Reggie Gilliam details early bond with Patriots QB Drake Maye

FOXBOROUGH, Mass — Before the pads have even come on, Reggie Gilliam and Drake Maye are already developing something that is crucial to every offense: chemistry.

"Drake and I have kind of hit it off the bat right away," Gilliam said. "From the very first workout on the field, we were just stretching together, just kind of getting to know each other in the last couple of days."

And they've already been putting in additional work together. milkshake.it.com

"We've been meeting after our little practice out there, and kind of going over some schemes," he added.

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The fullback signed a three-year deal with the Patriots in March and was very complimentary of the quarterback during his introductory press conference, where he even compared him to an MVP.

”He’s built just like Josh (Allen),” Gilliam said earlier this year. “Yeah, he’s a cool guy. … I’m excited. He’s a young player. When I got to Buffalo, Josh was three years in. Not fully established, but he was already, like, we knew he was going to be a guy. And Drake is obviously the guy here. I’m excited to be with a young quarterback and help him grow.”

It's only been a few weeks since many of the players returned for the voluntary offseason program, but if this connection between Gilliam and Maye is already this strong, just imagine what it will be like when September rolls around.

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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Reggie Gilliam details early bond with Patriots QB Drake Maye

Glenn Irwin says he considered withdrawing from this year's North West 200 because of the initial technical problems he was having with his new V4 Ducati at last weekend's opening round of the British Superbike Championship at Oulton Park.

Irwin was 12th in Sunday's race and failed to finish race two before improving to secure a fifth place in race three after becoming more satisfied with his machine.

The Carrickfergus rider is returning to the North West after a one-year sabbatical and will aim to improve on his record 11 Superbike wins at the event, which came in successive races between 2017 and 2024.

Asked by BBC Sport NI's Stephen Watson if he considered pulling out of the NW200, Irwin replied: "Yes, that would be correct".

"Without going too much into it I had a really good conversation with the team and with Mervyn [Whyte, NW200 Event Director] on Sunday evening explaining what was going on.

"Teething is probably the correct word. Some things arrived on the bike that didn't work from the beginning," explained Irwin.

"We were still eradicating those up to race three at Oulton Park.

"Some of those, like missing gears and things like that, it's hard enough going round a short circuit running out of road, never mind here.

"But it's all rectified, there's no point touching too much on it other than it wasn't looking so good. We ended up almost as strong as anyone at Oulton in race three."

The 36-year-old says he is now feeling confident for the week ahead on the north coast of Northern Ireland.

"We're certainly there or thereabouts and my level is high to be able to be back challenging at the front in British Superbikes and coming into this week, which for me is very important," added the Nitrous Competitions Ducati rider.

CHICAGO — A game that should have been the highlights of the young careers of starting pitcher Chase Petty and Blake Dunn turned into a game that’s the lowlight of Emilio Pagán’s season so far.

After Petty and Dunn, two recent call-ups, provided a spark and helped the Reds establish a lead heading into the bottom of the ninth inning. But then, Emilio Pagán allowed a walk-off homer to pinch-hitter Michael Conforto as the Cubs beat the Reds, 5-4, on Monday, May 4, at Wrigley Field.

“Nothing has changed as far as our mindset as a team,” Pagán said. “We know we’re really good. We played a lot of close ballgames. Quite honestly, I haven’t held up my end of the bargain. As painful as today is, I feel like I’m getting really close to being who I can be. I made two mistakes today, and they both got hit.”

First, Pagán left a splitter right down the middle to Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong in a two-strike count. Crow-Armstrong hit a towering fly ball to center field. Fighting the ivy, Myers couldn’t complete the catch.

“He’s fighting the wall and the basket,” Reds manager Terry Francona said “He took a jab step. You could see where he just kind of lost it off the side of his glove.”

Pagán’s next mistake was the fastball right down the middle to Conforto that won the Cubs the game.

“He just made a mistake,” Francona said. “Sometimes, it’s more than just what you’re doing on the mound. If the first play gets made, we’re probably shaking hands. I’m not blaming Dane. I’m just saying that’s a part of the game.”

Despite the loss, Petty’s performance gave the Reds something to be excited about.

He has faced a lot of adversity in a very young career. Last year, he debuted as the youngest starting pitcher in MLB and posted a 19.50 ERA in three appearances. He had a lot of work to do, and Monday was a sign that he’s trending in the right direction.

Petty, one of the Reds’ top starting pitching prospects, allowed three runs in 5 ⅔ innings.

“I tried to stay poised,” Petty said. “Stay within myself and do what this team needed me to do.”

On a big picture level, it was a big step forward for the 23-year-old. But on a one-game level, the two walks that Petty allowed in the fourth inning were a turning point after they were following by a three-run homer from Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki.

“The fourth inning, I wish I could get that back,” Petty said. “Free bags kill. If that doesn’t happen, we win that ballgame.”

Dunn, in the game as a pinch-runner, showcased his elite speed and scored from second base on a bang-bang play at the plate. That could have turned into a triumphant moment for the Reds against the first-place Cubs, but the result didn’t hold in the ninth.

“I know I have good stuff,” Pagán said. “I will pitch better. I will be better.”

Opener Sanju Samson hit a fine 87 not out in a chase of 156 as Chennai Super Kings beat Delhi Capitals by eight wickets to boost their Indian Premier League hopes.

Samson countered a tricky pitch by taking only 16 runs from his first 19 balls as captain Rutaraj Gaikwad and number three Urvil Patel fell for six and 17 respectively.

But the India opener pushed on as his innings developed, hitting seven fours and six sixes as victory was sealed with 15 balls to spare.

He shared a partnership of 114 not out with right-hander Kartik Sharma, who made 41 from 31 balls.

Delhi were punished for their top four all reaching double figures but all failing to pass 20.

Sameer Rizvi top-scored with 40 not out while South African Tristan Stubbs made 38.

Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad was the pick of the CSK bowlers with 2-22. England's Jamie Overton took 1-5 but only bowled one over. He left the field at one stage though returned.

CSK and Delhi remain sixth and seventh respectively in the table but the win means the five-time champions are only two points off four teams above them - Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans - on 12 points.

• IPL table