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NHL PLAYOFFS Favre: No thanks reportedly has decided to stay retired rather than take a shot with the Vikings. Ten reasons Favre should stay on the farm. Page 31 Vikings reportedly never FRIDAY MARK AVERY / AP got face-to-face meeting. Page 30 MAY 8, 2009 Johan Franzen, left, had two goals SEE A DIFFERENT GAME BILL KOSTROUN / AP and an assist as the Red Wings beat VOLUME 1 ISSUE 290 Anaheim and tied the Western Conference semifinal series 2-2. Page 22 Washington at Scoreboard 7 tonight, Versus The fallout of Manny’s Capitals lead series 2-1 NBA Playoffs Pittsburgh’s Game 3 overtime Eastern Conference semifinals 50-game sitting streak win over Washington shifted the Cleveland 105, Atlanta 85 You’re out! series momentum to the Penguins. (Cleveland leads series 2-0) BY STAN MCNEAL | [email protected] They’re playing better hockey than JEFF CHIU / AP the Capitals and will enjoy home- More Manny ice advantage again tonight. NHL Playoffs Hours after the improved to a major-league Western Conference semifinals Will Leitch: Fans don’t know But for those who are excited best 21-8 and broke a 98-year-old major league record for best home what to think anymore, Page 5 about how Pittsburgh played 2, Vancouver 1, OT start, their world was rocked. , their best player, Stan McNeal: Dodgers are still Wednesday, Washington coach (Series tied 2-2) was suspended 50 games for testing positive for a performance- the team to beat, Page 6 Bruce Boudreau offers a subtle Detroit 6, Anaheim 3 enhancing drug. Dodgers react: Ramirez thinks reminder that his Capitals are still (Series tied 2-2) Repercussions will be felt by Ramirez, his team and the sport. he let team down, Torre says, Page 10 up 2-1 in the series. “They outplayed us (Wednesday) for sure, but I’d much rather be where I am right now than where Big mistake Today. “I think the problem has been pervasive for a Ramirez said in a statement that he took a doctor- long, long time.” they are,” Boudreau said. Kansas City 3, Seattle 1 — Craig Custance prescribed drug that “unfortunately” was on the Baseball can take solace in one way from Ramirez’s Oakland 9, Texas 4 banned list. The New York Daily News reported suspension: No one can accuse the game of not punish- NBA PLAYOFFS Tampa Bay 8, N.Y. Yankees 6 Ramirez tested positive for a drug known for return- ing its superstars. Baltimore 5, Minnesota 4 ing testosterone to normal levels after steroid use. “MLB is doing its part to get rid of the cheaters,” L.A. Lakers at Houston Boston 13, Cleveland 3 said only that Ramirez was Padres closer Heath Bell told SN Today. “If you come up 9:30 tonight, ESPN 6, Detroit 0 suspended for a violation of its drug policy. positive, they’re going to bang you whether or not you’re Series tied 1-1 L.A. Angels 6, Toronto 1 After waiving his right to appeal, Ramirez will be a $25 million player.” Say what you will about Lakers eligible to return July 3. PG , he’s not usually Dodgers will miss him accused of being dumb. But, as former NBA coach Jeff Van Gundy Atlanta 4, 2 Baseball’s black eye The Dodgers say they “will welcome back” Ramirez A day after one superstar was disciplined, when he is eligible to return. Until then, the club can rely told SN Today, “What Derek Fisher St. Louis 5, Pittsburgh 2 did in Game 2 was very, very dumb.” another blemished superstar, , is on a still-potent offense that leads the N.L. in runs, a San Francisco 8, Colorado 3 Indeed, Fisher was suspended for expected to return the Yankees’ lineup. And the pitching staff anchored by emerging ace Chad Billings- tonight’s Lakers-Rockets Game 3 in 4, Arizona 3, 10 innings list of tarnished reputations that already ley, a solid and a defense that allowed only one Cincinnati 6, Milwaukee 5 Houston after chucking Rockets PF Luis includes and unearned run in the team’s first 29 games. Scola in Game 2. After a series of near N.Y. Mets 7, Philadelphia 5 continues to grow. The Dodgers also will benefit from playing in the weak fisticuffs and brouhahas broke out in 8, Houston 5 “I’m not surprised,” former commis- N.L. West—a division they probably would have been Game 2, this is one to keep an eye on. Washington 11, L.A. Dodgers 9 sioner told favored to win even if they hadn’t re-signed Ramirez. — Sean Deveney SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com See a Different Game FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 2

AUTO RACING 1 p.m. TGC—PGA Tour, OFF THE FIELD If you deliver 8 a.m. SPEED—Formula THE PLAYERS Tune In Today Championship, One, practice for A quick look at the best sports on TV Spanish Grand second round, Dolphin Stadium officially named Land Shark at Ponte Vedra it daily, they — all times Eastern Prix, at Barcelona, Spain Beach, Fla. The Dolphins and minority investor 11:30 a.m. Jimmy Buffett will announce today the SPEED— 2 p.m. renaming of Dolphin Stadium as Land NBA NASCAR, Sprint ESPN2—LPGA, will come. Cup, practice for Michelob Shark Stadium, after the beer brewed by Southern 500, at ULTRA Open, Anheuser-Busch under a license with Lakers at Rockets second round, at 9:30 p.m., ESPN Darlington, S.C. the entertainer’s Margaritaville market- 1:30 p.m. Williamsburg, Va. Physicality has been a big part of the first ing arm, SportsBusiness Journal’s Terry SPEED— two games of this series, and now the Lakers NASCAR, Sprint MAJOR Lefton reported. will have to play without one of their starters Cup, “Happy LEAGUE The next and are because of it. PG Derek Fisher is suspended Hour Series,” scheduled to be played in the facility, but from tonight’s game after trying to run through BASEBALL final practice for a Luis Scola pick in Game 3. With Fisher’s pen- 8 p.m. the NFL will not allow the Land Shark Southern 500, at chant for hitting big shots, that is a big blow for WGN— Chicago name to be used during its jewel events. Darlington, S.C. Los Angeles and it puts additional pressure on Cubs at 3 p.m. The facility will revert to being called . The only pressure on Houston is Milwaukee SPEED— Dolphin Stadium next January, so, in to hold the home-court edge it stole with its NASCAR, essence, Land Shark Stadium will be an Game 1 win. NBA Nationwide BASKETBALL eight-month naming-rights deal, though Series, pole sources noted there are other consider- AMY SANCETTA /AP qualifying for 7 p.m. NHL Diamond Hill ESPN—Playoffs, ations in the deal, including Buffet per- Gold-medal gymnast Shawn Johnson got an award Plywood 200, at conference formances at the stadium and a possible from People magazine for her good looks. Capitals at Penguins Darlington, S.C. semifinals, Game Margaritaville Lounge in the venue. 7 p.m., Versus 5 p.m. 3, Boston at , one of four remaining Orlando Shawn Johnson Pittsburgh fans finally had an Evgeni Malkin SPEED— Go to game, catch a movie celebrities on Dancing with the Stars, is FREE! sighting in Game 3, so it’s not surprising to see NASCAR, Sprint the Penguins win that contest and hold serve Cup, pole 9:30 p.m. The Brewers will turn a parking lot at the only athlete featured among People Sign up in this hotly contested best-of-7 matchup. The qualifying for ESPN—Playoffs, Miller Park into a drive-in movie theater magazine’s 100 Most Beautiful People Today! Penguins need to keep peppering Capitals Southern 500, at conference this summer, erecting a full-size screen, this year, SportsBusiness Daily reported. rookie Simeon Varlamov, who has seen 32 more Darlington, S.C. semifinals, Game transmitting the movie’s audio to car 3, L.A. Lakers at shots than has his counterpart, Marc-Andre 7:30 p.m. radios and offering concessions from IndyCar driver has Fleury. And despite some morbid comments ESPN2— Houston from one fan, Alex Ovechkin will be part of a NASCAR, Klement’s Sausage Haus, the Business more than 2,000 followers on Twitter Capitals team trying to go up 3-1. Nationwide NHL HOCKEY Journal of Milwaukee’s Mark Kass but has yet to post an update. Wrote the The country’s fi rst and only Series, Diamond 7 p.m. reported. On June 5, Anchorman will Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Dave Kall- Hill Plywood 200, VERSUS— lead off followed by Jaws. On June 6, The mann: “Not sure what they’re daily digital sports newspaper. BASEBALL at Darlington, S.C. Playoffs, Eastern Sandlot kicks off with Major League fol- following.” Conference lowing. The movies for Aug. 7-8 have BOXING semifinals, Game Cubs at Brewers not been announced. Former Arizona State and Nebraska Delivered via email every morning, 7 days a 8 p.m., WGN 10 p.m. 4, Washington at Pittsburgh Sam Keller has filed a class- The Brewers started slowly, but they’ve gone ESPN2— week, Sporting News Today is your one-stop 12-4 in their past 16 games, getting better than Middleweights, Quick hits action lawsuit in Federal Court in Oak- Brian Vera (16-2-0) 9:30 p.m. Pepsi’s Amp Energy has launched land against Electronic Arts and the expected starting pitching to complement VERSUS— destination for breaking sports stories plus their potent lineup. During this run, Milwaukee vs. Craig McEwan Tradin’ Paint, its new Dale Earnhardt Jr.- NCAA, alleging that athletes’ likenesses (14-0-0), at Fort Playoffs, Eastern has taken advantage of some lesser teams, so a Conference themed energy drink, SportsBusiness are “used in video games without their news about every team, every game and series against the Cubs is a much better indica- Worth, Texas (same-day tape) semifinals, Game Daily reported. The drink will be avail- permission and in violation of NCAA tor of their talent. Dave Bush, who has had four 4, Boston at every score from coast-to-coast. quality outings in his first five starts, faces call- GOLF able nationwide through the end of the rules,” Bloomberg News reported. An Carolina (joined summer in 16-ounce cans that feature NCAA official said it is confident that no up Randy Wells, who is taking the turn of injured 9:30 a.m. in progress) ace . TGC—European the same paint scheme as Earnhardt’s such use has occurred and that it will PGA Tour, Italian No. 88 Sprint Cup Chevy. ultimately be dismissed from the lawsuit. Experience America’s hottest new product. Open, second — Compiled by Roger Kuznia — SportsBusiness Daily, sportsbusinessdaily.com round, at Turin, Sign up at sportingnewstoday.com. It’s free. Italy U.S. gold medal-winning gymnast — Compiled by Ken Bradley, with wire reports SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com My Profile FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 3

THE WORLD’S FIRST DIGITAL DAILY SPORTS NEWSPAPER

CHAIRMAN & CEO ...... Ray Shaw Channing Crowder PRESIDENT ...... Whitney Shaw PUBLISHER ...... Ed Baker Dolphins EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ...... Jeff D’Alessio MANAGING EDITOR ...... Paul Kasko CREATIVE DIRECTOR ...... Keith Wood (What you won’t find on Facebook … even if you are approved as a friend) VP, GENERAL , ONLINE . . . . . Jeff Gerttula VP, INTEGRATED MARKETING & SALES .Stuart Marvin Born: Dec. 2, 1983, in State College, Pa. DIRECTOR, DIGITAL MEDIA...... Geoff Shaw Alma mater: Florida VP, MARKETING & SALES DEVELOPMENT . .Eric Karp What’s on TV: Family Guy, House, Iron Chef America, Chappelle’s Show What’s in my iPod: Lil Wayne, Trick Daddy, Young Jeezy, Alicia Keys EDITORIAL OFFICES What I drive: 2007 Dodge Ram 120 West Morehead Street, Suite 200 Favorite flicks: The Program, Borat, Life, Any Given Sunday, all the Saw movies, Charlotte, NC 28202 The Princess Bride 704-973-1550 What I’m reading: LT: Over The Edge, by Lawrence Taylor; The Bible 1-800-443-1886 Bookmarks: None. Don’t own a computer. Superstitions: Don’t split poles; listen to the same play list before every Letters to the editor: game; mess with Ronnie Brown before game starts [email protected] Worst habits: Cussing people out; drinking out of milk carton General feedback: On my office walls: Pictures of my dog named LT—after Lawrence Taylor— [email protected] and pictures of my two nieces and two nephews. Love to trade places for a day with … Hugh Hefner. Obvious. National Digital Sales Managers First job: Cashier at a Cub Foods, a grocery store in Atlanta. I was 16 years Joey Glowacki, 704-973-1856 old. I made $6.15 an hour. Got fired for eating cookies on the job. [email protected] Favorite meal: Snow crab legs Gary Strauss, 212-500-0672 Talent I’d most like to have: Play the piano [email protected] Favorite athletes to watch in other sports: Chris Paul and Tiger Woods Favorite city to visit: Miami ON NEWSSTANDS NOW Favorite team as a kid: Favorite value in others: Honesty Dream date: Alicia Keys My greatest love: My family My hero: My mother My bucket list: 1. Win a Super Bowl, 2. Go to Pro Bowl, 3. Have 6-plus kids, 4. Get married, 5. Watch my kids get college degrees My motto: Clothes optional! — Jeff D’Alessio

Rajon Rondo will play Game 3 against the ELIOT J. SCHECHTER FOR SN Magic tonight, but folks are still talking about his first-round duel with the Bulls’ Derrick Rose. SN Magazine reveals why Rondo-Rose talk will continue. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Next Gen

RECRUITING DISH TE prospect Rodgers gives word to Wash. State D7H:HH:9(in a good way) Shadle Park (Spokane, Wash.) TE Jake Rodgers has committed to Washington State, Rivals.com reported. The 6-6, 245-pounder also reported interest from Stanford, Washington, Oregon and Oregon State, among others. Rodgers is the school’s third commit- ment of the year. “Washington, Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford, Wyoming and Idaho were interested in Jake,” Shadle Park coach Mark Hester told Rivals.com. “But nobody committed to recruiting him like Washington State did ... He has been down to Washington State to visit several times. There are a number of reasons why Jake liked them. It is close to home, it is an up-and-coming program; they are recruiting him to play , which is what he wants to play in college.”

Michigan QB commitment Devin Gardner—a Sport- ing News Top 100 player—told SN Today that he gained most valuable player honors at a Cincinnati combine last weekend. The 6-4, 200-pound Gardner, from Inkster (Detroit), was electronically timed at 4.57 sec- onds in the 40-yard dash. Nearly 200 athletes attended the combine. Gardner also added that he TED S. WARREN / AP enjoyed the Michigan spring game, and estimates that Washington State coach Paul Wulff has landed a top prep TE. he signed between 200 and 300 autographs, which was a new experience for the rising senior. happy, but I think they understood. I told them they are still very high on my list.” LSU commitment Brandon Worle told SN Today that he has received a scholarship offer from in-state Geor- IN HOOPS: Bellaire (Houston) SG Sheldon McClellan Playing flick football with your food again? gia, but added, “I’m still strong at LSU.” Worle is a 6-1, became the second Texas commitment of the 2011 240-pound fullback out of LaGrange, Ga. … Also, class, giving the Longhorns his word this week, You’re a “die-hard” fan. And only Sporting News Magazine can give you the access, SN100 RB Giovanni Bernard, out of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Rivals.com reported. The 6-5 McClellan also had analysis and intelligence to satisfy your sports appetite. Packed with great storytelling has received a scholarship offer from Alabama, he told scholarship offers from Texas A&M, Baylor and Penn SN Today. He is uncommitted, and has more than 20 State. and impactful photography from a host of insiders you can’t read anywhere else, offers. “There were a lot of schools on me, but Texas showed Sporting News delivers insights from prominent sports columnists, best-selling me the most interest and I was ready to commit,” Summitt (Mansfield, Texas) TE Eric Waters has McClellan told Rivals.com. “They have a lot of great authors, scouts, big name executives and the real experts, the athletes themselves. decided to check out other schools and is no longer a players and Coach (Rick) Barnes is a great coach. They solid commitment to Missouri, Scout.com reported. have a chance to win it next year with Avery Bradley and The 6-4, 215-pound tight end also has scholarship Jordan Hamilton coming in. So by the time I get there, the offers from Baylor and Kansas. team will be set, and I will fit in where they need me, SUBSCRIBE TODAY AND 88%! “They are still on top of my list, but I want to explore and I’ll be ready to win, too.” ONE YEAR JUST $14.97 other options,” Waters told Scout.com. “They weren’t — Brian McLaughlin    sWWWSPORTINGNEWSCOM SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 5 MANNY RAMIREZ SUSPENDED Ramirez sits out, but we keep playing our games My shock about learning that Manny now? Is the game still supposedly ruined? Ramirez had been suspended lasted about No one knows what to think anymore. 30 seconds. I don’t mean that in the way The only rational response is to stop most people say it wasn’t “shocking,” as thinking. part of an overarching point about how You (Mind you: There’s the delicious possibil- Can’t Trust Anything In Baseball Any- ity that the defense some close to Manny more. I mean that I was shocked, and then I are using—that Manny took a drug for sex- wasn’t: The shock was so ual enhancement that, unbeknownst to quick, so fleeting, so dis- him, was banned by Major League Baseball posable. The story had —is actually true. A future Hall of Famer, a progressed to its next lovable goofball, a true baseball original … phase in less than a everything he’d ever worked for being minute. felled because he wanted to perform in the This is how things work bedroom. Could there possibly be a more now. I spent this last Mon- apt turn for Manny Ramirez’s saga to Will Leitch day with Selena Roberts, take?) BASEBALL author of the new biogra- Seriously, it’s time to let it go. I’m tired of phy/HORRIBLE SCAN- it, we’re all tired of it. We’ll never really DAL OF A BOOK! about Alex Rodriguez, know what happened during the “Steroid following her around her media tour for a Era,” who was using, who wasn’t. Some of story for New York magazine. you—most of you will be media members— Three months ago, Roberts had broken will be driven mad by this fact. Most of you the story that Alex Rodriguez had tested will not. Most of you will recognize that positive for an anabolic steroid in 2003, baseball is a sport. It’s entertainment. It’s and every media organization ran with the something that can move us, touch our story and absolutely buried A-Rod, partic- hearts, inspire us, connect generations. But ularly after his shambling, bewildered con- it’s still just a bunch of guys wearing funny fessions/press conferences afterwards. But outfits swinging a stick and running that was two months ago. around a square. Monday, I watched as Roberts and her We find joy in this for myriad reasons. It book were eviscerated, mostly for using the is meaningful. But it is not everything. And same anonymous sourcing everyone it is not a morality play. When we keep try- thought worked just fine two months ago. ing to make it into one, we get the whiplash (One particularly loathsome radio host we have now, the We Hate A-Rod/We demanded an answer for “trying to ruin Defend A-Rod, the We Love Manny!/ A-Rod’s life for your own benefit.”) KATHY WILLENS / AP Manny Betrayed Us! nonsense that never, Our target no longer was A-Rod; it was As Alex Rodriguez, right, returns from hip surgery and his own admission of banned substance use, Manny Ramirez heads off for a 50-game suspension for using a PED. ever seems to end. Roberts. What had changed in that time? This game is really, really fun. And it’s How did we switch so fast? We got tired of This is going to happen to Manny and “pure,” all the things that will never let have to radically yank the wheel again. It’s the same game it’s always been. The only A-Rod, we got tired of steroids, we got tired Ramirez, too. He’ll be disgraced but only baseball get out of its own way. Bonds! It’s Palmeiro! It’s A-Rod! It’s Manny! people who can take that away from us: us. of it all. We just wanted it to go away. We for a while. Sure, there will be discussions But eventually, we’ll move on to the next It’s impossible to follow it. — Will Leitch is the author of three books, including God Save the inadvertently set up an A-Rod Redemption for years on what his numbers mean, outrage. So much has happened so quickly So does Manny’s testing positive mean Fan. He is the founding editor of Deadspin, a contributing editor at Arc. Roberts’ book was inconvenient. It whether he belongs in the Hall of Fame, all that we keep veering all over the place, we overreacted to Bonds? Or were we too New York magazine and a regular columnist for Sporting News was in the way. the things that make baseball so special unable to settle on a direction before we kind to him? Do we have to hate Manny Magazine. Get more of his opinions at leitch.tumblr.com. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 6 MANNY RAMIREZ SUSPENDED Don’t expect panic move from Manny-less Dodgers “This is significant.” division that the Dodgers won last season for Class AAA Albuquerque. That was the assessment of a Dodgers at only six games over .500. Although the Dodgers’ pitching has had scout who was in the press box at Busch Even more noteworthy is their competi- trouble keeping up with their offense, the Stadium when he heard about what the Los tion in the N.L. West. It’s not exactly the staff—outside of the back of the rotation— Angeles Times first reported Thursday best. In fact, even without Manny, the has held its own. Chad Billingsley, 5-0 with morning: Dodgers outfielder Manny Dodgers still have the best offense in the a 2.21 ERA, is pitching like a legitimate No. Ramirez had been suspended for 50 games majors’ weakest-hitting division. Second 1, and Jonathan Broxton looks like a top- for testing positive for baseman Orlando Hudson might not keep flight closer. The bullpen, a question com- performance-enhancing his average around .340 without Manny ing in, ranked second in the N.L. with a drugs and would be out hitting behind him. Outfielder Andre Eth- 3.09 ERA before Thursday’s game. The until July 3. ier probably won’t average nearly an RBI pitching has been helped by a defense that Well, yes, significant it per game without Manny hitting in front of has allowed only one unearned run in the is. That might be an him. But the Dodgers still have a lineup first 29 games. understatement along the with no real weak links. The Dodger who will be under the most lines of saying Manny With Manny, the Dodgers were leading pressure is manager . He is the Stan McNeal needs a haircut or that a the N.L. in runs, hits, walks, on-base per- one responsible for making sure the team BASEBALL few baseball players centage and not having to bat in the ninth doesn’t come apart in Manny’s absence. might have used steroids. inning. Without Manny, they still went into With Torre at the helm, there should be But losing their best hitter and the face of Thursday’s game with three players with few worries. No manager is better at keep- the franchise might not be as catastrophic 20 or more runs scored. The rest of the ing pressure off of his players than Torre. to the Dodgers’ playoff hopes as you would division had one: Padres No manager is better at keeping his team think. If any division leader can weather 50 Adrian Gonzalez. on even keel. No manager has more expe- games without its best hitter, the Dodgers Manny’s replacement, , won’t rience dealing with such distractions. might be that team. six homers all season—Manny’s total to After the Dodgers’ homestand ends Sun- Based on their statement of support date—but he has been yearning to play day, they will embark on a tough part of Thursday, the Dodgers have no intention of every day. Now that he has a chance, Pierre their schedule. They will travel to Philadel- trying to get out of the $45 million contract will do everything he can to make the most phia and Florida before playing host to the they gave Manny. He cheated, he got caught. of it. In Pierre’s rare starts to date, he has Mets and Angels. All those games come Now hurry back. “We will welcome Manny hit ninth to give the Dodgers the Tony La before June. back upon his return,” the club said in Russa look of two leadoff hitters. For what That still leaves 34 games before Manny’s statement. Never mind that the Dodgers’ it’s worth, Pierre also will be an upgrade in scheduled return for a series at San Diego reputation could be tarnished for promot- the field. on July 3. By then, there’s a good chance the ing a proven cheater. Xavier Paul, 24, was called up to take Dodgers’ lead might not be the biggest in Their season is off to such a great start. Manny’s roster spot. Paul is a 6-0, 195- baseball. They went into Thursday night’s game pound, lefthanded-hitting outfielder, and But they still will have Manny for the against the Nationals with a major-league the Dodgers’ scout called him a Shane Vic- season’s final three months. Last year, they best 21-8 record and a record 13-0 start at torino-type. Paul is considered one of the did OK with him for only the final two home. Even if it is only early May, being 13 club’s better outfield prospects with plus months. CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP games over .500 is a nice cushion in a power potential, and he was hitting .344 [email protected] Juan Pierre, above, can’t make up for the power production of Manny Ramirez, but he’ll outplay him in left field. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 7 MANNY RAMIREZ SUSPENDED It’s like deja vu all over again for Yankees A-Rod to play in Baltimore today NEW YORK—Alex Rodriguez will member of the BY BILL EICHENBERGER make his season debut for the New from 2001-03. [email protected] MLB drug suspensions York Yankees tonight in Baltimore, On Thursday, he shook hands Players that have been suspended for violations of the Major League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program since it was joining a team that desperately and thanked support staff at the NEW YORK—The Yankees were established in 2005: needs some timely hitting. Yankees’ minor league complex digesting the news of Dodgers out- 2009 The Yankees announced that in Tampa following the intrasquad fielder Manny Ramirez’s 50-game May 7—Manny Ramirez, OF, L.A. Dodgers, 50 games, A-Rod would rejoin the team on game. banned substance. suspension for a failed drug test March 23—x-Kelvin Pichardo, P, San Francisco, 50 games, Thursday, a few hours after the All- A-Rod credited Dr. Marc Philip- when manager made an performance. Star played in his pon, who operated on the hip, and Jan. 6—x-Sergio Mitre, P, N.Y. Yankees, 50 games, perfor- announcement of his own. Girardi mance. final rehab game in Florida. Dr. Mark Lindsay, a soft-tissue confirmed that Yankees third base- Jan. 6—J.C. Romero, P, Philadelphia, 50 games, performance. He went 0-for-2 with two walks expert who has worked with him man Alex Rodriguez, who admitted 2008 and put in three innings of defense, daily in Florida, for the success of earlier this year that he used ste- Nov. 11—x-Henry Owens, P, Florida, 50 games, perfor- then took some extra ground balls his rehab program. mance. roids from 2001-03, would return May 28—x-Humberto Cota, C, Colorado, 50 games, perfor- and batting practice. “They have worked (hard) with to the team tonight in Baltimore. mance. “We’re all very encouraged that me,” Rodriguez said. “Philippon April 30—x-Eliezer Alfonzo, C, San Francisco, 50 games, Even for the Yankees, for whom performance. he’s doing well and we’re all anxious did a good job with the surgery. I controversy and sudden twists and 2007 to get him back,” said manager Joe feel blessed.” Dec. 6—z-Jay Gibbons, OF, Baltimore, 15 days, perfor- turns are the norm, this was a jar- mance. Girardi, who learned of the decision His return comes at an oppor- ring sequence of events. The elation Dec. 6—z-Jose Guillen, OF, Kansas City, 15 days, perfor- shortly before the Yankees wrapped tune time for the Yankees, who mance. over Rodriguez’s return from hip Nov. 27—Dan Serafini, P, free agent, 50 games, perfor- up a two-game series against Tampa have struggled to find key hits. surgery was tempered by what mance. Bay. “We would have taken him They’re 4-for-32 with runners in Oct. 31—Mike Cameron, OF, free agent, 25 games, stimu- Ramirez’s failed test meant to the lant. back five weeks ago, if we could.” scoring position during a four- integrity of their sport. Sept. 7—Ryan Jorgensen, C, Cincinnati, 50 games, viola- Rodriguez had surgery March 9 game slide, and their 13-14 start tion. “It doesn’t look good,” Yankees DAVID ZALUBOWSKI / AP Aug. 3—Neifi Perez, INF, Detroit, 80 games, stimulant. to repair torn cartilage in his right after a big offseason spending spree captain said of the Manny Ramirez’s drug suspension surprised a number of major league players. July 6—Neifi Perez, INF, Detroit, 25 games, stimulant. hip, and has recovered more already has put some heat on May 7—Juan Salas, P, Tampa Bay, 50 games, performance. Ramirez revelation. “It seems like 2006 quickly than expected. The Yan- Girardi and G.M. Brian Cashman. it’s a never-ending thing. That’s to me. Now another one of our great is messing around with it now, they Nov. 1—Guillermo Mota, P, free agent, 50 games, perfor- kees had initially set a target date “He adds to the team,” Derek mance. what it has seemed like of late. You players has gotten in trouble.” are going to get caught,” he said. June 12—y-Jason Grimsley, P, Arizona, 50 games, perfor- for his return of May 15. Jeter told Sporting News Today’s want to put it behind you, but then Damon said Rodriguez and Girardi said there should be no mance. “A lot of us had a hard time wrap- Bill Eichenberger. But when he April 28—x-Yusaku Iriki, P, N.Y. Mets, 50 games, perfor- you have something like this come Ramirez have something in common confusion about the drug-testing mance. ping our arms around it, that it was comes back, we have to guard up. It’s another black eye. That’s the that makes their decision to allegedly rules and regulations. “It’s talked 2005 actually physically possible, because against thinking that now every- Nov. 2—Matt Lawton, OF, free agent, 10 days, perfor- best way you can put it.” use performance-enhancing drugs about the first day of spring train- mance. we hadn’t seen a player come back thing is fine and dandy because Jeter said he still is surprised when difficult to understand. Both are so ing,” he said. “We always say, ‘No Oct. 18—Felix Heredia, P, N.Y. Mets, 10 days, performance. this quick from that kind of surgery,” he is back in the lineup. … He is Oct. 4—Carlos Almanzar, P, Texas, 10 days, performance. a player fails a drug test. “Obviously, hard-working and gifted, Damon matter what you take, you better let Sept. 7—Mike Morse, INF-OF, Seattle, 10 days, perfor- Girardi said. “But now that we’re to going to help. He would help any you’re shocked,” he said. “It’s not like said, it is difficult to understand why one of our doctors or trainers know mance. this point, it’s kind of exciting.” team that he’s playing for because Aug. 2—Ryan Franklin, P, Seattle, 10 days, performance. I assume everyone is doing it.” they’d feel the need to cheat. “Manny so that you know it’s safe.’ ’’ Aug. 1—Rafael Palmeiro, INF, Baltimore, 10 days, perfor- The three-time A.L. MVP spent of what he is able to do. But it’s not Yankee outfielder was such a talented hitter. He made Damon said he hopes Ramirez’s mance. much of his rehab assignment facing like he’s back now and he’s the July 8—Rafael Betancourt, P, Cleveland, 10 days, perfor- said the news about Ramirez, his for- things look easy. But he did his failed test won’t tarnish what they mance. questions about a biography released savior. Everyone else has to do mer teammate with the Red Sox, sur- homework, the videos that he accomplished as teammates on the May 2—Juan Rincon, P, Minnesota, 10 days, unavailable. this week that suggests he used per- their job.” April 26—Jamal Strong, OF, Seattle, 10 days, performance. prised and disappointed him—but watched, the hard work that he put 2004 Red Sox, winning the franchise’s April 20—Agustin Montero, P, Texas, 10 days, unavailable. formance-enhancing drugs in high “We need some more produc- not as much as the similar news about in on the field and off the field. I first since 1918. “I would April 11—Jorge Piedra, OF, Colorado, 10 days, unavailable. school and also may have taken them tion on the offensive side and Alex April 3—Alex Sanchez, OF, Tampa Bay, 10 days, performance. Rodriguez earlier this year. “I’m not didn’t think he needed an edge.” love to know that we went through x-Tested positive while on the 40-man roster. after he became a Yankee in 2004. is the guy who could do it,” said sure that you can be too surprised Yankees first baseman Mark Teix- that season and played fair, that every- y-Was released by Arizona on June 7; suspension would Rodriguez hasn’t commented outfielder Johnny Damon. “I begin upon his placement to a 40-man roster. about anyone anymore,” Damon said. eira said Ramirez’s suspension is fair thing we won we won the right way. I z-Eliminated with April 2008 drug agreement between about the book. mean, he’s definitely one of the “But the steroid allegations against warning for every player in baseball. would love for it to come out that way.’’ Major League Baseball and Major League Baseball Players He admitted earlier this year to best players around.” Association. A-Rod, that was the biggest surprise “We have the strict testing. If anyone But now he can’t be sure. taking steroids when he was a — The Associated Press SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 8 MANNY RAMIREZ SUSPENDED Ramirez banished, but claims he didn’t take steroids NEW YORK—Manny Ramirez joined a time when Barry Bonds is under Baseball commissioner Bud Selig a growing lineup of All-Stars linked federal indictment and Roger Clem- couldn’t comment on the suspen- to drugs Thursday, with the dread- ens is accused of lying to Congress sion because of provisions of the locked slugger banished for 50 about his own alleged steroid use. management-union drug agree- games by a sport that cannot shake No matter which way baseball ment, spokesman Rich Levin said. free from scandal. turns, the legitimacy of many of its Ramirez’s agent, , and The Los Angeles Dodgers out- recent and pitching the players’ association had gath- fielder was suspended by Major records are being questioned. Slug- ered materials for a possible appeal League Baseball, adding a further gers Mark McGwire and Sammy to an arbitrator, but Ramirez stamp to what will forever be Sosa have been tainted by steroid decided not to file one because he known as the Steroids Era. allegations, Rafael Palmeiro tested didn’t want to risk missing signifi- Ramirez said he did not take steroids positive for a banned drug and Jose cant time in the second half of the and was given medication by a doctor Canseco said he used them. season, the person familiar with that contained a banned substance. A In every case, players once details of the suspension said. The person familiar with the details of the believed to be locks for the Hall of union said merely that he waived suspension said Ramirez used the Fame may now be locked out. his right to contest the suspension. female fertility drug HCG, or human “You can’t have arguably the great- Ramirez is batting .348 with six chorionic gonadotropin. The person est of our era, arguably the two home runs and 20 RBIs through spoke to The Associated Press on con- greatest players of our era and now the first 27 games of the season. dition of anonymity because the another very, very good player be Losing Ramirez to suspension banned substance wasn’t announced. under this cloud of suspicion and not could be a huge blow financially for HCG is popular among steroid feel like it has ruined it for everybody,” MARK J. TERRILL / AP the Dodgers. The slugger has been users because it can mitigate the side Atlanta star said. Hours after Manny Ramirez’s suspension, the Dodgers removed from their website a reference to the left-field seats called ‘Mannywood.’ -handedly responsible for effects of ending a cycle of the drugs. “But what are you going to do? increasing attendance, merchandise The body may stop producing testos- You can’t be born in a different era. Canseco was quick to explain why Manny back upon his return.” Baseball added HCG to its list of sales and interest in the team, in addi- terone when users go off steroids, It is the Steroid Era,” he said. someone might use HCG. Ramirez was not mentioned in the banned substances last year. HCG is tion to helping it win the NL West which can cause sperm counts to And that prompted yet another “It could be that a player used it Mitchell Report in December 2007, prescribed to stimulate female fertility after his late-season arrival in 2008. decrease and testicles to shrink. apology from another ballplayer. because he used steroids and went MLB’s official report on drug use, and and testosterone production in men Los Angeles even renamed a sec- Ramirez’s suspension was based The 36-year-old Ramirez told the cold-turkey and needed HCG to get there had not been whispers that he and to treat delayed puberty in boys. tion of seats in left field at Dodger not on the test result but rather evi- Dodgers and fans he was sorry for his levels back to normal. I had to use was among the sport’s juiced players. Reaction to Ramirez’s ban came Stadium “Mannywood” in his dence obtained afterward, a second “this whole situation.” it when I quit steroids cold-turkey,” Rodriguez and Ramirez are the swiftly, from major league club- honor. Hours after the suspension, person familiar with the suspension “Recently, I saw a physician for a per- said Canseco, who pleaded guilty last two highest-paid players in the houses to the White House. the team removed a reference to said, speaking on condition of ano- sonal health issue. He gave me a medi- November to a misdemeanor of try- majors. With this suspension, six of “It’s a tragedy. It’s a shame. My those seats from its website. nymity because those details were cation, not a steroid, which he thought ing to bring HCG across the Mexican the top 17 home run hitters in history sense is, it’s a great embarrassment on In his statement, Ramirez addressed not released. MLB had concluded was OK to give me,” Ramirez said in a border into the United States illegally, now have been covered by the cloud Major League Baseball,” White House Dodgers owners Frank and Jamie the spring test was positive, but the statement issued by the players’ union. told the AP. “I had to go to a doctor to of performance-enhancing drugs. press secretary Robert Gibbs said. McCourt, and manager Joe Torre. person said the players’ association “Unfortunately, the medication get it and get my levels back.” “It’s kind of shocking that he got The penalty left the best team in “I want to apologize to Mr. would have challenged the result was banned under our drug policy. Because MLB imposed the sus- caught up in anything, honestly. the majors without its driving force McCourt, Mrs. McCourt, Mr. Torre, because of “testing issues.” Under the policy that mistake is now pension, the Dodgers cannot fur- Manny likes to play stupid, but he’s and free spirit for nearly one-third my teammates, the Dodger organi- Ranked 17th on the career home my responsibility. I have been ther discipline Ramirez. a pretty bright guy. And he’s defi- of the season. Ramirez’s suspension zation, and to the Dodger fans,” run list with 533, Ramirez became advised not to say anything more for “We share the disappointment felt nitely aware of a lot of things that he began Thursday. Barring any post- Ramirez said. “LA is a special place the most prominent baseball player now. I do want to say one other thing; by our fans, our players, and every tries to act like he’s completely ponements, he will be able to return to me, and I know everybody is dis- to be penalized for drugs. His ban I’ve taken and passed about 15 drug member of our organization,” Dodgers oblivious to,” said Cincinnati to the Dodgers for the July 3 game at appointed. So am I. I’m sorry about came three months after Alex Rodri- tests over the past five seasons.” chief executive officer Jamie McCourt pitcher Bronson Arroyo, Ramirez’s San Diego. Ramirez will lose this whole situation.” guez admitted using steroids, and at While Ramirez had little to say, said in a statement. “We will welcome former Boston teammate. $7,650,273 of his $25 million salary. — The Associated Press SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 9 MANNY RAMIREZ SUSPENDED Slugger’s sanction shakes, shocks fellow MLBers What they’re saying St. Louis Cardinals manager Reaction to Manny Ramirez’s 50-game he was young. He’s a great talent. suspension: was talking to reporters before Thursday’s I look at Manny Ramirez like my game against Pittsburgh when a clubhouse son. I’ll wait to see exactly what attendant stuck his head in and said: “Manny “I think the fans come to the it’s all about.” Ramirez, 50 games.” game, whatever sport it is and — Phillies manager , who “You’re kidding me,” La Russa said. they want their team to win. I managed and coached Ramirez in the Then he checked the schedule to see don’t think they’re thinking about minors and from 1994-2000 with the whether the Cardinals would be playing the those things. ... I think they’re Los Angeles Dodgers while Ramirez is out. interested in their team winning. Reaction ranged from shock to self-interest In any sport, not just baseball. “Obviously it hurts me across baseball and other sports after Major So quote me on that. It’s not just deeply. No. 1, I’m a huge fan, League Baseball suspended the slugger for 50 baseball. When fans go to the park that’s for sure. So I think it’s just games for failing a drug test. and they’re cheering for their sad news for the game, no doubt The commissioner’s office did not identify team, they’re not standing up about it. It’s just something the substance; Ramirez said it was not ste- there in the seventh inning, in my that, you know, when I had Sega roids but a medication containing a banned opinion, thinking about whether a Genesis I used to be him. It’s just substance that a doctor had given him. guy did something. I don’t believe one of those things. What can “Under the policy that mistake is now my that happens.” we say? It’s definitely bad news, responsibility,” he said in a statement released — manager bad news—and bad news is never by the players’ union. “L.A. is a special place welcome.” to me and I know everybody is disappointed. “In terms of high-profile — Major league home run leader So am I. I’m sorry about this whole cases, this shows baseball is situation.” getting more serious in terms Carlos Pena of the At Fenway Park, where Ramirez played CHARLES KRUPA / AP of the testing program and through his prime and became Boston’s first ‘You’re kidding me,’ was Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa’s reaction when told of Manny Ramirez’s 50-game suspension. that’s a good thing. ... Also, it is “This is something World Series MVP, the writer of his autho- regrettable that the sport does regrettable because Manny is rized biography happened to be giving a definitely aware of a lot of things that he tries God we’ve got injuries.” not identify substances involved one of my favorite players and I lunchtime talk when the news broke. “Inno- to act like he’s completely oblivious to.” Ramirez’s quirky side made him a fan in positive cases. Baseball needs thought his numbers, his average, cent until proven guilty, and I don’t have all The Red Sox declined to comment on the favorite for his early years in Boston, and it to be transparent.” his home runs and RBIs where the facts,” said Jean Rhodes, the author of specifics of Ramirez’s suspension but added: may have helped him become the Hall of — WADA director general David Howman clean.” Becoming Manny: Inside the Life of Baseball’s “We staunchly support Major League Base- Fame-caliber player who seemed unaffected — Hall of Fame pitcher Most Enigmatic Slugger. ball’s drug policy and commend the efforts by , home runs and paychecks alike. “I hope you never hear me Rhodes painted Ramirez as a quirky crafts- associated with that program.” But his uncaring attitude eventually wore be accusational toward anybody man who gave off an air of apathy but was When the Red Sox clubhouse opened thin on his teammates, and he was shipped to because I know for a fact that “It’s unfortunate for the diligent in his preparations. Thursday afternoon, TVs were giving the lat- Los Angeles last summer. some of these things with guys game when you have big names That’s the assessment of est developments and few players milled He batted .396 with the Dodgers with 17 being suspended at the major being suspended or being pitcher Bronson Arroyo, who played with about. homers and 53 RBIs in 53 games and helped league or minor league level are punished, but I hope people Ramirez on the 2004 team that ended Bos- “No comment about Manny,” slugger David propel them to the playoffs. innocent as it gets. Of course, realize we’re doing all we can as ton’s 86-year World Series drought. Ortiz said, walking past reporters at his “He’s a main cog, and he’s not going to be in some of them are not, but I’m not players and as a sport in general “I wouldn’t have been surprised if anybody locker. “I play for Boston. Manny plays for play for a while,” Rockies manager Clint Hur- the judge in this case.” to make sure we’re clean.” in the game turned up on anything prior to L.A. Go and ask him.” dle said. “We’ll see how that ball club handles — Royals manager Trey Hillman — pitcher ’04, but since ’04, I feel like the game’s been In his pregame meeting with the media, that adversity. Can they win without him? I’m pretty clean,” Arroyo said. manager deflected three sure they feel confident that they can. But I “When he was young, I “It’s too bad. He’s one of the “It’s kind of shocking that he got caught up attempts for comment on Ramirez. The fourth know they’re a different team without him in definitely don’t think he was on star players. Nothing surprises me in anything, honestly. Manny likes to play question was about injuries. the lineup.” steroids. ... In some ways I’m sad anymore. Unfortunate.” stupid, but he’s a pretty bright guy. And he’s “Bless you,” he told the reporter. “Thank — The Associated Press about it because I had him when — manager SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 10 NATIONAL LEAGUE Mannywood rocked by suspension Washington 11, L.A. Dodgers 9 Nationals 11, Dodgers 9 Washington AB R H BI BB SO Avg. C.Guzman ss 6 0 2 1 0 1 .392 LOS ANGELES—A few months ago, during the couple of weeks here. We have enough depth, N.Johnson 1b 6 2 3 3 0 2 .330 Zimmerman 3b 5 2 2 0 1 1 .336 deadlocked negotiations between dread- talent and confidence to keep moving on Nats score 10 runs Dunn rf 5 0 2 3 0 2 .290 Beimel p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- locked slugger Manny Ramirez and the Los here.” K.Wells p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Angeles Dodgers, catcher Russell Martin Ramirez is batting .348 with six home runs Dukes cf 5 0 1 1 0 0 .292 in final 3 frames Willingham lf 4 2 2 1 1 0 .171 boldly insisted the team could win without and 20 RBIs through the first 27 games of the Flores c 4 1 2 0 1 1 .301 A.Hernandez 2b 4 3 3 0 1 0 .328 him if necessary. season. Acquired from Boston last July, his LOS ANGELES—Nick Johnson and Adam Dunn Zimmermann p 2 0 0 0 0 1 .000 Now, the Dodgers will get a chance to prove big bat propelled the Dodgers to the division each had three RBIs, and the Washington b-W.Harris ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .182 Villone p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- it. title. Nationals rallied for 10 runs in the final three c-Kearns ph-rf 2 1 1 2 0 1 .258 Mannywood was rocked Thursday when “Manny’s not in our lineup, so we can’t be innings Thursday night to beat the Los Angeles Totals 44 11 18 11 4 9 the All-Star outfielder was suspended for 50 concerned about Manny right now,” third- Dodgers 11-9 on the first day of Manny Ramir- Los Angeles AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Furcal ss 5 0 0 0 0 3 .252 games for using a banned drug. base coach said. “There are 25 ez’s 50-game drug suspension. Hudson 2b 4 2 1 0 1 1 .339 “Do I still think we can win without him? I guys on the roster, and that’s what we’re wor- Josh Willingham homered for the Nationals, Ethier rf 5 1 1 0 0 1 .312 Loney 1b 5 2 2 1 0 0 .282 think he makes us a better team when he’s ried about right now. Hopefully when Manny who had lost their previous 10 games at Dodger Martin c 3 2 2 1 2 0 .255 with us, but without him we still have a good comes hack, we’re still playing good baseball Stadium. Ryan Zimmerman was 2-for-4, extend- Kemp cf 5 1 3 5 0 1 .290 Blake 3b-lf 5 1 3 1 0 0 .245 team and we’re still capable of winning us and he can contribute. But we’ve got some ing the longest hitting streak in the majors this Wolf p 1 0 0 1 0 0 .143 a-Paul ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .000 some ballgames,” Martin said before Thurs- good players here. He hasn’t won all 21 games season to 25 games. Troncoso p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 day night’s loss to Washington. by himself.” hit his third career grand slam to Ohman p 0 0 0 0 0 0 1.000 Wade p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 “He’s one of the best hitters of all time, so Ramirez ranks 17th all-time with 533 home highlight a six-run first inning for the defending Leach p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Mota p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- it’s definitely going to be tough. But what can runs. His carefree attitude made him popular N.L. West champion Dodgers, who lost at d-Loretta ph-3b 0 0 0 0 1 0 .375 you do? You’ve just got to move on and keep with many local fans, and there was evidence Chavez Ravine for the first time this season after Pierre lf 4 0 2 0 0 0 .371 Ja.McDonald p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 plugging away. You have to take it either as a all over the city how much the image-con- setting a modern major league record Wednes- Totals 38 9 14 9 4 6 challenge, and that’s what we’re going to do,” scious Dodgers were marketing him. day night with a 13-0 start at home. Washington 000 001 361 — 11 18 1 he added. At the corner of Figueroa Street and 8th Ramirez was penalized for violating baseball’s Los Angeles 600 000 012 — 9 14 0 Even before the first pitch of the game, Street, for example, is an above-ground park- performance-enhancing drug policy. He will a-grounded into a play for Wolf in the 6th. Ramirez’s penalty had a noticeable effect. The HECTOR MATA / AP ing garage with a gigantic sign, big as life, lose $7,650,273 of his $25 million salary. Barring b-grounded out for Zimmermann in the 7th. c-doubled for Villone in the 8th. d-walked for Mota in the 8th. Manny-style dreadlock hats that had been on Despite Manny Ramirez’s suspension for using a banned with “MANNYWOOD” covering one entire any postponements, Ramirez will be able to E: Zimmerman (4). LOB: Washington 10, Los drug, at least one fan showed his support of Ramirez. Angeles 7. 2B: C.Guzman (5), N.Johnson (4), Dunn sale at the concession stands at Chavez Ravine side of the structure. return to the lineup on July 3 at San Diego. (4), Willingham (2), Kearns (4), Blake (4). 3B: on Wednesday night had been pulled off at His presence loomed equally large in the Dodgers lefthander Randy Wolf allowed five Blake (1). HR: Willingham (2), off Wolf; Kemp (4), off Zimmermann. RBIs: C.Guzman (7), N.Johnson least one shelf. Other Manny-related memo- again. lineup. With him leading the way, the Dodg- hits over six innings and left with a 6-1 lead after 3 (11), Dunn 3 (23), Dukes (19), Willingham (4), rabilia was missing, too. “I’ll pray for him and his family that they ers set a major league record with its 13th 109 pitches. But manager Joe Torre’s usually Kearns 2 (15), Loney (21), Martin (14), Kemp 5 (22), Blake (16), Wolf (2). SB: Pierre (2). CS: The Dodgers said there may have been a get through this all OK, and I wish the best straight home win from the start of the sea- reliable bullpen faltered. C.Guzman (1), Pierre (1). SF: Wolf. Runners left in scoring position: Washington 5 (Zimmermann, misunderstanding with the Ramirez mer- for them. That’s all I got,” Pierre said. son Wednesday night. Cristian Guzman began the rally with a run- A.Hernandez, Zimmerman, Dukes, Flores); Los chandise, but that it still was for sale. But The defending N.L. West champions hold a “This is a team. This is not the ‘Los Angeles scoring groundout in the seventh off Ramon Angeles 5 (Furcal, Paul, Pierre 2, Blake). DP: Wash- ington 1 (C.Guzman, A.Hernandez, N.Johnson); more than one vendor said they were 5½-game lead on San Francisco after Thurs- Mannys,’” said injured first baseman Doug Trancoso, and Will Ohman surrendered Dunn’s Los Angeles 1 (Martin, Martin, Hudson, Martin). instructed not to sell any Manny merchan- day’s loss to Washington. Ramirez is eligible Mientkiewicz, who played with Ramirez in two-run double two batters later. Washington IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA dise until further notice. to return July 3. Boston and won a World Series together in The Nats loaded the bases with none out in the Zimmermann 6 6 6 6 3 4 95 5.48 Villone W, 1-0 1 1 0 0 0 0 11 0.00 Los Angeles manager Joe Torre said he “It’s not like an injury, where we’re playing 2004. eighth against Cory Wade (0-2). The righthander Beimel 1 3 1 1 1 1 40 1.93 called Ramirez and that the 36-year-old star a guessing game wondering when he’s going “You can’t change what’s happened. And it gave up a two-run double to Austin Kearns, who K.Wells 1 4 2 2 0 1 20 3.60 Los Angeles IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA called him back. to be coming back. We know we’re getting doesn’t change the way I feel about him as a batted for reliever (1-0). One out Wolf 6 5 1 1 2 5 109 3.59 Troncoso 2⁄3 3 3 3 0 0 16 2.37 “He feels very badly. Right now he’s trying him back on a certain date,” said right fielder person, as a teammate and as a player. We’re a later, Johnson greeted rookie Brent Leach with Ohman 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 5.00 to gather his thoughts,” Torre said. “The Andre Ethier, who started in Ramirez’s No. 3 family in here, and one of our family members another two-run double for an 8-6 lead, and the Wade L, 0-2 BS, 2-2 2⁄3 3 4 4 1 1 31 6.23 Leach 0 2 2 2 1 0 8 18.00 worst thing I think a person can be is a disap- spot in the order against Washington. is not with us,” he added. “But we’re a really pesky Nats capped the rally with RBI singles by Mota 2⁄3 1 0 0 0 1 7 6.35 pointment to somebody else, and Manny feels “But we’re not going to be looking forward good team here, and Manny’s a big part of our Dunn and Elijah Dukes. Ja.McDonald 1 3 1 1 0 2 24 7.71 like a disappointment,” Torre said. to that date and saying if we just hold on until team. But as far as the team goes, this is a tre- Torre held a closed-door meeting with his Ohman pitched to 1 batter in the 7th. Leach pitched to 3 batters in the 8th. Inherited runners-scored: Ohman Juan Pierre will replace Ramirez in left then, we’ll be all right. We’re going to keep mendous opportunity for us to prove to people players and coaches before batting practice to 2-2, Wade 1-0, Leach 2-2, Mota 2-1. IBB: off Leach field, but he isn’t enjoying the circumstances going out there charging ahead and playing that we’re not just Manny and 24 other guys.” discuss how they will deal with losing Ramirez. (Zimmerman). WP: Troncoso. Umpires: Home, Angel Campos; First, ; Second, ; Third, surrounding his chance to play regularly the game the way we’ve been doing the last — The Associated Press — The Associated Press Derryl Cousins. T: 3:35. A: 37,074 (56,000). SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 11

INSIDE DISH THE LAUNCHING PAD D-backs dump Melvin after poor start What to expect in the major leagues today The Diamondbacks fired and strikes, and there was alleged on Thursday, hoping a new manager contact (hats touching) between will be able to get the most out of their Bradley and home plate talented core of young players. during the argument. The Diamondbacks said they will Bradley told the Chicago Sun-Times, select Melvin’s replacement at a “You need a video forensic expert to Chase Field news conference today. find any possible contact.” SI.com reported that Arizona will name former MLB catcher A.J. Hinch, According to the Chicago Sun- who served as VP of player develop- Times, White Sox P Jose Contreras ment, as manager. Melvin’s firing “has been put on notice.” Contreras, comes after a disappointing 12-17 who will start tonight against start by the Diamondbacks. Texas, is 0-4 with an 8.31 ERA in Melvin, who went 337-340 in four- five starts this season. plus seasons, had one year left on a contract he received after being Mariners manager Don Waka- named the 2007 NL Manager of the matsu told The Seattle Times that he CHRIS O’MEARA / AP Year. Hitting coach Rick Schu also was has “reached his threshold” with Of ’s 35 RBIs this season, 15 have come against Boston. fired, and pitching coach Bryan Price struggling P . In the next resigned. couple of days, Wakamatsu plans We meet again ... already to speak with general manager Jack Just over one month into the season, the Rays and Red Sox are ready to Tigers manager Jim Leyland Zduriencik about the situation. Silva match up for the third time. Tonight, they’re back at Fenway Park, where the announced Thursday that Dontrelle GENE J. PUSKAR / AP was 4-15 with a 6.46 ERA in 28 Rays took two of three during the opening series of the 2009 season. Last Willis will return to the rotation Phillies starter has already walked 15 batters in just 37 innings. starts last season and is 1-3 with weekend, Tampa Bay won three of four games played at . Wednesday night in Minnesota. an 8.48 ERA in six starts this For Boston, , Mike Lowell, , and are hitting a combined .176 (21-119) with three homers and nine RBIs Willis, who has been on the dis- Myers, who is 2-2 with a 5.35 ERA in According to the Houston season. vs. the Rays this season. By comparison, Tampa Bay’s Evan Longoria is hitting abled list with an anxiety disorder six starts this season, has issued 15 Chronicle, X-rays on the right index .419 (13-for-31) with four homers and 15 RBIs against Boston in 2009. since the end of spring training, walks and allowed 10 homers in 37 finger of Astros P con- atten- hasn’t won a game in the majors innings. In addition to Myers’ loca- firmed the team’s initial diagnosis. dance for the month of April was Will Hamels end the hex? since Sept. 25, 2007, with the Florida tion problems, there is also come Oswalt, who injured the finger in down less than one percent from It ended so well for Phillies ace in 2008. He posted a 4-0 Marlins. Willis has made four reha- concern about a decrease in velocity Tuesday’s start, has a bone bruise the same period last year, despite record and a 1.80 ERA in five postseason starts, en route to NLCS and World bilitation starts in the minor leagues. from last season. In his start Tues- but no fractures. He expects to start the economy and a later than usual Series MVP honors and a world championship. Then came the elbow prob- Leyland also said he was encouraged day, he averaged 88-89 mph, com- Sunday against San Diego. In other start to the season, SportsBusiness lems in spring training, the line drive off his shoulder in his third start and the sprained ankle in his fourth start. Perhaps he should pitch with body armor about the progress of righthander pared to 90-93 mph late last season, Astros news, the Houston Chronicle Journal’s Eric Fisher reported. Six on tonight against the Braves. If Hamels’ luck is going to turn around, how- Jeremy Bonderman, who’s rehabbing in according to the newspaper. reported 3B Aaron Boone, who had of the 11 full-season affiliated ever, facing Atlanta might be just what he needs. He went 3-1 with a 2.36 extended spring training. open-heart surgery before the sea- leagues showed year-over-year ERA in five starts against the Braves in 2008, the most wins he had vs. any The Cardinals placed OF Rick son, visited the clubhouse earlier attendance growth, led by a 23.1 opponent in the regular season. According to The Philadelphia Ankiel on the 15-day disabled list, ret- this week. Boone hasn’t ruled out a percent spike in the Class A Florida Inquirer, the world champion Phillies roactive to Tuesday. Ankiel crashed return this season. State League. One and Dunn are concerned with P Brett Myers’ loca- headfirst into the outfield wall while The Diamondbacks rank at or near the bottom of the league in just about every key offensive category, so the last thing their disgruntled fans want to tion. When asked whether Myers making a catch Monday, and though Cubs OF Milton Bradley is await- Former Phillies manager see is Adam Dunn on the field in an opposing uniform. Dunn had eight hom- has been missing his spots too often, he was carted off the field and spent ing word from Major League Base- , who led Philadelphia ers and 26 RBIs after being traded to the D-backs late last season, and he will pitching coach Rich Dubee told the the night in the hospital, he suffered ball about the appeal of his to three consecutive N.L. East return to Chase Field this weekend as a member of the last-place Nationals. newspaper, “A lot of misses? I’d say only a bruised shoulder and some two-game suspension. Bradley was titles in the 1970s, died Thursday. there are way too many, yeah.” overall soreness. ejected April 16 for arguing balls He was 85. — Chris Bahr SPORTINGNEWSTODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 12

LEAGUE LEADERS Fantasy Focus American League Standings Batting Average Home Runs East W L Pct GB WCGB L10 Str Home Away Start ’em, Sit ’em Toronto 20 11 .645 — — 6-4 L-1 11-4 9-7 A.L. N.L. A.L. N.L. Boston 18 11 .621 1 — 5-5 W-1 11-3 7-8 Player Team Player Team Player Team Player Team Tampa Bay 14 16 .467 5½ 4½ 6-4 W-3 6-7 8-9 Youkilis Boston .393 Beltran New York .382 CPena Tampa Bay 13 Pujols St. Louis 11 New York 13 15 .464 5½ 4½ 4-6 L-5 6-7 7-8 Baltimore 12 17 .414 7 6 3-7 W-2 9-8 3-9 VMartinez Cleveland .391 Votto Cincinnati .370 Longoria Tampa Bay 10 AdGonzalez San Diego 9 MiCabrera Detroit .390 Pujols St. Louis .356 Granderson Detroit 9 ASoriano Chicago 9 Central W L Pct GB WCGB L10 Str Home Away Longoria Tampa Bay .368 Helton Colorado .355 Kinsler Texas 9 Bruce Cincinnati 8 Kansas City 18 11 .621 — — 8-2 W-6 11-6 7-5 Detroit 14 13 .519 3 3 5-5 L-1 8-5 6-8 AHill Toronto .362 MRamirez Los Angeles .348 Five tied 8 Cantu Florida 8 Chicago 13 14 .481 4 4 4-6 W-1 7-6 6-8 Callaspo Kansas City .359 Ibanez Philadelphia .343 Ibanez Philadelphia 8 Minnesota 13 16 .448 5 5 4-6 L-3 9-8 4-8 Markakis Baltimore .355 Hudson Los Angeles .339 Utley Philadelphia 8 Cleveland 11 18 .379 7 7 4-6 L-1 5-7 6-11 West W L Pct GB WCGB L10 Str Home Away Runs Stolen Bases Texas 15 13 .536 — — 7-3 L-1 8-6 7-7 Seattle 15 14 .517 ½ 3 3-7 L-4 7-7 8-7 GUS RUELAS / AP A.L. N.L. A.L. N.L. Los Angeles 13 14 .481 1½ 4 7-3 W-1 7-7 6-7 Detroit’s Brandon Inge Oakland 10 16 .385 4 6½ 4-6 W-1 5-8 5-8 Player Team Player Team Player Team Player Team Markakis Baltimore 31 Pujols St. Louis 29 Crawford Tampa Bay 20 Fowler Colorado 9 National League Standings Start ’em Scutaro Toronto 31 ASoriano Chicago 27 Ellsbury Boston 15 Bourn Houston 8 East W L Pct GB WCGB L10 Str Home Away AdJones Baltimore 30 Hudson Los Angeles 25 Abreu Los Angeles 12 Burriss San Francisco 8 Brandon Inge, 3B/C, Tigers. Inge is Philadelphia 14 12 .538 — — 6-4 L-2 6-8 8-4 Pedroia Boston 27 Hart Milwaukee 24 Figgins Los Angeles 12 Kemp Los Angeles 7 New York 14 13 .519 ½ 1½ 6-4 W-4 8-6 6-7 13-for-33 (.394) with three homers Bay Boston 26 Victorino Philadelphia 24 Kinsler Texas 7 Morgan Pittsburgh 7 Florida 15 14 .517 ½ 1½ 4-6 L-3 6-7 9-7 against Indians ace . Atlanta 13 15 .464 2 3 4-6 W-2 5-9 8-6 AHill Toronto 25 Ethier Los Angeles 23 Span Minnesota 7 JosReyes New York 7 Washington 8 18 .308 6 7 5-5 W-1 5-7 3-11 Jose Lopez, 2B, Mariners. Lopez’s Longoria Tampa Bay 24. Five tied 22 BUpton Tampa Bay 7 Three tied 6 bat has heated up in recent weeks, Central W L Pct GB WCGB L10 Str Home Away St. Louis 19 10 .655 — — 6-4 W-2 12-5 7-5 and he is 9-for-18 in his career RBIs Pitching (3 decisions) Chicago 16 12 .571 2½ — 7-3 W-2 8-6 8-6 against Minnesota’s Scott Baker. Milwaukee 16 13 .552 3 ½ 7-3 L-1 7-6 9-7 A.L. N.L. A.L. N.L. Cincinnati 15 13 .536 3½ 1 5-5 W-1 5-8 10-5 J.D. Drew, OF, Red Sox. As long as he Player Team Player Team Player Team Player Team Pittsburgh 12 16 .429 6½ 4 1-9 L-5 7-7 5-9 is healthy, Drew is a good start Longoria Tampa Bay 38 Pujols St. Louis 32 Greinke Kansas City 6-0 1.000 Billingsley Los Angeles 5-0 1.000 Houston 11 17 .393 7½ 5 5-5 L-3 5-10 6-7 against James Shields. He is CPena Tampa Bay 30 Cantu Florida 30 Buehrle Chicago 5-0 1.000 Meredith San Diego 4-0 1.000 West W L Pct GB WCGB L10 Str Home Away 8-for-20 with a homer against Bay Boston 29 Ethier Los Angeles 27 Richmond Toronto 4-0 1.000 Pelfrey New York 4-0 1.000 Los Angeles 21 9 .700 — — 8-2 L-1 13-1 8-8 Lind Toronto 29 BMolina San Francisco 27 Frasor Toronto 4-0 1.000 Martis Washington 3-0 1.000 San Francisco 14 13 .519 5½ 1½ 6-4 W-1 10-4 4-9 Tampa’s ace. San Diego 13 16 .448 7½ 3½ 3-7 W-1 8-6 5-10 Markakis Baltimore 29 Braun Milwaukee 24 ABailey Oakland 3-0 1.000 Broxton Los Angeles 3-0 1.000 Arizona 12 17 .414 8½ 4½ 4-6 L-1 8-10 4-7 AHill Toronto 28 Fielder Milwaukee 24 Bannister Kansas City 3-0 1.000 DiFelice Milwaukee 3-0 1.000 Sit ’em Colorado 11 16 .407 8½ 4½ 5-5 L-1 5-6 6-10 Lowell Boston 26. Ludwick St. Louis 24 z-first game was a win Yunel Escobar/, Braves. Doubles Strikeouts Atlanta’s middle infield duo is a Pitching Matchups Today’s Games (All times Eastern) combined 4-for-28 (.143) against A.L. N.L. A.L. N.L. American League The Line Philadelphia’s Cole Hamels. Player Team Player Team Player Team Player Team N.Y. Yankees (Sabathia 1-3) at Baltimore (Guthrie 2-2), 7:05 p.m. NY -160 at Bal +150 , 3B/OF, Orioles. Huff has Longoria Tampa Bay 14 FSanchez Pittsburgh 13 Greinke Kansas City 54 Santana New York 54 Detroit (Verlander 2-2) at Cleveland (Cl.Lee 1-4), 7:05 p.m. at Cle -135 Det +125 Callaspo Kansas City 13 Kotchman Atlanta 11 Verlander Detroit 45 Peavy San Diego 52 struggled (7-for-28, six strikeouts) Tampa Bay (J.Shields 3-2) at Boston (Penny 2-1), 7:10 p.m. TB -115 at Bos +105 Polanco Detroit 12 Zimmerman Washington 11 FHernandez Seattle 45 Haren Arizona 51 in his career against Yankees Seattle (Jakubauskas 1-3) at Minnesota (S.Baker 0-4), 8:10 p.m. at Min -145 Sea +135 lefthander CC Sabathia. MYoung Texas 12 MCameron Milwaukee 10 Halladay Toronto 44 Lincecum San Francisco 50 Four tied 11 Hudson Los Angeles 10 Lester Boston 43 JVazquez Atlanta 50 Texas (Harrison 2-2) at Chicago White Sox (Contreras 0-4), 8:11 p.m. at Chi -120 Tex +110 Cliff Lee, SP, Indians. Lee wasn’t Tejada Houston 10 Bedard Seattle 39 Billingsley Los Angeles 42 Toronto (Richmond 4-0) at Oakland (Outman 0-0), 10:05 p.m. Tor -115 at Oak +105 sharp in his outing against the Votto Cincinnati 10 Two tied 36 Harden Chicago 41 Kansas City (Meche 2-2) at L.A. Angels (Palmer 2-0), 10:05 p.m. at LA -105 KC -105 Tigers on Sunday, and he had a 5.09 ERA and 1.42 WHIP against Triples Saves National League The Line Detroit in his stellar A.L. N.L. A.L. N.L. Atlanta (Jo-.Reyes 0-1) at Philadelphia (Hamels 0-2), 7:05 p.m. at Phil-180 Atl +170 campaign in 2008. Player Team Player Team Player Team Player Team Pittsburgh (Karstens 1-1) at N.Y. Mets (Niese 0-0), 7:10 p.m. at NY -175 Pit +165 — Brad Pinkerton Crisp Kansas City 4 Bourn Houston 3 FFrancisco Texas 9 FrRodriguez New York 9 St. Louis (Pineiro 4-1) at Cincinnati (Cueto 2-1), 7:10 p.m. at Cin -130 STL +120 Andrus Texas 2 Kemp Los Angeles 3 Fuentes Los Angeles 7 Franklin St. Louis 9 San Diego (Gaudin 0-1) at Houston (W.Rodriguez 2-2), 8:05 p.m. at Hou -180 SD +170 MORE COVERAGE Bloomquist Kansas City 2 Victorino Philadelphia 3 Papelbon Boston 7 Cordero Cincinnati 8 Chicago Cubs (R.Wells 0-0) at Milwaukee (Bush 1-0), 8:05 p.m. at Mil -120 Chi +110 JBuck Kansas City 2 15 tied 2 Soria Kansas City 7 Bell San Diego 8 Florida (Nolasco 1-3) at Colorado (Hammel 0-0), 9:10 p.m. at Col -130 Flo +120 Get everything you need to Crosby Oakland 2 Jenks Chicago 6 Broxton Los Angeles 8 Washington (Martis 3-0) at Arizona (Y.Petit 0-2), 9:40 p.m. at Ari -140 Was +130 dominate your fantasy league at Cuddyer Minnesota 2 Rodney Detroit 6 Qualls Arizona 7 San Francisco (Zito 0-2) at L.A. Dodgers (Billingsley 5-0), 10:10 p.m. at LA -210 SF +190 sportingnews.com/fantasy/baseball Fields Chicago 2 Five tied 5 BWilson San Francisco 6 SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 13

Q&A with ... Mets OF Carlos Beltran ‘This has been the first year here that I’ve been completely healthy’

Carlos Beltran, who is flirting with the Is there anything you What else has helped .400 mark a month into the season, is off to have done differently you? a red-hot start. The Mets’ center fielder told Q: Q: Sporting News Today’s Bill Eichenberger and that has contributed to your I’m not thinking of mechan- other reporters that he hasn’t been happier fast start? A: ics or anything like that. or healthier since signing with the Mets as a I’ve been able to go to the And when you don’t have any of free agent before the 2005 season. A: batting cage every day, that in your head, you have a better which has helped a great deal. As a chance of seeing the ball and What is it like for you hitter, for you to hit a curveball, recognizing the pitch. Q: right now being on this you have to be perfect. If you are a kind of roll? little bit under, you are going to hit As a switch hitter, is it I feel good at the plate. I’m a fly ball, and if you get a little bit Q: hard to keep a streak A: seeing the ball good, and on top, you are going to hit a like this going since you have to good things are happening. ... This grounder. So you have to let the maintain your swings from has been the best start of my pitch get deep, then you square that both sides of the plate? career. ball, and that’s what I’m doing. I’ve It is hard because I have to been going in the cage every single A: take the same amount of How much longer do you day trying to hit at least 50 swings from one side as the other. Q: have to go before you curveballs. Lately, I haven’t faced a lot of start noticing that you’re lefties, so I’m working and trying flirting with a .400 batting What about your to get that feeling I have from the average? Q: approach at the plate? left side on the right side. Because I feel so good at the Has that changed? A: plate and I’m seeing the ball In the past years, I always Are you as healthy as so good, I’m not even thinking A: have been a pull hitter. But Q: you’ve ever been a about that. My job right now is just this year, I feel like I can use the month into the season? to take advantage of how I feel, and whole field more. ... I’m not think- This has been the first year that is all that is in my mind. ing of going to left field, center A: here (New York) that I’ve Hitting .400, that is something field, right field. ... I’m not commit- been completely healthy. My first that is almost impossible. But at the ting myself to go anywhere. I’m just year I pulled my quad, my second same time, who knows? You never seeing the ball, and if it’s outside, I year a quad again, third year a little know. just go with the pitch. If it’s inside, I bit of hamstring, last year both pull the ball. knees. But at the same time, I feel So you don’t keep up that even through those injuries I Q: with your personal Are you concerned that battled and found a way to have stats? Q: you haven’t hit more good years. I don’t get caught up in that home runs? A: because when you do, you Being honest, I don’t care a Has health been a big forget about what we are here for. A: lot about home runs. I care Q: factor in your fast start? This is not about me personally. most about hitting for high average It feels great because you This is about the team. There are because I know if I hit for high A: don’t go to the batter’s box going to be days when I go 0-for-4, average, I’m going to be on base thinking about finding a comfort- but I help the team win by making more. And I’m going to score a lot able position. Nothing hurts, so KATHY WILLENS / AP a good defensive play. That is all of runs. Home runs, they will you don’t have to worry about No longer battling through injuries like he has in the past, Carlos Beltran said he’s off to the best start of his career. that matters. come. anything. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 14 NATIONAL LEAGUE N.Y. Mets 7, Philadelphia 5

Mets 7, Phillies 5 Philadelphia AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Rollins ss 5 1 1 0 0 0 .211 Victorino cf 4 1 1 0 0 0 .304 Mets’ early offensive effort suits Pelfrey just fine Utley 2b 4 0 0 0 0 0 .318 Howard 1b 4 1 2 2 0 0 .291 Werth rf 4 2 4 2 0 0 .284 Ibanez lf 4 0 1 1 0 0 .343 NEW YORK—Carlos Beltran and the crew chief Tim Welke, Bill’s Feliz 3b 4 0 1 0 0 0 .311 made Mike Pelfrey’s brother. Ruiz c 3 0 0 0 0 0 .185 b-Cairo ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .077 job easy with a sudden power surge Later in the inning, Moyer p 0 0 0 0 1 0 .125 at expansive Citi Field. hit a two-run homer off Pedro Feli- Happ p 1 0 0 0 0 0 .000 a-Dobbs ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .136 Beltran and David Wright each hit ciano to cut it to 7-5. Condrey p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- a two-run homer in the first inning, Francisco Rodriguez saved his Taschner p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 c-Stairs ph 0 0 0 0 1 0 .267 and New York beat the Philadelphia fourth game in four days, getting Totals 35 5 10 5 2 0 Phillies 7-5 on Thursday night for its three outs to improve to 9-for-9 this New York AB R H BI BB SO Avg. fourth consecutive victory. season. With a runner on, he retired Jos.Reyes ss 5 1 1 1 0 2 .246 Jose Reyes added a solo shot in the on a popup to end it. Castillo 2b 4 1 0 0 1 0 .309 Beltran cf 4 1 1 2 0 0 .382 second off an ineffective Jamie “You knew they got a guy who’s a Delgado 1b 3 2 2 0 0 0 .272 Moyer as the Mets again gave Pel- great closer,” Victorino said. “But it D.Wright 3b 3 2 3 2 1 0 .314 Sheffield rf 3 0 0 0 1 0 .158 frey the offensive aid doesn’t change our approach. We Feliciano p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- has lacked all season. feel we can come back against Fr.Rodriguez p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Tatis lf 4 0 1 0 0 0 .324 “He doesn’t need the run support,” anybody.” R.Castro c 4 0 2 2 0 1 .304 Pelfrey said with a smile. “Hope- Werth had four hits and Ryan 1-Santos pr-c 0 0 0 0 0 0 .258 Pelfrey p 3 0 0 0 0 0 .100 fully, they keep it up. It’s a lot easier Howard drove a solo homer over the Church rf 1 0 0 0 0 1 .265 to pitch with the cushion.” 415-foot sign in right-center for the Totals 34 7 10 7 3 4 Pelfrey (4-0) beat the rival Phillies Phillies, swept in the two-game Philadelphia 100 101 020 — 5 10 0 for the second time this month, his series during their first visit to Citi New York 412 000 00x — 7 10 1 only wins in 10 May decisions dur- Field. Santana beat them 1-0 on a-flied out for Happ in the 7th. b-grounded out for Ruiz ing his career. Ramon Castro had a Wednesday night. in the 9th. c-walked for Taschner in the 9th. 1-ran for R.Castro in the 8th. E: Jos.Reyes (3). LOB: Philadelphia two-run double, Wright went 3-for-3 Howard also had an RBI double in 5, New York 7. 2B: Howard (6), Werth (8), Delgado (5), with a walk and the Mets made the first before the Mets roughed up R.Castro (3). HR: Howard (6), off Pelfrey; Werth (5), off Feliciano; Beltran (5), off Moyer; D.Wright (3), off Moyer; Moyer look his age by turning their Moyer (3-2), who was trying for his Jos.Reyes (2), off Moyer. RBIs: Howard 2 (22), Werth 2 spacious new ballpark into a band 250th win. (19), Ibanez (22), Jos.Reyes (9), Beltran 2 (20), D.Wright 2 (15), R.Castro 2 (8). SB: Werth (3), Castillo (1). Run- box for one night. Manuel stacked eight righthanded ners left in scoring position: Philadelphia 3 (Ibanez, Still, manager was hitters against the 46-year-old lefty Feliz, Rollins); New York 4 (Jos.Reyes 2, Sheffield, Castillo). DP: New York 2 (D.Wright, Castillo, Delgado), infuriated with first-base umpire and they jumped all over his soft (Castillo, Jos.Reyes, Delgado). all evening. Manuel came tosses from the start. Beltran hit his JULIE JACOBSON/ AP Philadelphia IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA out to argue three times with third homer in four games, Carlos Moyer L, 3-2 2 1⁄3 7 7 7 2 1 69 7.26 Welke—twice over calls that Delgado followed with a double and David Wright follows through on a two-run home run against Philadelphia in the first inning, one of three hits for the Mets 3B. Happ 3 2⁄3 2 0 0 0 2 47 2.84 Condrey 1 1 0 0 1 0 16 1.69 appeared as though they should Wright drove a 1-2 pitch over the Taschner 1 0 0 0 0 1 13 4.38 have gone New York’s way. center-field fence. inning shot made it three. Castro’s two-run double off the The Mets (14-13) have scored 36 New York IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Pelfrey W, 4-0 7 8 3 3 1 0 105 5.46 Manuel finally was ejected by “I think David is turning the cor- “I think this ballpark, you know base of the center-field fence made it runs in Pelfrey’s five starts, 24 more Feliciano 1 2 2 0 0 0 22 3.75 Welke in the eighth following an ner,” Manuel said. “When you hit a it’s big. But if you hit it good, it’s 7-1, chasing Moyer with one out in than they’ve managed in Santana’s Fr.Rodriguez S, 9-9 1 0 0 0 1 0 18 1.32 obstruction call on Reyes that let ball out of center field in this park, it going to go out. You can’t let the high the third. six outings. Condrey pitched to 1 batter in the 8th. Inherited slip out of a run- means you’re doing a lot of things fences intimidate you,” Beltran said. “I didn’t like the way I threw “Baseball is crazy,” Reyes said, runners-scored: Happ 2-0, Taschner 1-0. HBP: by Moyer (Delgado). WP: Taschner. Umpires: Home, down. Welke said Manuel “brushed” right.” Beltran and Wright also teamed tonight,” Moyer said. “I’ll probably laughing. Angel Hernandez; First, Bill Welke; Second, Tim Welke; his hat with the bill of his own cap as It was only the second homer hit up for two-run homers in the sixth go back and look at something from — The Associated Press Third, . T: 2:53. A: 37,295 (41,800). he screamed in the umpire’s face. between the power alleys in 14 inning of Monday night’s 6-4 win at two or three years ago. Something “We’ll have to report on that,” said games at Citi Field. Howard’s sixth- Atlanta. positive.” Q&A with Mets’ Carlos Beltran, Page 13 SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 15 NATIONAL LEAGUE Cincinnati 6, Milwaukee 5 Chicago Cubs 8,Houston 5 Cubs 8, Astros 5 Chicago AB R H BI BB SO Avg. A.Soriano lf 5 2 2 3 0 0 .276 Reds 6, Brewers 5 Theriot ss 4 2 2 0 1 1 .312 Milwaukee AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Fukudome cf-rf 4 2 1 0 1 0 .298 Weeks 2b 4 1 1 0 0 2 .271 Cubs’ Soriano Ar.Ramirez 3b 4 1 3 1 1 0 .369 Hart rf 4 1 0 0 0 1 .273 Fox p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Owings provides lift for ailing Reds Braun lf 4 2 2 0 0 1 .327 homers twice Gregg p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Fielder 1b 3 1 3 2 1 0 .280 Hoffpauir 1b 4 0 2 1 1 0 .313 M.Cameron cf 4 0 0 2 0 1 .293 Bradley rf 4 0 1 1 0 2 .143 CINCINNATI—Micah Owings helped the Hardy ss 4 0 1 1 0 2 .211 HOUSTON—Alfonso Soriano Gathright cf 1 0 1 0 0 0 .214 ailing Cincinnati Reds feel a little better. Hall 3b 1 0 0 0 1 1 .289 wasn’t happy with his one-hit, Fontenot 2b-3b 3 0 0 2 1 1 .247 McClung p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Soto c 5 0 1 0 0 1 .162 The righthander pitched six innings three- performance Lilly p 3 0 0 0 0 1 .154 a-Duffy ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .095 Heilman p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- and had a tiebreaking triple Thursday DiFelice p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- in the Chicago Cubs’ first Marmol p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- night, leading Cincinnati’s flu-stricken Stetter p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- game against the Houston c-Miles ph-2b 1 1 1 0 0 0 .215 Julio p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 Totals 38 8 14 8 5 6 lineup to a 6-5 victory over the Milwau- c-B.Nelson ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .000 Astros. Kendall c 4 0 0 0 0 2 .205 Houston AB R H BI BB SO Avg. kee Brewers and a split of their two- Looper p 1 0 0 0 0 0 .000 He made up for it in the sec- K.Matsui 2b 3 1 0 1 1 0 .264 game series. Counsell 3b 2 0 0 0 1 0 .327 ond game of the short series. Tejada ss 5 1 4 2 0 0 .308 Totals 33 5 7 5 3 10 Berkman 1b 5 0 0 0 0 4 .184 The Reds needed everything they Soriano homered twice to Ca.Lee lf 3 0 1 0 1 1 .295 could get from Owings (2-3), their fifth Cincinnati AB R H BI BB SO Avg. lead the Cubs to an 8-5 victory Pence rf 4 0 1 0 0 1 .308 Taveras cf 4 1 1 1 1 0 .263 Michaels cf 2 1 0 0 2 0 .261 starter and occasional pinch hitter. The Hairston Jr. 2b 4 0 1 0 0 1 .190 over the Astros on Thursday I.Rodriguez c 4 1 1 1 0 2 .247 lineup was missing two starters with the Bruce rf 3 2 1 1 1 0 .269 night. He hit a solo home run Keppinger 3b 4 0 0 1 0 0 .333 R.Hernandez 1b 3 0 2 0 0 0 .280 R.Ortiz p 1 0 0 0 0 1 .143 flu, and the pitching staff was so worn in the fourth and a two-run Byrdak p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- L.Nix lf 3 1 1 1 0 1 .351 a-Blum ph 1 0 0 0 0 1 .268 out that shortstop Paul Janish worked A.Rosales 3b 3 0 0 0 0 0 .214 shot in the ninth. Sampson p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 the ninth inning of Milwaukee’s 15-3 Hanigan c 3 0 0 1 0 0 .320 “Yesterday I had a bad day, b-Bourn ph 1 0 0 0 0 1 .296 Janish ss 3 1 2 0 1 0 .375 W.Wright p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- win on Thursday night. Owings p 3 1 1 1 0 0 .294 so I wanted to come back and F.Paulino p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .167 Masset p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Arias p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- “Micah gave us all he had,” manager Rhodes p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- have a better game,” Soriano d-Erstad ph 1 1 1 0 0 0 .179 said. “We tried to stay with b-Dickerson ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .213 said. Totals 34 5 8 5 4 11 Cordero p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- him as long as we could. Our bullpen Totals 30 6 9 5 3 2 Four of his nine home runs Chicago 102 100 004 — 8 14 1 was upside-down. Heck, our lineup was this season have come against Houston 200 000 003 — 5 8 1 Milwaukee 000 302 000 — 5 7 0 upside-down, too. All of the guys came Cincinnati 102 210 00x — 6 9 1 the Astros and he is hitting a-struck out for Byrdak in the 4th. b-struck out for Sampson through big-time. This was a big win.” .320 with five RBIs in five in the 7th. c-singled for Marmol in the 9th. d-tripled for a-flied out for McClung in the 6th. b-flied out for Rhodes Arias in the 9th. E: Ar.Ramirez (1), Berkman (2). LOB: Owings’ run-scoring triple off Braden games against Houston. Chicago 9, Houston 7. 2B: Theriot (4), Hoffpauir (4), Tejada in the 8th. c-flied out for Julio in the 9th. E: Hairston Jr. 2 (10). 3B: I.Rodriguez (1), Erstad (1). HR: A.Soriano (8), Looper (2-2) helped him turn a 6-5 lead (2). LOB: Milwaukee 4, Cincinnati 7. 2B: Fielder (6), Mike Fontenot had two RBIs off Byrdak; A.Soriano (9), off F.Paulino; Tejada (1), off Lilly. over to the bullpen. Francisco Cordero Hardy (3), L.Nix (7), Janish (2). 3B: Owings (1). HR: and Milton Bradley, Micah RBIs: A.Soriano 3 (17), Ar.Ramirez (16), Hoffpauir (9), Bruce (8), off Looper; Taveras (1), off Looper. RBIs: Bradley (3), Fontenot 2 (17), K.Matsui (12), Tejada 2 (10), retired the three batters he faced in the AL BEHRMAN / AP Fielder 2 (24), M.Cameron 2 (18), Hardy (16), Taveras Hoffpauir and Aramis I.Rodriguez (12), Keppinger (3). SB: Michaels (1). SF: Micah Owings helped the Reds to victory with his pitching (six innings) and hitting (RBI triple). (3), Bruce (16), L.Nix (5), Hanigan (1), Owings (3). S: Fontenot, K.Matsui. Runners left in scoring position: ninth, remaining perfect in eight save A.Rosales. SF: L.Nix, Hanigan. Runners left in scoring Ramirez all drove in a run as Chicago 7 (Bradley, A.Soriano, Soto 5); Houston 5 (Michaels, chances. position: Milwaukee 3 (Hall, Duffy, Hart); Cincinnati the Cubs swept the mini series Pence 2, Blum, K.Matsui). DP: Chicago 1 (Lilly, Fontenot, 3 (Owings, R.Hernandez, Taveras). DP: Cincinnati 2 Hoffpauir); Houston 2 (Keppinger, K.Matsui, Berkman), Jay Bruce and Willy Taveras also had Macha said. “All kinds of things hap- Votto came down with the flu. He totally (Janish, Hairston Jr., R.Hernandez), (Janish, Hairston Jr., from their N.L.-Central foe. (Keppinger, K.Matsui, Berkman). solo homers off Looper, who lasted only pened in that game, so you probably overhauled it after second baseman R.Hernandez). The win was Chicago’s sixth Chicago IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA 3 1/3 innings, his shortest appearance of could sit in here and talk about this game Brandon Phillips also got sick a little Milwaukee IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA in the last seven games. Lilly W, 4-2 6 4 2 2 3 5 88 3.11 the season. for an hour about all the little things here while later, forcing Janish into the lineup Looper L, 2-2 3 1⁄3 8 5 5 2 2 75 4.18 “Our team is getting together Heilman H, 4 1 0 0 0 0 2 17 4.15 McClung 1 2⁄3 1 1 1 0 0 23 3.45 Marmol H, 8 1 1 0 0 0 3 14 4.50 “The whole outing—frustrating is put- or there that could have made a differ- at shortstop. The Reds already were now,” Soriano said. “We’re Fox 1⁄3 2 3 3 1 0 17 81.00 DiFelice 1 0 0 0 0 0 12 1.32 Gregg 2⁄3 1 0 0 0 1 9 4.40 ting it a nice way,” Looper said. “I just ence in the game.” missing shortstop Alex Gonzalez, side- Stetter 1 0 0 0 0 0 16 3.48 feeling more like a team. We’re Houston IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA didn’t have it today. I kept trying and Baker went through three different lined by pulled muscles in his right side. Julio 1 0 0 0 1 0 17 5.73 pitching better and hitting at R.Ortiz L, 2-1 2 1⁄3 6 3 3 3 1 57 5.91 Cincinnati IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Byrdak 1 2⁄3 1 1 1 0 1 26 2.31 kept trying, and wasn’t able to get the lineups before the game, trying to keep What little was left of the lineup was Owings W, 2-3 6 7 5 4 1 4 100 5.08 the same time.” Sampson 3 0 0 0 0 1 33 1.89 Masset H, 1 1 1⁄3 0 0 0 1 3 22 1.46 W.Wright 2⁄3 2 0 0 0 2 15 6.97 ball down.” on top of his team’s multiplying illnesses just enough to get a win. Owings pulled Rhodes H, 5 2⁄3 0 0 0 1 2 14 0.00 Cubs starter Ted Lilly (4-2) F.Paulino 2⁄3 5 4 4 2 1 43 5.23 Milwaukee won three of four on its and injuries. Janish had a sore shoulder it through. Cordero S, 8-8 1 0 0 0 0 1 7 2.25 allowed four hits and two runs Arias 2⁄3 0 0 0 0 0 4 3.86 brief trip to Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. after his impromptu pitching perfor- The Reds turned double plays behind Inherited runners-scored: McClung 2-0. HBP: with five strikeouts in six Inherited runners-scored: Gregg 1-1, Byrdak 3-1, The Brewers have won 12 of their last 16 mance the previous night and needed a him in the second and third innings to by Stetter (R.Hernandez). WP: Looper, Julio, Masset. innings to extend his winning F.Paulino 2-0, Arias 3-0. Umpires: Home, ; Umpires: Home, ; First, ; First, ; Second, John Hirschbeck; Third, Wally games overall, allowing them to head day off. escape threats and allow Owings to set- Second, ; Third, . T: 2:55. A: streak against the Astros to Bell. T: 3:17. A: 28,625 (40,976). home feeling good. Baker had to rework the lineup during tle in. 14,724 (42,319). five games. “We’re playing great,” manager Ken batting practice after first baseman Joey — The Associated Press — The Associated Press SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE St. Louis 5, Pittsburgh 2 Atlanta 4, Florida 2 Flawless Franklin notches ninth save Jurrjens gets help from offense MIAMI—Jair Jurrjens enjoyed Braves 4, Marlins 2 ST. LOUIS—Considering the St. Louis Cardinals 5, Pirates 2 the rare luxury of pitching with Atlanta AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Infante 3b 5 0 1 0 0 0 .349 Cardinals entered the season without a Pittsburgh AB R H BI BB SO Avg. a lead. And it turns out he’s McLouth cf 3 0 1 1 1 1 .289 Escobar ss 4 1 1 0 0 2 .300 full-time closer, the ninth inning has Delw.Young 2b 4 0 0 0 0 0 .333 good at it. G.Anderson lf 3 0 0 0 1 1 .167 Kotchman 1b 4 1 3 2 0 1 .313 been in very secure hands. Monroe lf 4 0 0 0 0 1 .235 Saddled with poor run sup- Hinske 1b 4 0 0 0 0 0 .229 Francoeur rf 4 0 1 0 0 1 .286 Ryan Franklin had a 1-2-3 finish for Moss rf 4 0 0 0 0 1 .195 port in previous starts, Jurrjens K.Johnson 2b 4 1 2 0 0 0 .232 D.Ross c 4 1 2 2 0 1 .298 the second straight game in Thursday’s An.LaRoche 3b 2 1 0 0 2 0 .250 benefited from two home runs R.Diaz c 3 1 2 1 0 0 .385 Schafer cf 4 0 2 0 0 0 .239 5-2 victory over the . Bixler ss 3 0 0 0 0 3 .167 by his Atlanta Braves team- Jurrjens p 3 0 0 0 0 3 .083 R.Soriano p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- He’s 9-for-9 after taking over when Ohlendorf p 2 0 1 0 0 0 .077 mates and pitched seven a-R.Vazquez ph 1 0 0 0 0 1 .160 c-Norton ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .105 rookie Jason Motte struggled at the start Meek p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- innings Thursday to beat the M.Gonzalez p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Totals 36 4 12 4 1 9 of the year, and hasn’t allowed a run in Totals 30 2 4 2 3 7 slumping Florida Marlins 4-2. 13 1/3 innings. St. Louis AB R H BI BB SO Avg. “To have the lead was awe- Florida AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Bonifacio 3b 4 0 1 0 0 0 .250 “I’d say that’s the hardest job in base- Schumaker 2b-lf 3 2 3 0 1 0 .289 some,” Jurrjens said. “Every Rasmus cf 4 1 1 0 0 1 .257 Maybin cf 3 0 0 0 0 1 .202 ball,” manager Tony La Russa said. Pujols 1b 2 1 0 1 0 0 .356 time my team scored, I was able b-Helms ph 0 0 0 0 1 0 .273 1-Carroll pr-cf 0 0 0 0 0 0 .118 “You’ve just got to keep him fresh, Ludwick rf 3 0 0 1 0 1 .284 to shut them out the next Duncan lf 3 0 0 1 0 2 .275 Ha.Ramirez ss 4 2 2 2 0 1 .303 because when he’s fresh he’s got it all Barden 3b 0 0 0 0 0 0 .306 inning.” Cantu 1b 4 0 0 0 0 1 .312 Hermida lf 3 0 0 0 1 0 .242 working.” K.Greene ss 3 0 1 1 1 0 .222 Casey Kotchman homered Thurston 3b-2b 4 0 1 0 0 0 .278 Uggla 2b 4 0 0 0 0 1 .190 Todd Wellemeyer threw seven LaRue c 4 1 2 1 0 1 .438 and hit an RBI double for the C.Ross rf 3 0 0 0 0 0 .221 Calero p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- innings of four-hit ball and Jason LaRue Wellemeyer p 3 0 0 0 0 2 .182 Braves, who scored four runs T.Miller p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- R.Paulino c 1 0 0 0 1 0 .289 hit a go-ahead homer in the fifth for the Boyer p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- in Jurrjens’ previous four out- a-Jo.Baker ph-c 1 0 0 0 0 0 .280 A.Sanchez p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 Cardinals, who won two straight against b-Robinson ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .000 ings. David Ross hit a two-run Franklin p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Badenhop p 1 0 0 0 0 1 .000 the Pirates after opening a four-game Totals 30 5 8 5 2 7 homer to help Atlanta complete Pinto p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Gload rf 1 0 1 0 0 0 .237 homestand with two losses against the a two-game sweep. Pittsburgh 000 010 100 — 2 4 1 Totals 29 2 4 2 3 5 . Skip Schumaker TOM GANNAM / AP St. Louis 100 040 00x — 5 8 0 Marlins righthander Anibal Atlanta 021 010 000 — 4 12 0 had three hits and scored twice. Ryan Franklin, right, has closed the door on all nine of his save opportunities this season. Sanchez (1-4) allowed both a-struck out for Ohlendorf in the 7th. b-grounded out Florida 100 001 000 — 2 4 1 “For us to bounce back the way we for Boyer in the 8th. E: An.LaRoche (4). LOB: Pittsburgh homers and four runs in 4 2/3 a-lined out for R.Paulino in the 8th. b-walked for May- did, I think it shows a lot about the char- singled in a run. three starts, hit only two batters in his 4, St. Louis 7. 2B: McLouth (2), LaRue (1). 3B: Schu- innings before leaving the game maker (1). HR: R.Diaz (1), off Wellemeyer; LaRue (1), off bin in the 8th. c-grounded out for R.Soriano in the 9th. acter of this team,” LaRue said. “There’s Ohlendorf felt he slowed down too first five starts over 31 innings. He Ohlendorf. RBIs: McLouth (18), R.Diaz (3), Pujols (32), because of discomfort in his 1-ran for Helms in the 8th. E: Jo.Baker (2). LOB: Atlanta 6, Florida 4. 2B: Kotchman (11). HR: D.Ross (3), off no quit.” much in the fifth. departed after six innings trailing 5-1, Ludwick (24), Duncan (19), K.Greene (11), LaRue (1). pitching shoulder. Sanchez CS: Schumaker (1). SF: Pujols, Duncan. Runners left A.Sanchez; Kotchman (1), off A.Sanchez; Ha.Ramirez 2 The 36-year-old Franklin had 17 saves “My fastball command wasn’t as good although he singled up the middle in the in scoring position: Pittsburgh 2 (Delw.Young 2); St. underwent surgery on the (5), off Jurrjens 2. RBIs: Kotchman 2 (6), D.Ross 2 (9), Ha.Ramirez 2 (15). SB: K.Johnson (1). CS: Francoeur (1), in 25 chances last year, stepping in when as it was the rest of the game,” Ohlen- third for his first major league hit after Louis 4 (Thurston 2, Robinson 2). GIDP: Delw.Young. shoulder in June 2007 and DP: St. Louis 1 (Wellemeyer, K.Greene, Pujols). Bonifacio (2). S: A.Sanchez. Runners left in scoring Jason Isringhausen was twice demoted dorf said. “I had a chance to help us end an 0-for-18 start. returned last July. position: Atlanta 3 (Francoeur 2, D.Ross); Florida 2 (Maybin, Ha.Ramirez). DP: Florida 2 (Badenhop, from the closer role. a losing streak and didn’t come through Robinzon Diaz hit his first career Pittsburgh IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA “He was in pain,” manager Ohlendorf L, 3-3 6 7 5 5 1 5 84 4.14 Ha.Ramirez, Cantu), (Carroll, Carroll, Jo.Baker). “I’ve been playing a long time, so I’ve like I needed to.” homer and Nate McLouth had an RBI Meek 2 1 0 0 1 2 38 2.08 Fredi Gonzalez said. “You Atlanta IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA had some good stretches where I could La Russa wasn’t pleased that the Car- single for the Pirates, who have lost nine St. Louis IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA always think worse-case sce- Wellemeyer W, 3-2 7 4 2 2 3 4 97 4.75 Jurrjens W, 3-2 7 3 2 2 2 4 102 2.01 hit the mitt when I wanted to,” Franklin dinals were hit seven times in the two of 10 while getting shut out three times T.Miller H, 1 2⁄3 0 0 0 0 1 7 4.32 nario, but I don’t know.” R.Soriano H, 5 1 1 0 0 1 1 28 1.29 M.Gonzalez S, 5-6 1 0 0 0 0 0 13 3.86 said. “This is just one of them.” games, although neither Pujols nor Lud- and scoring two runs twice. Manager Boyer H, 1 1⁄3 0 0 0 1 0 16 11.37 Sanchez was to undergo Franklin S, 9-9 1 0 0 0 0 1 9 0.00 Florida IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA St. Louis batted around in a four-run wick thought Ohlendorf was throwing John Russell played a lot of reserves and X-rays and an MRI exam. A.Sanchez L, 1-4 4 2⁄3 7 4 4 1 3 71 5.79 Badenhop 2 2 0 0 0 3 26 4.00 fifth that started with LaRue’s first at them. fielded a lineup that entered with seven HBP: by Ohlendorf (Pujols, Ludwick). Umpires: Home, Florida extended a club- ; First, ; Second, Brian O’Nora; Pinto 1 2 0 0 0 2 18 1.32 homer of the season. Ross Ohlendorf “He didn’t know where he was throw- homers, four fewer than Pujols. Third, . T: 2:30. A: 41,928 (43,975). record streak of 20 consecutive Calero 1 1⁄3 1 0 0 0 1 10 1.76 (3-3) hit and Ryan Lud- ing it,” Pujols said. “I don’t think he “We changed things up a little, but we games without a win by a start- Inherited runners-scored: Badenhop 1-0, Pinto wick in consecutive at-bats, the latter wanted to hit me with Ludwick coming still didn’t score any runs,” Russell ing pitcher. During that span 1-0, Calero 1-0. Umpires: Home, Laz Diaz; First, Chuck Meriwether; Second, ; Third, Mike Reilly. T: with the bases loaded. Chris Duncan up.” said. the starters are 0-10. 2:46. A: 17,759 (38,560). had a sacrifice fly and Khalil Greene Ohlendorf, who had won his previous — The Associated Press — The Associated Press SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 17 NATIONAL LEAGUE

San Francisco 8, Colorado 3 Giants 8, Rockies 3 San Diego 4, Arizona 3, 10 innings San Francisco AB R H BI BB SO Avg. F.Lewis lf 4 1 2 1 0 1 .300 Padres 4, Diamondbacks 3, 10 innings Affeldt p 0 0 0 0 0 0 1.000 Howry p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Eckstein’s line Arizona AB R H BI BB SO Avg. b-Rowand ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .220 F.Lopez 2b 3 0 0 1 1 1 .303 J.Miller p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Ojeda ss 3 0 0 0 1 0 .305 Molina finally solves Marquis drive ends it J.Upton rf 4 1 2 0 1 1 .294 Burriss 2b 5 1 2 0 0 0 .241 Sandoval 3b 5 1 0 1 0 0 .300 Reynolds 3b 5 0 0 0 0 4 .255 DENVER—If not for a sudden gust of B.Molina c 5 2 3 4 0 0 .310 SAN DIEGO—The San Diego Whitesell 1b 4 0 0 0 1 0 .000 C.Jackson lf 3 0 1 0 1 1 .191 wind, Bengie Molina could’ve had a Winn cf 5 0 1 1 0 1 .227 Padres will take any win these Aurilia 1b 5 0 0 0 0 1 .189 Byrnes cf 3 0 0 1 0 1 .139 three-homer afternoon. Uribe ss 4 0 2 0 0 0 .265 days, even if they have to work Snyder c 3 1 1 0 1 1 .204 Haren p 3 1 1 1 0 1 .176 Not that he’s quibbling with two. Schierholtz rf 4 1 1 0 0 0 .281 extra to get it. Cain p 2 1 1 0 0 0 .200 J.Gutierrez p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Behind Molina’s big day at the plate 1-Velez pr-lf 1 1 0 0 0 1 .158 David Eckstein singled in the Schoeneweis p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Totals 41 8 12 7 0 4 c-Tracy ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .221 and ’s six innings of one-hit winning run with one out in Vasquez p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- ball, the beat the Colorado AB R H BI BB SO Avg. the 10th inning and San Diego Totals 32 3 5 3 6 10 8-3 on Thursday. Fowler cf 3 0 0 0 1 3 .259 beat the Arizona Diamond- Tulowitzki ss 3 0 0 0 1 2 .198 San Diego AB R H BI BB SO Avg. By showing a little patience, Molina Helton 1b 4 0 1 0 0 0 .355 backs 4-3 on Thursday. Giles rf 5 1 1 0 0 0 .164 E.Gonzalez 2b 5 0 1 1 0 2 .189 finally solved . Spilborghs lf 3 1 1 0 1 1 .281 It was the second time in Hawpe rf 4 1 1 1 0 1 .321 Meredith p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- The Giants catcher was hitless in 13 Iannetta c 2 0 0 0 2 0 .194 three games the Padres won in Hairston lf 5 0 2 1 0 0 .348 Ad.Gonzalez 1b 5 0 1 0 0 2 .308 career plate appearances against Mar- Stewart 3b 3 1 1 2 1 0 .224 10 innings, and just their fourth Barmes 2b 4 0 0 0 0 1 .240 Gerut cf 5 0 1 0 0 2 .221 quis before lining a solo homer to left- Marquis p 2 0 0 0 0 0 .308 win in 17 games. Kouzmanoff 3b 5 2 3 0 0 0 .239 Hundley c 4 0 2 1 1 0 .254 center in the second and crushing a Belisle p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- “It’s really big for this club,” a-Murton ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .300 C.Burke ss 4 0 1 0 1 1 .190 two-run shot to right the following Daley p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Eckstein said. “Hopefully one C.Young p 1 1 0 0 1 1 .214 a-L.Rodriguez ph 0 0 0 0 1 0 .231 inning. Rusch p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .400 day we’ll win a game where it’s Totals 29 3 4 3 6 8 Moreno p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- It was Molina’s sixth multihomer not as close and as much pres- Gregerson p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- b-Headley ph 0 0 0 0 1 0 .253 game and first since July 22 against San Francisco 014 000 201 — 8 12 0 sure, but that seems like the Colorado 000 000 102 — 3 4 3 Bell p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Washington. only way we know how to win Eckstein 2b 1 0 1 1 0 0 .257 Totals 40 4 13 4 5 8 “The only thing I did different was I a-grounded out for Belisle in the 7th. b-flied out for right now. Howry in the 9th. 1-ran for Cain in the 7th. E: Marquis let the ball travel to me,” Molina said. “I 2 (2), Tulowitzki (2). LOB: San Francisco 7, Colorado 5. “This club has showed a lot Arizona 002 001 000 0 —3 5 0 San Diego 000 021 000 1 —4 13 1 was just trying to stay back as long as I HR: B.Molina 2 (7), off Marquis 2; Hawpe (4), off Affeldt; of heart, especially in the tough Stewart (4), off J.Miller. RBIs: F.Lewis (2), Sandoval (9), One out when winning run scored. a-walked for could.” B.Molina 4 (27), Winn (10), Hawpe (18), Stewart 2 times that we’ve been going C.Young in the 6th. b-walked for Gregerson in the 8th. c-grounded out for Schoeneweis in the 9th. E: C.Burke Molina nearly had another homer in (13). S: Cain. Runners left in scoring position: through. We’ve just got to keep San Francisco 4 (B.Molina, Winn 2, Aurilia); Colorado 2 (2). LOB: Arizona 8, San Diego 13. 2B: J.Upton (5), the fifth, but the wind held the ball up (Hawpe, Stewart). DP: San Francisco 2 (Aurilia, Uribe, pushing forward.” C.Jackson (4), Haren (2), Kouzmanoff (5), Hundley (4), Cain), (Uribe, Aurilia). C.Burke (2). RBIs: F.Lopez (7), Byrnes (7), Haren (3), and allowed Dexter Fowler to track it Eckstein, who entered the E.Gonzalez (5), Hairston (16), Hundley (8), Eckstein (7). down in deep center. San Francisco IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA game for defensive purposes in SB: J.Upton (2). S: Ojeda. SF: F.Lopez, Byrnes. Runners left in scoring position: Arizona 5 (Byrnes, Whitesell “I actually hit the third one better than Cain W, 3-1 6 1 0 0 5 7 107 2.61 the top of the inning, lined a Affeldt 1 1 1 1 1 0 23 3.65 2, Haren 2); San Diego 6 (E.Gonzalez 2, Ad.Gonzalez, I hit the other two,” he said. Howry 1 0 0 0 0 1 15 3.97 shot just past first baseman Giles 3). GIDP: Ad.Gonzalez. DP: Arizona 1 (F.Lopez, Ojeda, Whitesell). Molina finished with three hits and J.Miller 1 2 2 2 0 0 23 3.18 Josh Whitesell to bring in Kevin Colorado IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA four RBIs, driving in another run on a Marquis L, 4-2 6 8 7 5 0 2 87 3.92 Kouzmanoff. Arizona IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Haren 6 8 3 3 2 4 94 1.84 bases-loaded, check-swing groundout. Belisle 1 1 0 0 0 0 22 8.18 Kouzmanoff started the win- Daley 1 1 0 0 0 1 17 1.80 J.Gutierrez 1 2⁄3 2 0 0 0 2 24 2.70 On that particular play in the seventh, Rusch 1 2 1 0 0 1 23 5.02 ning rally with a one-out double Schoeneweis 1⁄3 0 0 0 1 0 9 2.16 Vasquez L, 0-1 1 1⁄3 3 1 1 2 2 32 3.68 Molina didn’t even run toward first, fig- to left-center off Esmerling Marquis pitched to 3 batters in the 7th. Inherited San Diego IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA uring he would be called back because runners-scored: Belisle 2-1. Umpires: Home, Gerry Vasquez (0-1), his third straight C.Young 6 5 3 3 4 6 98 4.76 Moreno 1⁄3 0 0 0 2 0 12 4.70 he said the ball bounced up and hit him Davis; First, ; Second, C.B. Bucknor; Third, hit. Nick Hundley and Chris Mike Everitt. T: 2:56. A: 23,453 (50,449). Gregerson 1 2⁄3 0 0 0 0 2 22 4.50 in the hand. Burke, who was with Arizona Bell 1 0 0 0 0 1 16 0.00 Meredith W, 4-0 1 0 0 0 0 1 5 3.72 When plate umpire said DAVID ZALUBOWSKI / AP last year, walked to load the Inherited runners-scored: Schoeneweis 2-0, Greger- nothing, Molina gladly accepted the RBI Bengie Molina had the sixth multihomer game of his career Thursday, and his first since July 22. bases and bring up Eckstein. son 2-0. IBB: off C.Young (Snyder). Umpires: Home, Ed Rapuano; First, Paul Schrieber; Second, ; as Eugenio Velez raced home on the Cla Meredith (4-0) pitched a Third, . T: 3:20. A: 18,921 (42,691). short chopper to the third-base side. Molina said. “I wasn’t arguing, I was Cain (3-1) fought his control early, then perfect 10th to earn the win on “It kind of got me by surprise that just saying ‘It hit my hand’ and I walked settled down. Thursday. Diamondbacks fire Melvin nobody said anything on that play,” away.” — The Associated Press — The Associated Press as manager, Page 11 SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 18 AMERICAN LEAGUE Boston 13, Cleveland 3 Tampa Bay 8, N.Y. Yankees 6 Red Sox score 12 in sixth ... before first out Rays go back-to-back vs. Rivera NEW YORK—Carl Crawford hit Rays 8, Yankees 6 BOSTON—The Red Sox rounded the bases Red Sox 13, Indians 3 the kind of home run that’s Tampa Bay AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Bartlett ss 4 1 1 1 1 2 .340 at a rapid rate and broke an 84-year-old Cleveland AB R H BI BB SO Avg. becoming common at Yankee Crawford lf 5 2 2 1 0 0 .306 A.L. record. B.Francisco cf 3 0 1 0 0 0 .253 Stadium, a late shot that doomed Longoria 3b 5 3 3 3 0 1 .368 A.Cabrera ss 4 0 1 1 0 1 .330 C.Pena 1b 4 1 1 1 1 2 .266 Twelve batters came up and all 12 scored V.Martinez c 2 0 0 0 2 0 .391 New York to defeat. Burrell dh 5 0 2 1 0 0 .240 before Boston made its first out more than DeRosa 3b 3 0 0 0 0 1 .250 Then for good measure, Evan Zobrist rf 4 1 2 1 0 0 .279 Barfield 2b 1 1 1 0 0 0 1.000 Kapler cf 4 0 1 0 0 0 .214 a half hour into the bottom of the sixth Dellucci lf 3 0 0 0 0 1 .350 Longoria belted one off Mariano Iwamura 2b 4 0 1 0 0 2 .284 inning of a 13-3 win over the Cleveland Garko 1b 3 0 1 1 1 0 .294 Rivera that’s never been hit. Navarro c 4 0 0 0 0 1 .187 Peralta dh 4 0 1 0 0 1 .210 Totals 39 8 13 8 2 8 Indians on Thursday night. LaPorta rf 3 1 1 0 1 0 .154 Crawford and Longoria con- “It gets kind of crowded at the helmet Valbuena 2b-3b 4 1 1 0 0 0 .167 nected on back-to-back homers New York AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Totals 30 3 7 2 4 4 Jeter ss 4 1 2 0 1 1 .275 rack,” Jeff Bailey said. “I know that every- in the ninth inning off the All- Damon lf 5 1 4 4 0 0 .314 body wants to get up there.” Boston AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Star closer, the first time it’s hap- Teixeira 1b 5 0 0 0 0 1 .198 Lugo dh 5 3 3 0 0 0 .350 H.Matsui dh 4 1 1 1 0 0 .287 Boston broke the AL record of 11 runs in Pedroia 2b 4 2 2 3 1 0 .316 pened in Rivera’s career, and the Cano 2b 5 0 0 0 0 1 .319 an inning before making an out and tied Bay lf 5 2 2 4 0 0 .316 Tampa Bay Rays beat New York Swisher rf 4 0 0 0 1 1 .267 Lowell 3b 3 1 0 0 1 0 .292 Me.Cabrera cf 2 1 1 0 2 0 .333 the modern major league mark of 12. It Baldelli cf 4 1 1 2 0 1 .235 8-6 on Thursday night for the R.Pena 3b 3 1 1 0 1 0 .279 accomplished the feat without three J.Drew rf 3 1 0 0 1 1 .250 Yankees’ fifth consecutive loss. J.Molina c 2 1 1 1 0 0 .273 J.Bailey 1b 4 1 2 2 0 0 .167 Cervelli c 2 0 0 0 0 1 .000 injured regulars—, David N.Green ss 4 1 2 0 0 0 .278 “In that situation, you’re really Totals 36 6 10 6 5 5 Ortiz and Jacoby Ellsbury. Kottaras c 4 1 1 2 0 1 .160 just hoping to get a runner on Totals 36 13 13 13 3 3 Tampa Bay 202 001 102 — 8 13 0 They were replaced by Bailey and Rocco and advance him,” said Longo- New York 000 310 020 — 6 10 0 Baldelli, who each drove in two runs in Cleveland 000 02 0 010 — 3 7 0 ria, who had two of Tampa Bay’s Boston 100 00(12) 00x — 13 13 0 LOB: Tampa Bay 6, New York 9. 2B: Jeter (6), Damon the inning, and Julio Lugo, who began it six homers. “We just got him.” (5), J.Molina (2). HR: Bartlett (4), off Pettitte; C.Pena with a single, his third hit of the game. LOB: Cleveland 8, Boston 2. 2B: Garko (4), Valbuena Rivera (0-1) had not given up (13), off Pettitte; Longoria (9), off Pettitte; Zobrist (5), (1), Bay (6), J.Bailey (1), N.Green (7). 3B: Lugo (1). HR: off Pettitte; Crawford (1), off Ma.Rivera; Longoria (10), “It was pretty sweet, especially with a CHARLES KRUPA / AP Bay (8), off Herges. RBIs: A.Cabrera (15), Garko (11), consecutive homers in 862 off Ma.Rivera; H.Matsui (3), off Cormier; Damon (7), off makeshift squad out there,” said Bailey, Cleveland and LF David Dellucci weren’t in much of a mood to check out the scoreboard after the sixth. Pedroia 3 (11), Bay 4 (29), Baldelli 2 (3), J.Bailey 2 (6), games, according to the Elias Wheeler. RBIs: Bartlett (11), Crawford (13), Longoria Kottaras 2 (3). SB: A.Cabrera (5). SF: A.Cabrera. Run- 3 (38), C.Pena (30), Burrell (13), Zobrist (11), Damon 4 who was recalled from the minors on ners left in scoring position: Cleveland 4 (Peralta 3, Sports Bureau. He’s given up (19), H.Matsui (12), J.Molina (6). SB: Zobrist (2), Kapler April 22. into a 13-2 lead. He allowed Yankees on June 17, 1925. DeRosa); Boston 2 (N.Green, Kottaras). DP: Cleveland 1 four home runs this season, (2), Me.Cabrera (3). Runners left in scoring position: (A.Cabrera, Valbuena, Garko); Boston 2 (Lowell, Pedroia, Tampa Bay 3 (Navarro 2, Zobrist); New York 5 (Cano 3, Baldelli’s two-run double gave Boston a two runs to score in the fifth on a wild After Lugo’s leadoff single in the sixth, J.Bailey), (N.Green, Pedroia, J.Bailey). matching his total for each of the J.Molina, Teixeira). DP: Tampa Bay 1 (Bartlett, Iwamura, C.Pena); New York 1 (Pettitte, Cano, Teixeira). 4-2 lead, Jason Bay hit a three-run homer pitch and a sacrifice fly by Asdrubal Dustin Pedroia walked and Bay doubled Cleveland IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA last two. and an RBI double and three other batters Cabrera and won his fourth straight. in the tying run. Lowell was walked inten- Sowers L, 0-1 5 7 7 7 3 1 86 12.60 “I thought they were good Tampa Bay IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA had two-run hits in the sixth when the “I feel very confident. I’ve been getting tionally and Baldelli singled in two runs. Kobayashi 0 5 5 5 0 0 12 8.38 pitches, especially to Crawford, Niemann 3 1⁄3 3 2 2 4 0 78 5.65 Herges 2 1 1 1 0 2 31 4.50 Cormier 1 2⁄3 4 2 2 0 1 29 2.91 Red Sox obliterated a 2-1 deficit. deep into games,” Wakefield said. “That’s Drew then walked and Masa Kobayashi J.Lewis 1 0 0 0 0 0 9 5.52 but he put good wood on the Howell H, 2 2 1 0 0 1 3 33 3.65 “You’ve got to give Rocco credit,” Cleve- my job here as the fourth or fifth starter.” replaced Sowers. Boston IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA ball,” said Rivera, who admitted Wheeler BS, 1-1 1 2 2 2 0 0 8 7.84 Wakefield W, 4-1 6 4 2 2 4 3 101 2.93 Shouse W, 1-0 H, 3 2⁄3 0 0 0 0 0 4 3.38 land’s Ryan Garko said. “That at-bat Jeremy Sowers (0-1) gave up one run on But Kobayashi did even worse. He Delcarmen 1 1 0 0 0 1 15 0.59 that his velocity isn’t back to nor- J.Nelson S, 1-1 1⁄3 0 0 0 0 1 4 3.38 changed the game.” four hits through five innings. But he left allowed hits to all five batters he faced. Ja.Lopez 1 2 1 1 0 0 14 10.24 mal after having shoulder sur- New York IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Saito 1 0 0 0 0 0 11 4.09 Pettitte 6 9 5 5 1 5 115 4.38 Boston had nine hits and three walks in the game after allowing the first six bat- Bailey doubled in two runs before Nick gery last year. “The one to Veras 2 2 1 1 1 2 35 7.20 the inning before Matt Herges retired ters to reach base in the sixth. Green’s infield single loaded the bases. Sowers pitched to 6 batters in the 6th. Kobayashi Longoria caught a little more of Ma.Rivera L, 0-1 2⁄3 2 2 2 0 1 24 3.97 pitched to 5 batters in the 6th. Inherited runners- D.Robertson 1⁄3 0 0 0 0 0 2 3.86 Mike Lowell on a grounder to third, draw- The Red Sox tied the mark for games George Kottaras then doubled home two scored: Kobayashi 3-3, Herges 2-2. IBB: off Sowers the plate.” ing cheers from the crowd. Then he struck since 1900 set by the Brooklyn Dodgers more. Lugo’s single reloaded the bases and (Lowell). HBP: by Wakefield (Dellucci, B.Francisco), by Johnny Damon hit a tying, Inherited runners-scored: Cormier 2-2. HBP: by Saito (B.Francisco). WP: Wakefield. PB: V.Martinez, Niemann (H.Matsui). WP: Niemann. Umpires: Home, out Baldelli and got J.D. Drew on a on May 24, 1953. The Dodgers had 12 runs Pedroia singled in two runs, making it Kottaras. Umpires: Home, Tim Tschida; First, Bob two-run homer in the eighth for Dale Scott; First, ; Second, Mike DiMuro; Davidson; Second, ; Third, . T: Third, . T: 3:27. A: 43,769 (52,325). grounder to second. in the eighth inning of a 16-2 win at Phila- 10-3 and chasing Kobayashi. 2:35. A: 37,541 (37,373). New York—one of two Yankees “I think Mike Lowell got mad because delphia, according to Elias Sports Bureau. Then Bay, on a 3-1 pitch from Herges, hit home runs. There have been 47 he was the first one who made an out. It The previous A.L. record was set by the his eighth homer of the season to right- homers hit at the new Yankee was a little funny,” Lugo said. Detroit Tigers, who scored 11 runs in the center field. Stadium, 32 of them to right. The inning turned a one-run deficit for sixth inning in a 19-1 win at the New York — The Associated Press — The Associated Press SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 19 AMERICAN LEAGUE Baltimore 5, Minnesota 4 Chicago White Sox 6, Detroit 0 L.A. Angels 6, Toronto 1 Unlikely cast paces Orioles Buehrle flirts with perfection again Jays can’t rattle Weaver

BALTIMORE—A .154 hitter drove Orioles 5, Twins 4 White Sox 6, Tigers 0 ANAHEIM—The only time Los Angels 6, Blue Jays 1 in the go-ahead run, the slump- Minnesota AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Detroit AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Angeles Angels pitcher Jered Toronto AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Span cf-lf 5 2 2 0 0 1 .309 Granderson cf 4 0 1 0 0 0 .259 Scutaro ss 4 0 0 0 0 1 .261 ing third baseman homered Tolbert 2b 4 0 2 0 0 0 .286 Polanco 2b 4 0 2 0 0 0 .273 Weaver looked rattled was late A.Hill 2b 4 1 1 1 0 1 .362 and scored twice, and the Mauer c 4 0 3 1 1 1 .476 Thomas rf 3 0 0 0 1 2 .429 in Thursday night’s game against Rios rf 4 0 0 0 0 1 .256 Morneau 1b 3 0 0 1 1 0 .310 Mi.Cabrera 1b 4 0 0 0 0 0 .390 V.Wells cf 3 0 1 0 0 1 .277 struggling closer sealed the vic- Kubel dh 4 1 1 0 0 1 .313 Ordonez dh 3 0 0 0 1 2 .225 the when the Lind dh 3 0 1 0 0 0 .336 tory with a solid inning of Crede 3b 4 1 2 0 0 0 .232 Laird c 3 0 0 0 0 0 .236 home crowd reacted to a hockey Rolen 3b 3 0 0 0 0 1 .308 Cuddyer rf 4 0 1 1 0 0 .260 Inge 3b 3 0 0 0 0 1 .278 Overbay 1b 3 0 0 0 0 0 .241 work. Delm.Young lf 4 0 3 1 0 0 .288 Raburn lf 3 0 0 0 0 0 .063 score on the video board. Barajas c 3 0 0 0 0 2 .322 Relying on an unlikely cast of 1-Gomez pr-cf 0 0 0 0 0 0 .224 Everett ss 3 0 0 0 0 2 .259 Otherwise, the lanky right- Snider lf 3 0 0 0 0 1 .238 Punto ss 4 0 0 0 0 1 .190 Totals 30 0 3 0 2 7 Totals 30 1 3 1 0 8 stars, the Totals 36 4 14 4 2 4 hander had total focus on the job defeated the Chicago AB R H BI BB SO Avg. at hand. Los Angeles AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Baltimore AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Getz 2b 2 1 1 0 2 0 .294 Figgins 3b 4 2 3 0 0 0 .280 5-4 Thursday night for a two- B.Roberts 2b 4 0 0 0 0 0 .294 Fields 3b 4 0 0 0 0 2 .250 Weaver allowed three hits in M.Izturis ss 3 0 2 2 0 0 .277 game sweep. Ad.Jones cf 4 0 0 0 0 1 .346 Quentin lf 4 0 0 0 0 0 .242 his first career , Abreu rf 4 0 0 0 0 0 .330 Markakis rf 3 1 0 0 0 0 .355 Thome dh 3 1 0 0 1 0 .205 Hunter cf 4 0 0 0 0 1 .313 “A lot of guys that have been Mora 3b 4 2 2 1 0 0 .245 Dye rf 4 1 1 1 0 1 .290 and the Angels cruised to a 6-1 K.Morales 1b 4 2 2 1 0 1 .276 scuffling a little bit came Huff dh 2 2 1 2 2 0 .274 Konerko 1b 4 1 2 2 0 0 .310 victory over the Blue Jays. Napoli dh 4 2 2 2 0 0 .328 Wigginton 1b 4 0 1 0 0 1 .208 Pierzynski c 4 1 1 2 0 0 .313 J.Rivera lf 4 0 1 1 0 1 .280 through,” said manager Dave Montanez lf 4 0 1 1 0 0 .185 J.Nix ss 3 1 1 1 0 1 .400 “We had (Lyle) Overbay in Kendrick 2b 3 0 0 0 0 1 .245 Trembley, who hadn’t seen his Zaun c 3 0 3 0 0 0 .192 Podsednik cf 3 0 0 0 0 0 .273 there getting ready to lock it in Mathis c 3 0 0 0 0 1 .237 C.Izturis ss 3 0 1 1 0 0 .250 Totals 31 6 6 6 3 4 Totals 33 6 10 6 0 5 team win two in a row since Totals 31 5 9 5 2 2 CHARLES REX ARBOGAST / AP and the crowd goes crazy,” April 13-14 at Texas. Detroit 000 000 000 — 0 3 1 Weaver said. “I had to step off a Toronto 000 100 000 — 1 3 2 Minnesota 011 001 100 — 4 14 0 White Sox P Mark Buehrle gave up one hit over eight innings. Chicago 500 100 00x — 6 6 0 Los Angeles 021 002 10x — 6 10 0 Lou Montanez singled in the Baltimore 022 000 01x — 5 9 1 little bit.” tiebreaking run in the eighth CHICAGO—The driving rainstorm that postponed Wednes- E: Everett (4). LOB: Detroit 5, Chicago 4. 2B: Polanco The distraction hardly regis- E: Barajas 2 (4). LOB: Toronto 2, Los Angeles 4. 2B: 1-ran for Delm.Young in the 8th. E: C.Ray (1). LOB: Min- (12), Getz (5), Konerko 2 (9). HR: Pierzynski (4), off V.Wells (9), Figgins (4), Napoli (6). HR: A.Hill (8), off Jer. inning after taking a .154 bat- nesota 9, Baltimore 5. 2B: Crede (6). HR: Mora (2), off day’s Detroit-Chicago game gave Mark Buehrle an extra Galarraga; J.Nix (1), off Galarraga. RBIs: Dye (16), tered. The Blue Jays entered with Weaver; Napoli (5), off R.Ray; K.Morales (5), off R.Ray. ting average to the plate. The Perkins; Huff (4), off Perkins. RBIs: Mauer (4), Morneau day of rest and he took full advantage. Or did he? Konerko 2 (20), Pierzynski 2 (9), J.Nix (2). Runners a major league-leading .297 bat- RBIs: A.Hill (28), M.Izturis 2 (10), K.Morales (17), Napoli (22), Cuddyer (14), Delm.Young (13), Mora (11), Huff left in scoring position: Detroit 3 (Laird 2, Ordonez); 2 (13), J.Rivera (8). SB: Figgins 2 (12), Abreu (12). SF: single scored Melvin Mora, 2 (25), Montanez (3), C.Izturis (10). CS: Delm.Young “Nah,” he said, smiling, “I think I would have thrown a Chicago 2 (Quentin, J.Nix). ting average only to get tied up M.Izturis. Runners left in scoring position: Toronto 1 who came in hitting .222 but (2). S: Tolbert. SF: Morneau. Runners left in scoring no-hitter if I had pitched (Wednesday).” by Weaver, who retired 18 of the (Overbay); Los Angeles 2 (Hunter, M.Izturis). position: Minnesota 2 (Kubel, Crede); Baltimore 1 Detroit IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA homered in his first at-bat to (B.Roberts). GIDP: Cuddyer, Delm.Young, C.Izturis. DP: As it is, the White Sox lefthander came pretty close to Galarraga L, 3-2 6 6 6 6 2 3 85 4.08 last 19 batters and finished with Toronto IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA end a 2-for-24 skid. Minnesota 1 (Punto, Tolbert, Morneau); Baltimore 2 duplicating—or even improving upon—the no-hitter he Perry 2 0 0 0 1 1 25 2.92 103 pitches. Weaver’s only mis- R.Ray L, 0-1 6 1⁄3 10 6 5 0 4 95 6.00 (Mora, B.Roberts, Wigginton), (Bergesen, B.Roberts, Chicago IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA B.Murphy 1 2⁄3 0 0 0 0 1 14 1.93 Montanez’s hit set the stage Wigginton). threw in 2007. Buehrle retired the first 19 batters Thurs- Buehrle W, 5-0 8 1 0 0 2 5 110 2.61 take was a home run to Aaron Los Angeles IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Jenks 1 2 0 0 0 2 26 1.80 Jer.Weaver W, 3-1 9 3 1 1 0 8 103 2.66 for George Sherrill, who got Minnesota IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA day night before Placido Polanco’s double ended his bid Hill in the fourth. three outs for his fifth save in Perkins 6 5 4 4 2 2 101 3.73 for a . Umpires: Home, ; First, Chris Tiller; “The Blue Jays had been Inherited runners-scored: B.Murphy 1-0. Umpires: seven tries. After blowing two Guerrier 1 1 0 0 0 0 15 3.45 That was the only hit Buehrle allowed in eight innings Second, ; Third, . T: 2:02. A: swinging the bats exceptionally Home, Casey Moser; First, ; Second, Paul Mijares L, 0-1 1 3 1 1 0 0 18 1.59 27,475 (40,615). Emmel; Third, Bill Hohn. T: 2:06. A: 41,007 (45,257). save opportunities in the span Baltimore IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA as he led Chicago to a 6-0 victory over the Tigers, who and for him to come in there and Bergesen 6 11 3 3 1 3 88 4.98 of a week, Sherrill was in dan- C.Ray BS, 1-1 2⁄3 2 1 1 0 0 11 8.00 were shut out for the first time this season. hold them to a run and go the ger of losing his job. Walker 1⁄3 0 0 0 0 0 2 1.80 Buehrle’s dominance had a familiar look to Tigers distance, it was pretty impres- Ji.Johnson W, 2-0 1 1 0 0 0 0 17 2.25 But he was in control against Sherrill S, 5-7 1 0 0 0 1 1 23 4.26 catcher Gerald Laird, who was playing for Texas on April sive,” Angels catcher Jeff Mathis the Twins. After getting two 18, 2007, when Buehrle threw his no-hitter. said. Inherited runners-scored: Walker 1-0. HBP: by quick outs, he walked Joe Perkins (Markakis). Umpires: Home, Randy Marsh; “He had similar stuff,” said Laird, who made the final Toronto lost for just the second Mauer before retiring Justin First, ; Second, ; Third, out for the Rangers that day. “He was back and forth, cut- time in seven games, while Los Morneau on a lazy fly to left. . T: 2:47. A: 11,399 (48,290). ters in, keeping you off balance, getting a lot of ground- Angeles won for the fourth time “It felt real good,” Sherrill balls and guys having a lot of bad swings. in five. said. “It was good to come out “I was thinking ... ‘Darn, I’m going to be in the lineup The victory for Weaver (3-1) and show command. It felt twice if this happens.’” came one day after the Blue Jays really good coming out of my The White Sox are 6-0 in Buehrle’s starts—and 7-14 in embarrassed the Angels in a 13-1 hand.” games started by all others. victory, getting 15 hits. — The Associated Press — The Associated Press — The Associated Press SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 20 AMERICAN LEAGUE Kansas City 3, Seattle 1 Oakland 9, Texas 4 Bannister settles in after first inning Cahill backed by HRs

KANSAS CITY— felt fine Royals 3, Mariners 1 from Cust, Holliday warming up in the bullpen. On the Seattle AB R H BI BB SO Avg. field, something just wasn’t right and I.Suzuki rf 4 0 3 0 1 0 .316 OAKLAND—Jack Cust was Athletics 9, Rangers 4 F.Gutierrez cf 4 0 0 0 0 2 .287 Texas AB R H BI BB SO Avg. he was in a jam right off the bat. Jo.Lopez 2b 4 0 1 0 0 1 .269 excused for missing most of Kinsler 2b 4 0 1 0 0 0 .325 Once he worked out the kinks, the Branyan 1b 4 0 0 0 0 2 .302 Trevor Cahill’s first major Vizquel 2b 1 0 1 1 0 0 .429 Beltre 3b 3 0 1 0 0 0 .207 Andrus ss 5 0 0 0 0 1 .259 righthander was as good as he’s been Griffey Jr. dh 4 1 2 0 0 0 .214 league win. M.Young 3b 5 0 2 0 0 0 .336 all season. Balentien lf 3 0 1 0 1 0 .341 While Cahill and the Athlet- Blalock dh 4 0 0 0 0 1 .245 Ro.Johnson c 3 0 0 0 0 3 .204 Byrd cf 3 0 2 0 0 0 .330 Bannister worked six scoreless a-M.Sweeney ph 1 0 1 1 0 0 .281 ics were in the field, Oakland’s Golson cf 1 0 0 0 0 1 .000 innings to outpitch Jarrod Washburn 2-En.Chavez pr 0 0 0 0 0 0 .281 designated hitter was in the N.Cruz rf 4 1 0 0 0 1 .295 Cedeno ss 3 0 0 0 0 3 .138 Dav.Murphy lf 4 1 1 1 0 0 .174 and the extended b-Y.Betancourt ph 0 0 0 0 1 0 .284 video room. It paid off when he C.Davis 1b 4 2 2 1 0 1 .211 their winning streak to six games with Totals 33 1 9 1 3 11 hit a grand slam that helped the Saltalamacchia c 4 0 2 1 0 0 .276 Totals 39 4 11 4 0 5 a 3-1 victory over the Kansas City AB R H BI BB SO Avg. A’s beat the Texas Rangers 9-4. on Thursday. Crisp cf 3 2 1 0 0 1 .238 “I know it kind of stinks but I Oakland AB R H BI BB SO Avg. DeJesus lf 3 0 1 0 0 1 .250 O.Cabrera ss 5 0 0 0 0 1 .229 Bannister was in trouble right away, Teahen 3b 3 0 0 0 1 0 .298 did see some of his strikeouts,” K.Suzuki c 5 2 3 0 0 0 .327 laboring through a 27-pitch first inning. J.Guillen rf 3 0 0 0 0 0 .291 Cust said. Giambi 1b 3 2 1 0 1 2 .209 1-Maier pr-rf 0 0 0 0 0 0 .231 G.Petit 2b 1 0 0 0 0 0 .250 Facing runners on the corners with one Butler 1b 4 0 2 1 0 0 .286 added a three- Holliday lf 2 2 1 3 2 0 .233 out, he struck out Russell Branyan and Jacobs dh 3 0 0 0 0 1 .255 run shot and Bobby Crosby had Cust dh 4 1 1 4 0 1 .297 Bloomquist 2b 3 1 1 0 0 1 .377 R.Sweeney cf 4 1 2 0 0 1 .259 got Adrian Beltre to line out, setting up Olivo c 2 0 1 0 0 1 .222 three hits to help Oakland snap Crosby 2b-1b 4 1 3 1 0 0 .259 one of his best outings of the season. Aviles ss 3 0 1 1 0 0 .211 a four-game losing streak. Jack T.Buck rf 4 0 0 0 0 1 .185 Totals 27 3 7 2 1 5 Hannahan 3b 3 0 1 1 1 1 .143 “I just made some pitches when I had Hannahan doubled home a run Totals 35 9 12 9 4 7 to,” Bannister said. “Getting through Seattle 000 000 001 — 1 9 1 and Kurt Suzuki added three Kansas City 001 010 01x — 3 7 1 Texas 000 010 003 — 4 11 1 that inning knowing I didn’t have my hits in the A’s highest-scoring Oakland 000 540 00x — 9 12 1 a-singled for Ro.Johnson in the 9th. b-walked for best location really helped me the rest CHARLIE RIEDEL / AP game this season. Cedeno in the 9th. 1-ran for J.Guillen in the 8th. 2-ran E: Andrus (7), O.Cabrera (3). LOB: Texas 8, Oakland 6. of the game.” Willie Bloomquist, top, and the Royals now have won six straight and eight of their last nine. for M.Sweeney in the 9th. E: Cedeno (1), Aviles (4). LOB: “He’s got to do that to get 2B: Kinsler (9), Vizquel (2), M.Young 2 (12), Byrd 2 (11), The Royals turned four double plays Seattle 9, Kansas City 5. 2B: I.Suzuki (2), Balentien (3), ready for what he did,” Cahill Dav.Murphy (2), Crosby 2 (3), Hannahan (1). HR: C.Davis Crisp (8), DeJesus (5). RBIs: M.Sweeney (7), Butler (12), (7), off Cahill; Cust (4), off McCarthy; Holliday (4), off in front of 32,714 screeching fans—it games. It has scored one run or less in “I would put that right up there with Aviles (8). SB: I.Suzuki (5), Crisp (5). S: DeJesus, Olivo. said. “It’s what I do before a Benson. RBIs: Vizquel (3), Dav.Murphy (6), C.Davis (14), was School Day at The K—and over- eight games this season. one of the top three starts that we’ve Runners left in scoring position: Seattle 6 (Beltre, game.” Saltalamacchia (13), Holliday 3 (20), Cust 4 (14), Crosby Jo.Lopez, Branyan, Ro.Johnson, I.Suzuki 2); Kansas City (8), Hannahan (2). Runners left in scoring position: came some shaky moments from closer “It’s a shame—Washburn pitched seen this season,” Royals manager Trey 2 (J.Guillen, DeJesus). DP: Seattle 1 (Jo.Lopez, Branyan); The grand slam helped Cahill Texas 8 (Blalock 3, C.Davis, N.Cruz, Byrd, M.Young 2); Joakim Soria to earn their eighth win well,” Mariners manager Don Waka- Hillman said. Kansas City 4 (Aviles, Bloomquist, Butler), (Butler, Butler, (1-2) enjoy his outing even Oakland 4 (O.Cabrera, Hannahan 2, Cust). DP: Texas 1 Aviles), (Teahen, Bloomquist, Butler), (Aviles, Butler). (Andrus, Kinsler, C.Davis). in nine games overall. They have won matsu said. Ron Mahay and Juan Cruz each more. six straight against Seattle for the first A day after pounding out 17 hits in a threw a scoreless inning before Soria Seattle IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA “I was a little more aggres- Texas IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Washburn L, 3-2 7 6 2 1 0 5 95 2.68 McCarthy L, 3-1 4 7 7 7 3 4 81 6.10 time since 1989 and swept a home series 9-1 win over the Mariners, the Royals made it interesting in his first outing White 1 1 1 1 1 0 13 1.46 sive after that,” said Cahill, who Benson 3 5 2 2 1 3 58 8.36 against two teams for the first time managed just seven hits and had to since Sunday. Kansas City IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA had his brother and girlfriend Guardado 1 0 0 0 0 0 11 8.53 Bannister W, 3-0 6 5 0 0 1 7 105 1.48 Oakland IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA since 2003. scrap for all of their runs. Kansas City’s closer, who’s been Mahay H, 2 1 1 0 0 0 1 12 4.66 among the 13,702 in atten- Cahill W, 1-2 7 5 1 1 0 4 97 3.82 The Mariners have lost four straight That’s all they needed the way Ban- bothered by a sore shoulder, gave up J.Cruz H, 4 1 1 0 0 0 2 22 2.03 dance. “A lead like that is nice K.Cameron 1 2 0 0 0 0 25 1.80 Soria S, 7-7 1 2 1 1 2 1 29 2.08 Ziegler 1⁄3 4 3 2 0 1 12 3.09 and eight of 11 overall thanks to a fail- nister (3-0) was pitching. two hits, including ’s and lets you relax.” A.Bailey 2⁄3 0 0 0 0 0 7 1.40 ing offense. had three He settled in after the shaky start, run-scoring single, and walked two to IBB: off White (Teahen). HBP: by White (Crisp, Cahill, who entered the game J.Guillen), by Mahay (Beltre). Umpires: Home, Todd McCarthy pitched to 2 batters in the 5th. Inherited hits and Ken Griffey Jr. had a pair. The finishing with seven strikeouts, getting load the bases with two outs. Tichenor; First, ; Second, Jerry Crawford; tied for the A.L. lead for walks, runners-scored: Benson 2-2, A.Bailey 2-0. Umpires: rest of the Mariners weren’t so good, out of jams with double-play balls in With the Kauffman Stadium crowd Third, . T: 2:33. A: 32,714 (38,177). did not issue a free pass while Home, Larry Vanover; First, ; Second, ; Third, . T: 2:33. A: 13,702 combining for four hits and 11 the second, fourth and sixth innings. getting antsy, Soria finally closed out striking out four. (35,067). strikeouts. Bannister allowed five hits and walked his seventh save by getting Suzuki to “No walks is definitely a huge Seattle, the A.L.’s third-worst scoring one in his fourth start since being called bounce into a fielder’s choice. step for me,” Cahill said. team, has just eight runs in its last four up from Triple-A Omaha on April 21. — The Associated Press — The Associated Press SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NHL FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 21 EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS Back-to-back contests will test depth of the Pens, Caps

PITTSBURGH—The series between the Capi- time,” said Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma. tals and Penguins has been hyped around “There’s not a lot of time to refocus and re- the stars and they’ve delivered. Of the 17 energize and you have to let go of the game Pressure’s on goals scored so far, 10 have been scored by and get right back on the horse.” Pittsburgh forward Evgeni Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin or Evgeni It could mean an adjustment in how each Malkin was drawing heat for Malkin. team distributes ice time, with coaches bal- his lack of offensive production With the series about to pick up pace with ancing the desire to win tonight with keeping before Wednesday’s dominant back-to-back games, the players fresh enough for the quick turn the performance. team that gets offensive following day. All three games have been “Yeah, he turned it up for sure,” contributions from outside tight, so there’s also the threat of overtime teammate Sidney Crosby said. “It the big three could seize the complicating things even more. was a big game. Great players want to step up in these games and he momentum. “The obvious one is fatigue,” Crosby said. did that. For the past few days, he’s “Absolutely, that’s the “You play back-to-back games, it’s wearing. taken a lot of criticism and prob- biggest key,” said Washing- During the season, it’s a bit of a factor some- ably not all of it for good reason. ton center Nicklas Back- times. In the playoffs, it’s intense, emotional He’s taken it upon himself to raise Craig Custance strom, who scored his first games and you have to turn the page his game.” HOCKEY goal of the playoffs Wednes- quickly.” With Malkin clicking, the day night. “Secondary scor- It comes down to depth, and Dupuis said attention now turns to others who need to raise their offensive game. ing is real important. Pittsburgh is focused he believes the Penguins are the deeper of the Here’s five: on our first two lines. If we get secondary two teams, which would give them an scoring, it’ll be great. It’s real important.” advantage. 1. Mike Green, Capitals: As exciting as this series has been, there “I think we are,” he said. “This is where Green has only two shots on are still a number of players who can elevate depth becomes a factor.” goal against Pittsburgh and has yet their offensive game. to score. Penguins forwards Jordan Staal, Pascal The other goalie 2. Jordan Staal, Penguins: Dupuis and Chris Kunitz all are looking for Simeon Varlamov, Washington’s rookie Staal does play a defensive role their first goals of the playoffs. goalie, has earned much of the praise heaped for the Penguins, but they could As for the Capitals, Alexander Semin has on the goaltenders in this series, but Pitts- certainly use the occasional goal been held without a goal after scoring five burgh’s Marc-Andre Fleury bounced back from him. against the Rangers in the first round. Mike from an early fluke goal to play a strong game Green, Washington’s offensively gifted defen- for the Penguins on Wednesday. 3. Alexander Semin, Capitals: seman, is also looking for his first against Compared to Varlamov, Fleury is a playoff He scored five goals against the Rangers and is still looking for his Pittsburgh. veteran, but this is still only his third trip to sixth. He’s a minus-2 in Round 2. “That’s how you win in the playoffs, you the postseason. have all the lines contribute offensively,” He said his growing playoff experience 4. Chris Kunitz, Penguins: Dupuis said. “(Malkin and Crosby) are taking helped him shake off the early goal to Alex With Sidney Crosby setting him the big load right now, obviously most of it. PABLO MARTINEZ MONSIVAIS / AP Ovechkin on Wednesday. up, we’d expect Kunitz to have a We’re happy they’re doing it, but some guys Chris Kunitz is one of several Pens wings who have been blanked this postseason. “It was important for me to forget about it playoff goal by now. have to step up.” and move on, make some saves and get in the 5. Brooks Laich, Capitals: Pittsburgh and Washington play Game 4 said Thursday. game,” Fleury said. “I think maybe I have more A 23-goal scorer during the Back-to-back challenges tonight and Game 5 in Washington on But both teams got it, and the challenges experience, I know what to expect a little bit regular season, Laich is due to get Washington general manager George McPhee Saturday. the scheduling presents is another test one of more—on the ice and off the ice. It’s something his first against Pittsburgh. was blunt when offering his assessment of play- “You don’t want to play back-to-back in the these teams will need to pass. you have to go through to learn about it.” ing back-to-back games in the playoffs. playoffs. Neither team wanted it,” McPhee “It’s a lot of hockey in a short period of [email protected] SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NHL FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 22 WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS Detroit 6, Anaheim 3 New line pays off for Red Wings

ANAHEIM—Johan Franzen and Mar- 25 saves for Detroit, the Red Wings ian Hossa gave the Detroit Red were able to chase Ducks goalie Jonas Wings all they offense they needed Hiller after Samuelsson’s goal early Series glance on a new line with center Valtteri in the third. (Series tied 2-2) Filppula. Hiller, who had made 59 saves in Franzen and Hossa each scored the Ducks’ 4-3 triple-overtime win May 1: Detroit 3, Anaheim 2 twice to help the Detroit beat the in Game 2 and 45 saves in a 2-1 vic- May 3: Anaheim 4, Detroit 3, 3OT Anaheim Ducks 6-3 on Thursday tory in Game 3, allowed five goals on May 5: Anaheim 2. Detroit 1 night, tying the Western Conference 33 shots before being replaced by Thursday: Detroit 6, Anaheim 3 semifinal series at 2. Jean-Sebastien Giguere. Sunday: Anaheim at Detroit, 5 p.m. After Franzen—dubbed “The “They just outplayed us,” Hiller Tuesday: Detroit at Anaheim, TBD Mule” by his teammates—scored said. “It was probably our worst Thursday, May 14: Anaheim at two first-period goals, Hossa broke a playoff game we have played so far.” Detroit, TBD, if necessary 2-2 tie with goals in a 3:05 span of Corey Perry had two goals and an the second period. assist for Anaheim. Scott Nieder- Detroit 2 2 2 — 6 Franzen added an assist, and Filp- mayer also scored, and Ryan Getzlaf Anaheim 1 1 1 — 3 pula had two assists. had two assists. First Period: 1, Anaheim, Perry 5 (Pronger), :42. 2, Detroit, Franzen Mikael Samuelsson also scored, The Ducks certainly got the start 5 (Filppula, Ericsson), 11:49. 3, Detroit, Franzen 6 (Kronwall), 19:24. Henrik Zetterberg added an empty- they were looking for. Penalties: Pronger, Ana (holding), 8:55. Second Period: 4, Anaheim, Perry 6 (Getzlaf), 11:03. 5, Detroit, netter to help the Stanley Cup cham- Perry took a feed from Chris Hossa 3 (Franzen), 16:02. 6, Detroit, Hossa 4 (Lidstrom, Filppula), pion Red Wings regain momentum Pronger and swiftly moved down 19:04 (pp). Penalties: Detroit bench, served by Hudler (too many men), 1:22; Beauchemin, Ana (hooking), 1:53; Filppula, Det (slash- in the series. the right wing before whisking a slap ing), 6:17; Perry, Ana (tripping), 6:23; Beauchemin, Ana (interfer- “We got our goals a little bit easier, shot inside the far post just 42 sec- ence), 18:23. Third Period: 7, Detroit, Samuelsson 2 (Maltby), 2:46. 8, Anaheim, we played with high tempo,” Fran- onds after the opening faceoff. S.Niedermayer 3 (Perry, Getzlaf), 10:03 (pp). 9, Detroit, Zetterberg zen said. “We need things like that to Anaheim continued to control 5 (Lebda), 17:27 (en). Penalties: Brown, Ana (roughing), 6:20; Helm, Det (tripping), 9:51; Kopecky, Det, major (fighting), 11:09; break down that goalie, so we did a play, building a 5-1 shot advantage Beauchemin, Ana, major (fighting), 11:09. great job tonight.” before the Red Wings got on track. Shots on Goal: Detroit 11-20-9: 40. Anaheim 9-13-6: 28. Power-play opportunities: Detroit 1 of 5; Anaheim 1 of 3. Game 5 is Sunday in Detroit, and Franzen tied it, beating Hiller with Goalies: Detroit, Osgood 6-2-0 (28 shots-25 saves). Anaheim, Hiller Game 6 is Tuesday night in a quick wrist shot from the high slot 6-4-0 (33-28), Giguere (2:46 third, 6-6). A: 17,601 (17,174). T: 2:31. Anaheim. off a drop pass from Filppula. Referees: Paul Devorski, Dennis LaRue. Linesmen: Greg Devorski, The Red Wings may have found “The first goal was a goal that Lonnie Cameron. an effective scoring trio just at the should have never gone into the net,” right time. Ducks coach Randy Carlye said. “We ability to raise his game in the “For whatever reason, we seemed weren’t just good enough as a team postseason. to get a spark from that line,” said and goaltending is part of the team During the Red Wings’ champion- Detroit coach Mike Babcock, who and that’s the bottom line. We ship run last year, the 29-year-old decided to give the new combination weren’t good enough.” Swede scored 12 goals in his first 12 a shot in the first period. “I figured it Franzen scored his second goal by playoff games before sustaining a was time to change things up.” deflecting in Niklas Kronwall’s point concussion against Dallas. After The early returns were highly shot with 36 seconds remaining in missing six games, he scored a goal favorable. the first to make it 2-1. in the Cup finals. MARK AVERY / AP While Chris Osgood was making Franzen has shown a significant — The Associated Press Detroit D Brad Stuart, left, holds back Anaheim’s Mike Brown as Red Wings G Chris Osgood reaches for the rebound in the second period. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NHL FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 23 WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS Chicago 2, Vancouver 1, OT Blackhawks finally get to Luongo, even series

CHICAGO—Andrew Ladd had “It was a shot from the half Luongo gave up just one in Game perfect position. When the puck wall. Ladd was right in front of 3 and looked on his way to a shut- Series glance came flying off teammate Dave me,” said Luongo, who finished out before Havlat tied it. (Series tied 2-2) Bolland’s stick from far away, with 26 saves. “It was coming fast “A huge comeback for us. We’re Ladd was right in front of Van- from the outside of the net. I right back in the series now,” Chi- April 30: Vancouver 5, couver goalie Roberto Luongo to extended my leg and he tipped it cago coach Joel Quenneville said. Chicago 3 tip it in. in the five-hole, so it was a good “It looked grim, but the enthusi- May 2: Chicago 6, Ladd’s goal less than three play by him.” asm was in the right places.” Vancouver 3 minutes into overtime Thursday Havlat’s tying goal came on a After Chicago’s Jonathan May 5: Vancouver 3, night capped a remarkable 2-1 wrist shot from between the Toews had his shot blocked, Ryp- Chicago 1 comeback victory for the Chicago circles after Ladd had worked ien scooped up the puck and Thursday: Chicago 2, Blackhawks and tied the Western the puck free from the boards raced to the other end against Vancouver 1, OT Conference semifinal series at 2. and shoveled it in his Blackhawks defenseman Matt Saturday: Chicago at “Bolland has great patience direction. Walker. Just before reaching the Vancouver, 10:30 p.m., with the puck,” Ladd said. “He “I had 1-on-1 against the goalie circles, Rypien made his nifty Versus turned around, saw my stick and and Ladd gave me a great pass. I spin move to evade Walker and Monday: Vancouver at got it to the right spot. We’ve got a had a lot of time and I haven’t had then passed to Hordichuk, who Chicago, 9 p.m., Versus little momentum here and can that in this series,” Havlat said. beat Khabibulin on the stick side Thursday, May 14: Chicago take it back to Vancouver.” “We kept fighting until the last for the 1-0 lead. at Vancouver, TBD, if Game 5 is Saturday night in second and it paid off. We were The score came shortly after necessary Vancouver, and the Canucks will patient.” Luongo made a spectacular stop have to regroup after losing a In the closing seconds of regu- on a rebound attempt by Chica- game they nearly had sealed up. lation, Bolland had a breakaway go’s Troy Brouwer. After the Vancouver 0 1 0 0 — 1 Chicago’s Martin Havlat tied it at before Vancouver’s Alexander Canucks went ahead and with Chicago 0 0 1 1 — 2 1 with 2:44 left in regulation after Edler caught up to him, hit his each team down a man, Luongo First Period: None. Penalties: Bieksa, Van (interfer- Luongo had been unflappable stick from behind and then forced made a sprawling pad save to ence), 3:20; Brouwer, Chi (boarding), 10:01. most of the night. him away from the net. Bolland deny Patrick Sharp. Second Period: 1, Vancouver, Hordichuk 1 (Rypien, R.Johnson), 8:32. Penalties: Mitchell, Van (roughing), “We were a couple of minutes went down on the play and the Chicago came out with strong 9:01; Ladd, Chi (roughing), 9:01; O’Brien, Van (slashing), away from winning this game,” crowd at the United Center early rush and Luongo had five 16:39; Bieksa, Van (roughing), 17:52; Havlat, Chi (rough- ing), 17:52. Vancouver coach Alain Vigneault screamed for a penalty with 8.2 saves in the first six minutes, Third Period: 2, Chicago, Havlat 4 (Ladd, Bolland), said. “It happened. We’ve got to seconds to go. including another nice pad stop 17:16. Penalties: Hordichuk, Van (diving), 6:54; Eager, Chi (roughing), 6:54. deal with it and get ready for the Darcy Hordichuk took a pass of Toews’ point-blank attempt First Overtime: 3, Chicago, Ladd 2 (Bolland, Havlat), next game.” from a spinning Rick Rypien to just as a power play was 2:52. Penalties: None. Shots on Goal: Vancouver 4-6-4-1: 15. Chicago 8-9- After the Canucks had two score his first playoff goal mid- expiring. 7-4: 28. point-blank shots to score, but way through the second period to The Blackhawks mustered an Power-play opportunities: Vancouver 0 of 1; Chicago 0 of 2. were turned away by Nikolai put the Canucks up 1-0—the 8-4 shots-on-goal advantage but Goalies: Vancouver, Luongo 6-2-0 (28 shots-26 saves). Khabibulin, Bolland chased fourth straight game Vancouver were blanked in the opening Chicago, Khabibulin 6-4-0 (15-14). A: 22,682 (20,500). T: 2:43. down the puck along the boards opened the scoring. period for the fourth straight Referees: Kelly Sutherland, Marc Joannette. Linesmen: at the other end. He fired a shot And Luongo again appeared game. Derek Amell, Pierre Racicot. from beyond the right circle and too tough for the Blackhawks to Khabibulin finished with 14 Ladd knocked it in at 2:52 of crack. After allowing eight goals saves. NAM Y. HUH / AP overtime. in the two games at Vancouver, — The Associated Press Troy Brouwer, right, and the Blackhawks have some momentum heading back to Vancouver for Game 5. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NHL FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 24 WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS NOTEBOOK Chicago 2, Vancouver 1, OT Low-octane Canucks Havlat’s tying goal restores Chicago mojo muster just 15 shots CHICAGO—The overtime goal gets the series. His goal only tied the game, but The Vancouver Canucks said again Thursday night that glory, of course. Andrew Ladd’s tip-in it won all the energy, all the momen- they prefer a slower-paced, heavy-hitting series to a wide- off Dave Bolland’s blue-line slapper tum, all the mojo needed to resurrect out set of goalfests. But their hesitation to create scoring will lead the Blackhawks’ marketing the Hawks. chances ranked as the key reason why this series stands campaigns and stick in the highlight “We gave ourselves lives again,” even today. videos. It gave the home team a 2-1 Chicago captain Jonathan Toews said. The Canucks mustered just 15 shots in the 2-1 overtime overtime win Thurs- Ask San Jose and New Jersey about loss, rarely testing Chicago’s defense. After taking a 1-0 lead day night, and it the importance of having life in mid- in the middle period, they exited attack mode and never evened this punch- May. Chicago showed its beating heart looked on the brink of going another goal ahead. counterpunch best- the rest of the night, nearly winning it “We maybe sat back a little too much,” winger Alex Bur- of-seven series at two on a Bolland breakaway in the final 20 rows said. “We had that one goal lead and we wanted to pro- games apiece. seconds of the third. He’d surface tect it.” But the score that again on his first shift of overtime, set- The Canucks went without a shot for the first seven min- saved Chicago came ting up Ladd’s game-winner at 2:52 of utes of the game and the first five minutes of the third period. Dave Curtis about a half hour sudden death. The statistics failed to move coach Alain Vigneault, who HOCKEY earlier. This game- And so this series heads back north insisted his team won’t sprint with the younger, quicker tying tally provided of the border as one big wash. Four Blackhawks. CPR for its season, re-kindled hope games, and still no clue which team “We can’t go chance for chance with this team,” he said. among the playoff’s youngest roster, will move on to the Western Confer- “They’re just too skilled.” and sent a frustrated United Center ence finals—and which will start sum- sellout crowd into a towel-waving mer vacation next week. For starters frenzy. Here’s the certainty: One team heads Again, Chicago mustered little early offense Thursday The details will be simple for all back to Vancouver wondering how it night. And again, the Canucks scored the first goal on Darcy Hawks fans to remember: Martin doesn’t have a stranglehold on the Hordichuk’s wrist shot midway through the second period. Havlat, Chicago’s leading scorer this series. And the other flies there ener- But the Blackhawks seemed pleased with their start, which postseason, snagged a desperation gized by Havlat’s goal and giddy about at least left them room to rally at night’s end. pass from Ladd inside the faceoff cir- sitting square with the favored “We came out the way we wanted to,” said Andrew Ladd, cle to the left of Vancouver goaltender Canucks. who also finished the game the way he wanted with the OT Roberto Luongo. He skated to the slot, “There’s a lot of skill, a lot of speed goal. “We had lots of energy and stayed out of the box.” flipped a wrist shot as he took a bump and a lot of excitement,” Blackhawks The Blackhawks have allowed the first goal in each of the from Willie Mitchell and, with 2:44 coach Joel Quenneville said of his four games in this series—and eight times in their 10 playoff remaining, tumbled into Blackhawks’ team. “And they believe in each games so far. Coach Joel Quenneville has stressed strong lore. NAM Y. HUH / AP other.” starts throughout the playoffs but seems resigned to having “We tied it up there, and we came Martin Havlat (24), who tied the game with less than three minutes left, is embraced by teammates. As Game 4’s first 57 minutes ticked a bunch of comeback kids. back out with confidence,” Bolland away, so did some of that belief. But “We’re accustomed to it,” he said. “But it’s not healthy. And said. “We had an extra boost.” ice in the second transformed expecta- Shoulders slouched on the Black- Chicago got its groove back here it’s not the right way to success.” Never this season had the Black- tions. What-the-heck morphed into hawks’ bench, and the fans’ loudest Thursday night. Thanks to Havlat— hawks needed such a boost. The why-not and became let’s-win-us-a- moments came at the end of the which led to Ladd—more than 22,000 A playoff breakthrough league’s surprise team reached the Stanley Cup. national anthem. Chicago seemed des- fans left the United Center believing in Hordichuk’s goal was his first in a 15-game NHL playoff playoffs with a what-the-heck attitude But Vancouver dominated Game 3 tined to fall behind 3-1, a virtual death their team again. They’ll be back here career. He said his last postseason scores came during a and zero buzz. But a six-game win over and, despite a woeful offensive night, sentence against the steady Canucks. for Game 6 Monday, hoping this new 2001 run with Orlando of the International Hockey League. Calgary in the first round, and a split carried a 1-0 lead into the final three Then Havlat swooped in, beat life lasts a few games longer. “It’s nice to have that feeling again,” he said. of two games on the Canucks’ home minutes of Game 4 regulation. Luongo short side and shook up this [email protected] — Dave Curtis SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NHL FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 25 Hurricanes have a flair for the dramatic Playoff glance CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS RALEIGH, N.C.—Carolina’s improbable Carolina a 2-1 series lead. Jokinen says (Best-of-7) playoff run has been fueled by dramatic you can chalk up the team’s string of All Times ET finishes and unlikely heroes. But while timely goals to the snowball effect. the Hurricanes’ dramatic flair has taken “When you get the first one ... we were EASTERN CONFERENCE the hockey world by surprise, Carolina able to come back, we were down in the Boston vs. Carolina players consider it business as usual. third period and we got a couple of goals (Carolina leads series 2-1) That attitude has helped them snatch and got a win,” Jokinen said. “It gives May 1: Boston 4, Carolina 1 home-ice advantage from the No. 1 you so much confidence going forward, May 3: Carolina 3, Boston 0 seeded Boston Bruins, who face a must- and your team knows you can come back May 5: Carolina 3, Boston 2, OT win Game 4 tonight or the prospect of from behind and win some games. I Today: Boston at Carolina, 7:30 p.m. falling into a deep hole. “It’s been going think it’s been step-by-step. You believe Sunday: Carolina at Boston, 7:30 p.m. on here for a long time,” Hurricanes cap- (in) yourself, you believe your team is Tuesday: Boston at Carolina, 7 p.m., if necessary tain Rod Brind’Amour said. “It doesn’t going to (score) a goal.” Thursday, May 14: Carolina at Boston, TBD, if necessary seem to be just lately, and I don’t know if The Bruins, meanwhile, are desperately there’s any reason for it, other than the trying to rediscover the rhythm that car- Washington vs. Pittsburgh fact that we’re pretty level-headed. We ried them to five straight wins—including (Washington leads series 2-1) don’t get too rattled in big situations. It’s a first-round sweep of the Montreal Cana- May 2: Washington 3, Pittsburgh 2 not that big a deal. We just seem to be diens—to open the postseason. May 4: Washington 4, Pittsburgh 3 able to go play, whether it’s overtime or But after losing two straight games to May 6: Pittsburgh 3, Washington 2, OT whether it’s the first period.” the Hurricanes, coach Claude Julien took Today: Washington at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m. Brind’Amour should know—he was a a different approach—he gave his play- Saturday: Pittsburgh at Washington, 7 p.m. centerpiece during the Hurricanes’ ers a day off to refocus. Monday: Washington at Pittsburgh, TBD, if necessary march to the Stanley Cup in 2006, a run “We’re not in trouble. We’re in a series Wednesday: Pittsburgh at Washington, 7 p.m., if necessary fueled by late rallies and dominant third that’s a hard-fought series,” Julien said. periods. Back in the playoffs for the first “What we have to do, probably, is get our WESTERN CONFERENCE time since that improbable postseason, game going in the right direction, which they’ve come up with another set of fan- means our commitment to outworking Detroit vs. Anaheim (Series tied 2-2) tastic finishes. the other team and our commitment to May 1: Detroit 3, Anaheim 2 Defenseman Tim Gleason, who making better decisions on the ice.” May 3: Anaheim 4, Detroit 3, 3OT hadn’t scored all season, fired a slap shot —The Associated Press May 5: Anaheim 2, Detroit 1 that clicked off a New Jersey player’s Thursday: Detroit 6, Anaheim 3 skate and beat Martin Brodeur in over- Sunday: Anaheim at Detroit, 5 p.m., if necessary time of Game 2 in a first-round win over Today’s games Tuesday: Detroit at Anaheim, TBD, if necessary the Devils. Thursday, May 14: Anaheim at Detroit, TBD, if necessary Forward Jussi Jokinen broke a tie All Times ET with less than one second remaining in Eastern Conference semifinals (Best-of-7) Vancouver vs. Chicago Game 4 against the Devils when a shot (Series tied 2-2) deflected off his skate past Brodeur for a Washington at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m., April 30: Vancouver 5, Chicago 3 game-winner. Versus May 2: Chicago 6, Vancouver 3 Boston at Carolina, 7:30 p.m., Versus Jokinen and center Eric Staal both May 5: Vancouver 3, Chicago 1 (joined in progress) scored goals in the final 80 seconds of Thursday: Chicago 2, Vancouver 1, OT Game 7 to help the Hurricanes rally past Betting lines Saturday: Chicago at Vancouver, 10:30 p.m. New Jersey again. Today Monday,: Vancouver at Chicago, 9 p.m. And Jokinen struck again Tuesday FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG LINE Thursday, May 14: Chicago at Vancouver, TBD, if necessary night in Game 3 against Boston, tapping at Pittsburgh ...... -180 ...... Washington ...... +160 a rebound into an open net at 2:48 of Boston ...... -130 ...... at Carolina ...... +110 BILL KOSTROUN / AP overtime to beat the Bruins, 3-2, and give Jussi Jokinen, right, has been involved in three of the Hurricanes’ frenzied finishes. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NHL FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 26

INSIDE DISH Canada, Sweden advance in World Championships Team Canada was too much for little Latvia to handle Thursday in quarterfinal action at the IIHF World Hockey Championships in Bern, Switzer- land. Dan Hamhuis had a goal and an assist as the Canadians advanced to the final four with a 4-2 vic- tory that sets up a semifinal battle against Sweden, a 3-1 winner Thursday over the Czech Republic. , Steven Stamkos and Matthew Lombardi also scored for Canada, while Guntis Galvins and Herberts Vasiljevs scored for Latvia. The tiny Baltic country is still seeking its first appearance in the semifinals and its first win over Canada at the world event. This game, however, did include a few small victories. GENE J. PUSKAR / AP Latvia became the first team to score short- Police are investigating a threat made against Alex Ovechkin on an Internet message board. handed against the Canadians and the first to keep them off the scoreboard in the opening 20 officials do not believe Ovechkin minutes. Ovechkin was in any serious danger, and he They also got within a goal in the final period was aware of the threat. He has when Vasiljevs beat goalie Chris Mason at 1:27. But target of been escorted by police during his Lombardi ended any hope of a miracle win when stay in Pittsburgh. he scored for Canada less than two minutes later. MATTHEW MANOR / AP death threat “We are aware of it. NHL security Derek Roy (9) and Canada are in the final four of the IIHF World Hockey Championships after a 4-2 win over Latvia. PITTSBURGH—Pittsburgh police and was contacted and worked with An NHL official said the league has been the NHL’s security office spent much local law enforcement in handling in control of the Phoenix Coyotes since Novem- Copps Coliseum deal. the next stoppage, he went to the locker room and of Thursday investigating a death the matter,” NHL spokesman Frank ber and is asking a federal judge to throw out Eisenberger says the city is only interested in returned later in the second. He did not return, threat posted on a fan message board Brown told ESPN Thursday. the team’s bankruptcy filing. a long-term agreement in exchange for exclu- however, for the third period or overtime. against Washington star Alex Ovech- The death threat was first reported Deputy commissioner Bill Daly said Coyotes sive hockey use of the arena. He says the arena kin, according to ESPN.com. by Pittsburgh TV station WPXI. owner Jerry Moyes signed documents giving con- needs upgrades, including private boxes, that D Erik Karlsson, Ottawa’s first-round pick in Police say they’ve traced an Inter- “We became aware of an inap- trol of the team to the league. Daly said the doc- would cost about $100 million. He said it would the 2008 entry draft, has signed an entry-level net threat to a 17-year-old boy. propriate comment on a message uments specifically prohibit Moyes from taking be up to Balsillie to finance the repairs. contract with the Senators. Pittsburgh Lt. Kevin Kraus says board and referred it to appropriate the franchise into bankruptcy. Balsillie reportedly has said he’s prepared to The 18-year-old Karlsson recently completed the boy lives in Chambersburg, Pa., authorities,” the Capitals said in a “We are filing a motion basically asking the spend up to $160 million to revamp Copps. his second season with the Frolunda HC Indi- which is about 125 miles east-south- statement. “We appreciate their judge to confirm that the league is in control of ans of the Swedish Elite League, recording five east of Pittsburgh. diligence and have every confidence the club,” Daly said, “and at that point we’ll be The Boston Bruins probably will be with- goals and five assists in 45 games. Kraus says state police have in our club’s safety.” able to dismiss all the claims in bankruptcy.” out D Andrew Ference for Game 4 of their semifi- talked to the boy, but no charges Ovechkin, who scored a league- Daly spoke Thursday after a hearing in U.S. nal series tonight against Carolina, according to The Versus network got a 1.2 national rat- were immediately filed. high 56 goals in the regular season, Bankruptcy Court on the franchise’s filing for the Boston Herald. ing and averaged 1,206,855 total viewers for its The threat was immediately for- has five in the first three games of Chapter 11 reorganization. Judge Redfield Baum set a Ference, who missed the final eight days of Pittsburgh-Washington Game 2 telecast on warded by the Penguins to local the semifinal series against hearing for May 19 to deal with the league claims. the regular season and then the Montreal series Monday at Washington’s Verizon Center. The police, the NHL and the Capitals. Pittsburgh. with a lower-body injury, had to leave Game 3 game in which Sidney Crosby of the Penguins and “We were notified of the message The Capitals and Penguins will According to The Globe and Mail, represen- with what appeared to be either a new lower- Alex Ovechkin of the Capitals both recorded hat and immediately turned over all play Game 4 in Pittsburgh tonight tatives of BlackBerry CEO Jim Balsillie—the man body injury or a aggravation of the old one. tricks was the network’s highest-rated and information to the authorities,” the with the series shifting Saturday to reportedly trying to buy and move the Coyotes Early in the second period, Ference was most-watched conference semifinal game ever, Penguins said in a statement. Washington. to Hamilton, Ontario—met Thursday with checked hard by the Hurricanes’ Scott Walker. He and the highest-rated and most-watched sec- The ESPN report said that — With wire reports Hamilton mayor Fred Eisenberger to discuss a got up slowly and skated gingerly to the bench. At ond-round game on cable since 2002. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NBA FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 27 EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

Cleveland 105, Atlanta 85 Series glance (Cleveland leads series 2-0) May 5: Cleveland 99, Atlanta 72 Cavaliers roll again Thursday: Cleveland 105, Atlanta 85 Saturday: Cleveland at Atlanta, as Johnson is hurt 8 p.m., ABC Monday: Cleveland at Atlanta, 7 p.m., TNT CLEVELAND—From his corner cubi- really good team. We’re really con- Wednesday: Atlanta at Cleveland, cle in Cleveland’s locker room, LeB- fident and we believe in each 8 p.m., if necessary ron James kept his eyes riveted on other.” Friday, May 15: Cleveland at the flat-screen TV. He wanted to see Maurice Evans scored 16 points Atlanta, TBA, if necessary Monday, May 18: Atlanta at every replay. and Mike Bibby had 11 for the Cleveland, 8 p.m., if necessary There was his no-look pass to Hawks, who were missing center Wally Szczerbiak. There was his Al Horford and forward Marvin reverse dunk in the final seconds of Williams because of injuries. If that Atlanta 17 18 20 30 — 85 the first quarter. And then there wasn’t bad enough, leading scorer Cleveland 26 33 26 20 — 105 was his majestic, step-back Joe Johnson rolled his right ankle in ATLANTA Min FG FT Reb A PF PTS 3-pointer to beat the halftime horn, the third quarter and did not Evans 33:12 7-12 1-1 3-3 4 3 16 JosSmith 22:02 2-13 4-4 1-1 3 4 8 a shot he admired before playfully return. Pachulia 35:01 2-6 3-4 5-12 0 1 7 swinging his arms back and forth. X-rays were negative, but Johnson Bibby 29:58 3-8 3-3 0-1 1 4 11 Johnson 30:16 5-15 0-2 3-3 1 0 10 Seeing it on tape for the first time, wore a walking boot as he and his Murray 27:16 2-5 3-4 0-1 3 1 8 James smiled, stood and repeated teammates went to their bus before Jones 21:47 0-3 2-2 2-3 0 4 2 MWest 6:29 0-2 1-2 0-1 0 0 1 his arm-swinging gesture. heading home for Game 3 on Hunter 11:03 1-2 0-0 3-5 0 1 2 It’s all easy. Maybe too easy. Saturday. Gardner 15:32 4-11 1-1 0-2 2 3 12 Law 7:24 3-6 1-1 1-2 3 1 8 James scored 27 points, ending “I can’t see me not playing,” John- Totals 240:00 29-83 19-24 18-34 17 22 85 the first and second quarters with son said. “I don’t want to let this Percentages: FG .349, FT .792. 3-Point Goals: 8-17, .471 (Gardner last-second baskets, and Mo Wil- opportunity go by. We’re down 0-2. 3-5, Bibby 2-4, Evans 1-2, Law 1-2, Murray 1-2, Johnson 0-2). Team Rebounds: 7. Team Turnovers: 14 (22 PTS). Blocked Shots: 4 liams added 15 points as the untested I want to be out there for my team- (Hunter, Murray, Pachulia, Jos.Smith). Turnovers: 13 (Johnson 3, Cavaliers overpowered the Atlanta mates. Hopefully in 48 hours it will MARK DUNCAN / AP Murray 3, Pachulia 3, Jos.Smith 2, Bibby, Jones). Steals: 9 (Johnson 2, Bibby, Evans, Gardner, Hunter, Murray, Pachulia, Jos.Smith). Tech- Hawks 105-85 on Thursday night feel a lot better.” The Hawks’ chances of beating the Cavs took a big blow when Joe Johnson, center, injured his right ankle in Game 2. He left in a walking boot. nical Fouls: Coach Woodson, 3:13 second; Jos.Smith, 8:15 third. to open a 2-0 lead in their Eastern While the rest of the NBA CLEVELAND Min FG FT Reb A PF PTS Conference semifinal. exchanges elbows, flagrant fouls Arena, where the Hawks went 31-10 the Hawks shot only 35 percent. Craig Ehlo that beat the Cavaliers in James 31:10 9-14 6-12 0-3 5 1 27 “I’m having fun,” James said. “I’m and menacing stares in the playoffs, during the regular season and beat “This loss is embarrassing,” said the 1989 playoffs, James gave Cleve- Varejao 28:38 6-9 0-0 4-8 2 2 12 Ilgauskas 26:45 3-6 0-0 2-7 2 3 6 having a ball.” the Cavaliers are looking for a fight. Cleveland once. That was on Dec. Smith, who also was slapped with a land fans a shot to remember. M Williams 32:24 5-11 2-3 3-5 5 2 15 Now a perfect 6-0 in the postsea- So far, they can’t find one. 13, when the Cavaliers were just technical. Taking an inbounds pass with 5.4 DWest 28:26 5-10 4-4 0-3 2 1 14 J Smith 19:23 0-1 4-4 0-3 0 2 4 son, the Cavaliers tied a league Just like Game 1, this was easy for finding out how good they were and Cleveland improved to 43-2 at seconds left, James dribbled into the Gibson 14:00 0-3 4-4 0-0 1 2 4 record by winning their sixth con- the Cavs. the Hawks were at full strength. home, 32-5 since the All-Star break, frontcourt, pulled up on Hawks Wallace 6:56 0-0 0-0 0-4 1 1 0 Szczerbiak 21:03 7-9 3-3 1-3 0 4 17 secutive playoff game by double Named MVP earlier this week, Atlanta coach and is playing its best ball. guard Mario West and drilled a Pavlovic 17:23 2-5 0-0 0-3 1 2 4 digits. The only other team to do it James’ 3-pointer at the end of the refused to use injuries as an excuse. The Cavs blew through Detroit in 36-footer to make it 59-35. As Jackson 12:00 1-2 0-0 0-4 0 1 2 Kinsey 1:52 0-1 0-0 0-0 0 1 0 was the 2004 Indiana Pacers. half opened a 24-point lead that “We’re just not playing well right four games and barely have broken 20,000-plus fans erupted, James Totals 240:00 38-71 23-30 10-43 19 22 105 Cleveland also matched the 1986 swelled to 36 in the third. James and now and they are playing at a high a sweat against the Hawks, who stood still, relishing the moment. Percentages: FG .535, FT .767. 3-Point Goals: 6-19, .316 (James Los Angeles Lakers by winning the Cavaliers starters spent the level,” he said. “We got a chance to haven’t figured out how to slow “I can say, yes, it was demoraliz- 3-5, M. Williams 3-8, Ilgauskas 0-1, D.West 0-1, Gibson 0-2, Pavlovic 0-2). Team Rebounds: 15. Team Turnovers: 18 (22 PTS). Blocked three straight games by at least 20 entire fourth quarter lounging on go home, regroup, play in front of James—or any of his teammates— ing (to the Hawks) because of where Shots: 11 (Varejao 4, Ilgauskas 2, J. Smith 2, James, Szczerbiak, Wal- points in a postseason. the bench as Atlanta’s reserves out- our fans and see what we’re made and have struggled to score. I shot the ball,” James said. “We lace). Turnovers: 17 (D.West 4, Szczerbiak 3, Ilgauskas 2, Varejao 2, M. Williams 2, Jackson, Kinsey, Pavlovic, J. Smith). Steals: 7 (James 4, “I don’t want to say I’m sur- played the Cavs’ backups in 12 min- of.” On the 20th anniversary of carried that momentum into the Varejao 2, Gibson). Technical Fouls: M. Williams, 7:26 second. prised,” James said of Cleveland’s utes of garbage time. Atlanta’s Josh Smith was held to ’s jumper—known second half.” A: 20,562 (20,562). T: 2:35. Officials: Dan Crawford, Derrick Stafford, playoff dominance. “We’re just a The series switches to Philips eight points on 2 of 13 shooting and around here as “The Shot”—over — The Associated Press Violet Palmer. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NBA FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 28 WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS Tougher in-game penalties would end rough play LOS ANGELES—Ron Artest thinks to see the NBA playoffs decided by Kobe Bryant should have been tossed who is suspended and who is not from Wednesday night’s Game 2. suspended. Ideally, we’d watch Why? Because Bryant elbowed him basketball games played by the in the throat as he was boxing out Art- players who helped their teams to est for a rebound, and Artest felt it was this point in the first place. Van intentional. If it was, that probably Gundy agrees, and has some ideas would mean Bry- on how to alter things. ant had eyes in the “For one thing, I don’t know why, back of his head, if there is a flagrant foul or a techni- or, at least, that he cal foul, why do you have to shoot has extraordi- the free throws to get the points?” WINSLOW TOWNSON / AP narily precise Van Gundy said. “Just give them the , left, was suspended for Game 3 because of his head-slap of Eddie House. elbow-aim. Art- points. In football, if you get called est’s throat is about for holding, it’s 10 yards. They don’t Sean Deveney five inches by two make you complete a pass for it, you Alston, Fisher suspended by NBA PRO BASKETBALL inches. To be able just get it. Give one point for a tech- place one’s elbow nical, two points for a flagrant and NEW YORK—The Lakers won’t have a conference call. in that small a space while looking in MATT SAYLES / AP four points for a flagrant-2. You need Derek Fisher for Game 3 of their Contact above the shoulders the other direction and getting pushed Though Ron Artest, left, disagreed, Kobe Bryant’s elbow that caught Artest was inadvertent. more punishment like that to change Western Conference semifinal wouldn’t have guaranteed a sus- in the back … well, that is talent. the behavior.” series, but Kobe Bryant will be in pension, but would have caused But Artest thought that when break off any table legs or impale league. Even Derek Fisher, a sup- In other words, the league needs the lineup because the elbow he Jackson to take a closer look at the Bryant’s elbow found his throat in Artest. It was two guys getting posedly wise veteran, committed a to beef up its in-game penalties as a threw at Ron Artest landed just review to determine if the elbow the fourth quarter last night, it was tangled up, and then it was Artest brainless play in Game 2, giving way to deter stupid, overly physical low enough. was deliberate. intentional. So Artest did some- losing his cool, menacing Bryant Luis Scola an unnecessary hip check plays while avoiding turning the Fisher and Orlando’s Rafer The two suspensions Jackson thing silly. He ran the length of the right in front of referee Joey Craw- that sent Scola sprawling and got playoffs into a suspension-fest. Alston were both suspended one did hand out were both easy calls. floor to inform Bryant that he ford (the last guy you want to dare Fisher ejected. Fisher explained that And when suspensions are called game by the NBA on Thursday for In the Magic’s 112-94 loss on would not stand for such actions. to give you a technical foul). he simply misjudged the distance he for, maybe there’s a way to tinker separate incidents in playoff games Wednesday, Boston’s Eddie House “I understand it’s the playoffs,” It was a dumb act on Artest’s part, had on the screen. If that’s the case, with how they’re done so that they the previous night. The league also was celebrating after making a shot Artest said. “I remember back and part of a series of dumb acts by why did he lower his shoulder and can be carried out without being assessed Bryant a flagrant foul-1 when Alston reached out and home in the neighborhood there players throughout the postseason, jam it well into Scola’s sternum? It devastating to a team’s chances. penalty for elbowing Artest during slapped him in the back of the head. were games like that. One time, one whether it’s Rajon Rondo flinging looked like perfect timing, actually. Now that we’ve got instant replay the second half of the Lakers’ testy Each received a technical foul after of my friends, he was playing bas- an opponent into the scorer’s table, The problem seems to be one of in limited form in the NBA, why victory over the . standing face-to-face for a few sec- ketball and they were winning the Dwight Howard chucking a vicious punishment. No one’s really afraid should refs not be allowed to look However, Bryant was not sus- onds before referees intervened. game. It was so competitive, they elbow at Sam Dalembert or Rafer of the dean of discipline, Stu Jack- at plays to determine which are fla- pended because the league ruled he Jackson said Alston would have broke off a piece of leg from a table Alston taking a swipe at Eddie son, anymore. “The NBA has to grant fouls and which are techni- elbowed Artest in the chest area. been tossed if the refs saw the slap. and they threw it and it went right House. What’s going on here? think long and hard about how it cals? They can look at the replay for Had it been above the shoulders— Later Wednesday night, Fisher through his heart and he died right “I think you’re seeing teams does its discipline,” Van Gundy flagrant-2 fouls, but not on others. and Artest said it was his neck—the was called for a flagrant foul when on the court. So I’m accustomed playing with championship inten- said. “We’ve seen a change in pen- That seems illogical. Lakers All-Star likely would have struck the Rockets’ Luis Scola, who playing basketball really rough.” sity,” former coach and ESPN ana- alties and the league has tried dif- Thes are silly quirks in the NBA been banned from the arena today. was setting a pick, with his shoul- Hmm. OK. Just so we’re clear lyst Jeff Van Gundy told Sporting ferent things. But we’re not seeing a system of crime and punishment. “It’s clear in our rules that we der and head as the Rockets here—Bryant’s elbow caught Art- News Today, “but not with champi- change in behavior, and ultimately, But, of course, we would not need to treat elbow contact above the brought the ball up the court. He est in the throat, and replays show onship poise.” that is what the punishment is there be concerned about this if the play- shoulder area differently than we was ejected. (to me, at least) it was inadvertent. This has gone beyond a loss of for. To change behavior.” ers involved were not making such do other parts of the body,” NBA Both players will miss games Bryant did not throw an elbow that poise, and into the realm of a pattern That’s been borne out in these silly decisions in the first place. executive vice president of basket- today. pierced Artest’s throat. He did not of dirty, dumb play all over the playoffs. But I, for one, don’t want [email protected] ball operations said on — The Associated Press SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NBA FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 29 INSIDE DISH Playoff glance CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS (Best-of-7), All times ET EASTERN CONFERENCE Hornets sticking with Scott, say West trade unlikely (Cleveland leads series 2-0) Cleveland vs. Atlanta The Hornets are sticking with and seldom-used Tyronn Lue at point among sports teams: staph infec- May 5: Cleveland 99, Atlanta 72 head coach for at least one guard for today’s Game 3 against tions. The team will use Excelyte, a Thursday: Cleveland 105, Atlanta 85 Saturday: Cleveland at Atlanta, 8 p.m. more season. Team president Hugh the Celtics. Magic starting SG Court- new class of microbiocide disinfec- Monday: Cleveland at Atlanta, 7 p.m. Weber says the franchise was disap- ney Lee is still questionable as he tant, in locker-room areas, becom- Wednesday: Atlanta at Cleveland, pointed by its first-round exit from recovers from a fractured sinus. He ing the first pro sports team to try TBA, if necessary the playoffs, but that the entire began practicing with a mask on the so-called “green” alternative to Friday, May 15: Cleveland at Atlanta, organization shares responsibility. Wednesday, but his playing status chemical disinfectants, the Houston TBA, if necessary Monday, May 18: Atlanta at Weber added that Scott has not remains uncertain. Business Journal’s Greg Barr Cleveland, 8 p.m., if necessary expressed an interest in leaving and reported. that any interest other teams may Pacers F Danny Granger has been Boston vs. Orlando have in the coach is “not an issue.” invited to participate in a USA Bas- Cavs F LeBron James was named (Series tied 1-1) May 4: Orlando 95, Boston 90 Meanwhile, Hornets executive Chad ketball training camp this summer, to the NBA’s all-defensive team on May 6: Boston 112, Orlando 94 Shinn, son of owner George Shinn, said a step toward possibly playing in Wednesday, but coach Mike Brown Today: Boston at Orlando, 7 p.m. the team also sees two-time All- the 2012 Olympics. Granger, who is said PF Anderson Varejao and SG Sunday: Boston at Orlando, 8 p.m. Star F David West as a key part of the in Italy, said Thursday he hasn’t Delonte West also deserved praise Tuesday: Orlando at Boston, TBA, if team, saying it is “very unlikely” officially accepted the invitation, (Varejao did receive some votes necessary Thursday, May 14: Boston at Orlando, West would be traded. With the but he likely will. USA Basketball from the coaches). “You can’t have TBA, if necessary Hornets having to pay the luxury spokesman Craig Miller says between the type of defense our team defense Sunday, May 17: Orlando at Boston, tax this summer with their current 20-24 players will participate in the is right now without having indi- TBA, if necessary roster, West is one of the players camp, which is expected to take vidual defenders,” Brown told The WESTERN CONFERENCE who had been mentioned in possi- place in late July in Las Vegas. Plain Dealer of Cleveland. “So it was L.A. Lakers vs. Houston ble trade rumors. He has two years Miller says the camp is for players great to see some guys getting some (Series tied 1-1) remaining on his contract valued at who haven’t played for the senior recognition. We feel like all of our May 4: Houston 100, L.A. Lakers 92 a combined $17.2 million, according national team in the past. Granger guys want to bring something on May 6: L.A. Lakers 111, to The Times-Picayune of New averaged 25.8 points per game this that end of the floor.” Houston 98 Today: L.A. Lakers at Houston, Orleans. season. 9:30 p.m. Sunday: L.A. Lakers at Houston, Down 0-2 in their Western Although G Stephon Marbury was 3:30 p.m. Conference semifinal against the involved in a seemingly never-end- Today’s games Tuesday: Houston at L.A. Lakers, TBA, Nuggets, the Mavericks are facing a ing soap opera with the Knicks, All Times ET if necessary Thursday, May 14: L.A. Lakers at couple of major distractions. SF Josh Celtics legend said he’s not Houston, TBA, if necessary Howard sat out practice Thursday surprised Marbury has blended in CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS (Best-of-7) Sunday, May 17: Houston at L.A. because of his sprained right ankle well in Boston. Russell told the New Lakers, TBA, if necessary and the sore left one that has both- York Post that he thought Marbury Boston at Orlando, 7 p.m., Denver vs. Dallas ESPN ered him much of the season. Mean- would have a positive effect on the (Denver leads series 2-0) while, PF Dirk Nowitzki offered no team, as long as he wasn’t “dam- L.A. Lakers at Houston, 9:30 May 3: Denver 109, Dallas 95 explanation about the arrest of a aged psychologically” from his time p.m., ESPN May 5: Denver 117, Dallas 105 woman at his home and declined ANN HEISENFELT / AP in New York. Marbury was benched Saturday: Denver at Dallas, 5 p.m. comment when asked about his Byron Scott will be back with New Orleans next season despite this season’s early playoff exit. at the beginning of the season and Monday: Denver at Dallas, 9:30 p.m. Betting line Wednesday: Dallas at Denver, TBA, if relationship with Cristal Taylor, who then told to stay away from the team necessary was apprehended on a probation through a tough time in my per- With Rafer Alston suspended one before being bought out and sign- Today Friday, May 15: Denver at Dallas, TBA, violation and theft of services war- sonal life right now,” he said. “I’m game for slapping Eddie House in the ing with the Celtics on Feb. 27. FAVORITE ...... LINE ...... O/U .....UNDERDOG if necessary rants Wednesday before the team not at the stage where I can talk back of the head and Jameer Nelson at Orlando ...... 4½ ...... (189) ...... Boston Sunday, May 17: Dallas at Denver, TBA, if necessary had returned from Denver. “It’s about it yet and feel comfortable already injured, the Magic are The Rockets are going green in L.A. Lakers ...... 1½ ...... (195) ...... at Houston pretty obvious that I’m going talking about it.” down to 34-year-old Anthony Johnson an effort to fight a top concern SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NFL Favre reportedly tells Vikings that he doesn’t plan to play EDEN PRAIRIE, MINN.—For Brad Chil- same: to win the division, make the dress, it was just another day at the playoffs and see how far we can go. office. And, for now, Brett Favre is I think our team has all the confi- not wearing purple. dence in the world we can do that.” The ’ dalli- Allen, one of the leaders in the ance with the supposedly retired Vikings locker room, expressed quarterback didn’t reach the stage confidence in the current quarter- of face-to-face, close-the-deal talks backs to do what’s necessary to Thursday—and maybe they never win. will. “You have to understand that we Yahoo! Sports reported that try to stay focused on the goal at Favre called Childress sometime hand, and that’s not going to Wednesday or early Thursday and change,” he said. told the coach he wants to stay Favre’s uncertainty about retired. Favre’s longtime agent, whether to quit pro football after 18 Bus Cook, reiterated for the second seasons or keep playing has cre- straight day that his famously ated the kind of drama usually fickle client hadn’t changed his reserved for one of his perfor- plan to stay out of the game. mances with the Vikings’ chief ESPN and USA Today said Cook rival, Green Bay. told reporters in Mississippi, where ANN HEISENFELT / AP When Favre reconsidered his Favre lives, that the former MVP Vikings coach Brad Childress, above, first retirement last summer and was still retired—though the agent reportedly did not meet with Brett Favre. the Packers wouldn’t let him added that Favre could always return, he wanted to be traded to change his mind in the future. owns many of the NFL’s major Minnesota. After going to the New One certainty was Childress passing records. York Jets instead, he wore down at spent office hours at work in If that holds true, and Favre the end of last season and said in Minnesota. doesn’t come back to fill the only February he was done for good. After reports the coach was to glaring hole on an otherwise Super “It’s time to leave,” he told report- travel south for discussions with Bowl-ready roster, can the Vikings ers then. Favre, Twin Cities television station win under the original plan of hav- Several Jets teammates com- KMSP broadcast video of his early- ing Tarvaris Jackson and Sage plained afterward about Favre’s morning arrival at Winter Park. Rosenfels compete for the quarter- standoffishness. But after an infor- The coach’s black sports utility back job? mal practice Thursday, players vehicle was still parked at the No problem, said All-Pro defen- took a higher ground when asked team’s facility in suburban Minne- sive end Jared Allen. the now-annual question about his apolis into the evening, and “Our plan never revolved around status. through a team spokesman he him,” Allen told The Associated “This guy’s been the face of the declined comment to a handful of Press by phone. “He’s obviously a NFL for a long time,” media across the street. heck of a player. If he wants to stay Leon Washington said. “If he can Yahoo cited an unidentified retired, more power to him. Our still throw that ball and still sling source close to the team in report- offseason goals were never about it, he still has the right to do it, in ing that the Vikings won’t sign the whether or not we would acquire my opinion.” 39-year-old quarterback, who Brett Favre. Our goals are still the — The Associated Press SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NFL FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 31 SATISFY E-I-E-I-Whoa! Ten reasons Favre should stay on the farm YOUR Maybe reporters can stop 7. Training camp. If Favre hanging out in Hattiesburg, returns, the Vikings will want Miss. Or maybe not, because him at training camp, assum- with Brett Favre, who can ever ing he is healthy. Young players FOOTBALL be sure? don’t enjoy training camp. According to a Thursday Older players despise it. report by Yahoo! Sports, Favre Though Childress would is not return- certainly take it easy on Favre APPETITE ing to the during two-a-days, why spend NFL. The another summer in shoulder report stated pads? Favre had the right idea with that Favre last season, showing up late expressed his and missing the dog days. And desire to how bad are preseason games? remain Even the commissioner wants Clifton Brown retired in a to shorten the preseason. PRO FOOTBALL phone call to Vikings 8. Ticket requests. Joining the coach Brad Childress within Vikings would put another the past few days. dreaded responsibility on presented by Both Favre and Childress Favre’s plate—ticket requests. remained mum as of Thursday People stop hassling players for night, so stay tuned for the next tickets once they retire. And I development. But with apolo- don’t know a retired player gies to David , here who misses doling out tickets. are 10 reasons why Favre should stay on his farm and out 9. The generation gap. Favre has of harm’s way. to feel older every time he looks EXCLUSIVE CONTENT. around an NFL locker room. 1. Credibility. We have already DEAN DUPREY / AP Teammates young enough to UPDATES ON EVERY TEAM. seen Favre retire once, only to Another waffle on retirement would damage Brett Favre’s credibility, according to SN’s Clifton Brown. be his son, listening to music he return. If he does it again, the has never heard of. Who needs next time Favre yells, “Fire” in would not be viewed as the . Just kidding. opponent on the Vikings’ it? POST-DRAFT ANALYSIS. a crowded room, nobody will villain. Favre would. Maybe only 25. schedule. Favre’s consecutive budge. game streak is one of his most 10. Critics. Whenever Favre 3. John Madden. No football 5. Extra endorsements. Favre impressive achievements, a throws interceptions, he is 2. Packers fans. Many broadcaster loved Favre more looks good in those jeans symbol of his toughness. But second-guessed. I’m guessing Get the most comprehensive Cheeseheads still adore than Madden. It only seems commercials. But if he retires, sooner or later, he’s going to that when Favre tends to his Favre. But that will change if fitting that Madden and Favre he can put on 30 pounds, then take the wrong hit in the land on Sunday, nobody he plays for the should bow out together. get a ton of money from one of wrong way from the wrong critiques his job the next day. coverage of the 2009 draft at Vikings. Imagine how those weight loss companies person. And nobody wants to Maybe none of these reasons betrayed Packers fans would 4. Indoor football. Playing in a and get back in shape again. see that. By all accounts, will convince Favre to stay www.sportingnews.com/nfl feel, seeing Favre run out of dome has never been Favre’s Favre has escaped football retired. But make up your the tunnel at Lambeau Field thing. His record in the 6. Injury. Favre should have healthy and wealthy enough mind already. The longer this in a Vikings uniform. In that Metrodome is 6-10. If Favre no desire to get flattened by to thoroughly enjoy the rest drama plays out, the harder it scenario, Packers general played eight home games at the James Harrison, Osi Umeny- of his life. He should keep it is to take seriously. manager Metrodome, he might throw 30 iora, Lance Briggs, or any that way. [email protected] SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NFL FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 32 Scouts’ view Offensive tackle rankings: Young anchors awash in potential It’s a new era at offensive tackle. As the longtime dominators—Walter Jones and — last season he was among the league smart, tough, competitive and extremely begin the inevitable slide because of age and injury, leaders in fewest sacks allowed. His run durable. He has started every regular the young guys are stepping up and standing out. blocking may not be what it once was, but season and postseason game of his career. Ryan Clady, new Eagle Jason Peters, Joe Thomas he’s still a solid pass blocker who will do a and are blind-side protectors you’ll be good job protecting ’s blind side. Matt Light, Patriots. Light doesn’t have hearing much about the next few years. Although the youth transformation is at hand, our old-school 16. great physical skills, but in the thinking won’t allow us to put rookies in the top 20. Chris Samuels, Redskins. Injuries in Patriots’ mold, he is smart, tough, and They have to show us something first. 10. recent seasons have forced some competitive. As a result, he’s an effective Here are the top 20 offensive tackles, the first in a changes in the Redskins’ line, but one player who plays with good leverage and series of positional rankings by RealScouts: thing is sure: They will run behind gets the job done without much fanfare. Samuels, who is excellent in space and can Ryan Clady, Broncos. An extremely reach the second level. He still has the feet Eric Winston, Texans. Winston has 1. athletic left tackle who gave up just 1½ to pass-block effectively. 17. quietly emerged as a very solid right sacks as a rookie last year, he has great feet tackle. He has good size, long arms and and the ability to run-block at the second , Packers. Clifton is a tough, good initial quickness—and he has learned level and mirror ends in pass protection. 11. hard-nosed, blue-collar type of how to play with leverage. He has ben- player who relies on instincts and competi- efited from playing under respected line Walter Jones, Seahawks. He’s still a tiveness to get the job done. coach Alex Gibbs. 2. premier player who doesn’t need help against any pass rusher. Age and injury Flozell Adams, Cowboys. Adams is Marcus McNeill, Chargers. He’s not a will put him on the descent in the next few 12. aging but still has tremendous size 18. dominant run blocker but is a very years, but he’s still a top technician for and strength. Though the Cowboys good athlete who takes good angles and is now. struggled in pass protection last year, effective getting out on . Neck there’s reason to believe a healthy Tony and back issues are a concern, but it’s Jason Peters, Eagles. Peters got some bad Romo and improved balance on offense important to note he has missed just two 3. advice on his contract issues last year will spark a return to form for Flozell the games over the past three years. in Buffalo. As a result, he missed a lot of Hotel. practice time and it showed in his play. Vernon Carey, Dolphins. The addition of Now that he has a long-term deal in Philly, DAVID ZALUBOWSKI / AP Bryant McKinnie, Vikings. McKinnie is 19. Long allowed Carey to move back to all that is behind him and he can focus on Ryan Clady is entering just his second NFL season, but SN scouts say he’s the best offensive tackle in the league. 13. an outstanding run blocker and a his natural position on the right side. He returning to the form that made him one of big, powerful athlete. The Vikings run played well last season and earned a new the top young linemen in the league. tackle and one of the most underrated more attention this year if New Orleans behind him almost constantly, and he’s an contract. He’s durable and efficient and players in the league. puts more emphasis on the run, as above-average pass blocker who rarely uses his size to play with power. Joe Thomas, Browns. Thomas has all the expected. needs help. 4. physical tools you could ask for in a Jordan Gross, Panthers. Athletic and Sam Baker, Falcons. Before a back left tackle. He’s an excellent pass blocker 6. versatile, Gross has the gifts to , Dolphins. He’s another Jared Gaither, Ravens. Gaither is a 20. injury sidelined him last year, and impressive at getting to the linebacker remain a top tackle for many more years. 8. cornerstone type who combines good 14. mountain (6-9, 350) who excelled, Baker was well on his way to proving level in the run game. He has added Smartly, the Panthers paid him hand- size with nice strength and a physical style. particularly as a run blocker, in his first year himself worthy of his surprising selection strength and is still improving. somely to keep him off the free-agent He can be a dominating run blocker, which as a starter. If the Ravens had any apprehen- in the first round. He displays the combi- market. is important when you’re working for Bill sion about the retirement of Jonathan nation of strength and athleticism that will Michael Roos, Titans. The Titans gave up Parcells. His pass blocking improved last Ogden, it’s now a thing of the past. allow him to thrive in the Falcons’ run- 5. just 12 sacks last season and rushed Jammal Brown, Saints. An impressive year but still needs work. first offense. for almost 140 yards per game. You don’t 7. pass blocker with quick feet and good David Diehl, Giants. A true guard, — RealScouts, a team of pro football scouts, analyzes NFL players, do that without a cornerstone player on the balance, he makes excellent use of his Orlando Pace, Bears. You can talk about 15. Diehl stepped in at left tackle and coaches and teams exclusively for Sporting News Today. left side. He’s a big, strong, physical left hands. Look for his run blocking to get 9. his age and injuries, but in 14 games quietly has provided consistent play. He is For more, visit sportingnews.com. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NFL FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 33

INSIDE DISH Harrison’s agent dismisses retirement report The agent for free-agent WR Mar- perhaps motivate him—the Patri- injury during rookie minicamp on get more rest in Year 2. He was the past two years. vin Harrison told NFL.com that his ots brought in former Jaguars RB Saturday. With the trade of long- involved in 84 percent of Chica- client has no plans to retire and Fred Taylor to share the load. Maroney time starter Mike Vrabel to Kansas go’s offensive plays last season. Veteran WRs Jerry Porter, Kelley expects to play this season. Dis- has one more year on his contract City in February, the Patriots Washington, D.J. Hackett and missing a report from Sports Illus- than White, but if he continues to drafted McKenzie to provide Former Lions president and will try out for the Ravens at the trated’s Peter King, Harrison struggle, there is a possibility the depth. CEO Matt Millen is returning to tele- team’s minicamp this weekend, The claimed a knee injury is no longer Patriots will trade or release him vision full-time, joining ESPN’s pro Baltimore Sun reports. The Ravens limiting his speed and before the ’10 season. Jets CB Darrelle Revis told the and college football coverage as a are looking for size; each receiver effectiveness. New York Daily News the Browns game and studio analyst. Millen stands at least 6-2. “I played in 15 games last year Chargers OLB Shawne Merriman and Patriots are interested in sign- previously worked as a color com- and a playoff game, and I intend to continues to rehab his injured knee ing his friend and former team- mentator for both CBS and FOX Cowboys K Nick Folk is recover- play again this season,” agent Tom and is on track to be ready for Week mate, CB Ty Law. Reports also have after his 12-year career as an NFL ing from surgery to repair a torn Condon said Harrison told him 1. He also isn’t worried about his New England interested in bring- linebacker. cartilage in his hip. Folk, a Pro Bowl Thursday. Although there hasn’t impending free-agent status in ing back SS Rodney Harrison and sign- selection as a rookie in 2007, should been much interest in Harrison to 2010 and the potential of being ing DE Jason Taylor. The Times-Picayune reported resume light kicking in about eight this point, Condon said he expects franchise-tagged or becoming a the agent for CB Mike McKenzie says weeks. He should be able to handle his client to sign with a team close free agent. Jets WR Jerricho Cotchery, cur- his client has been medically full kicking work in 12 weeks, to the time that training camps “All that stuff to me is garbage,” rently No. 1 on the team’s depth chart cleared after recovering from an around the start of training camp. open. MARK HUMPHREY / AP Merriman said. “Whatever hap- at the position, wouldn’t mind a injury to his kneecap. The Saints LenDale White is in much better shape, pens is going to happen. If that’s demotion if it meant New York could released the 33-year-old corner on The weight-loss efforts of Titans teammates say. the case, I’m going to make the best sign former Giant Plaxico Burress. “I March 19 but have some interest in NFL minicamp schedule newly dedicated Titans RB LenDale of it, period.” would welcome him,” Cotchery told re-signing him for depth. A listing of upcoming NFL minicamps (all include rookies White were evident when he joined too much time off. I’m not saying I Newsday. “I know a lot of guys would and veterans unless otherwise noted): his teammates for minicamp prac- wasn’t working because I was. But The Browns are still shopping welcome him because they know The Bengals acquired RB Brian Atlanta—Today-Sunday tices this week. I don’t think I pushed myself as WR . The Plain Dealer what kind of player he is.” Leonard from the Rams in exchange Baltimore—Today-Sunday “He is smaller. He has lost a lot of hard as I could. But this is now … reported Edwards already missed for journeyman DT Orien Harris. Buffalo—June 9-11 Cincinnati—June 18-20 weight—you can tell,” speedy back- and I haven’t felt this way about the team’s voluntary offseason con- According to The Indianapolis Leonard, a 2007 second-round Cleveland—May 19-21 (voluntary); May 26-28 (vol- field mate Chris Johnson told The Ten- football in a long time.” ditioning program and could also Star, Tom pick, saw significant action as a untary); June 11-13 Dallas—June 16-18 nessean. “He knows and everyone skip minicamps slated for later this Moore is strongly considering join- rookie backup to Steven Jackson Denver—June 12-14 else knows a smaller LenDale is a Like White, the Patriots’ Lau- month. ing line coach Howard Mudd in retire- before injuries cost him 14 games Detroit—June 23-25 (voluntary) Green Bay—June 23-25 better LenDale.” rence Maroney is entering his fourth If Edwards is dealt, newly pro- ment. If Moore calls it quits, wide last season. Houston—June 15-17 White showed up this March season and knows he is running moted wide receivers coach George receivers coach Clyde Christensen Indianapolis—June 5-7 Kansas City—Today-Sunday (rookies); June 5-7 about 20 pounds lighter than his out of chances to show that he can McDonald will have to deal with a would be considered to replace Free-agent LB Napoleon Harris vis- Miami—June 12-14 weight of last last offseason: 258 be a durable and very productive lack of speed at the position. The him. Assistant line coach Pete Met- ited the Steelers on Thursday. Accord- Minnesota—May 29-31 New England—June 10-12 pounds. A pep talk from coach Jeff runner. group includes a mix of two aging zelaars is the leading candidate to ing to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, New Orleans—Today-Sunday (rookies); June 5-7 Fisher helped him change his atti- “I feel like this has to be my year. possession types (David Patten, Mike replace Mudd. Harris could be signed to back up N.Y. Giants—Today-Sunday (rookies); June 16-18 N. Y. Jets—June 9-11 tude. White, a 2006 second-round There’s no other way around it,” Furrey) and two big rookies (Brian and new starter Lawrence Oakland—Today-Sunday pick whose contract expires at the Maroney told the Boston Herald. Robiskie, Mohamed Massaqoui). Bears RB Matt Forte was busy Timmons inside. The team released St. Louis—June 5-7 San Francisco—June 5-7 end of the year, hopes to play well “This is the year I really have to and very effective as a rookie last starting ILB this week. Seattle—June 10-12 enough to earn a hefty deal for 2010 prove to the fans, to the coaches, to Patriots third-round pick season, but decreasing his work- Tampa Bay—June 16-18 and beyond. the world I can be this running Tyrone McKenzie will miss the season load may be key to avoiding a Former Cardinals CB Rod Hood Note: Teams are allowed to have rookie minicamps “I don’t feel like I was the best back, I can be the guy for (Bill) with a torn ACL in his right knee. sophomore slump. Offensive will soon visit the Bengals, a source separate from the full-squad minicamp, and teams with first-year head coaches are allowed to add up to two player I could be in the past,” White Belichick and the Patriots.” The outside linebacker from South coordinator Ron Turner told the told ProFootballTalk.com. Hood, voluntary minicamps. told The Tennessean. “I took time off, To help Maroney hold up—and Florida sustained the Chicago Sun-Times Forte should 27, started 30 games for Arizona SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NFL FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 34

DEFENSE Remaining free agents Defensive ends—Kevin Carter, Tampa Bay; Earl Cochran, A quick look at the remaining NFL free agents by position Houston; Sean Conover, NY Jets; , Pittsburgh; Kalimba (R-restricted free agent, F-franchise tagged player): Edwards, Oakland; Ebenezer Ekuban, Denver; , OFFENSE Denver; Simon Fraser, Atlanta; Roderick Green, San Francisco; To be the future, Young needs to prove himself —Brooks Bollinger, Dallas; Ken Dorsey, Jason Hunter, Green Bay; Travis LaBoy, Arizona; Jayme Mitchell, Cleveland; , Minnesota; Charlie Frye, Seattle; Drew Minnesota; Jerome McDougle, NY Giants; (F), Henson, Detroit; Quinn Gray, Kansas City; , St. Louis; Carolina; Jason Taylor, Washington; Anthony Weaver, Houston; NASHVILLE—The Titans keep insist- has called Young the franchise’s , Chicago; Brad Johnson, Dallas; J.P. Losman, Buf- James Wyche, Jacksonville. ing that will be their future at quarterback. But the coach falo; Jamie Martin, San Francisco; Craig Nall, Houston; Marques Defensive tackles—Kenderick Allen, Minnesota; Gary Tuiasosopo, Oakland; Anthony Wright, NY Giants. starting quarterback again some also wanted Collins back as his Gibson (R), Carolina; La’Roi Glover, St. Louis; Vonnie Holliday, day. He says he’s maturing, work- starter following an NFL-best 13-3 Running backs—Darian Barnes, New Orleans; Tatum Bell, Miami; Antwan Lake, New Orleans; Anthony Montgomery Denver; Brian Calhoun, Detroit; Jesse Chatman, NY Jets; P.J. (R), Washington; Langston Moore, Detroit; Kindal Moorehead, ing hard and learning the business record in 2008, and that’s what pro- Daniels, Baltimore; , NY Giants; Warrick Dunn, Atlanta; Dewayne Robertson, Denver; , Pittsburgh; of the NFL. duced a deal featuring $8.5 million in Tampa Bay; DeShaun Foster, San Francisco; , St. Montavious Stanley (R), New Orleans; Hollis Thomas, New Well, he better because time is run- guaranteed money for the veteran. Louis; Nick Goings, Carolina; , Houston; Andre Hall, Orleans; Josh Thomas, Indianapolis; John Thornton, Cincinnati; Denver; Kay-Jay Harris, NY Giants; Maurice Hicks, Minnesota; ning out for Young to convince the Young met with Fisher early in the , Carolina; Gabe Watson (R), Arizona; Ellis Wyms, Titans the 2006 NFL Offensive Rookie offseason, a meeting the coach , Arizona; Rudi Johnson, Detroit; Deuce McAllis- Minnesota; Brian Young, New Orleans; , Houston. ter, New Orleans; Travis Minor, St. Louis; , Baltimore; Linebackers—Rufus Alexander, Indianapolis; Jason Babin, of the Year is worth keeping around. described as Young asking what he Montell Owens (R), Jacksonville; Chris Perry, Cincinnati; Andrew Kansas City; Rocky Boiman, Kansas City; , Tampa The Titans hit the field Wednes- had to do to start again. Young said Pinnock, Denver; Michael Pittman, Denver; P.J. Pope, Denver; Bay; Khary Campbell, Washington; Anthony Cannon, Detroit; Gary Russell, Cincinnati; Cecil Sapp, Houston; , New day for their first open session this he wanted to meet with Fisher to Dan Cody, Baltimore; , New England; Donte’ offseason, and every move Young share his thoughts and prove he is Orleans; Selvin Young, Denver. Curry, Carolina; Donnie Edwards, Kansas City; Keith Ellison (R), Wide receivers—Drew Bennett, St. Louis; Troy Bergeron, Buffalo; Troy Evans, New Orleans; Gilbert Gardner, Chicago; Curtis makes is being watched closely. maturing. Atlanta; Shaun Bodiford, Green Bay; Marty Booker, Chicago; Gatewood, Kansas City; Morlon Greenwood, Houston; Marques Kerry Collins is back as the starter “I feel like for them to understand Drew Carter, Oakland; Jason Carter; Carolina; Keary Colbert, Harris, San Diego; Napoleon Harris, Minnesota; Abdul Hodge (R), with a two-year deal, the Titans you are growing up you must speak Detroit; Jayson Foster, Denver; Malcom Floyd (R), San Diego; Cincinnati; , Pittsburgh; Brad Kassell, NY Jets; Jason D.J. Hackett, Carolina; Dante Hall, St. Louis; , signed Patrick Ramsey for 2009 your mind and let them know what’s Kyle, Carolina; , Buffalo; Paris Lenon, Detroit; and Young is scheduled to count going on,” Young said. “That’s basi- Indianapolis; Ike Hilliard, Tampa Bay; Darrell Jackson, Denver; Wesly Mallard, Seattle; Jim Maxwell, Cincinnati; Willie McGinest, Nate Jackson, Denver; Matt Jones, Jacksonville; , Cleveland; Marques Murrell (R), NY Jets; , Detroit; approximately $14 million against cally what I told him. I don’t want Cleveland; Ashley Lelie, Oakland; Brandon Lloyd, Chicago; Shantee Orr, Cleveland; Antwan Peek, Cleveland; Carlos Polk, the salary cap in 2010—a lot of him to give me anything. I just want , St. Louis; Ruvell Martin (R), Green Bay; Anthony Dallas; Junior Seau, New England; Matt Sinclair, Washington; Mix, Tampa Bay; Ben Obomanu (R), Seattle; Tab Perry, Miami; money for a backup. to come and take care of my responsi- , St. Louis; Terrell Suggs (F), Baltimore; Dontarrious Young, who is under contract for bilities and earn everything. That’s Jerry Porter, Jacksonville; Kevin Robinson, Kansas City; Koren Thomas, Minnesota; Marcus Washington, Washington; Nate Robinson, Seattle; Edell Shepherd, Denver; Travis Taylor, Detroit; Webster, Denver. three more seasons, said he is focusing basically what I told him.” Amani Toomer, NY Giants; Kelley Washington, New England; —David Barrett, NY Jets; Dre’ Bly, Denver; Fakhir on football and leaving his contract to Teammates say Young hasn’t (R), Oakland; Harry Williams, Houston; Reggie Brown, St. Louis; Terry Cousin, Cleveland; Jason Craft, St. Louis; agent Major Adams and the Titans. missed a day of the offseason, a Williams, Jacksonville; Wallace Wright (R), NY Jets. Travis Fisher, Detroit; Reynaldo Hill, Tennessee; Roderick Hood, “My job is to be here knowing change from a year ago when he Tight ends—Courtney Anderson, Houston; , Arizona; William James, Jacksonville; Michael Lehan, New Denver; Mark Bruener, Houston; Scott Chandler, San Diego; Orleans; Sam Madison, NY Giants; Ricky Manning Jr., St. Louis; what’s going on, being attentive, had returned to Texas to work on Owen Daniels (R), Houston; Michael Gaines, Detroit; Nate (R), Baltimore; Chris McAlister, Baltimore; Mike being visible in the locker room, finishing his degree. That coincided Lawrie, Cincinnati; Michael Merritt, Kansas City; Chad Mustard, McKenzie, New Orleans; R.W. McQuarters, NY Giants; Deltha working out and taking care of my with the hiring of offensive coordi- Denver; (R), Arizona; Jeff Robinson, Seattle; Derek O’Neal, New England; Dunta Robinson (F), Houston; Lewis Schouman (R), Buffalo; Stephen Spach (R), Arizona; Daniel responsibilities as quarterback,” nator Mike Heimerdinger, and Sanders, New England; Duane Starks, Jacksonville; Brandon said Young, who turns 26 on May Young commuted back and forth to Wilcox, Baltimore; Kris Wilson, San Diego. Sumrall, NY Giants; DeJuan Tribble, San Diego; Jason Webster, Offensive tackles—Tyson Clabo (R), Atlanta; , New England; Jimmy Williams, Houston; Stanley Wilson, Detroit. 18. “That’s pretty much what I have work on learning the new offense. St. Louis; Jon Dunn, Detroit; Wayne Gandy, Atlanta; Kwame Safeties—Oshiomogho Atogwe (F), St. Louis; Michael to do. All the business part, I leave Fisher called Young’s work great Harris, Oakland; Jonas Jennings, San Francisco; Levi Jones, Boulware, Minnesota; Mike Brown, Chicago; John Busing, that to the guys upstairs and this offseason and a non-issue. He Cincinnati; James Marten (R), Oakland; Fred Miller, Chicago; Rob Cincinnati; Oliver Celestin, Kansas City; Corey Chavous, St. Louis; Major.” looked better throwing Wednesday. Petitti, St. Louis; Jon Runyan, Philadelphia; Ephraim Salaam, Keith Davis, Dallas; Will Demps, Houston; Mike Doss, Cincinnati; Houston; Charles Spencer, Jacksonville; Barry Stokes, New Hiram Eugene, Oakland; Mike Green, Washington; Rodney Young was the Titans’ starter When one ball was intercepted, England; , Green Bay; Mark Wilson (R), Oakland; Harrison, New England; Terrence Holt, New Orleans; Dexter until he sprained a knee in the sea- Young tapped his chest, taking Eric Young, Cleveland. Jackson, Cincinnati; Sammy Knight, NY Giants; Dawan Landry son opener last year just after blame for the pick. Guards—Lennie Friedman, Cleveland; Adrian Jones, Kansas (R), Baltimore; Marquand Manuel, Denver; Marlon McCree, City; Pete Kendall, Washington; Matt Lentz, Detroit; Terrence apparently refusing to return to a The key to Young’s further devel- Denver; Lawyer Milloy, Atlanta; Jarrad Page (R), Kansas City; game because fans had booed his opment? More playing time, which Metcalf, Chicago; Edwin Mulitalo, Detroit; Chris Naeole, Pierson Prioleau, Jacksonville; Chris Reis (R), New Orleans; Jacksonville; Tutan Reyes, Jacksonville; Grey Ruegamer, NY Dwight Smith, Detroit; George Wilson (R), Buffalo; Cameron second . The third Young will get in the preseason Giants; , Pittsburgh; Rob Sims (R), Seattle; Worrell, Chicago. overall draft pick in 2006 was rele- with Tennessee having five games. Jason Whittle, Buffalo. SPECIAL TEAMS gated to backing up Collins, a spot “And just a better understand- Centers—Brennen Carvalho, Green Bay; Jean-Philippe Darche, Kickers—John Carney, NY Giants; Matt Stover, Baltimore. cemented when the Titans signed ing,” Fisher said. “The more reps he Kansas City; Melvin Fowler, Buffalo; Matt Lehr, New Orleans; Punters—, Pittsburgh; Mike Dragosavich, PAUL SANCYA / AP Andy McCollum, Detroit; , San Diego; Scott Indianapolis; Sam Koch (R), Baltimore; Kyle Larson, Cincinnati; Collins to a new deal in February. gets, the better he’s going to be.” Peters, Arizona; Bryan Pittman, Houston; Cory Withrow, St. Ryan Plackemeier, Cincinnati. Titans coach Jeff Fisher repeatedly —The Associated Press Vince Young, above, met with coach Jeff Fisher and asked what it will take to be the starter again. Louis. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com College Basketball FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 35 At last, NCAA rules committee addresses charging issue To demonstrate how long we’ve “We’ve really created another abso- the NBA rule that says a player who been waiting for the NCAA to offi- lute,” said John Adams, the NCAA’s can’t shoot can’t return, but worried cially recognize that attempting to coordinator of officials. “If you’re a that would create pressure for an draw a charge underneath the basket secondary defender and you’re under injured player to continue before he is as bogus as a Manny Ramirez the basket and you take contact, was ready. There was talk about allow- homer, I searched deep into the you’re guilty of a block.” ing the opposing coach to choose from repository of DeCourcy’s Greatest This change became imperative all players on the opposing roster, but Hits to unearth this when the NCAA extended the 3-point that left open the possibility of a player line: line by another foot and forced col- deep into a redshirt season being called Only Manute Bol leges across the country to paint a to make a couple foul shots and blow- can defend the basket second arc on their courts last sum- ing a year of eligibility. while standing mer. The whole idea behind that move It’s impressive these contingencies beneath it. was to open up the court so players were considered. It shows how thor- I wrote those could drive the ball and make the ough the rules committee can be. words closer to the game less stagnant. Forcing defend- Mike DeCourcy beginning of Bol’s ers to be more judicious about when/ Stressing the 3-second rule. It’s like COLLEGE BASKETBALL NBA career (1985) where to jump in front of ballhan- those suspense books where the than the end (a dlers will help that directive succeed. detectives keep saying to each other, decade later), so obviously the The rules committee did not ask “We’re missing something obvious.” NCAA’s most significant basketball schools to paint a line on the court to It’s possible the answer to cleaning rules change for the 2009-10 season designate the no-charge zone. up rough low-post play—another has been a long time coming. Because it’s defined as extending aspect of the game that has vexed the Henceforth, a help defender—the from the front of the rim to the face of rules committee for decades—is sim- NCAA rulebook will call such player the backboard, it’d be a fairly small ply to enforce the 3-second rule. a “secondary defender”—who sets up area. It seemed unnecessary to put If an offensive player must be mind- underneath the goal and draws con- another mark on college courts ful he can’t take up space in the lane tact from an attacking player will be already as busy as a Jackson Pollock for longer than three seconds, it’s guilty of a blocking foul. It’s simple canvas. unlikely he’ll engage in a wrestling logic, really, because a defender Adams said the committee has match with a defender for a spot on should be actively involved in talked about this for three years and . He’ll have to be more active, attempting to defend if he is to be “would not rule out redefining it with more fluid. rewarded for being overrun. And an arc if this doesn’t work.” The coaches suggested this at the only Manute—no, —can It appears the rules committee NABC’s convention during the Final defend the basket from directly enjoyed one of its most productive Four in Detroit. below. meetings in recent years, based on “By unanimous vote, they want Until now, there had been an this result and a few other adjust- three seconds enforced,” Adams said. understanding officials should not ments we’ll see next season: “They’re going to get it. We’re going issue charging fouls when the to try to get it. I think we always defender was directly beneath the Eliminating free throw shenanigans. If thought we had bigger fish to fry. goal, but it wasn’t codified and there- a player is injured while being fouled Maybe we just looked right past the fore was administered haphazardly. and cannot attempt free throws, the solution.” Sometimes it was a charge, some- coach of the opposing team can desig- Sometimes it takes awhile to get times a block, and sometimes the ref nate the replacement shooter from things right. Sometimes it takes 20 would do that imperious little hand among the other four opposing play- years. PAUL SAKUMA / AP gesture that screamed, “Get up; I’m ers in the game. But who’s counting? In this year’s NCAA Tournament, Missouri had Kim English, left, take two free throws for J.T. Tiller, who hurt his right wrist when he was not falling for your Brando routine.” The committee considered adopting [email protected] fouled against Marquette. But next year, the opposing coach will pick which player shoots free throws for an injured player. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com College Basketball / College Football FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 36

COLLEGE BASKETBALL COLLEGE FOOTBALL INSIDE DISH INSIDE DISH Pastner keeps it positive despite recruiting losses Gators will go with rotation at playmaking position

Should Memphis fans be How will Florida fill Percy Harvin’s “We’re just trying to get him some panicking? running/receiving role this fall? flexibility in there.” New coach Josh Pastner already The plan, coach Urban Meyer says, Powe had the wrist heavily taped has endured some tough losses on is for three players to share the during spring practice, according the recruiting trail since taking responsibilities: sophomore TB Jeff to the newspaper. He finished the over for , now at Demps, senior KR Brandon James and spring on the second team but also Kentucky. true freshman WR Andre Debose. got a lot of snaps with the first The Tigers lost another this week, Meyer says sophomore Chris unit. when five-star PG Eric Bledsoe chose Rainey and junior Emmanuel Moody Kentucky over Memphis. Five-star will focus on playing tailback. Former Tennessee QB B.J. Cole- PF DeMarcus Cousins and four-star SF “I don’t think Rainey can handle man, who left the Vols in April, will Darnell Dodson also followed Calipari it all,” Meyer told reporters before enroll at Chattanooga and have to Kentucky from Memphis. Cous- a booster gathering Wednesday three seasons of eligibility left ins had committed to the Tigers, night. “We’ll let him concentrate beginning this fall. while Dodson had signed with on tailback, him and Moody. We’ll Coleman got limited playing time them in the fall but was granted his have Demps at tailback and the in three games at Tennessee last release when Calipari left. three spot (at receiver). Demps can season as a redshirt freshman. Pastner, speaking to a packed handle it all. So, hopefully, can The NCAA has banned Chatta- hotel ballroom of Memphis sup- LANCE MURPHEY / AP Debose. Brandon James has proven nooga from postseason play in porters, was upbeat about the pro- Memphis coach Josh Pastner, left, has seen a five-star PG and five-star PF flip commitments. he can. It’s a key spot.” 2009 because it failed to meet Aca- gram’s future under his Harvin caught 40 passes for 644 demic Progress Rate standards. leadership. Arizona Republic. “I played against spending a couple months measur- yards and seven last ‘’The support by the entire com- Sean when he was at Pitt. A young ing himself against some of the best. season and ran 70 times for 659 A man who was visiting an munity is off the charts, it’s ridicu- guy will energize the program and “Hopefully, given the right oppor- yards and 10 touchdowns. apartment rented by four Penn lous it’s at such a high level,’’ give it stability that we haven’t had tunity, things will happen,” Ander- “That position that we created State players faces a misdemeanor Pastner told the crowd, according the last couple years. I look forward to son told the newspaper. “This is just three years ago with Percy ... we drug charge. to The Commercial Appeal. ‘’And the the program getting back to the for me. These players going in, some never had it at Utah and other Ronald Bridges, of Bear, Del., was support staff within the building ... prominence that we’re used to it of them have agents and aren’t going places,” Meyer told reporters. charged with the controlled sub- they’re the best, they are why the having.” to come back to school. They’re “From people I’ve talked to, that STEVE MITCHELL / AP stance drug, device and cosmetic University of Memphis’s athletic really serious in pursuing it. makes your offense that much Jeff Demps (2) will try to fill Percy Harvin’s act, according to a university police department is as great as it is. You Nebraska G Ryan Anderson has “I want to see where I stand more difficult to defend. A guy who spot. spokesman. have to have people like that doing no plans of turning pro this sea- against these guys.” can run routes and can also run the No one was at the apartment the behind-the-scenes work.’’ son. Then why is he listed among ball.” camp begins, according to the April 25 when police were called to the early entrants in the NBA LSU coach Trent Johnson has newspaper. break up a party. They confiscated One of Arizona’s favorite sons, draft? dismissed freshman F Delwan Gra- Kentucky senior TE T.C. Drake Bogue finished the spring as the marijuana residue and drug Damon Stoudamire, gave his approval “I want to see where I’m at,” ham from the team. In a statement faces six weeks of recovery after starter at tight end. paraphernalia. to the hiring of Sean Miller as the pro- Anderson told the Lincoln Journal Thursday, Johnson says he is not having surgery for a sports hernia, A search warrant identified the gram’s new coach. Stoudamire, who Star. “It’s kind of, ‘Why not?’ ” renewing Graham’s scholarship according to a report in the Lexing- Ole Miss junior DT Jerrell Powe residents of the apartment as RB led Arizona to the 1994 Final Four Anderson has not hired an agent for next season because of a viola- ton Herald-Leader. should be ready for fall practice Stephfon Green, DT Devon Still, G John- as a junior and was named a con- and plans to withdraw his name tion of team rules. He did not pro- Drake started eight games last after having surgery to repair an nie Troutman and DE Eric Latimore, sensus All-American as a senior, before the June 15 deadline, finish- vide any further details. season and had 12 receptions for injury in his left wrist that both- according to a report by the Pitts- now is an assistant coach with the ing his career at Nebraska. But with Graham played in 25 games last 204 yards. He is expected to battle ered him last season. burgh Post-Gazette. NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies. the option of returning available, he season and averaged 1.7 points and seniors Ross Bogue and Maurice Grinter “Things went great,” coach Hous- The police spokesman said the “It’s a good hire,” he told The figured there is no harm in 1.5 rebounds. for the No. 1 spot when preseason ton Nutt told The Clarion-Ledger. case is closed. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NASCAR FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 37

INSIDE DISH Former driver Kevin Logano is in the hot car at Darlington BY BILL MARX right out of the box would be an awe- [email protected] some experience—the place is a beast. Grubb found dead It was the one track that I circled on Diamond Hill Kevin Grubb, who had 174 career starts in the Nationwide Simply put, it’s Joey Logano’s turn the calendar when I made the move Plywood 200 Series, died Wednesday of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot to win tonight’s Nationwide Series up to the Nationwide Series.” at at a motel in Richmond, Va., according to a Henrico County race at Darlington Raceway. Darlington’s reputation is such that When: Today, 7:30 p.m. ET police statement released Thursday. Logano drives the No. 20 Toyota for it has two nicknames—“Lady In TV: ESPN2, 7 p.m. ET Grubb, 31, had been suspended twice by NASCAR for vio- Joe Gibbs Racing, and the No. 20 has Black” and “Track Too Tough To Radio: MRN/Sirius XM Satellite Ch. 128 lations of its substance abuse policy, once in 2004 and again been to victory lane at Darlington in Tame.” It is also known for “award- Track layout: 1.366-mile oval in 2006. He last drove for Mac Hill Motorsports until he each of the past three seasons. Denny ing” drivers a Darlington stripe. Race distance: 147 laps / 200.8 miles refused to take a drug test following a crash at Richmond, and Hamlin won from the pole in 2006 “The famous Darlington stripe is 2008 winner: Tony Stewart NASCAR subsequently suspended him again. and again in 2007, and Tony Stewart always something that’s in the back of 2008 pole: His best finish came in the September 1998 race at Dover, won last year’s race for his first your mind,” said Jason Leffler, who is Points leaders: 1. Kyle Busch, 1,414; where he started on the pole and finished second. NASCAR win at the famed track. third in the points standings, three 2. Carl Edwards, 1,332; 3. Jason Leffler, According to the police report, an autopsy revealed Grubb Unlike when Hamlin and Stewart points ahead of Logano. “You run so 1,216; 4. Joey Logano, 1,213; 5. Brad died of the apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. won, however, Logano is making his close to the wall there that the chances Keselowski, 1,201; 6. , There were no indications of any drug use found inside the first start at Darlington in a national of rubbing up against it, at least once, 1,139; 7. Jason Keller, 1,063; 8. Michael room. A toxicology test was performed, and results are NASCAR series. Hamlin’s first win are pretty good. Of course, hopefully McDowell, 1,021; 9. Scott Lagasse Jr., expected in about six weeks. came in his third start at the track (all it’s just a little love tap and not a full 998; 10. Steve Wallace, 967. — SceneDaily.com Nationwide races) and Stewart’s in his out smack that can easily end your 20th (15 Cup, five Nationwide). night early.” Atlanta Motor Speedway is suing Pep Boys over a payment “Going to Darlington for the first Although he has yet to experience dispute on a contract that called for the auto parts chain to pay time is a little intimidating,” Logano the track, Logano knows what he is ‘race the racetrack’ and not worry $3 million for a two-year Sprint Cup Series race sponsorship, WADE PAYNE / AP said. “It’s a track whose reputation up against. about the other drivers,” Logano said. according to court documents. Joey Logano precedes it. To go there and run well “I’ve always heard that you have to “It’s just a unique test of your skill.” Pep Boys allegedly has stopped making payments for the 2009 race, according to the lawsuit filed April 30 in Georgia Superior Court in Henry County, Ga. The 11th race of the Sprint Cup The suit says the deal was worth $1.4 million for the track’s for the road 2008 fall race and $1.6 million for the 2009 fall race. Accord- season is Saturday night at ing to the complaint, Pep Boys did not make the $800,000 Darlington Raceway. Three Sprint Cup experts payment due March 1, 2009, and the track is owed $1.6 mil- lion for the 2009 race. discuss the “Track Too Tough To Tame.” Although the contract states the sponsorship is for “a fall 3 NSCS Event,” SMI said in its complaint that Pep Boys did not : “It’s really fast right now, and pavement it is not as much about tires anymore. object to the 2009 race being moved to Labor Day weekend 1. it’s really narrow. I think you’re running 200 Both ends of the track are different, so the fast cars before it was announced. According to the complaint, Pep mph down the backstretch at a track that was built will handle well at both ends.” Boys sent a letter saying it could terminate the contract for cars to run 100. The history of the track is what because the track breached the agreement since the 2009 fall makes it so neat, and that’s why everyone likes to Donnie Wingo, Jamie McMurray’s crew race is now “during the summer.” go there. It’s not the most recently built ‘cool’ race- 3. chief: “Darlington is just a track that when track that has lots of room. It’s got character, and you go there to race, you know that you’re going Atlanta Motor Speedway alleges the wording in the con- it’s hard to pass there. When your car’s right, there to scrape the wall at some point over the course tract prevents it from being terminated on those grounds. are still lots of places to pass.” of the weekend, but it’s just all about how you — Bob Pockrass, SceneDaily.com end up hitting it. If you hit it good and flat, there Drew Blickensderfer, Matt Kenseth’s usually isn’t much damage besides just cos- Dover International Speedway announced its May 31 Cup 2. crew chief: “Darlington is much different metic, but there are very few cars that will leave than it used to be. It used to eat tires and be all Darlington this weekend without a stripe on the JOHN RAOUX / AP race will be formally called the Autism Speaks 400, presented about tire conservation, but with the new smooth side.” Kevin Harvick likes Darlington for its character and uniqueness to other tracks. by Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips & Cheese. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Golf FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 38

Padraig Harrington 36-36 — 72 E Leaderboard Dustin Johnson 35-37 — 72 E Thursday Angel Cabrera 36-36 — 72 E Crane avoids others’ misfortunes Poor putting holds Woods back At TPC Sawgrass, Players Stadium Course Pat Perez 36-36 — 72 E Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Ryuji Imada 36-36 — 72 E PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLA.—Ben Crane favorite courses and tournaments of all PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLA.— Tiger Woods Purse: $9.5 million Matt Kuchar 35-37 — 72 E Yardage: 7,215; Par: 72 (36-36) Steve Marino 37-35 — 72 E plays his best golf when he keeps it time.” never had a birdie putt longer than Vaughn Taylor 39-33 — 72 E simple. He had a one-shot lead over John his shadow Thursday morning, giv- First Round Briny Baird 37-35 — 72 E His day began with a drive down Mallinger, Alex Cejka and Richard S. Ben Crane 32-33 — 65 -7 Eric Axley 34-38 — 72 E ing himself one chance after another John Mallinger 33-33 — 66 -6 Rocco Mediate 35-38 — 73 +1 PGA Tour Boulevard on the back of Johnson, with a large group at 67 that in the opening round of The Players Richard S. Johnson 34-32 — 66 -6 Boo Weekley 37-36 — 73 +1 his caddie’s moped because his wife included Retief Goosen, David Toms, Alex Cejka 34-32 — 66 -6 Trevor Immelman 38-35 — 73 +1 Championship. Jonathan Byrd 34-33 — 67 -5 Fred Funk 39-34 — 73 +1 had the car. Once he got on the TPC Camilo Villegas and Scott Verplank, After six holes, he already was five Scott Verplank 35-32 — 67 -5 Ernie Els 35-38 — 73 +1 Sawgrass, he kept the ball on land—not who had two eagles—one of them from Retief Goosen 36-31 — 67 -5 Y.E. Yang 38-35 — 73 +1 shots behind. David Toms 35-32 — 67 -5 Davis Love III 37-36 — 73 +1 easy to do on a course where 89 balls 150 yards out on the 15th fairway, “I was in position all day to make Ian Poulter 34-33 — 67 -5 Charles Howell III 38-35 — 73 +1 found the water—and then got it into another with a putt that seemed about Brad Adamonis 35-32 — 67 -5 K.J. Choi 36-37 — 73 +1 putts,” he said. “And I just didn’t do Camilo Villegas 35-32 — 67 -5 Dudley Hart 38-35 — 73 +1 the hole so quickly he needed only 22 that long on the par-5 second. it.” Bubba Watson 34-33 — 67 -5 Steve Elkington 39-34 — 73 +1 putts. That can happen on one of the most Jason Dufner 34-33 — 67 -5 Nicholas Thompson 36-37 — 73 +1 The longest putt he made all day Jeev M. Singh 35-33 — 68 -4 Troy Matteson 38-35 — 73 +1 He left the thrills, and the spills, to exciting courses in golf, where small was from 4 feet, that after a towering Nick O’Hern 33-35 — 68 -4 J.J. Henry 35-38 — 73 +1 everyone else Thursday at The Players mistakes can turn into big numbers. John Rollins 33-35 — 68 -4 Kevin Sutherland 35-38 — 73 +1 7-iron into the par-5 16th hole for an Henrik Stenson 35-33 — 68 -4 Will MacKenzie 35-38 — 73 +1 Championship. Brian Gay made a small error by try- eagle. He two-putted for birdie on the Nick Watney 33-35 — 68 -4 Hunter Mahan 38-35 — 73 +1 “A lot of people say ‘horses for ing to reach the fourth green from the Tim Petrovic 35-33 — 68 -4 Robert Allenby 34-39 — 73 +1 par-5 second, then finished his round J PAT CARTER / AP Jim Furyk 36-32 — 68 -4 Phil Mickelson 34-39 — 73 +1 courses,’ ” Crane said after a 7-under left rough, coming up short and into with a remarkable pitch from thick Tiger Woods missed seven birdie putts inside Johnson Wagner 36-33 — 69 -3 Kenny Perry 36-37 — 73 +1 65 for a one-shot lead. “But for me, it’s the water. He took a drop, dumped it in 12 feet during Thursday’s first round. Mark Wilson 35-34 — 69 -3 Sean O’Hair 36-37 — 73 +1 grass to 31⁄2 feet for birdie and a Fredrik Jacobson 34-36 — 70 -2 Jerry Kelly 39-34 — 73 +1 just a matter of am I able to keep it sim- the water again, finally got on land and 1-under 71. Ken Duke 35-35 — 70 -2 Anthony Kim 34-39 — 73 +1 ple and just play golf and not worry three-putted for a quintuple-bogey 9 Stewart Cink 35-35 — 70 -2 Jeff Quinney 36-37 — 73 +1 Woods has never shot better than the cup, and his approach on the 18th Justin Leonard 34-36 — 70 -2 Lucas Glover 36-37 — 73 +1 about too much about other things.” on his way to an 80, one of five players 70 in the first round at TPC Sawgrass, was a yard too long and went off the Charley Hoffman 37-33 — 70 -2 Corey Pavin 39-35 — 74 +2 Tiger Woods worried about his put- who failed to break 80. George McNeill 34-36 — 70 -2 Charlie Wi 37-37 — 74 +2 so this was nothing new. back of the green. Justin Rose 36-34 — 70 -2 Andres Romero 41-33 — 74 +2 ting. He didn’t make one longer than 4 Or take the group of Steve Lowery, But the putting was a surprise. Still, it was the short stick that con- Billy Mayfair 35-35 — 70 -2 Luke Donald 39-35 — 74 +2 feet on his way to a 1-under 71. Daniel Chopra and Paul Goydos. They Soren Kjeldsen 36-34 — 70 -2 Tommy Armour III 37-37 — 74 +2 “This is probably the highest score founded him. John Merrick 35-35 — 70 -2 Thongchai Jaidee 38-36 — 74 +2 Defending champion Sergio Garcia played the par-3 17th in a combined 18 I could have shot today,” he said “And “I didn’t hit good putts,” he said. Stephen Ames 38-32 — 70 -2 Rory McIlroy 35-39 — 74 +2 also had a 71, but there is nothing sim- shots, with four balls in the water—and Geoff Ogilvy 35-35 — 70 -2 Scott McCarron 38-36 — 74 +2 I didn’t get a whole lot of my round. “My speed was off early, then I got Paul Casey 36-34 — 70 -2 Tom Pernice, Jr. 35-39 — 74 +2 ple about his game right now. Even Goydos made a par. Lowery put two in That’s the way it goes.” my speed down at the end and I kept Chez Reavie 35-35 — 70 -2 Ross Fisher 39-35 — 74 +2 with a respectable score, he said he was the drink and three-putted for an 8, Rod Pampling 36-34 — 70 -2 Greg Kraft 37-37 — 74 +2 The statistics show that he took 31 lipping out putts. I just need to obvi- Ryan Moore 35-36 — 71 -1 Carl Pettersson 38-36 — 74 +2 playing so badly it “makes me want to while Chopra rinsed two and made 7. putts. ously read them better or hit better Michael Allen 35-36 — 71 -1 Todd Hamilton 34-40 — 74 +2 puke.” Crane opened with consecutive bird- Martin Laird 37-34 — 71 -1 D.J. Trahan 35-39 — 74 +2 What they don’t show is the missed putts, one of the two.” Graeme McDowell 36-35 — 71 -1 Kevin Streelman 36-38 — 74 +2 Phil Mickelson fired off three ies starting at No. 10, made the turn in opportunities—seven birdie putts he — The Associated Press Ben Curtis 33-38 — 71 -1 Robert Karlsson 38-36 — 74 +2 straight birdies, then hit only four 33, then ran off five birdies in a six-hole Tiger Woods 36-35 — 71 -1 Nathan Green 37-37 — 74 +2 missed inside 12 feet, including the Vijay Singh 38-33 — 71 -1 Bart Bryant 35-39 — 74 +2 greens in regulation the rest of the way stretch along his back nine. The hole first four holes. Sergio Garcia 38-33 — 71 -1 Bill Haas 38-36 — 74 +2 Tim Herron 39-36 — 75 +3 for a 73, the first time he failed to break looked the same size, but it seemed like Frustration began to show on his Stuart Appleby 34-37 — 71 -1 PGA Tour glance Bo Van Pelt 34-37 — 71 -1 Bob Estes 35-40 — 75 +3 par in the opening round on the TPC a magnet for his ball. next hole, the par-4 14th, when he hit Jeff Overton 34-37 — 71 -1 Daniel Chopra 34-41 — 75 +3 Sawgrass in eight years. “How often ... from 30 feet do you Scott Piercy 35-36 — 71 -1 Steve Flesch 38-37 — 75 +3 a drive so far too the right that it The Players Championship Kevin Na 37-34 — 71 -1 Ryan Palmer 37-38 — 75 +3 “Looked like it was going to be a actually start it there and then the read nearly wound up in the water in front Site: Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Brian Davis 36-35 — 71 -1 Chad Campbell 38-37 — 75 +3 great round,” Mickelson said. “And is correct? And that happened a num- Aaron Baddeley 38-33 — 71 -1 Parker McLachlin 36-39 — 75 +3 of the 12th tee, a pond that is not sup- Schedule: Through Sunday. Steve Stricker 35-36 — 71 -1 Heath Slocum 35-40 — 75 +3 then it just kind of went away.” ber of times today,” he said. “You just posed to be in play. He tried to play a Course: TPC Sawgrass, Players Adam Scott 35-36 — 71 -1 Marc Turnesa 41-35 — 76 +4 Crane couldn’t relate. smile. You’re like, ‘Yeah, this is why I Michael Letzig 35-36 — 71 -1 Mathew Goggin 40-36 — 76 +4 fade around the pines, only to pull Stadium Course (7,215 yards, par Martin Kaymer 34-37 — 71 -1 Webb Simpson 35-41 — 76 +4 He dropped only two shots—from a play golf right here.’” the shot toward trees and into a bed 72). Jeff Klauk 34-37 — 71 -1 Matt Bettencourt 38-38 — 76 +4 bunker on No. 8 and the rough-covered Johnson, who won in Milwaukee last Cliff Kresge 36-36 — 72 E Dean Wilson 39-38 — 77 +5 of flowers. He did well to escape with Purse: TBA ($9.5 million in 2008). Woody Austin 36-36 — 72 E Peter Lonard 37-40 — 77 +5 mounds right of the 14th fairway—and year, had to battle to be low man in his bogey. Winner’s share: TBA ($1.71 million Joe Ogilvie 35-37 — 72 E Tim Wilkinson 38-39 — 77 +5 made four birdie putts longer than 20 group. He played with Verplank and J.B. Holmes 36-36 — 72 E Paul Goydos 36-42 — 78 +6 Whatever momentum he tried to in 2008). Mike Weir 36-36 — 72 E Michael Bradley 42-38 — 80 +8 feet. Johnson Wagner, and they combined build from his eagle didn’t last long. TV: Golf Channel (Today, 1-7 p.m., 9 Zach Johnson 38-34 — 72 E Fred Couples 39-41 — 80 +8 “It’s one of those rounds that you just for 17 birdies, two eagles and were a John Senden 36-36 — 72 E Brian Gay 41-39 — 80 +8 After a tee shot that found dry land p.m.-midnight) and NBC (Saturday- Jason Bohn 35-37 — 72 E Steve Lowery 38-43 — 81 +9 live for when you’re a golfer,” he said. collective 14 under. on the island green 17th, his 9-foot Sunday, 2-7 p.m.). Tim Clark 38-34 — 72 E Rory Sabbatini 38-43 — 81 +9 “And I had one today at one of my — The Associated Press Brett Quigley 37-35 — 72 E D.A. Weibring WD birdie putt spun 180 degrees around Cameron Beckman 37-35 — 72 E Michael Campbell WD ON SALE NOW! SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Lacrosse FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 39

10 PLAYERS TO WATCH Tournament showcases these top talents

BY CHRISTIAN SWEZEY Brian Karalunas, Villanova, LSM, Soph. InsideLacrosse.com CAA Defensive Player of the Year enters the NCAA Tournament with 63 The NCAA Tournament kicks off ground balls. No opposing team has Saturday at noon on ESPN2 with No. 8 scored more than 11 goals against Vil- seed Johns Hopkins playing host to lanova this year. Brown. It’ll be a whirlwind weekend of four straight games Saturday and four Matt Abbott, Syracuse, M, Sr. Sunday. Keep an eye on the following Turned his game up a notch in the players in these win-or-go-home 2008 postseason to help Syracuse win games. the NCAA title. Must continue to make good decisions in transition. The best Jordan Burke, Brown, G, Sr. game-changing player in lacrosse. The Bears collapse on opponents near the crease, willing to give up 12-15-yard outside shots. It has worked because Burke is exceptional against outside shooters. Games to watch (NCAA Tournament seeds in parentheses) s Sports’ Top Rivalries Kyle Wharton, Johns Hopkins, A, Soph. Saturday Wharton (31 goals) varies the location, Brown at (8) Johns Hopkins, noon, s 2009 NFL Draft Recap delivery and velocity of his shots, and ESPN2 his battle with Burke will be fascinating. UMBC at (6) , 2:30, s SN Conversation: It also is telling that, of his 97 shots, only ESPNU NHL Commissioner 21 have been saved. Hofstra at (5) Cornell, 5, ESPNU LAWRENCE D. HUMPHREY / INSIDE LACROSSE Navy at (3) Duke, 7:30, ESPNU s Plus hundreds of expert voices Shane Walterhoefer, North Carolina, F/O, Sr. Jordan Burke, right, and the Bears open NCAA Tournament play Saturday against Johns Hopkins. UMBC has won 43 percent of its Sunday including Fred Claire, Dallas Clark, faceoffs. Walterhoefer has won 63 per- Maryland at (7) Notre Dame, noon, T im Paul, Navy, A, Jr. Scott Rodgers, Notre Dame, G, Jr. ESPNU David Wells, Terrelle Pryor, Rocky cent and has 129 ground balls. His abil- The Devils like to pressure the ball all Leads the NCAA in save percentage Villanova at (1) Virginia, 2:30, Wirtz, Tony Stewart and nearly ity to win draws could keep the ball over the field to force turnovers and key (66.3 percent) and is second in goals ESPNU 200 more! away from UMBC’s potent first midfield transition. Paul needs to keep posses- against average (6.08). Has very quick UMass at (4) Princeton, 5, ESPNU (76 goals and 40 assists). sion to let Navy get its personnel on the hands but has not seen shooters of Mary- Siena at (2) Syracuse, 7:30, ESPNU field, and he must do so despite the close land’s caliber. Michael Colleluori, Hofstra, M, Sr. attention of excellent longstick Mike Leads the Pride with 21 assists. He Manley and despite having missed Diogo Godoi, Massachusetts, D, Jr. also is the unquestioned leader and almost five games with an ankle injury. Will defend Princeton sophomore heartbeat of the team; Colleluori’s intan- Jack McBride (34 goals, 7 assists). Godoi Inside Lacrosse gibles (and the late-game heroics of Grant Catalino, Maryland, A/M, Soph. must win that matchup and hope that InsideLacrosse.com is your online home for lacrosse news. For the magazine, go to Subscribe Today and SAVE 88%! sophomore Jay Card) have helped Could start at midfield after starting senior goalie Doc Schneider is seeing the shop.insidelacrosse.com/subscribe/ Hofstra win six one-goal games despite 14 games on attack this year. Needs to ball well from strong shooters like Mark One Year just $14.97 starting a freshman goalie. adapt quickly to his new position. Kovler. 1-800-777-6785 s www.sportingnews.com SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Back Page FRIDAY, MAY 08, 2009 40

IN BRIEF TRANSACTIONS Thursday to the quarterfinals of the Esto- ril Open. BASEBALL USC, UC Irvine to meet for volleyball title Simon won eight straight games in MLB: Suspended L.A. Dodgers OF Manny Ramirez 50 games for PROVO, UTAH—Murphy Troy had 24 kills to defeating Fabio Fognini 6-0, 7-5, and Blake violating major league baseball’s joint drug prevention and treat- ment program. lead USC over defending national cham- withstood a first-set tiebreaker to win 7-6 American League pion Penn State 3-1 in the NCAA men’s vol- (6), 6-2 over Marc Gicquel. : Activated OF Rocco Baldelli from the 15-day DL. leyball semifinals Thursday, ending the Blake will play on eighth-seeded Florent Optioned OF Jonathan Van Every to Pawtucket (IL). Nittany Lions’ run of 11 straight wins. Serra, who defeated Juan Monaco 6-3, 1-6, 6-3. CLEVELAND INDIANS: Designated RHP Vinnie Chulk for assignment. Recalled LHP Jeremy Sowers from Columbus (IL). Sent INF Tony Graf- Penn State hadn’t lost a set since March 14 Simon will meet seventh-seeded Albert fanino outright to Columbus. and took a 1-0 lead by winning the opener, Montanes, who defeated Simon Greul 6-2, 6-2. National League but the Trojans won the next three—30-26, ATLANTA BRAVES: Promoted controller Chip Moore to chief financial 30-26 and 30-24. Austin Zahn clinched it Soccer officer. for USC with a kill that was too much for the OSLO—British media are reporting that FLORIDA MARLINS: Optioned LHP Graham Taylor to Jacksonville (SL). Recalled RHP Carlos Martinez from New Orleans (PCL). Nittany Lions to handle, bouncing high into death threats were made against a referee LOS ANGELES DODGERS: Recalled OF Xavier Paul from Albuquerque the rafters at BYU’s Smith Fieldhouse as the in the Champions League semifinal. (AAA). Trojans stormed the court. Chelsea players angrily accused Norwe- NEW YORK METS: Placed LHP Oliver Perez on the 15-day DL, retroac- The Trojans (21-10) on Saturday will play gian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo of miss- tive to May 3. Recalled LHP Jonathon Niese from Buffalo (IL). ST. LOUIS CARDINALS: Placed OF Rick Ankiel on the 15-day DL, retro- UC Irvine (26-5), which swept Ohio State ing several penalty and hand-ball calls in active to May 5. Recalled OF Shane Robinson from Memphis (PCL). in the late semifinal. Wednesday’s 1-1 draw against Barcelona, : Purchased the contract of LHP Ron Villone which advanced to the final with a late goal. from Syracuse (IL). Designated LHP Mike Hinckley for assignment. Golf London’s Evening Standard newspaper American Association GRAND PRAIRIE AIRHOGS: Released RHP Benny Cepeda. WILLIAMSBURG, VA.—Lorena Ochoa shot a reported death threats were made over the SIOUX CITY EXPLORERS: Released RHP Christian Miranda. 7-under 64 and took a one-shot lead after Internet against Ovrebo. Chelsea promised Golden Baseball League the first round of the Michelob Ultra Open Thursday to take “the strongest action” GBL: Announced the expansion Tijuana Potros will not enter the at Kingsmill. against any fans found making threats, but league this year, due to the swine flu outbreak. Lindsey Wright was one shot behind the said it had received no evidence of any. BASKETBALL world’s top-ranked player after a bogey- — The Associated Press National Basketball Association NBA: Suspended Orlando G Rafer Alston and L.A. Lakes G Derek Fisher free round Thursday on the resort’s soggy ALESSANDRA TARANTINO / AP for one game each, without pay, for their roles in separate incidents and wind-swept 6,315-yard River Course. Dinara Safina, above, is through to the Italian Open semis after defeating Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez Thursday. Major League Soccer in games on May 6. Assessed a flagrant foul penalty of L.A. Lakers Hee-Won Han, Sarah Lee and Minea EASTERN CONFERENCE G Kobe Bryant for elbowing Houston F Ron Artest in the chest in a Blomqvist were another shot back after 7-6 (3). BELGRADE, SERBIA—Second-seeded Ivo W L T Pts GF GA game on May 6. D.C. United 3 1 4 13 12 10 FOOTBALL 66s as 45 players shot better than par. Kuznetsova will play the sixth-seeded Karlovic advanced to the quarterfinals of Toronto FC 3 2 3 12 10 10 Victoria Azarenka of Belarus, who defeated the Serbia Open after beating Brian Dabul Chicago 2 0 5 11 13 10 Kansas City 3 3 2 11 10 9 : Signed S . Traded DT Orien Harris TURIN, ITALY—Gareth Maybin of North- Kaia Kanepi of Estonia 7-6 (5), 6-3 in a of Argentina 6-4, 7-6 (5) on Thursday. New England 2 2 2 8 5 11 to St. Louis for RB Brian Leonard. ern Ireland shot a course record 7-under sloppy match that saw 13 breaks of serve. Karlovic will meet qualifier Italy’s Flavio Columbus 0 2 5 5 8 12 WASHINGTON REDSKINS: Signed WR Keith Eloi. Released P Zac New York 1 5 2 5 5 10 64 on Thursday to take a three-shot lead Cipolla, who eliminated seventh-seeded Atterberry. WESTERN CONFERENCE Canadian Football League after the first round of the Italian Open. MUNICH— overcame a Frenchman Arnaud Clement 1-6, 6-4, 6-3. W L T Pts GF GA WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS: Signed K Dan Giancola. American John Daly had a 69 despite slow start to beat Dutch qualifier Thiemo Cipolla had made it into the second round Chivas USA 6 1 1 19 11 3 Seattle FC 4 2 1 13 10 4 HOCKEY two closing bogeys on the Royal Park I De Bakker 6-3, 6-4 on Thursday and joined after eliminating another prominent Colorado 3 2 2 11 10 8 Roveri course. fourth-seeded Tomas Berdych in the quar- player, Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus, in his Real Salt Lake 3 3 1 10 14 10 OTTAWA SENATORS: Signed D Erik Karlsson. Houston 2 2 2 8 6 5 terfinals of the BMW Open. first match. Los Angeles 1 1 5 8 8 9 COLLEGE Berdych rallied to beat Germany’s Sixth-seeded Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia San Jose 1 4 2 5 7 12 CENTRAL MICHIGAN: Named Willie Randolph director of men’s and FC Dallas 1 5 1 4 7 14 women’s track and field and cross country. ROME—Dinara Safina rallied to beat Andreas Beck 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 (4). was eliminated by of Brazil NOTE: Three points for victory, one point for tie. CHATTANOOGA: Announced sophomore QB B.J. Coleman is transfer- Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez 4-6, 6-3, 6-0 In other second-round matches Thurs- 6-4, 6-4, while fourth-seeded Italian Wednesday’s games Toronto FC at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m. ring from Tennessee. Thursday and reach the Italian Open semi- day, German wild card Andreas Seppi advanced by beating Leon- D.C. United 1, Kansas City 1, tie New England at Chicago, 8:30 p.m. ELON: Named Tim Sweeney men’s assistant basketball coach. Los Angeles 2, FC Dallas at Houston, 9 p.m. finals, while Venus Williams breezed past upset Julien Benneteau of France 6-4, 3-6, ardo Mayer of Argentina 6-4, 6-1. GEORGIA SOUTHERN: Named , Chris Kreider and Pershin Real Salt Lake 2, tie Real Salt Lake at Chivas USA, 10:30 Williams men’s assistant basketball coaches. Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland 6-1, 6-2. 7-6 (6). Potito Starace defeated Italian rival Today’s game p.m. San Jose at New York, 7:30 p.m. Sunday’s game MARIST: Named Alisa Kresge women’s assistant basketball coach. Two-time defending champion Jelena Simone Bolelli 6-4, 7-6 (5) and will next OEIRAS, PORTUGAL—Top-seeded Gilles Saturday’s games Los Angeles at Seattle FC, 3 p.m. MONTANA: Named Freddie Owens men’s assistant basketball coach. Jankovic lost to Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-1, play Brands. Simon and James Blake advanced Kansas City at Columbus, 7 p.m.