SEATTLE -- For 22 straight innings earlier this month, Chicago Cubs pitcher Cole Hamels was doing exactly what he wanted with a baseball: throwing it over the plate. The results showed in the form of three consecutive starts without his issuing a walk, leading to three wins for his team.

No pitcher in the history of the game wants to walk opposing hitters, but Hamels has taken a desire to avoid walks to a new level, one that is tailored to today's era. It goes like this: Walks are bad, really bad. Home runs are OK. More specifically: Solo home runs are OK.

"Even the best starters are going to give up homers," Hamels said in a dugout interview earlier this week. "If you're telling me I'll give up about 40 solo home runs, I still have room to work with to be successful. Obviously, you don't want to give them up with the game on the line."

A pitcher being OK with 40 home runs? Aces of the past might beg to differ, but even a Sandy Koufax or Bob Gibson would likely find the launch-angle era perplexing. Hamels has decided to turn into the skid, so to speak. He'd rather pump the zone with strikes, give up a few long balls and keep his team in the game without a big, multirun home run forcing him out of it. With balls leaving the yard at record rates, Hamels is trying to use the launch-angle phase to his advantage.

"I think the hitters have realized they're only going to stay around and get contracts based on home runs," he said. "You're not getting paid if you're a .300 hitter. You're not getting acknowledged on ESPN or MLB Network if you're going 3-for-4 with three singles. They don't care. It's not the fantasy talking points. They've come up with a new understanding, so you have to counter it.

"I was always a blow-them-away, down-in-the-zone-type pitcher. Now, you can try to go up there and keep walking the ladder up. I'm starting to use that to my advantage, seeing how far I can take a hitter up in the zone."

Hamels has recent experience to lean on when it comes to the dangers of walks. In his first start of the season in March, he was squeezed by the plate umpire, eventually issuing two free passes to load the bases. The next batter hit a grand slam. Those were the last walks Hamels issued until his most recent start, in which he walked six Dodgers.

"That was the thing about my last game," Hamels said. "It was 0-0, so I couldn't give up any runs, so I was a little more cautious. I ended up walking a few more guys."

That kind of game has been the exception for Hamels. His walk percentage as he takes the mound Tuesday in Seattle is his lowest since 2013 -- about the time the launch-angle phase took hold. Hamels took some beatings in the American League before he adjusted.

"You go to the AL, and you realize what damage control is," he said with a smirk. "The nature of a 1-9 lineup and what AL baseball is about. Then you start pitching around guys because of that, and it starts to get you out of whack of what pitching is all about. Coming back to the NL got me back into that mindset of what I was conditioned and how I evolved in the big leagues."

Evolving has been key for Hamels, as he's no longer in search of perfection. He thinks it's nearly impossible, as today's No. 8 hitters can launch unlike at any time in the past. Instead, he's finally taking some advice -- even if it is about 10 years old.

"A lot of information I got from older guys is coming back to me, and I'm starting to go, 'Yeah, you're right,'" Hamels said. "When you have Jamie Moyer and Roy Halladay and Cliff [Lee] and Roy Oswalt, you hear them talk, but you're young and dumb and full of all sorts of internal numbers that you want to accomplish, and that takes away from the actual goal as a team."

Hamels likely no longer has the stuff to put up those elite numbers, and the era he plays in doesn't allow for it. It's almost as if he's in damage-control mode before he even takes the mound. All of this will be put to the test on Tuesday, as the Mariners have hit the most home runs in baseball while drawing the most walks in the AL. Damage control will again need to be the name of the game for Hamels

"I look at it that way now," Hamels said. "As opposed to 'I have to go and strike out nine or 10' -- you know, getting to those numbers that you get acknowledged for -- I would rather just come away with the win."

Improve your performance with a running camp in southern Portugal

Autumn can be the ideal time to assess your running regime and set new goals – and what better way to do it than in the warmth and sunshine of the Algarve, with good company and under the guidance of professional coaches?

Following a successful first edition in 2018 which proved to be a sell-out, The Campus Run Academy is returning this year, with two four-day options to choose from.

Taking place on October 17-20 or 24-27 this year and led by 2018 British marathon champion Lily Partridge and ultra marathon runner Susie Chan, The Campus Run Academy is a running camp which caters for all abilities and is designed to help take your training to the next level in what is a unique and stunningly beautiful environment.

For four days and three nights, participants can experience coaching expertise, exclusive workshops and the remarkable coastline luxuries on offer at Quinta do Lago’s renowned resort in southern Portugal.

There will be access to advice on training, performance, recovery and nutrition, not to mention access to the host athletes and guided runs along miles of beautiful, soft and hard-packed trails next to the Atlantic ocean.

The luxury hotel stay also provides full access to the Quinta do Lago resort and its array of facilities, including the state of the art multi-sports complex, The Campus.

Places filled up quickly last year so if you’re inspired by the London Marathon to set your own targets, to improve your performance or simply to give yourself an opportunity to run and train in a glorious setting, then now’s the time to act!

To book your place visit www.fortesportsmanagement.com

“It is better to be humble and succeed for a long time,” says the world record-holder, whose winning celebrations were confined to the finish line

As he crossed the finish line, arms aloft and with a big smile spread across his face, it was clear how much a fourth Virgin Money London Marathon victory meant to Eliud Kipchoge.

He was the huge favourite going into the race, but never takes anything for granted.

The Kenyan’s time of 2:02:37 improved his own London course record. It was the second quickest ever mark on a record-eligible course, after his own world record of 2:01:39 from Berlin. He won by 18 seconds, leading Ethiopia’s Mosinet Geremew and Mule Wasihun both inside 2:03:30, to take his marathon winning streak to an impressive 10 races.

Such a performance must demand some lavish celebrations? Of course, the answer is no. As has come to be expected from this marathon master, his post-race ritual proved just as humble as his low-key lifestyle.

“I am a man who doesn’t like celebrations,” said the 34-year-old.

“I think celebrations ended yesterday at the finish line.

“I have a great team with my sponsors, management and coaches. I will get together and have tea and dinner with them.

“It’s good to go back on a low profile and just chill, stay with the family, plan for the next season and stay focused.”

How will @EliudKipchoge celebrate after his fourth @LondonMarathon win? “I think celebrations ended yesterday at the finish line. It’s good to go back on a low profile and just chill, stay with the family, plan for the next season and stay focused.” #LondonMarathon pic.twitter.com/VAMupmVRjO

— Athletics Weekly (@AthleticsWeekly) April 29, 2019

He added: “The more you are humble, the more you become successful. The more you have a lot of pride, the more you can fall. It is better to be humble and succeed for a long time.”

Given all he has achieved, just how does he maintain that motivation?

“I love the sport,” he said. “That’s what drives me and that’s what acts as my ignition key.”

After all his success, how does @EliudKipchoge remain motivated? “I love the sport. That’s what drives me and that’s what acts as my ignition key.” #LondonMarathon pic.twitter.com/nB3IyMWalW

— Athletics Weekly (@AthleticsWeekly) April 29, 2019

Kipchoge has previously spoken of his intention to defend his Olympic marathon title in Tokyo next year and although reluctant to voice specific plans for further into the future, he has confirmed that he would like to complete the World Marathon Majors series.

“I trust that before I see the sport out, I will run all six major marathons,” said the three-time Berlin champion.

With 2014 Chicago victory added to his London wins and Berlin titles, Kipchoge would need to run New York, Boston and Tokyo to complete the six-race series.

As for other global goals he must be targeting a world marathon title, perhaps in Doha later this year, to go with his Olympic gold from Rio?

“But I am world champion on the track!” the 2003 5000m winner replied with a smile.

Saracens have signed prop Josh Ibuanokpe from Harlequins on an undisclosed-length contract.

The 23-year-old tighthead has spent five years with Quins, signing his first professional deal last summer.

He made his Premiership and European debuts this season but will leave The Stoop this summer.

"Saracens have a history of developing young players and I'm excited to see how far my game can develop with them," he said.

"I know a few of the players at the club and they've spoken about the tight-knit nature of the squad."

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall said: "We are excited to have signed a player of Josh's potential and look forward to working with him at Saracens."

The signing of the former England age-group forward comes after Saracens announced that Cornish Pirates scrum-half Alex Day and Worcester hooker Jack Singleton will be joining the reigning Premiership champions at the end of the season.

Bristol's in-form hooker Harry Thacker would be in contention for All Blacks selection if he were a New Zealander, according to his boss Pat Lam.

Englishman Thacker has been instrumental in Bristol securing their Premiership status, scoring the winning try at Leicester last weekend.

Lam feels his style of rugby would suit the world's best team.

He said: "I have no doubt Harry would be in the interest of Steve Hansen and New Zealand rugby, the way he plays."

Lam told the Rugby Union Weekly podcast he is in constant contact with England head coach Eddie Jones and forwards coach Steve Borthwick over the prospect of his players stepping up to international level.

"I have had conversations with Eddie and Borths - there has been a really good relationship there," he said.

"Piers O'Connor is another young guy who has been outstanding this season and is absolutely coachable.

"Then there are Andy Uren and Harry Randall, the two young nines, who have been superb. And the more [fly-half] Callum Sheedy plays as well, the more all those guys will come through."

Lam says he hopes to emulate the example of Saracens, where a number of academy graduates have forged long careers at the club, earning international recognition along the way.

"What I am excited by - and you look at teams such as Saracens - is trying to grow guys," Lam added.

"I want them here six, seven, eight, nine years and celebrating their 200th game for the club.

"That is when we are going to be really humming, when we have a core group of guys all coming through."

Meanwhile, Bristol have confirmed that 11 players will exit the club at the end of the season.

Among them is veteran Australia back row George Smith, who will reach the end of his one-year deal at Ashton Gate in the summer.

Leicester centre Manu Tuilagi will miss the last two games of the Premiership season with a hamstring injury.

The England player, 27, was forced off towards the end of Leicester's win at bottom side Newcastle on 12 April.

Tuilagi spent time on the sidelines last year with knee and groin injuries.

"It's probably a three or four-week injury, so he'll be out until the season's done for us," Tigers head coach Geordan Murphy told BBC Radio Leicester.

In March, Tuilagi rejected a lucrative offer from French club Racing 92 to sign a new two-year deal at Welford Road.

The Tigers are away to Harlequins in their next game on Friday (19:45 BST).

LEXINGTON, N.C. – As Autism Awareness Month comes to a close, Kaulig Racing will support the cause at Dover Int’l Speedway for the Allied Steel Buildings 200.

Justin Haley, who recorded his fifth-straight top-10 finish at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, will sport a colorful puzzle pattern onboard the No. 11 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Chevy.

The puzzle pieces represent the complexity of the autism spectrum and the diversity of those living with autism.

Autism, a developmental disorder which affects communication and social behaviors, affects 1 in 59 children in the United States, according to Autism Speaks.

“We are so excited to be able to pay tribute to those with autism this weekend at Dover,” said Kaulig Racing President, Chris Rice. “Little do people know, autism affects many people within our industry. We want to honor those families and showcase the heroes that battle this illness every single day.”

Haley finished seventh in Saturday’s MoneyLion 300, the third time in the last four races that he’s come home in that position.

Seventh marks Haley’s season-best Xfinity Series finish so far. He heads to Dover 10th in points, the first time this season that he’s been ranked inside the top 10 in the standings.

In addition, Haley celebrated his 20th birthday on April 28 by making his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series debut at Talladega in the No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Spire Motorsports.

Haley charged through the field to finish 11th in stage one and was among the lead pack, despite being a lap down, when he was involved in a multi-car incident on the backstretch inside of 10 laps to go that ended his afternoon.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Lapeer Int’l Dragway underwent a complete ground-up renovation last year, and now the improvements keep coming.

Among those, the track has entered into a sanctioning agreement with the International Hot Rod Ass’n and will participate in the IHRA Summit SuperSeries program, the largest and most prestigious program in bracket racing.

Located in rural Northeastern Michigan, just 15 minutes outside the city of Lapeer, the quarter-mile track is also relatively close to the major metropolitan areas of Flint and Detroit.

Track owner Bill Jennings, who bought the track prior to the 2018 season, spent over $2.5 million in renovations to the over half-century old track.

It included tearing up the old racing surface and replacing it with concrete through the eighth-mile and asphalt for the other eighth-mile.

With a diamond-polished racing surface, Lapeer is called the “Fastest Pass in Michigan.”

It’s for good reason, as Lapeer Int’l Dragway director of operations Matt Vakula explained many racers have achieved personal bests.

“We had everything measured and set up to spec under IHRA supervision,” said Vakula. “We constantly have people go down the track and when they pull in, they set a fastest pass, a best 60-foot. They find a lot of firsts out there.”

Other upgrades included a repaved return road, new pavement in the pits and concrete retaining walls all the way down the track.

New fencing, lighting, and electrical, including an upgraded Accutime timing system, have been installed, with some construction projects still ongoing.

“The amount of work that’s been done to update the facility in the timeframe in which it’s been done is astonishing,” IHRA Division Director Jon O’Neal said. “Bill Jennings has a ‘take no prisoners’ attitude toward getting things done at the facility and it shows. The deep roots at Lapeer combined with the new look on safety should lead to great things to come.

Beyond the drag strip, work is scheduled for camping areas and future plans include a BMX bicycle track for the kids once it’s approved by the township.

Jennings is a racer himself and set goals of making it the most racer-friendly track around.

“We want to turn it into a community area, especially where the campground is for the racers,” Vakula said. “There are intentions to put in a BMX track for the kids on the race weekends where they can bring their bikes out.

“You look at our community and it’s a family-type atmosphere. From the old track, we have our core group. We also have people who have said they’re going to make Lapeer their home track. It’s a very family-friendly environment where people come to have fun.”

Vakula has a special connection to the dragway and it’s a part of his family’s heritage.

Mike Vakula and his brother Ed built the track, which opened in 1968, and operated it for 49 years before Jennings acquired the track in April 2018.

“Personally, I’ve spent 30 years at the track,” Matt Vakula said. “Historically, it was a grassroots track and it was originally sanctioned by AHRA. Then, it turned into an outlaw track in the late 70s. Over the course of time, it was known throughout the area as a top grassroots track, a place popular for people getting their feet wet in drag racing.”