Benches clear after testy Giants vs. Reds MLB game. See what happened.

A belated call for time, a pair of hit-by-pitches and a game-ending strikeout stretched across two days to produce atepid postgame incidentbetween theSan Francisco GiantsandCincinnati Reds.

Giants closer Erik Miller struck outReds rookie Sal Stewartto finish the team's3-0victory Thursday, April 16 at Great American Ball Park. The 6-5 lefty exulted and walked toward his own dugout. Stewart, though, apparently took issue with Miller's verbosity, turned and headed toward Miller.

Giants catcher Patrick Bailey interceded and Miller used the international symbol for "go back to your dugout" as the benches ambled out and bullpens jogged in out of curiosity.

"I just said a sentence that most hitters don't like to hear, so I can understand why he was upset," Miller said, per theBay Area News Group. "It was just more like I was really fired up. It wasn't anything personal."

The kerfuffle's roots sprang from a night earlier, when Giants reliever JT Brubaker got perturbed by a late timeout call from Reds slugger Spencer Steer as Brubaker prepared to deliver a pitch in the bottom of the seventh.

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Brubaker responded, in a sense, by waiting until the final second on the pitch clock to deliver his next pitch. That prompted Steer, captured by video cameras, to shout, "Throw the (expletive) ball." The Reds went on to win8-3.

GIANTS MANAGER ON FIGHT:It brings needed 'competitive edge'

A day later, Giants starter Landen Roupp, who took a no-hitter into the sixth, drilled Steer in the ribs in Steer's first at-bat of the game in the second inning. It was the only four-seam fastball Roupp threw all day. He later told reporters the pitch slipped.

In the eighth, Reds reliever Connor Phillips responded by drilling the Giants' Willy Adames in the leg with a pitch. Adames looked out at the pitcher; benches stirred, but weren't shaken. Phillips was ejected, to the mild objections of Reds manager Terry Francona.

And then, the game-ending drama, which resulted in Miller confined to the visiting dugout for postgame handshakes. Sadly, the relievers had to retreat to their bullpens, as they did not secure their belongings before jogging in for the postgame extracurriculars.

Across Major League Baseball, Jackie Robinson Day is observed as players take the field wearing the same number in recognition of his legacy.

These images show moments from around the league as teams mark the occasion during regular‑season play.

Above, Simeon Woods Richardson #24 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch against the Boston Red Sox in the second inning at Target Field on April 15, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Scenes from Jackie Robinson Day across the MLB

Across Major League Baseball,Jackie Robinson Dayis observed as players take the field wearing the same number in recognition of his legacy.These images show moments from around the league as teams mark the occasion during regular‑season play.Above, Simeon Woods Richardson #24 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch against the Boston Red Sox in the second inning at Target Field on April 15, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Giants-Reds MLB brawl: Watch benches clear in Cincinnati

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April 17, 2026

Benches clear after testy Giants vs. Reds MLB game. See what happened.

A belated call for time, a pair of hit-by-pitches and a game-ending strikeout stretched across two days to produce atepid postgame inci...

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2026 NFL Draft sleepers: Which players could be this year's hidden gems?

Inan NFL draft classthat appears short on top-tier talent, unearthing gems in the middle-to-late rounds might yet again provide the greatest return on investment.

Ahead of the first round beginning next week in Pittsburgh, several NFL general managers have backed an emerging consensus: The 2026 crop doesn't measure up to recent years in terms of blue-chip players or first-round prospects. But that doesn't mean there aren't difference-makers waiting to be discovered. With many decision-makers lauding this class's depth at edge rusher, linebacker, and wide receiver, there are plenty of opportunities to bring potential starters aboard on Days 2 and 3 of the draft.

With that in mind, here are the top sleepers in the2026 NFL Draft:

2. New York Jets – David Bailey, OLB/DE, Texas Tech

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 3. Arizona Cardinals – Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 4. Tennessee Titans – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 5. New York Giants – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 6. Cleveland Browns – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 7. Washington Commanders – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 8. New Orleans Saints – Makai Lemon, WR, USC

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 9. Kansas City Chiefs – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 10. Cincinnati Bengals – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 11. Miami Dolphins – Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 12. Dallas Cowboys – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 14. Baltimore Ravens – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 17. Detroit Lions – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 18. Minnesota Vikings – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 19. Carolina Panthers – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 22. Los Angeles Chargers – Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 26. Buffalo Bills – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 29. Kansas City Chiefs (from Rams) – Malachi Lawrence, DE, UCF

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 32. Seattle Seahawks – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

NFL mock draft: Big-name prospect drops in latest first-round projection

RB Eli Heidenreich, Navy

In a class replete with backs built for short-yardage work, Heidenreich stands out as a potential all-purpose asset. As Navy's all-time leading receiver, the 6-0, 198-pounder is accustomed to threatening defenses from a variety of different spots.

Teams looking for more traditional ball carriers need not apply, as Heidenreich likely can only offer so much between the tackles or turning the corner. But any offense with a sufficiently creative coordinator could task him with a sizable workload in the underneath passing game, where he can create mismatches and find open space. He should at least latch on as a special teams demon while he tries to find his spot within an attack.

WR Cyrus Allen, Cincinnati

Former Cincinnati teammate Jeff Caldwell, who turned heads during the pre-draft process by running a 4.31-second 40-yard dash at 6-5 and 216 pounds, outshines Allen when it comes to measurables. Yet it was Allen who was the far more productive and reliable of the two last season, and the 5-11, 183-pound pass catcher might also end up with a more prolific pro career.

Able to stretch defenses vertically from the slot, Allen has someChristian Kirkto his game. He's still learning to become more precise as a route runner, but he's adept at varying his tempo and has a variety of ways to free himself from coverage. Allen might not fit a traditional slot role comfortably, as he's not at his best hauling in passes in traffic or picking up yards after the catch. Still, he has a much clearer road to making significant contributions than the typical Day 3 project at receiver.

WR Malik Benson, Oregon

Any team looking to find a potential offensive game-breaker on a discount might turn its focus in the middle rounds to Benson. A former track star and junior college standout, the speedy receiver finally flourished for the Ducks last season, averaging 16.7 yards per catch after uninspiring stops at Florida State and Alabama.

Having recorded a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine, the 6-0, 189-pound target isn't far behind Mississippi State's Brenen Thompson for the title of the premier deep threat in this class. Benson's polish is lagging where it should be, and he's not a reliable option at the first two levels. But a steady diet of crossers and vertical routes, along with a role as a returner, could yield a smattering of splash plays.

DT Kaleb Proctor, Southeastern Louisiana

An uninspiring crop of interior linemen might make this year the first since 2021 in which no defensive tackles are taken in the first round. Rather than participate in a Day 2 run at the position, a team in search of disruption up front might be well served to wait and roll the dice on Proctor.

At 6-2 and 291 pounds, he'll only appeal to teams that prioritize pocket penetrators over beefy bodies who can command the line of scrimmage. Yet Proctor's initial burst allows him to create instant advantages against offensive linemen, and he's slippery enough to keep blockers from overpowering him. And while other defensive tackles often see their impact capped at throwing plays off course, Proctor actually finishes them in the backfield. The early results might be uneven as he acclimates to facing stouter and more athletic guards and centers, but he offers distinct value in the right scheme.

OLB Jaishawn Barham, Michigan

The Maryland transfer didn't switch to the edge until his final season at Michigan, but he exhibited a rare aptitude for creating chaos once there. Barham routinely goes full bore from start to finish on plays, looking equally comfortable barreling through blockers as snaking around them to close in on his target. That style yields plenty of flashy plays, but it also leads to a good number of missed tackles and penalties.

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If he can better adhere to his responsibilities while still tapping into his violent streak, he should fluster offenses as either an edge rusher in a 3-4 scheme or an off-ball linebacker in a 4-3.

OLB/DE George Gumbs Jr, Florida

Having spent the bulk of his career at wide receiver and tight end, the Northern Illinois transfer is understandably underdeveloped as a pass rusher. Gumbs sure looks the part of an imposing threat off the edge, however, boasting a rapid first step, long strides and impressive flexibility to make his way to the quarterback. But when he doesn't beat a blocker on those elements alone, he lacks the moves or hand usage to avoid being neutralized.

Still, the 6-4, 245-pounder presents the athletic profile defensive coordinators covet in a developmental pass rusher, and his tenacity and forcefulness in stopping the run should allow him to see the field beyond mere spot work.

LB Jimmy Rolder, Michigan

In his lone year as a starter, Rolder did enough to vault himself from NFL afterthought to a legitimate mid-round prospect. After exhibiting plenty of patience in waiting for his turn to make his mark for the Wolverines' defense, the 6-3, 238-pounder played with urgency in every outing, consistently cleaning up whatever was in front of him. And though he's still finding his way in coverage, he has room for growth in the area of his game. If he continues to hone his already impressive instincts, there's little reason he can't eventually become a starter.

CB Tacario Davis, Washington

Standing a legitimate 6-4 with 4.41-second speed in the 40-yard dash, Davis isn't at risk of ever being overlooked. The Arizona transfer uses his long arms to make life difficult for receivers at the line of scrimmage and at the catch point, leaving them little comfort.

Even for those who do escape his jams, Davis can make up ground downfield and deny deep throws to his area. But when he's forced to try to stick with shiftier receivers, it quickly becomes evident why there are so few successful corners with a comparable build. In a zone-heavy scheme, though, Davis could see many of his vulnerabilities minimized while being allowed to weaponize his frame and playmaking skills.

CB Devin Moore, Florida

Persistent injuries robbed Moore of any semblance of consistency throughout his collegiate career. Still, a hard sell isn't required for a 6-3, 198-pound corner with a knack for finding the ball downfield. With his size and comfort turning and running, he can shut down taller receivers who try to come down with deep heaves. Moore's anticipation isn't where it should be, but more experience could allow him to become a reliable presence in zone coverage.

S Bud Clark, TCU

This might be testing the boundaries of the sleeper label, with Clark having established himself as one of college football's premier ballhawks with 15 interceptions. Nevertheless, he seems potentially undervalued for all he can offer in coverage.

With his wiry 6-1 frame, Clark looks like a cornerback and often plays like one, too. That allows him to handle a variety of assignments with relative ease. At times, though, his confidence can border on hubris, with crafty receivers taking advantage of his overaggressive tendencies. But there's little question that Clark's instincts will prove fruitful, especially for any defenses that place a premium on generating takeaways.

S VJ Payne, Kansas State

At 6-3 and 206 pounds, Payne sizes up as a highly desirable coverage countermeasure to tight ends who might otherwise tax a defense with their size and speed. Operating in that capacity alone should allow him to stick around for a while. Payne isn't the downhill thumper that his size suggests he would be, but he doesn't need to be. He can still hold his own against the run while deterring throws down the seam and over the middle.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:2026 NFL Draft sleepers: Who could be this year's hidden gems?

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April 17, 2026

2026 NFL Draft sleepers: Which players could be this year's hidden gems?

Inan NFL draft classthat appears short on top-tier talent, unearthing gems in the middle-to-late rounds might yet again provide the gre...

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Death toll from Turkey's second school shooting in a week rises to 10

ISTANBUL (AP) — The death toll from Turkey's second school shooting in two days rose to 10 Thursday after another victim died while being treated in hospital, authorities said.

Turkey School Shooting

Six of the wounded were in critical condition before the death early Thursday following the shooting the previous day, officials said.

Isa Aras Mersinli, 14, opened fire on two classrooms at a middle school in the southern city of Kahramanmaras on Wednesday, killing a teacher and eight students and wounding 13 others.

The gunman, who was also killed, arrived at the school with five firearms and seven magazines belonging to his father, a retired police superintendent, who was arrested after the attack.

Wednesday's attack came just a day after16 people were woundedwhen a former student opened fire at a high school in nearby Sanliurfa province. The victims were mostly students. The assailant later killed himself. As of Thursday, 20 people had been detained in connection with Tuesday's shooting in Sanliurfa.

The interior and education ministries held a joint school security meeting in the capital, Ankara, on Thursday, that was attended by both ministers and all 81 of Turkey’s provincial governors, as well as police chiefs and provincial education directors.

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Turkey’s national police headquarters revealed the suspect’s profile picture on the messaging platform WhatsApp was a photo ofElliot Rodger, a college student who killed six people in California in 2014.

The Ministry of Family and Social Services announced Thursday it had set up a team to “provide psychosocial support” to students and their families. It also plans to conduct a comprehensive investigation of similar incidents.

Funerals were held Thursday afternoon for each of the eight students, all age 11, who were killed Wednesday. Math teacher Ayla Kara, 55, who died during the attack, also was buried Thursday.

Cevdet Yesil, whose son Adnan Gokturk Yesil was among the victims, said he rushed to the school Wednesday after being informed of the shooting.

“And unfortunately we searched for our child, our son, until 5 p.m. One way or another, our security forces found him," Yesil said. "We went to the hospital and identified (his remains). We saw he had died.”

Hundreds of educators gathered in Ankara and the city of Izmir to demand greater school security. Until this week, school shootings were rare in Turkey. But dozens of students were arrested Thursday over social media posts implying they might stage similar attacks. Justice Minister Akin Gurlek announced that 67 social media users were detained over posts targeting 54 different schools.

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April 17, 2026

Death toll from Turkey's second school shooting in a week rises to 10

ISTANBUL (AP) — The death toll from Turkey's second school shooting in two days rose to 10 Thursday after another victim died while...

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Ducks beat Predators 5-4 to clinch the Pacific’s third seed

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Troy Terry scored on a power play with 2:54 left, and theAnaheim Ducksbeat the Nashville Predators 5-4 on Thursday night helping them clinch the third seed in the Pacific Division for the postseason.

The Ducks came into the regular-season finale third in the Pacific with five different scenarios still possible to lock down thefinal playoff matchupsThis win, combined with Edmonton beating visiting Vancouver, means Anaheim starts the first round Monday at Edmonton.

Anaheim also took the season series against Nashville 2-1, though the Ducks go into the postseason 2-6-2 over their final 10.

Cutter Gauthier, Jackson LaCombe, Alex Killorn and Tristan Luneau scored for Anaheim. Mikael Granlund had three assists.

Steven Stamkos scored twice and had an assist forNashville,giving him 42 goals this season. Filip Forsberg scored two goals, giving him 40, and the Predators a pair of 40-goal scorers. Luke Evangelista and Ryan Ufko added two assists apiece.

BLUES 5, MAMMOTH 3

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Logan Mailloux scored the go-ahead goal with 2:57 left to play and Robert Thomas had a hat trick as St. Louis beat Utah in the regular-season finale for both teams.

Mailloux scored unassisted on a backhand shot from 20 feet out to make it 4-3 in a back-and-forth game. Thomas’ third goal, an empty-netter with 38 seconds left, capped the scoring.

Pavel Buchnevich had the other goal for St. Louis and Joel Hofer made 20 saves.

Michael Carcone, Lawson Crouse, and Kailer Yamamoto scored for the Mammoth. Karel Vejmelka and Vitek Vanecek combined for 24 stops.

Clayton Keller assisted on two Utah goals to become the third NHL player this season with at least one assist in 10 straight games.

SHARKS 6, JETS 1

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) — Macklin Celebrini had a goal and two assists to break Joe Thornton’s San Jose record for points in a season with 115, helping the Sharks rout Winnipeg in the finale for both teams.

The 19-year-old Celebrini had 45 goals and 70 assists in 82 games in his second NHL season. Thornton had 114 points in 2006-07, also playing 82 games. Last season, Celebrini had 63 points in 70 games, with 25 goals and 38 assists.

San Jose missed the playoff for the seventh consecutive season, finishing 39-35-8.

The Jets were 35-35-12 to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2021-22. They are the fifth NHL team to win the Presidents’ Trophy for the best regular-season record and not qualify for the playoffs the following season.

William Eklund also had a goal and two assists for San Jose. Will Smith had a goal and an assist, Collin Graf, Igor Chernyshov and Michael Misa also scored, and John Klingberg added three assists. Alex Nedeljkovic stopped 25 shots.

OILERS 6, CANUCKS 1

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Connor McDavid had four assists to take the NHL scoring title with 138 points and Edmonton beat Vancouver to finish second in the Pacific Division and open the playoffs at home.

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Edmonton will host Anaheim on Monday night in Game 1. The Oilers were 7-2-2 in their last 11 to finish 41-30-12, while Vancouver was last in the NHL at 25-49-8.

McDavid won his sixth Art Ross title as the NHL scoring leader to tie Mario Lemieux and Gordie Howe for second — four behind Wayne Gretzky. McDavid reached 1,220 career points, passing Jeremy Roenick, Larry Murphy and Jean Beliveau to advance to 47th on the NHL list. McDavid entered the season 71st.

Rookie Matthew Savoie had his first hat trick, Josh Samanski, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Colton Dach also scored and Evan Bouchard had three assists. Connor Ingram made 11 saves, allowing only Ty Mueller’s first career goal.

Edmonton was buoyed by the return of forward Zach Hyman and is expecting star forward Leon Draisaitl back during the opening series.

FLAMES 3, KINGS 1

CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — Arsenii Sergeev made 27 saves in his first NHL start, Zayne Parekh broke a third-period tie and Calgary beat playoff-bound Los Angeles to end the season.

The Kings learned during the game that they’d be the second wild-card in the Western Conference and face NHL regular-season champion Colorado in the first round — with Game 1 on Sunday in Denver.

Los Angeles finished 35-27-20. Earlier Thursday, Edmonton took second place in the Pacific Division with a 6-1 home victory over Vancouver, and Anaheim won 5-4 at Nashville to finish third.

Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee also scored for Calgary. The Flames finished 34-39-9.

Kings star Anze Kopitar appeared in his final regular-season game, finishing with the seventh-most career points by a born and trained European player with 1,316. The leader of the category is Jaromir Jagr with 1,921.

Quinton Byfield scored for Los Angeles, and Anton Forsberg made 18 saves.

AVALANCHE 2, KRAKEN 0

DENVER (AP) — Nick Blankenburg scored a second-period goal, Scott Wedgewood made 22 saves for his fourth shutout of the season andColorado Avalanchebeat Seattle to break the franchise’s single-season points record.

The Avalanche won the Presidents’ Trophy with 121 points, eclipsing the total of 119 points set by the 2021-22 squad that went on to win the Stanley Cup.

Colorado hosts the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday to begin the playoffs. The last time the teams played in the postseason was the 2002 conference quarterfinals when the Avalanche won in seven games.

The Kraken missed the playoffs with a final record of 34-37-11.

Blankenburg broke a scoreless game with a late second-period goal. He had a goal in the opening period overturned after Seattle challenged for offside.

Parker Kelly scored in the third period, while Valeri Nichushkin added a pair of assists. Wedgewood won his 31st game of the season. Colorado rested several key players in the season finale, includingNathan MacKinnon, Martin Necas and captain Gabriel Landeskog.

MacKinnon finished with a career-high 53 goals to win the Rocket Richard Trophy as the league’s goal-scoring leader.

byAdministrator

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April 17, 2026

Ducks beat Predators 5-4 to clinch the Pacific’s third seed

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Troy Terry scored on a power play with 2:54 left, and theAnaheim Ducksbeat the Nashville Predators 5-4 on Thurs...

Read More