 on their home court. Philadelphia will be without Joel Embiid (appendectomy).
Tipoff from TD Garden in Boston is set for 1 p.m. ET. The Celtics lead the all-time series 275-200, but the teams split four meetings this season. Boston is a 12.5-point favorite in the latest 76ers vs. Celtics odds via FanDuel Sportsbook, while the over/under for total points scored is 213.5. Before making any 76ers vs. Celtics picks, check out the 76ers vs. Celtics predictions from the SportsLine Projection Model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past eight-plus seasons. The model entered the 2026 NBA playoffs on a sizzling 23-9 roll (72%) on top-rated NBA spread picks this season. Anyone following its NBA betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.
Now, the model has simulated 76ers vs. Celtics 10,000 times and just revealed its coveted NBA picks and betting predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are several NBA odds and NBA betting lines for Celtics vs. Sixers:
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76ers vs. Celtics spread: |
Celtics -12.5 at FanDuel |
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76ers vs. Celtics over/under: |
213.5 points |
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76ers vs. Celtics money line: |
Celtics -826, 76ers +560 |
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76ers vs. Celtics picks: |
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76ers vs. Celtics streaming: |
Fubo (Try for free) |
Top 76ers vs. Celtics predictions
After 10,000 simulations of 76ers vs. Celtics, SportsLine’s model is going Over on the total (213.5). Embiid’s absence should open the lane for the Celtics, a team that finished the regular season fourth in offensive rating. The Sixers, meanwhile, have enough offensive capability with Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and VJ Edgecombe all available.
The SportsLine model is projecting the 76ers to have four players scoring in double figures, led by Maxey’s 25.7 points. Jaylen Brown is projected to lead the Celtics with 28.3 points scored, but only three Boston players will score 15 or more points. The teams are projected to combine for 215 total points, making it a great selection for anybody targeting NBA parlay betting. See the 76ers vs. Celtics spread pick at SportsLine, and you can bet the Over in Celtics vs. 76ers at FanDuel here:
How to make 76ers vs. Celtics picks
After simulating each possession of 76ers vs. Celtics 10,000 times, the model also says one side of the spread hits nearly 60% of the time. You can head to SportsLine to see the model’s NBA picks.
So who wins 76ers vs. Celtics, and which side of the spread hits in nearly 60% of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread to back, all from the model that has returned well over $10,000 on top-rated NBA picks, and find out.
Sports
Lookman Scores but Atletico Madrid Lose Copa del Rey Final on Penalties
Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman was on target for Atlético Madrid, but they suffered a painful penalty shootout defeat to Real Sociedad in the final of the Copa del Rey.
Atleti started the match as slight favourites under coach Diego Simeone, but they were shocked early on. Ander Barrenetxea gave Real Sociedad the lead in the opening minute, heading home a fine cross from Gonçalo Guedes.
Lookman responded in style in the 18th minute. The Nigerian attacker calmly controlled a pass from Antoine Griezmann before firing a low shot past goalkeeper Unai Simón to level the score at 1-1.
The 26-year-old remained lively and nearly turned provider in the 31st minute, but Griezmann failed to hit the target from a good position. Lookman also came close again before the break, narrowly missing the post after another neat exchange with the Frenchman.
Despite Atleti’s efforts, Real Sociedad regained the lead just before half-time. Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the penalty spot after Guedes was fouled in the box.
Atletico Madrid pushed hard in the second half, with Lookman again going close in the 60th minute, but his effort drifted wide. Shortly after, Simeone replaced him with Nicolás González.
Atleti eventually found an equaliser in the 83rd minute through Julián Álvarez, sending the match into extra time. However, neither side could find a winner after 120 minutes.
The final was decided on penalties, where Real Sociedad held their nerve to score four spot-kicks, while Atletico Madrid managed only three.
Despite the defeat, Lookman made history with his goal. He became the first Nigerian to score in a Copa del Rey final since Finidi George achieved the feat in 1997.
However, the result means Atletico Madrid must now turn their attention to the UEFA Champions League as they continue their search for silverware this season.
Sports
‘I’ve been grinding’: Blue Jays’ Lukes delivers solid effort amid vertigo issues
PHOENIX — Nathan Lukes has quietly grinded through the first three weeks of the season in more ways than one. So, when his pinch-hit single snuck through the right side Friday night to end an 0-for-23 slide, and the Toronto Blue Jays outfielder saw his teammates in the dugout happy for him as he reached first base, “it was just what I needed,” he said.
“I looked at Bud (first base coach Mark Budzinski) and I go, ‘I kind of want to hug you,’” Lukes recalled. “And he was like, ‘We can hug.’ It was good. I feel like I’ve been due for a cheap one. Hopefully they keep coming.”
Three more did in Saturday’s 6-2 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, one leading to a first-inning run, and he added a sixth-inning outfield assist, throwing out Geraldo Perdomo trying to stretch a single. It was the type of outing by the 31-year-old the Blue Jays became accustomed to last season, and the kind of effort Lukes aims to deliver more regularly now that he has a handle on the vertigo that’s dogged him since the middle of spring training.
Lukes visited with a Phoenix-area vertigo specialist Friday morning and doubled down on some head-movement exercises that can help alleviate the symptoms, which include dizziness, unsteadiness and nausea. Since arriving in Arizona, he’s had a couple of “the better days with my vision that I’ve had in the past month,” which played a big role in him getting better results.
“I don’t know where (the vertigo) came from and how it happened, but it’s hard to hit when the world is spinning and when you feel like you could throw up at any second,” said Lukes. “I never want to take myself out of the game, whether I’m feeling good or feeling bad. So, I’ve been grinding.”
As have the Blue Jays, of course, who lost their fourth straight game when Jeff Hoffman, pitching in the eighth inning of a 2-2 game to ensure he got some work in, allowed singles to Ildemaro Vargas and Alek Thomas and a Ketel Marte walk before Corbin Carroll cleared the bases with his third home run of the season.
It was the second straight poor outing for Hoffman, who allowed two earned runs during a messy ninth in Tuesday’s 9-7, 10-inning win at Milwaukee and adds yet another concern to a roster filled with them, even if manager John Schneider insisted there are no changes in role coming.
“If there’s a situation to close out of game, I’ll take Jeff Hoffman,” said Schneider, adding later: “There may be people that don’t want to hear this, but I’ve got a lot of trust and a lot of confidence in Jeff Hoffman. And I’ve said that for as long as he’s been here. He’s going to continue to be a big part of our team. And my job is to find spots to put him in and have success. I’m very confident that he will continue to have success, so we’ll just make the best decisions going forward.”
That’s what the Blue Jays are also trying to do with Daulton Varsho, who left Friday night’s 6-3 loss after two innings with left knee discomfort and sat out Saturday, Schneider noting that “with the way we’ve been rolling,” they are simply “trying to just be extra careful.”
“I don’t think there’s any need for a roster move or anything,” Schneider added, noting that Varsho had been checked out and there wasn’t any concern about anything structural.
Max Scherzer steadied after two short outings tied to his forearm tendinitis with six innings of two-run ball — “I’m definitely better, I’m fighting through this. I felt like the ball can come out of my hand a little bit cleaner, I’ve got to recover,” he said — but the ongoing offensive issues remained, despite 12 hits.
The Blue Jays went 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position, getting only Jesus Sanchez’s RBI single in the first, bringing home Lukes to open the scoring, and a Kazuma Okamoto RBI single in the sixth that made it a 2-2 game.
Then, as so often has been the case for the Blue Jays so far, the key blow belonged to their opponent.
“We’ve got to make our own luck,” said Scherzer. “We’ve got to find a way to go out there and take it to some teams and find a way to punch through. This can happen in July, but it’s happening to us now, so we have to respond to it. … Everybody can be reflective. And that’s what it takes. It takes a total team effort to win one ball game. I know we can. Obviously, it’s going to be great when we do. Right now, we’ve just got to find that winning recipe.”
One a healthy Lukes can be a big part of, as he showed Saturday.
“Nate’s a damn good baseball player,” said Schneider. “And when he’s at his full capabilities, that’s the kind of game he can have.”
Sports
Corbin Carroll slam extends D-backs’ win streak, Jays’ skid
Apr 18, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Corbin Carroll (7) steals secondbase under the tag by Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Andrés Giménez (0) in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images Corbin Carroll broke a tie with an opposite-field grand slam in the eighth inning and the Arizona Diamondbacks extended their winning streak to four games with a 6-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in Phoenix on Saturday.
Ildemaro Vargas singled off Jeff Hoffman (1-2) to open the eighth, extending his season-opening hitting streak to a franchise-record 14 games.
Alek Thomas singled and Ketel Marte walked to bring up Carroll, who hit his fourth career grand slam on a 3-1 fastball.
The D-backs, who have won eight of 10, lead the majors with 10 comeback victories.
Geraldo Perdomo had three singles and an RBI and Thomas had two hits and an RBI for the Diamondbacks, who had eight hits.
Nathan Lukes had three hits, Kazuma Okamoto had two hits and an RBI and Ernie Clement and Eloy Jimenez had two hits apiece for the Blue Jays, who have lost four straight, six of seven and 12 of 15.
Juan Morillo (1-1) struck out Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on a 100 mph fastball with a runner on first to end the seventh and keep the game tied at 2. He allowed one hit and struck out two over 1 1/3 innings of relief.
Toronto starter Max Scherzer gave up two runs on five hits in six innings, with one strikeout and one walk. Arizona starter Zac Gallen permitted two runs and nine hits, leaving after Okamato’s single tied the game at 2 with two outs in the sixth. He struck out three with no walks.
Lukes, Guerrero and Jesus Sanchez singled in the top of the first, with Sanchez’s one-out single driving in Lukes for a 1-0 lead. Guerrero has a nine-game hitting streak.
The D-backs tied it in their half of the first when Carroll walked, stole second and scored on Perdomo’s single. Thomas grounded a two-out double inside the bag at first to drive in Jose Fernandez, who had singled, to give Arizona a 2-1 lead in the fifth.
Toronto tied it in the sixth after an apparent double play was changed after a review. Jimenez singled with one out, and Gallen appeared to get out of the inning when Andres Gimenez grounded to Fernandez to start what originally was called an inning-ending double play. Perdomo was ruled to have missed the bag on the play, leaving Jimenez at second, and he scored on Okamoto’s single to tie the game.
–Field Level Media
Sports
5 Reasons why Gunther defeated Seth Rollins at WWE WrestleMania 42
One of the matches that actually delivered on the first night at WWE WrestleMania was Gunther vs Seth Rollins. The Ring General and The Visionary delivered a banger show and impressed everyone in the crowd.
However, the match concluded when Bron Breakker returned to WWE and destroyed Seth Rollins. This attack allowed the Career Ki**er to defeat the Architect and secure the victory.
Thanks for the submission!
Following the match, the new Big Dog continues his domination and spears the former Vision leader again. Meanwhile, in this article, we will be looking at five reasons why The Ring General defeated Rollins at Showcase of Immortals Night 1.
#5. To continue Gunther’s undefeated streak
Over the past few months, Gunther continued his domination in the squared circle. In the last few months, the former Imperium Leader retired Goldberg, John Cena, and AJ Styles.
Not only this, but he also has an impressive winning streak in the squared circle in singles matches. The last time Gunther suffered a loss in a singles match was at SummerSlam 2025, where CM Punk defeated him to become the new World Heavyweight Champion.
Since then, The Ring General has defeated everyone in his match in singles bouts. So, it seems WWE wants to keep Gunther’s undefeated streak going. As a result, he defeated The Visionary at ‘Mania on Saturday.
#4. To set up a WWE rematch down the road
Gunther defeating Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 42 opens the door for a potential rematch in the near future. If The Visionary had defeated the Career Ki**er at ‘Mania, it would have concluded their rivalry as Rollins stopped his threat amid a feud with the Vision faction.
However, this doesn’t happen, and the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion put The Architect in a sleeper hold after Bron Breakker’s interruption. Now, WWE can use this angle to set the stage for a rematch between them later this year.
If the Ring General mocks Rollins for beating him at Mania 42, Seth will indeed seek revenge for this loss, setting the stage for another bout. The chances are likely if Seth manages to win the world title later this year.
#3. Paul Heyman now owes Gunther a favor
If Seth Rollins had defeated Gunther at the Grandest Stage of Them All, it might have created a hindrance for the Ring General to redeem his favor from Paul Heyman. After saving the Oracle on Monday Night RAW, the former Imperium Leader confirmed that Heyman owed him a favor.
After defeating the Visionary at Shows of the Shows, Gunther can firmly claim his favor from the Advocate anytime he wants. Many predicted it might lead to a Gunther vs. Brock Lesnar dream showdown, considering that the Hall of Famer is still working with the Beast Incarnate.
So, this appears to be another major reason behind the loss of Seth Rollins at Mania 42.
#2. To heat things between Seth Rollins & Bron Breakker
One of the primary reasons why Gunther defeated Seth Rollins at Showcase of Immortals was Bron Breakker. The WWE comeback of Bron and his attack on the Visionary gave the Ring General a major advantage to put the ex-Vision leader into a sleeper hold.
So, to heat things between Breakker and Rollins could be another potential reason why the Career Ki**er defeated Seth on Mania Saturday. Now, in the aftermath edition of Monday Night RAW, Rollins will indeed call Breakker out and punish him for his actions.
This will lead to the much-anticipated match between Seth and Bron in the Stamford-based promotion.
#1. It doesn’t hurt Seth Rollins’ momentum post-Mania
It’s crucial to note that Gunther indeed secured victory at WrestleMania 42. However, this only happened when the Visionary passed out from the sleeper hold. The Ring General failed to secure a pinfall victory over the Architect.
Even the Visionary never tapped out from Gunther’s submission. The match ended when the referee checked Rollins, and he faded out from that choke. Also, the former World Heavyweight Champion only managed to put this submission move tight on the beloved WWE star after Bron Breakker’s disruption.
Overall, this doesn’t hurt the Architect’s momentum post-WrestleMania 42, and it’s another reason WWE booked Gunther to defeat Seth at the Shows of the Shows.
Despite this loss, Rollins will still appear strong in his forthcoming feud against Bron Breakker. Meanwhile, if Seth had defeated the Ring General, it would have not only ended his undefeated streak but also impacted his momentum post-WrestleMania.
So, these are all the potential reasons why Gunther defeated Seth Rollins at WWE WrestleMania 42 on Saturday. The RAW after Mania show will be interesting to witness, particularly after Bron Breakker returns to the Sports Entertainment juggernaut.
Also, it remains to be seen what’s next for the WWE Career Ki**er after his massive victory over the Visionary.
Edited by Angana Roy
Sports
Roy Jones delivers KO verdict on Wardley vs Dubois: “You better get him out of there”
Roy Jones Jr has offered a measure of analysis on Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois, branding one of the heavyweights as a ‘modern-day George Foreman.’
The pair will headline a Queensberry Promotions card on May 9, with Wardley making the first defence of his WBO world title at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena.
He was elevated from ‘interim’ to full champion immediately after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt towards the end of last year, following Wardley’s 11th-round finish over Joseph Parker in October.
Prior to that, many doubted whether the Ipswich man could compete at world level, even after his brutal stoppages over Justis Huni and Frazer Clarke.
By defeating Parker, though, the 31-year-old has firmly cemented himself as a top-tier heavyweight, destructive enough to halt proceedings at any given moment.
The same, to a comparable extent, could be said for Dubois, who has not fought since suffering a fifth-round stoppage defeat to Usyk last July.
As a result, the Londoner was relieved of his IBF world title, which he had previously defended with a fifth-round finish over Anthony Joshua in September 2024.
But while both competitors carry dynamite power, pound-for-pound legend Jones has told Grosvenor Casinos that he heavily favours Wardley if their all-British dustup goes past round seven.
“Fabio Wardley is a very, very tough customer. I’ve learned to love watching Fabio, and I refuse to ever count him out again.
“Dubois probably is the better boxer, but he had better get Fabio out early, because if the fight gets past round seven, it becomes a Fabio fight.
“Fabio is a modern-day George Foreman. If Fabio gets to round 7 or 8, you can pretty much kiss the baby goodbye.”
By drawing the Foreman comparison, Jones is highlighting Wardley’s power and grit in the heat of battle – something he looks to prove once again next month in Manchester against the hardest puncher he has faced so far.
Sports
Carl Froch questions Conor Benn’s level after rewatching Prograis fight
Carl Froch has given another honest assessment of Conor Benn’s performance against Regis Prograis, considering his chances in a potential clash with Ryan Garcia.
‘The Destroyer’ claimed a wide points victory over Prograis earlier this month, featuring on the undercard of Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov.
But despite defeating the veteran at 150lbs, Benn has received no small amount of criticism for the manner in which he went about his business.
Given that Prograis announced his retirement soon after, and confirmed pre-fight injury rumours, many expected Benn to at least get his man out of there.
As it happened, though, the two-time world champion at no point seemed in any real danger, other than perhaps the opening round when his legs buckled from a right hand.
Yet despite hardly setting the world alight over 10 rounds, Benn is now likely to secure a world title shot against WBC champion Garcia.
The 27-year-old claimed his welterweight belt in February, scoring a unanimous decision victory over Mario Barrios after flooring his man in the opening round.
As the WBC’s No.1 contender, Benn is widely expected to enter a summer showdown with Garcia, who has already teased a possible date in August.
Froch, however, has said on his YouTube channel, Froch On Fighting, that he doubts whether the 29-year-old would make it past round three against Garcia.
“I’ll tell you what: that performance against Regis Prograis was f**king awful.
“I’m not being horrible, but this is a guy that’s now talking and shouting about Ryan Garcia.
“On that performance, Ryan Garcia absolutely splatters him within three rounds, as far as I’m concerned.
“Conor Benn was struggling to get his distance, his range [against Prograis] – he was leaping in with his chin in the air; he was walking into shots.
“He’s got no punching power. What’s happened to him? Why doesn’t he punch [hard] anymore? Why is he not ferocious?
“He needs to tidy up his fighting style, his defence. He needs to get behind the jab; he needs to become more of a boxer and a mover.”
Benn has not scored any stoppages since 2022, when his second-round finish over Chris van Heerden was followed by two positive tests for banned substance clomifine, albeit several months later.
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