Jane Njoku, Author at Matchplug Blog

verdugo promptly kicks off yankees blowout

Verdugo advances to cleanup, promptly kicks off Yankees’ blowout

Alex Verdugo eyed a lineup card with his name in the cleanup spot on Saturday, making it the first time he was there as a plate for the Yankees. His first thoughts were to maintain “a humble approach,’’ remaining himself to see the ball well and use the whole field.

Verdugo immediately made an impact in one pitch, cracking a three-run homer in the first inning that sent New York to its biggest offence outburst. Gleyber Torres added a big three-run double as the Bombers moved to a 15-3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday at the American Family Field.

“That four spot is a great spot in the lineup to come up with guys on the bases,” said Verdugo, who flipped his bat and gestured toward his teammates as he rounded the bases following his fourth homer of the season. “Today we just got it done.”

The 15 runs marked the Yanks’ most in a match since July 6, 2022, a 16-0 victory at Pittsburgh. Their 19 hits were their most since August 25, 2022, at Oakland (20).

“As hard as it is in this league to score runs, and as good as pitching is, to have a night like that is nice,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “Hopefully there are little things that unlock and get a few guys going even more.”

Verdugo delivered his homer as he dug out an 87.6 mph slider from right-hander Joe Ross. He took advantage after a pitch struck Anthony Volpe and Juan Soto worked a walk. Torres busted the match open with a three-run double off Ross in the third inning.

“Finally, I did something for the team, especially in that situation,” Torres said. “There has been a lot of work in the cage. Finally, I saw a result tonight. … Here in the clubhouse, we’re a family. We know how hard the game is.”

Verdugo said he was happy for Torres, who entered Saturday’s match in a 5-for-32 (.156) slide.

“You have to eliminate results and go off feels or little victories that might not show up in the box score,” Verdugo said. “He’s been doing a good job of competing, fighting and working on his craft. Today was one of those days.”

Boone pleased by his decision to shake up the batting order, said Verdugo could bat fourth again on Sunday. Alex is hitting .350 (21-for-60) with three home runs and 10 RBIs in his last 18 games.

“I think he’ll be there tomorrow,” Boone said. “We’ll see.’’

Red Sox gets Cooper to fill hole at 1B

Triston Casas is out with a torn cartilage in his left rib cage, and the Red Sox have acquired first baseman Garrett Cooper in a deal with the Cubs for cash considerations on Saturday.

To make room for Cooper on the roster, Boston transferred Casas from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day IL. The earliest he can play for the Red Sox is June 21.

Copper, a right-handed hitter, was scheduled for assignment by Chicago on Tuesday. In 12 matches, he had a slash line of .270/.341/.342 with one homer and six RBIs. For his career, Cooper is a .268 hitter with 57 homers and 228 RBIs in 493 matches.

Boston expects to activate Garrett for their home series against the San Francisco Giants that begins on Tuesday.

Alex Cora was not sure how he would deploy Cooper, but it seems the right-hander will get most of the starts at first base until Triston returns.

“We’ll talk about it,” Cora said. “He’s a guy that can put together a good at-bat. He can hit lefties and righties. He’s a good defender. So we’ll sit down and go over what we’re going to do. We do believe he’s going to help us out.”

Boston has been using Bobby Dalbec at first base since Casas last played on April 20. Dalbec has struggled a lot at the plate. After going 2-for-4 with a sacrifice bunt in the Red Sox’s 17-0 rout over the Cubs on Saturday, he hits .128 with no homers and four RBIs in 47 at-bats.

It is left to be seen if Dalbec will be the odd man out when Cooper is activated. Cora commended him for his contributions to Saturday’s victory.

Cooper will significantly add to an injury-riddled Boston team while Casas is out.

While the Red Sox have not given a timetable on Triston, his move to the 60-day IL provided some insight, but no change in Cora’s thought.

“Like I’ve been saying all along, man, Trevor [Story] is not going to be here, Casas is going to be out for a while,” said Cora. “We’ve got to be ready for [Sunday]. I understand that he’s going to be missed, but my mindset is whoever is playing is going to contribute. That’s the way we see it. That’s the way we’re going to do it, and we’re going to be OK.”

Bouanga saves LAFC with late golazo: “I’m addicted to victory”

Denis Bouanga proved that he was the Black & Gold’s stoppage-time saviour for the second week in a row. He found a 92nd-minute winner against the Portland Timbers on Saturday evening.

Bouanga’s efforts was enough to give LAFC a 3-2 win at BMO stadium, despite witnessing a two-goal lead slip on the road in the second half.

“I hate to lose, I just want to win,” Bouanga said post-match via a translator. “I’m addicted to victory. I know if I can score in the [92nd] minute, I’ll do everything. I love to hear the fans chanting my name. Because, you see, I’m addicted to victory and I love it too much to stay at a tie.”

Bouanga who was the Landon Donovan MVP runner-up and Golden Boot last year in an award awarded by Audi, has six goals in his last six games. His latest masterpiece was after a 95th-minute equalizer against the New York Red Bulls, securing a 2-2 draw last weekend.

After failing to score in LAFC’s first four games this campaign. The Gabon international seems to have found his groove. However, head coach Steve Cherdunolo still expects more.

“As finishing in the box – yes. I think that his timing of runs and him being dangerous – yes, in possession. So if you are just thinking final third, I think he is improving there for sure,” Cherundolo said.

“But leading up to the final third, I think he has a lot of improvement to go. And it’s not so much that he needs to improve, a player of his age and his ability, but it’s more of just being consistent with his decision-making along the lines of our game model. I think that would go a long way for the group, more importantly, and of course for Denis himself.

“The game, from our end into the own box or the final third, should be very simple and very repetitive and very predictable for your own teammates. Unfortunately, his decision-making doesn’t make it predictable at times, and you can throw a few guys in that same boat as well.”

Bouanga is putting balls in the back of the net when it matters the most. During Matchday 11, that meants securing three points after Portland dropped to 10 men when Diego Chara receieved a red card in the 76th minute.

The next step? For LAFC and Bouanga to secure a result much earlier.

“I know that a game can last all the way to 94 minutes or more,” Bouanga said. “So to be able to do this for my team, whether with an assist or a goal, is always great. But if we can make a decision much earlier in the game that would be great as well.”

McCarthy receives phone call from Gretzky in middle of interview

J.J. McCarthy met his match in the “State of Hockey.’’

The Minnesota Vikings NFL draft pick got a phone call from Wayne Gretzky during a virtual press conference after he was drafted 10th overall by the team on Thursday.

McMarthy apologized to the press as he declined “The Great One’s’’ call.

“Oh wow, that’s Wayne Gretzky,” McCarthy said in a video posted by the Vikings. “I’m sorry about that…Hockey guy 101 and I’m going to the hockey state.”

The former Michigan quarterback explained that the Hockey Hall of Famer is friends with his off the field marketing agent. Gretzky FaceTimed McCarthy after Michigan’s National Championship win in January.

“Just being able to sit there and to be witness to the greatness that is spreading his appreciation to what I was able to do and what I was able to represent meant so much,” McCarthy told reporters.

“Growing up, he was one of my G.O.A.T.S. and on my Mount Rushmore. I give so much credit to him because he inspired me so much.”

On Friday, Gretzky congratulated McCarthy and referred to him as a “wonderful young man’’ during the NHL on TNT’s pregame show.

McCarthy grew up playing hockey in Illinois and said the sport was his first love. He gave up hockey in freshman year of high school to pursue football.

“To go to a state that lives, breathes and eats hockey and football, it’s just a perfect fit,” He said.

NHL Predictions Today: Los Angeles Kings VS Edmonton Oilers Expert Picks

The Edmonton Oilers will return to Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California for game four against the Los Angeles Kings. Watch Kings VS Oilers.

Use MatchPlug to get the NHL Predictions today for the Kings VS Oilers game. You can trust the Prediction today, picks, odds, and analysis we laid out in this preview.

Betting Preview For Los Angeles Kings VS Edmonton Oilers

Venue: Staples Center, Los Angeles.
Date: Monday, April 29th, 2024.
Time: 03:30.
Teams to play: Kings and Oilers.
NHL Picks: MONEYLINE 2.091.

Odds as provided by 1XBet and BetMGM.

Betting On The Los Angeles Kings

1XBet Spread: 0
1XBet Total: Over 5.5
1XBet Moneyline: 3.065
BetMGM Spread: +1.5
BetMGM Total: Under 6.5
BetMGM Moneyline: 2.20

The Los Angeles Kings enter this game off a massive loss on Friday against the Edmonton Oilers with a final score of 1-6. The Kings’ defence fell apart in that game as they permitted 40 shots on the net against Cam Talbot. Although this hurt their chances of recovering for today’s game, their inability to leverage powerplay opportunities was the final nail in the coffin.

Cam Talbot will be the starting goalie against the Oilers today. Talbot this offseason has a record of 1-2-0 with a goals-against average of 5.30 and a save percentage of .861. In his last outing against Edmonton, Cam recorded 34 saves on 40 shots on goal, leading to a save percentage of .850.

Betting On The Edmonton Oilers

1XBet Spread: 0
1XBet Total: Under 5.5
1XBet Moneyline: 2.091
BetMGM Spread: -1.5
BetMGM Total: Over 6.5
BetMGM Moneyline: 1.69

The Edmonton Oilers are fresh off a decisive win on Friday against the Kings with a final score of 6-1. This victory would put Edmonton in a 2-1 lead in the series. Although Stuart Skinner played well for the Oilers, the defence was more prominent in game three, where he faced just 28 shots on the net.

Stuart Skinner will start in the net for Edmonton as he has this entire series against Los Angeles. Skinner this postseason has a record of 2-1-0 with a goals-against average of 3.31 and a save percentage of. .890. In his last game against the Kings, Skinner made 27 saves against 28 shots on goal, resulting in a save percentage of .964.

MatchPlug Prediction On Los Angeles Kings VS Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers will pull out all the stops in this match to end things at home in game five. They should have no issues winning the Kings again if their defence plays like it did on Friday.

Final Prediction: Edmonton Oilers Moneyline.

NHL Predictions Today: Washington Capitals VS New York Rangers Expert Picks

The New York Rangers visit Capital One Arena and the nation’s capital today to face the Washington Capitals in the fourth game of their best-of-seven series. Watch Capitals VS Rangers.

MatchPlug has the NHL Predictions today for the Capitals VS Rangers. Use the Prediction today, picks, odds, and analysis we laid out in this preview.

Betting Preview for Washington Capitals VS New York Rangers

Venue: Capital One Arena, Washington.
Date: Monday, April 29th, 2024.
Time: 01:00.
Teams to play: Capitals and Rangers.
NHL Picks: SPREAD -1.5.

Odds as provided by 1XBet and BetMGM.

Betting On The Washington Capitals

1XBet Spread: +1.5
1XBet Total: Over 5.5
1XBet Moneyline: 3.47
BetMGM Spread: +1.5
BetMGM Total: Under 5.5
BetMGM Moneyline: 2.55

The Washington Capitals might be eliminated in Game 4 of this series and even if they win, they will still face elimination in the next three games. The Capitals are last of 16 NHL playoff teams in goals at 1.67 per game. Their power play has been successful only 13.3% of the time in the series.

Washington goaltender Charlie Lindgren is 0-3 with a 3.77 goals-against average and a .864 save percentage. Lindgren has stopped 70 of the 81 shots faced in goal. He faces an average of 27 shots per game. Washington is 14th in goals against in the postseason at 3.67.

Betting On The New York Rangers

1XBet Spread: -1.5
1XBet Total: Under 5.5
1XBet Moneyline: 1.955
BetMGM Spread: -1.5
BetMGM Total: Over 5.5
BetMGM Moneyline: 1.53

New York Rangers scored 11 goals through the first three matches of this series, for goals for an average of 3.67. This is a bit higher than their goals for an average of 3.39 during the regular season.

New York goaltender Igor Shesterkin is 3-0 with a 1.67 goals-against average and a .933 save percentage. Shesterkin has stopped 70 of the 75 shots he has faced in goal during the first three games of the series. The Rangers lead the NHL in the playoffs in goals against which is 1.67 per game.

MatchPlug Prediction For Washington Capitals VS New York Rangers

The Rangers will win and sweep this quarterfinal against the Capitals today. New York’s blue line and Igor Shesterkin have been too powerful for Washington to penetrate. The Capitals have scored just five goals through three games in the series.

Final Prediction: New York Rangers Spread.

Dortmund loanee Jadon Sancho open to Manchester United return

Borussia Dortmund loanee Jadon Sancho is open to returning to parent team Manchester United.

However, that depends on Erik ten Hag leaving Manchester this summer.

Rudy Galetti from Tribalfootball.com reports: “After his last experience on loan at BVB, Jadon Sancho could stay at Man UTD next season under a new manager.

“As told, Erik Ten Hag’s position is at risk and the winger is open to discussing his role in the squad with the possible next coach.”

Sancho’s contract with Manchester United will expire in the summer of 2026. There is also an option to extend the contract by one year.

Bayern fans petition for Tuchel to stay

Bayern Munich fans started a petition to keep head coach Thomas Tuchel.

The former Chelsea boss may seek new employment opportunities, given Bayern informed him of terminating his contract at the end of the season.

However, since he led Bayern into the Champions League semi-finals against Real Madrid.

Austria head coach Ralf Rangnick and ex-manager Hansi Flick are replacement candidates.

“FC Bayern decided to dismiss Thomas Tuchel in the summer after the defeat against VFL Bochum. What an atrocious decision!” The petition reads.

“Thomas Tuchel, also known as “Juppel,” never had it easy in Munich. Despite the negative media coverage surrounding him and the personnel situation with the injury-plagued Munich team, the Champions League winner led his team to the semi-finals of the Champions League.

“With all due respect to candidates like (Unai) Emery or Rangnick, these coaches can’t hold a candle to “Juppel”.”

Raul Garcia thanks Atletico Madrid fans for support

Athletic Bilbao striker Raul Garcia thanked Atletico Madrid fans for their support before kickoff yesterday.

Garcia has played for both teams and will retire at the end of the season.

After Atletico’s victory, he said: “I don’t like being the centre of attention, but it has given me a lot of emotion. I feel lucky to receive that affection from the teams I have played for.

“I am grateful for a recognition that I will carry with me forever. We are people and displays of affection are always beautiful.

“I try to talk little and demonstrate things with work and effort. Fortunately the three places I have been to have considered it that way,” Raul Garcia added.

Real Sociedad attacker Kubo angry after Real Madrid defeat

Real Sociedad attacker Takefusa Kubo was frustrated after their 1-0 loss to Real Madrid on Friday.

Kubo maintained that La Real was the better club in the fixture.

He said: “It’s a shame. Anyone who saw the match knows that we deserved to win. Unfortunately, the time change and everything that happened didn’t help us.

“They scored a goal, we had two or three chances. They were lucky. In 90 minutes they arrived in the area once or twice. We were superior but what matters is the result.”

On the race for Europe, Kubo added: “We have home games that we can win. This time we lost, these games are costing us in the standings.”

Jane Njoku