The Key for the week of May 4, 2026
From first to…
In a division where everyone is above .500, it’s important for teams to beat the teams they’re SUPPOSED to beat. So after a home stand that saw the Reds win four out of six, going on the road to face a Pirates team that had just lost five in a row should be a breeze, correct? As Marty Brennaman would say, “How we lookin? Not good.” The shocking sweep at the hands of the Bucs, two of the losses by blowouts and one that featured an MLB-record seven consecutive walks, exposed a depleted bullpen so much, that catcher Jose Trevino had to come in to pitch not once, not twice, but three times in four games. Help should be on the horizon with the return of Nick Lodolo this weekend from his blister issues, but not in time, at least immediately, to send the Reds back into first place.
Because it’s always football season..
First, it’s off-season workouts. Then this weekend, the Bengals will hold their rookie minicamp this weekend. All of the draft picks and undrafted free agent signings are expected in at Paycor Stadium, as well as perhaps a handful of players coming in on a tryout basis. And, in the league’s continuing efforts to dominate the sports scene 12 months out of the year, next week could be a pivotal week for fans—because the NFL schedule usually is released the middle of the second week in May. Is there an overseas game in the Bengals future? Stay tuned.
Horse racing needed a feel-good story…
And got one this weekend as Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby. Now, DeVaux has a big decision to make—whether her horse, Golden Tempo, will run in less than two weeks at the Preakness. It’s already been announced that runner-up Renegade will not go to Maryland and instead, focus on the Belmont in June. If Golden Tempo goes to the Preakness, DeVaux could make more history, as no female trainer has ever won the Preakness (being held at Laurel Park this year because Pimlico Race Course is undergoing a $400–$500 million renovation.)
Ben’s Best Bet
This weekend, the WNBA tips off for its 30th season with 15 teams and a 44-game season. If you’re looking for a futures bet on the league, BetMGM has the New York Liberty as favorites over the defending champion Las Vegas Aces, with the Indiana Fever the third favorite. Ben says if you’re looking to take a flyer, take the Fever with a healthy Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell back from a campaign that saw the Fever fall one game short of making it to the finals, despite having five players on IR with season-ending injuries. This could be Indiana’s year for its first title since 2012.