Arizona
Arizona Diamondbacks-Washington Nationals game updates: Burnes struggling, Herrera’s rare home run
Torey Lovullo talks “next man up mentality” with Ketel Marte injury
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks “next man up mentality” with Ketel Marte’s injury and the call-up of Tim Tawa.
The Arizona Diamondbacks and Washington Nationals are tied at 2 in the bottom of the second inning at Nationals Park, as starting pitcher Corbin Burnes labored through the bottom of the first, throwing 28 pitches, including 14 balls.
Burnes allowed two runs on three hits, and it could have been worse. If not for catcher José Herrera’s tag of Nathaniel Lowe at the plate for the final out of the inning, Burnes would have still needed to get a third out, and there would have been two on base.
Corbin Carroll, who couldn’t come up with a line drive to right field that went for a double for Lowe, provided the outfield assist. Herrera tied the game in the top of the second with his first home run of the season, equaling the number of home runs he hit last season.
Burnes walked two batters and struck out two in the first.
After the first inning, fans cheered as a replay of Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin’s record-setting 895th career NHL goal that he scored Sunday was replayed on the video board.
Clutch Grichuk in D.C.
Arizona Diamondbacks designated hitter Randal Grichuk entered Sunday, April 6, batting .313 in seven games played, and four of his five hits were doubles. He also delivered in the clutch on the two previous days. Grichuk’s two-out, two-run, tie-breaking double in the seventh inning gave the Diamondbacks the win on April 4.
On April 5, Grichuk singled with two outs to drive in Tim Tawa in the sixth inning for the Diamondbacks’ first run of the day.
“He’s got a real good idea of what he’s trying to do per at-bat,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said of Grichuk. “He doesn’t just hit lefties. We’re equipped to handle it differently. I know that he wants to play every day, but with Pavin (Smith) and he splitting the (DH) job, I think they both complement each other. Not surprised by that at all, he’s just a good hitter, smart hitter and an experienced hitter.”
Smith got the start on April 6, but the two have been used interchangeably as pinch hitters for each other later in games as matchups against pitchers dictate.
Arizona Diamondbacks-Washington Nationals Sunday pitching matchup
Diamondbacks at Nationals, 10:35 a.m., Cox, Ch. 34
Diamondbacks RHP Corbin Burnes (0-0, 4.15) vs. Nationals RHP Trevor Williams (0-0, 5.40)
At Nationals Park: Burnes looks for a better outing than his season and Diamondbacks debut, in which he allowed four earned runs in 4 ⅓ innings despite eight strikeouts on April 1. This is to be his third career start against the Nationals, and first since May of 2024. “He’s a perfectionist. He’s striving for the smallest spot on the plate to throw a pitch as perfectly as he can,” Lovullo said. “He knows how to get balls to certain places at certain times and it’s a lot of fun to watch.” Williams is 12-11 over the past two seasons with the Nationals. He played his college ball at Arizona State, pitched five innings in his first start of the 2025 season and allowed four runs on 10 hits. He is 2-4 with a 4.24 ERA against the Diamondbacks in his career, having made nine appearances (eight starts) against them.
Coming up
Monday, April 7: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen (1-1, 3.38) vs. Orioles RHP Zach Eflin (1-1, 3.75).
Tuesday, April 8: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Merrill Kelly (1-1, 10.00) vs. Orioles RHP Charlie Morton (0-2, 9.72).
Wednesday, April 9: At Chase Field, 12:40 p.m. Diamondbacks RHP Brandon Pfaadt (1-1, 5.25) vs. Orioles RHP Dean Kremer (1-1, 6.52).
Arizona
Former Cardinals kicker Jay Feely switches congressional districts in Arizona race
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Former Arizona Cardinals kicker Jay Feely has switched his congressional campaign from the East Valley to Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, joining a crowded Republican primary in Scottsdale.
The move comes after President Donald Trump endorsed former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb in the Fifth Congressional District last month, sending Feely a message to run in a different district.
“After nearly a quarter century in professional football, I know that no player is more important than the well-being of the team,” Feely said in a statement released Friday. “In this moment, the best way I can serve our GOP team is to defend this crucial Republican seat.”
Feely joins businessman John Trobough, state lawmaker Joseph Chaplik and current Arizona Republican Party leader Gina Swoboda in the GOP primary. Swoboda has already secured Trump’s endorsement.
Political experts believe Feely’s move, following Trump’s advice, could lead to another situation where Trump endorses two candidates in the same race.
The First Congressional District seat opened when Congressman David Schweikert announced his run for governor. Republicans view the district as a must-win seat.
The winner of the Republican primary will face the winner of the Democratic primary in the general election. The district is one of two swing districts in Arizona that could determine which party controls the House.
Trump has previously endorsed multiple candidates in Arizona Republican primaries, including Rep. Andy Biggs and businesswoman Karrin Taylor Robson in the governor’s race.
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Arizona
Three Arizona Standouts Against Bellarmine
The blowout victory not only highlighted Arizona’s depth but also provided several standout individual performances that showed important signs of growth headed towards conference play. Here’s a closer look at the top three Wildcats from the game and how they powered the win.
1. Tanyuel Welch — Team Leader With a Big Night (18 Points)
Guard Tanyuel Welch led all scorers for Arizona with 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting a highly efficient performance that helped set the tone early and keep the Wildcats well ahead of Bellarmine throughout. Welch also knocked down 4-of-4 free throws, showing composure at the line, and contributed six rebounds and three assists while playing 24 minutes.
Impressively, she did all of this with just one turnover and one foul, illustrating her control and decision-making in a high-tempo game. Welch’s scoring came at all levels; attacking the rim, knocking down mid-range looks, and finishing in transition and her all-around playmaking and rebounding added yet another layer to a complete offensive night.
2. Noelani Cornfield — Playmaker and Versatile Contributor
Senior point guard Noelani Cornfield had another impactful outing in the win over Bellarmine. Cornfield recorded 15 points, dished out eight assists, grabbed two rebounds, and added five steals in just 25 minutes of action. Her stat line shows how she orchestrated the Wildcats’ offense while also creating havoc defensively.
Cornfield’s ability to distribute the ball was on full display as Arizona finished with 24 assists on 44 made field goals, a testament to their ball movement and unselfish play. Her high assist total helped keep the offense flowing and ensured that multiple Wildcats got open, high-percentage shots throughout the afternoon. Her defensive energy also led to easy transition opportunities, further fueling Arizona’s balanced scoring output.
3. Achol Magot — Efficient Frontcourt Scorer Off the Bench
Center Achol Magot delivered a career-high 10 points off the bench in just 14 minutes, going 4-of-6 from the field and 2-of-3 from the free-throw line. Her efficient scoring and physical presence inside helped complement Arizona’s guard play and gave the Wildcats consistent production inside the paint. Magot also contributed five rebounds and one assist while battling through foul trouble, showing a strong impact in limited minutes.
Her ability to score efficiently around the basket and contribute on the glass was an important part of Arizona’s depth, showing through. In a game where Arizona had six double-digit scorers, Magot’s contribution sealed her place as one of the night’s top performers.
Arizona
Arizona governor’s poll shows Katie Hobbs’ chances of beating Andy Biggs
Arizona Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs leads Republican U.S. Congressman Andy Biggs by double digits in the state’s gubernatorial race, shows a new poll conducted by NextGen Polling, which identifies as “right of center.”
Newsweek reached out to Biggs’ campaign via email on Thursday for comment.
Why It Matters
As a pivotal battleground state, Arizona’s political trends can potentially foreshadow national outcomes, with shifting demographics and voter priorities influencing both parties’ strategies.
The results could possibly play a critical role in the broader national landscape ahead of the 2026 midterms.
What To Know
In the poll, Hobbs captures 51 percent of the potential vote compared to Biggs’ 32 percent, with 7 percent of respondents choosing “other” and 9 percent undecided.
The survey was taken from December 15 to December 17 among 2,725 likely voters, with a 1.9 percent margin of error, according to NextGen’s press release.
The poll also shows that Biggs has 64 percent of the Republican vote while Hobbs carries 90 percent of Democrats’ support. Sixty-two percent of independents back Hobbs while 19 percent favor Biggs.
Against Republican candidate Karrin Taylor Robson, Hobbs has 51 percent of the potential vote compared to Robson’s 30 percent.
What People Are Saying
Gregg Pekau, managing partner at NextGenP, in the poll: “This is a very telling, and honestly shocking, survey that far exceeds anything we’ve seen regarding the 2026 general election for Governor. This should be a wakeup call to Republicans that we must unify and connect with voters beyond our party to win the Governor race in 2026. The good news is that there remains significant time to engage independent voters and rebuild support within the party’s base.”
Biggs, on X earlier this month: “Under Katie Hobbs, our state has seen:
-Job growth plummet
-Energy and gas prices skyrocket
-A blatant disregard for public safety and keeping our border secure
If we want to grow and keep people here, Arizona needs a Governor with a vision, not vetoes.”
Hobbs, on X in October: “Arizona: I’m running for re-election. Your stories of hard work, hope, and determination inspire me to keep moving our state forward. I’m ready to serve you for 4 more years and always put your family first. Let’s get to work.”
What Happens Next
As both parties intensify their field efforts and campaign spending, Arizona is expected to remain at the center of national attention in the 2026 midterm cycle.
Early survey leads may shift as campaigns develop and voters gain more information. Both major parties are expected to closely monitor voter attitudes as Arizona’s political landscape continues to evolve in the run-up to the elections.

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