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Denver 124, Dallas 110 Streak over Look who’s talking Hit streak for Nats’ Zimmerman ends at 30 Page 16

ROB CARR / AP

THURSDAY SEE A DIFFERENT GAME JACK DEMPSEY / AP TALKING BASEBALL MAY 14, 2009 VOLUME 1 ISSUE 296 Erick Dampier and the Mavs were left scratching their heads as they were “There is a lot to be excited dispatched by the Nuggets. Page 10 about here,” says the reigning N.L. batting champ, who thinks PITTSBURGH 6, WASHINGTON 2 the Braves’ rotation could be Scoreboard something special once Tim NBA Playoffs Hudson returns from injury and top Crosby, Pens deliver prospect Tommy Hanson shows Western Conference semifinals he’s ready for the majors. Page 14 Denver 124, Dallas 110 Capital punishment a Washington whipping (Denver wins series 4-1)

NHL Playoffs BY CRAIG CUSTANCE [email protected] Eastern Conference semifinals Game 7s tonight Pittsburgh 6, Washington 2 WASHINGTON—Moments after Pitts- Anaheim at Detroit (Pittsburgh wins series 4-3) burgh’s convincing 6-2 win over the 7 p.m., Versus Capitals in Game 7 of the Eastern Carolina at Boston 8 p.m., Versus (joined in progress) CHARLIE RIEDEL / AP Conference semifinals, Pittsburgh Baseball Previews, Page 8 forwards Max Talbot and Tyler Ken- Q&A Michael Irvin Cleveland 4, Chicago White Sox 0 nedy chatted about the questions they knew would be coming. also was playing hurt. “He had 14 Terrell Owens’ career in Dallas Tampa Bay 8, Baltimore 6 This series, fairly or unfairly, would points in seven games playing against “was a success … I wouldn’t call it N.Y. Yankees 8, Toronto 2 be boiled down to a battle between the their best defensive players all the a major failure or disappointment,” Texas 6, Seattle 5, 11 innings two biggest superstars in hockey: Sid- time,” Boudreau said of his star for- says the former Cowboys receiver— and soon-to-be-reality TV star—in a ney Crosby vs. Alex Ovechkin. ward. “His play was what it was: Minnesota 14, Detroit 10, 13 innings wide-ranging chat. Page 24 L.A. Angels 8, Boston 4 The conclusion is inevitable. Crosby magnificent.” The others: Oakland 7, Kansas City 2 won the round, and with that, the title Washington defense- MY PROFILE of world’s best player. man Mike Green is a Norris Trophy Aaron Rodgers “We were talking about that before BRUCE BENNETT / AP finalist and had one of the best offen- The Packers QB talks about his the media came in,” Talbot said. “You Alex Ovechkin (8) and Sidney Crosby each had eight goals this series, but Crosby’s team came out on top. sive seasons by a defenseman in recent favorite movie Atlanta 8, N.Y. Mets 7, 12 innings look at the way Sid leads and the fire history. But that Green never made it (The Princess Washington 6, San Francisco 3 in his eyes. Ovechkin has it, too, but I goals in the clincher to give him eight because it was me and (Ovechkin),” to the playoffs. He was held without a Bride), why L.A. Dodgers 9, Philadelphia 2 think by winning that Game 7, Sid overall in the series. He was dominant Crosby said. “It was a battle.” goal in the series and finished the he’d love to have President Pittsburgh 5, St. Louis 2 won that battle.” in front of the net, with seven of his Alex Ovechkin: Nobody will fault postseason with only one. Pittsburgh’s And Talbot added one more thing. eight goals coming right around the Ovechkin for his team not advancing. Hart Trophy finalist, Evgeni Malkin, Obama’s job (“To Milwaukee 8, Florida 6 learn some of “Which is great for us,” he said smiling. crease. Most importantly, he’s the guy Like Crosby, he had eight goals in the had 10 points against the Capitals. the secrets that the government Houston 15, Colorado 11 who led his team to a series win over a series, including one of Washington’s Chi. Cubs 6, San Diego 4, 8 innings, rain doesn’t tell us” and which Israeli How the stars fared: heated rival. “It feels good just because two in Game 7. Coach Bruce Boudreau model he wouldn’t mind going on Cincinnati 10, Arizona 3 Sidney Crosby: He had a pair of of the way the series went, not just revealed after the game that Ovechkin Sid stole the spotlight, Page 6 a date with. Page 3 20 pe hne,Ic l ihsRsre.NASCAR is a registered trademark of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Rac All Rights Reserved. Inc. ©2009 Speed Channel, SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com See a Different Game Tune In Today OFF THE FIELD A quick look at the best sports on TV LeBron gives — all times Eastern Akron props NBA Celtics at Magic in Nike ad 7 p.m., ESPN The Ohio hometown of LeBron James is Inc. ing, Dwight Howard was disappointed that he didn’t touch the ball more pleased with the latest shout-out from in Game 5, a game in which Orlando blew a 14-point, fourth-quarter the NBA star. lead. Yes, he’s not the best free-throw shooter in the world, but he has a point. If Kevin Garnett isn’t patrolling the middle, Howard should be In a new Nike commercial, a puppet taking Kendrick Perkins to school. And even if Howard misses his share version of LeBron teases another depict- of free throws, there will come a time where Boston’s bigs run out of ing James’ rival, Kobe Bryant. The LeBron fouls. puppet claps his familiar clouds of chalk — Roger Kuznia into the air and says: “Woo! Chosen One, NHL baby! Ohio ... Akron, Ohio, baby! Come on, Kobe, let’s go down the highway!” Ducks at Red Wings Mayor Don Plusquellic says you can’t put 7 p.m., Versus a price tag on what James does for Akron Much like the remarkable Capitals-Penguins series, this physical, well- and what he means to the Northeast Ohio played matchup will be decided in a Game 7. As much as you’d think city and its residents. the Red Wings have the edge with this game being played at Joe Louis Arena, the fact that they’ve been pushed this far says a lot about the strength and resilience of a very talented Anaheim team. Quick hits — Roger Kuznia A woman arrested last week at Dallas GENERAL Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki’s house has been transferred to another Texas county Survivor: Tocantins to face a theft charge. 8 p.m. ET, CBS U.S.gymnast Shawn Johnson, trying to Eddie George ran hard and took plenty of hits in his career as a NFL become the fifth athlete to win the com- , but his wife is also showing millions of viewers that she’s petition, is the only remaining sports a gritty competitor. Inspired by an Exile Island visit from the former Titans and Ohio State great in last week’s episode, Taj Johnson-George celebrity on season eight of ABC’s Danc- is among the final five castaways vying for a spot in Sunday’s season ing With the Stars after Professional Bull finale and the million-dollar prize. Riding president Ty Murray was elimi- — Vinnie Iyer nated, SportsBusiness Daily reported. VH1 has confirmed that Buffalo- area filming for a reality TV show star- GUIDE 3 p.m. NHL ring Bills receiver Terrell Owens will begin GOLF TGC—PGA Tour, Texas 7 p.m. Sunday, a day before the team opens 10 a.m. Open, first round, at Versus—Playoffs, San Antonio minicamp, The Associated Press TGC—European PGA conference semifinals, reported. The series, which will chroni- Tour, Irish Open, first NBA Game 7, Anaheim at round, at Baltray, 7 p.m. Detroit cle Owens’ day-to-day life, is set to pre- Ireland ESPN—Playoffs, miere in July. conference semifinals, 9:30 p.m. (approx.) LOVE SHAQ, a reality series on A&E 1 p.m. Game 6, Boston at Versus—Playoffs, confer- starring Suns center Shaquille O’Neal and Orlando TGC—Nationwide ence semifinals, Game his family, will debut next season, accord- Tour, BMW Charity 9:30 p.m. 7, Carolina at Boston ing to the cable channel, the South Florida Watch the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race for your Pro-Am, first round, at ESPN—Playoffs, confer- (joined in progress) chance to win $25,000! Go to SPEEDtv.com for details. Spartanburg, S.C. ence semifinals, Game 6, Sun-Sentinel reported on its website. L.A. Lakers at Houston — SportsBusiness Daily, sportsbusinessdaily.com SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com My Profile THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 3

SINCE YOU ASKED ... You have questions, we have answers THE WORLD’S FIRST DIGITAL DAILY SPORTS NEWSPAPER TO: Sporting News Today Aaron Rodgers FROM: Sam Green, Boothwyn, Pa. Packers (What you won’t find on Facebook … even if you are approved as a friend) CHAIRMAN & CEO ...... Ray Shaw While looking at the PRESIDENT ...... Whitney Shaw Dolphins’ draft recap I saw PUBLISHER ...... Ed Baker that they got a talented and EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ...... Jeff D’Alessio speedy QB in Pat White. While White will probably be Born: Dec. 2, 1983, in Chico, Calif. MANAGING EDITOR ...... Paul Kasko a third-stringer, I think he will Alma mater: Cal CREATIVE DIRECTOR ...... Keith Wood be good with their offensive What’s on TV: SportsCenter, The Office, Summer VP, GENERAL , ONLINE . . . . . Jeff Gerttula scheme, the Wildcat. Do you Heights High, Jeopardy! VP, INTEGRATED MARKETING & SALES .Stuart Marvin Pat White think that this will be good What’s in my iPod: Ray LaMontagne, Pete Murray, DIRECTOR, DIGITAL MEDIA...... Geoff Shaw for the Dolphins? Anberlin, Ryan Adams, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley VP, MARKETING & SALES DEVELOPMENT . .Eric Karp What I drive: 2009 BMW M3 SN’s NFL expert Clifton Brown answers ... Favorite flick: The Princess Bride EDITORIAL OFFICES Sam, What I’m reading: The Art of War, by Sun Tzu 120 West Morehead Street, Suite 200 Do not be surprised if Pat White gets 10 to 15 snaps Magazine subscription: Outside Charlotte, NC 28202 per game this season from the Wildcat formation. Not only can White run, but his ability to throw will make it Bookmarks: ESPN.com, YouTube.com, ultimate- 704-973-1550 difficult for safeties to cheat toward the line of scrim- guitar.com 1-800-443-1886 mage, like the Ravens did effectively against the Wildcat On my office walls: Pictures of friends and during the playoffs. family Letters to the editor: Meanwhile, do not underestimate White’s chance to Love to trade places for a day with … Barack [email protected] become a starting quarterback one day. He has a lot to learn, but he threw better than scouts expected at the Obama. It would be fun to learn some of the General feedback: Combine. At worst, I think he will eventually become the secrets that the government doesn’t tell us. [email protected] Dolphins’ backup QB. And if Chad Henne is not the real First job: Working for the athletic deal, White could be next in line after Chad Pennington. director at my high school. $4 an National Digital Sales Managers hour. Joey Glowacki, 704-973-1856 Talent I’d most like to have: Play golf [email protected] WRITE US like Tiger Gary Strauss, 212-500-0672 Got a question you’d like answered? E-mail it to editor- [email protected] in-chief Jeff D’Alessio at [email protected], Favorite meal: Steak and potatoes along with your name and hometown. Favorite athlete to watch in another sport: Tiger Woods ON NEWSSTANDS NOW Favorite city to visit: San Diego Favorite team as a kid: 49ers Favorite value in others: Honesty YOUR TURN Dream date: Moran Atias Got something My greatest love: Challenges you’d like to ask My hero: My dad Falcons quarterback My motto: “Preach the gospel at all times and Matt Ryan or Raiders when necessary use words.” — St. Francis of first-round pick Darrius Heyward- Assisi Bey? E-mail your — Jeff D’Alessio Matt Ryan Heyward-Bey questions, along with your name and hometown, to editor-in-chief Jeff D’Alessio at jdales- MORRY GASH / AP Have you noticed all the empty seats [email protected]. We’ll take five questions to around the field at the new Yankee both players and run them in an upcoming issue of Stadium? Columnist Will Leitch has, Sporting News Magazine. which is why he wrote about the $2,500 experience in SN Magazine. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Next Gen THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 4 RECRUITING DISH Budgets for recruiting big Sooners land commitments from two Texas prospects for North Carolina schools

Oklahoma picked up a pair of com- BY CHRIS BAYSDEN mitments earlier this week, adding TRIANGLE BUSINESS JOURNAL Cedar Hill (Texas) G Adam Shead and Steele (Cibolo, Texas) WR Sheldon RALEIGH, N.C.—As local college coaches work to woo prized McClain, Rivals.com reported, to what recruits to their programs, bean counters at those same is shaping up as an impressive 2010 schools are making sure that recruiters have the greenbacks class for Sooners coach Bob Stoops. they need to land blue-chip talent. Shead (6-4, 315) got his scholarship That money isn’t used to pay players—relax, NCAA watch- offer on Tuesday when Oklahoma dogs—but does foot the bill for travel expenses, long-distance called his high school coach, and he phone calls, postage and even recruiting software packages. committed immediately. He is listed The three Triangle universities in the ACC spent more than $1 as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com million each to recruit players across all sports in the 2007-08 “I’m the first Cedar Hill guy to go to school year, according to financial information the schools OU,” Shead told Rivals.com. “We have report to the U.S. Department of Education. a wall with all of the guys who went to Those numbers did not include salaries for coaches or college, and there is no one who went recruiters, which are under a separate line item. to Oklahoma.” Duke led the ACC by shelling out $1.56 million in the 2007- McClain (6-2, 175) has excellent 08 year. Duke also outspent many other big-name programs, speed. He said his final three schools including Ohio State ($1.14 million), Texas ($1.29 million) and were Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Florida ($1.47 million). Baylor. Why does a relatively small, private school spend more on “I looked at some places I knew I recruiting than its larger public rivals? wasn’t going to go to. I mean, I didn’t Jon Jackson, associate A.D. for communication at Duke, said want to get too far from home,” McClain the Blue Devils’ budget is bigger because Duke recruits across told Rivals.com. “The places I was the country, not just in a two- or three-state footprint. most comfortable with were Okla- Notre Dame, another private school that recruits nationally, homa, Texas A&M and Baylor, and I managed to top the Blue Devils by spending $2.29 million on pretty much studied all three. recruiting. “This summer I wasn’t feeling all the Duke’s rival, North Carolina, spent $1.13 million on visits, it was getting pretty tiring and I recruiting. knew what I wanted to do, so I did it.” “It’s mostly travel,” said Martina Ballen, a senior associate JEFFREY BOAN / AP athletic director at UNC. Northview (Duluth, Ga.) DT Den- Bob Stoops is entering his 11th season as Sooners coach, but Oklahoma hasn’t won a national title since Stoops’ second year in Norman (2000). That’s because the school has to pay for a lot of airplane zel McCoy told Sporting News Today he rides, hotel rooms and eating expenses for coaches who are on has gotten a scholarship offer from “Clemson was just my No. 1 for a to Cape Coral, is the half-brother of Santiago (Corona, Calif.) pro-style the road visiting prospects. Schools also pay similar expenses his childhood favorite, Clemson, but while, but I’m committed now,” former Miami star and current Detroit QB Brandon Connette has committed to for kids who make official visits to campus. Those trips often said it won’t change his commitment McCoy said. Lions CB . Duke, the Los Angeles Times reported. will take place over a period of time that stretches from Friday to Georgia Tech. “It’s the happiest day of my life,” He also seriously considered Stanford, afternoon to Sunday afternoon. McCoy (6-4, 275) is ranked No. 89 Cape Coral (Fla.) WR Jeremy Davis Davis told the newspaper. “When and other schools recruiting him There is a pecking order for recruits, and it can affect the in the Sporting News 100, a preseason has committed to Miami, The News- (Miami) offered, I said, ‘Well, I’m included Boise State, South Carolina, cost of the official visit. Associate athletic director Diane list of the nation’s top high school Press of Fort Myers, Fla., reported. He committed.’ It’s a deal. It’s done and Washington and UCLA. Moose said that when coveted recruits in revenue sports visit recruits for 2010. He committed to said he committed on the spot Tues- over with. I’m not looking at any other Connette (6-2, 190) is returning to North Carolina State, they often have dinner at swanky Sulli- Georgia Tech in early April and said day when the Hurricanes offered a school, at least not yet.” his home state—he was born in Char- van’s Steakhouse. Non-revenue sport athletes are more likely then that he liked being close enough scholarship. Davis (6-1, 170) also reported schol- lotte, N.C. to end up at Applebee’s. to home for his family and friends to Davis, who played at Fort Myers arship offers from West Virginia and — Brian McLaughlin — Chris Baysden writes for the Triangle Business Journal. come to his games. High last season but has transferred Syracuse. E-mail him at [email protected] SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Overnight Report BASEBALL / AMERICAN LEAGUE Oakland 7, Kansas City 2 L.A. Angels 8, Boston 4 I need brakes that A’s bats come alive L.A.’s Palmer throws CG paste h ere . OAKLAND—The Oak- Athletics 7, Royals 2 ANAHEIM—It took Matt Angels 8, Red Sox 4 land Athletics appear Kansas City AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Palmer 30 years to get Boston AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Crisp cf 4 0 0 0 0 0 .252 Ellsbury cf 4 0 1 1 0 1 .295 to be coming out of Bloomquist lf-ss 3 0 0 0 1 0 .350 his first major league Lugo ss 4 0 0 0 0 1 .270 their season-long offen- Teahen 3b 4 0 0 0 0 3 .290 victory, and now he has D.Ortiz dh 4 1 1 0 0 0 .220 don’t squeal J.Guillen rf 4 0 0 0 0 0 .260 Bay lf 4 1 2 2 0 2 .319 sive slump. Butler 1b 3 1 1 0 1 1 .278 four in a span of just 21 Lowell 3b 4 0 0 0 0 1 .301 A day after pounding J.Buck dh 2 0 0 0 0 2 .212 days—including a com- J.Drew rf 3 0 0 0 0 1 .245 a-Jacobs ph-dh 2 1 1 1 0 0 .262 J.Bailey 1b 2 1 0 0 1 0 .175 out 13 hits and scoring Callaspo 2b 4 0 1 0 0 2 .324 plete game against the Kottaras c 2 1 0 0 1 1 .143 really stop my car a season-high 12 runs, Olivo c 3 0 1 1 0 0 .233 . N.Green 2b 3 0 1 1 0 1 .293 Aviles ss 1 0 0 0 1 0 .202 Totals 30 4 5 4 2 8 the A’s took advantage b-DeJesus ph-lf 1 0 0 0 0 0 .221 The Los Angeles cut here of a Kansas City field- Totals 31 2 4 2 3 8 Angels’ righthander Los Angeles AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Figgins 3b 4 0 1 0 1 0 .246 are from a brand I trust ing error to score five Oakland AB R H BI BB SO Avg. overcame a shaky start, Willits rf 5 1 2 1 0 0 .333 runs in the seventh O.Cabrera ss 5 2 1 0 0 0 .237 pitching a five-hitter Abreu dh 3 1 1 0 2 0 .302 K.Suzuki c 3 2 1 1 0 0 .325 Hunter cf 4 3 2 2 1 0 .308 inning on the way to a Giambi 1b 4 0 1 1 0 0 .214 and retiring the last 19 K.Morales 1b 5 1 3 1 0 1 .287 are on sale 7-2 win over the Royals Hannahan 3b 0 0 0 0 0 0 .167 batters in an 8-4 victory Napoli c 5 1 2 3 0 1 .318 Holliday lf 3 1 1 1 1 1 .240 J.Rivera lf 4 0 1 1 0 0 .271 on Wednesday night. Cust dh 3 0 1 4 0 2 .291 on Wednesday night. Kendrick 2b 3 1 1 0 1 0 .243 “It’s just a matter of R.Sweeney cf 3 0 0 0 1 0 .248 “It’s amazing. The E.Aybar ss 4 0 1 0 0 1 .306 Kennedy 2b 3 1 2 0 1 0 .286 Totals 37 8 14 8 5 3 ® time,” said Oakland T.Buck rf 4 0 0 0 0 0 .200 story writes itself. But I With NAPA Adaptive One Brakes, designated hitter Jack Crosby 3b-1b 3 1 0 0 1 0 .250 don’t have a chance to Boston 220 000 000 — 4 5 0 Los Angeles 005 111 00x — 8 14 0 you get all of the above. Cust, whose three-run Totals 31 7 7 7 4 3 pinch myself,” Palmer double broke open the Kansas City 010 000 001 — 2 4 1 said. “I don’t have a LOB: Boston 1, Los Angeles 12. 2B: N.Green (8), Oakland 000 002 50x — 7 7 0 K.Morales (10). HR: Bay (10), off Palmer; Napoli game and helped Josh chance to sit here and (6), off Wakefield; Hunter (9), off Wakefield. Looking for the perfect brake job? NAPA’s Adaptive One brakes offer Outman win his first b-grounded out for Aviles in the 8th. E: Teahen relax. I’ve got to pitch RBIs: Ellsbury (11), Bay 2 (37), N.Green (13), the best of all worlds. And now at any participating NAPA AutoCare (1). LOB: Kansas City 5, Oakland 6. 2B: Giambi (6), Willits (1), Hunter 2 (24), K.Morales (20), Napoli 3 of the season. “Guys Cust (5), Kennedy (1). HR: Jacobs (7), off A.Bailey. hard every game. If I (17), J.Rivera (9). SB: Figgins (13), Willits (1). CS: Center or quality repair facility that installs NAPA parts, when you have been swinging the RBIs: Jacobs (21), Olivo (9), K.Suzuki (15), Giambi don’t, then I’m out. Ellsbury (4). SF: J.Rivera. Runners left in scoring (16), Holliday (23), Cust 4 (21). SF: Cust. Runners position: Boston 1 (Lugo); Los Angeles 6 (Figgins have NAPA Adaptive One brake pads and NAPA Ultra Premium bats better and doing left in scoring position: Kansas City 2 (Aviles, That’s just the way it is. 2, Willits, Abreu, Kendrick, Hunter). DP: Los Ange- the little things ... try- Olivo); Oakland 5 (O.Cabrera, T.Buck, R.Sweeney So I’ll keep going hard les 1 (K.Morales, E.Aybar, Palmer). rotors installed as part of a four-wheel brake job, you’ll get up to 2, Kennedy). ing to push across runs as long as I can and try Boston IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA any way we can instead Kansas City IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA to impress and try to Wakefield L, 4-2 4 2⁄3 11 7 7 3 2 91 4.03 $90 off. Bannister L, 3-1 5 2⁄3 5 2 2 1 3 87 1.80 H.Jones 1⁄3 1 1 1 1 0 10 8.00 of waiting for the home Ho.Ramirez 2⁄3 0 1 0 1 0 11 6.75 keep my team where Bard 2 1 0 0 1 1 38 0.00 Go to www.AdaptiveOne.com for rebate form and complete details. run or the big hit.” J.Wright 1⁄3 2 4 0 1 0 19 1.80 they need to be.” Saito 1 1 0 0 0 0 15 4.15 J.Cruz 1 1⁄3 0 0 0 1 0 18 1.72 Los Angeles IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Offer ends May 31, 2009. The A’s went into the Oakland IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA After throwing 38 Palmer W, 4-0 9 5 4 4 2 8 109 3.38 series ranked last in Outman W, 1-0 6 3 1 1 2 4 78 4.05 pitches in the first two Wuertz H, 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 11 1.45 H.Jones pitched to 2 batters in the 6th. Inherited the AL in multiple Springer 1 0 0 0 1 1 21 2.40 frames, Palmer threw runners-scored: H.Jones 2-0, Bard 2-1. HBP: offensive categories, A.Bailey 1 1 1 1 0 2 21 1.61 71 over the final seven. by Wakefield (Kendrick). Umpires: Home, Brian Runge; First, Bill Miller; Second, Derryl Cousins; but pounded out 20 Outman pitched to 1 batter in the 7th. Inherited “I’ve got to commend Third, . T: 2:26. A: 35,666 (45,257). runs and 20 hits in the runners-scored: Ho.Ramirez 2-0, J.Wright him. He’s a journeyman 1-1, J.Cruz 1-0, Wuertz 1-0. HBP: by J.Wright two games against (K.Suzuki). WP: J.Wright. Umpires: Home, Brian who’s been around the Kansas City. O’Nora; First, ; Second, Mike Much- minor leagues for seven T: A: — The Associated Press linski; Third, . 2:36. 16,057 (35,067). or eight years, and right now he’s fulfilling his www.NAPAonline.com 1-800-LET-NAPA dream and pitching his butt off,” teammate Torii Save $15 per axle on NAPA Adaptive One or Ultra Premium brake pads/shoes and $10 per axle on labor (maximum of two axles for brake pads/shoes and labor) when you buy and have Adaptive One or Ultra Premium brake pads/shoes installed. Also, save $10 per NAPA rotor (maximum of four) when you Hunter said. have NAPA Ultra Premium rotors installed. Mail completed rebate form and original sales receipt in an envelope to NAPA Brakes Rebate Headquarters, 3459 Washington Drive, Suite 105, Eagan, MN 55122. Rebate form and complete details can be obtained at www.AdaptiveOne.com or from participating More MLB coverage, Page 16 — The Associated Press facilities. Qualifying activities must occur at a participating auto repair facility between 5/01/09 and 5/31/09. Envelope must be postmarked by 6/30/09. Allow 8 weeks for rebate processing. Limit one rebate submission per person/household. Void where prohibited. Offer good in the U.S.A only. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NHL THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 6 EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS Pittsburgh 6, Washington 2 NOTEBOOK Crosby steals spotlight in Game 7 showdown Fleury’s early stop saves the day WASHINGTON—As the media filed into are the moments when players learn the Verizon Center workroom to dis- something about themselves. In a game where there were eight goals, it’s hard to imag- sect exactly how the series of the Kris Letang said one of the Pitts- ine one save being a difference-maker. But Marc-Andre century ended in not-so-dramatic burgh coaches put it best. “He said, Fleury’s first-period stop on Alex Ovechkin helped decide fashion on Wednesday night, some- ‘You’re not going anywhere in life the series. one offered the right conclusion. It without a Game 7,’” Letang said. “It Three minutes into the game, Ovechkin charged toward was the perfect six- was pretty smart.” Fleury on a breakaway—what looked like a sure goal that game series. This was Crosby’s Game 7. would have given the Caps a 1-0 lead in front of a boisterous Pittsburgh’s domi- Ovechkin matched Crosby goal- home crowd. nance in Game 7 for-goal in the series. Both finished Instead, Fleury made a huge glove save on Ovechkin, made the finale anti- with eight. But it was Crosby’s abil- sucking the energy out of the Verizon Center in the climactic. It was the ity to elevate his game—along with process. only game that didn’t the game of his teammates—that was “I didn’t score on the breakaway, so if I score the first have at least one lead the difference in the conclusion. goal, maybe a different game,” Ovechkin said. Craig Custance change. In a series To outsiders, Ovechkin’s goal late Pittsburgh forward Bill Guerin, who scored his fifth goal HOCKEY where there were in the second period, one that made of the playoffs, agreed with Ovechkin’s assessment of Fleu- three overtimes, and the score 5-1, looked meaningless in ry’s save. multiple hat tricks a game the Penguins dominated. But “Huge, that was huge,” Guerin said. “That would’ve got- by the biggest stars in hockey, the when Crosby got to the dressing ten them right in it and really changed the game. Flower conclusion was a bit of a dud. room following the second period, really stepped up and helped us out there.” But that doesn’t diminish the he was livid. impact of the most important playoff “You could tell he was like, ‘Ok, Gonchar returns showdown since the lockout. It was let’s get that straight,’ ” Talbot said. Sergei Gonchar, Pittsburgh’s invaluable defenseman, the first chapter in hockey’s version Crosby took care of it himself, scor- returned to the lineup for the first time since getting injured of Bird vs. Magic, and it was a heck ing Pittsburgh’s sixth goal only 2 on a knee-to-knee hit from Alex Ovechkin in Game 4. of a start. minutes into the third period. It Gonchar admitted that he wasn’t 100 percent, but it Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby quashed even the most optimistic helped him to make a contribution early. He assisted on the didn’t disappoint. Neither did their hopes of a comeback. first goal of the game when he sent a power play shot in the teammates. There were endless sto- “He has this thing in his eyes that direction of Sidney Crosby, who gathered it and beat Wash- rylines. There was Sergei Gonchar’s you just follow,” Talbot said. “The ington goalie Simeon Varlamov. injury and Gonchar’s dramatic way he leads this team is unbeliev- Gonchar played 15:06, including 4:56 on the power play. return from injury. Heck, there was able. I’ve played with good players, “Obviously, having a good start always helps,” Gonchar even a death threat. but Sid is something else.” said. “We started well, not only me but as a team. … It’s This series didn’t lack drama and It wasn’t the thrilling ending we always easier when your team is rolling.” PABLO MARTINEZ MONSIVAIS / AP that’s why we’re willing to overlook all wanted—even demanded—of this Between two goals and some locker-room leadership, Game 7 belonged to Penguins C Sidney Crosby. the Capitals’ collapse when assess- series. Crosby made sure of that and, No curse for Pittsburgh ing the greatness of these seven family back home, friends, every- league.” in the process, established himself The curse of the Stanley Cup runner-up missed the Pitts- games. body’s watching and everybody is And for one night, anyway, it set- as the best. burgh Penguins. With their win over the Capitals, the Pen- “It was obviously a great series for excited. When you’re into it, I don’t tled the question of who is the best “He’s our captain, our leader,” guins became the first team since the 1996 Detroit Red us, but for the fans, too, and for think you realize how big of a show player in the game. goalie Marc-Andre Fleury said. “He Wings to return to the conference finals after losing in the hockey in general,” Pittsburgh for- we gave and how good it was from On the morning of his first NHL showed it again in this series.” Stanley Cup final the previous season. ward Max Talbot said. “Talking to the outside. … It was great for the playoff Game 7, Crosby said these [email protected] — Craig Custance SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NHL THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 7 EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS Pittsburgh 6, Washington 2 Pens end back-and-forth battle with exclamation point WASHINGTON—For a guy who sup- were decided by one goal—and Wednesday. posedly shies from the limelight, three went to overtime. “I just said, ‘Great series.’ There Sidney Crosby was as good as could “I can’t describe the ups and was a lot of eyes on the series,” be in the first Game 7 of his career. downs of the series,” Crosby said. Crosby said. “It was a battle for both The rest of the Pittsburgh Penguins Nothing but ups for his team on this teams. Individually, we both wanted were pretty close to perfect, too. night, in part because Pittsburgh to make sure we did a great job.” Crosby scored twice to raise his scored goals 8 seconds apart in the And what did Ovechkin tell Crosby, NHL-leading playoff goal total to first period. And just kept on scoring. his predecessor as league MVP? 12, his teammates shut down his big Crosby put the visitors ahead 1-0 “I just wished him good luck,” rival, Alex Ovechkin, most of the with a power-play goal about 7½ Ovechkin said, “and told him to night, and the Penguins beat the minutes in from his favorite spot on win the Stanley Cup.” Washington Capitals 6-2 on the ice: the net’s doorstep. He — The Associated Press Wednesday to reach the Eastern assisted on Pittsburgh’s third goal, Conference finals for the second then added something of a finish- consecutive season. ing touch with another power-play Series glance Crosby “won’t say he likes front goal in the third period. Crosby (Pittsburgh wins series 4-3) and center, the big stage, or any- stole the puck from his rival, Ovech- thing like that,” Penguins forward kin, before beating Varlamov’s May 2: Washington 3, Pittsburgh 2 Bill Guerin said. “But he really replacement, Jose Theodore, to May 4: Washington 4, Pittsburgh 3 knows how to perform in it.” make it 6-1. May 6: Pittsburgh 3, That’s for sure. That truly was an unimaginable Washington 2, OT Still, Crosby took no outward plea- margin in this tight-as-could-be May 8: Pittsburgh 5, Washington 3 sure in coming out ahead in the sec- series: Entering Wednesday, the May 9: Pittsburgh 4, ond-round series otherwise known as teams were tied or separated by one Washington 3, OT Sid the Kid vs. Alexander the Great. goal 92 percent of the time. Neither May 11: Washington 5, “It feels good, just because of the team had led by three goals at any Pittsburgh 4, OT way the series went,” Crosby said, point in Games 1-6. Wednesday: Pittsburgh 6, “not particularly because it was me “It just hurts,” Ovechkin said. “I Washington 2 and him.” NICK WASS / AP don’t want to talk about me, person- Everyone chipped in for the Pen- Pittsburgh needed less than 23 minutes to forge a four-goal lead, and the line of Bill Guerin, left, Chris Kunitz and Sidney Crosby did its share. ally. It’s all about team.” guins, from the stars to the second His too-late-to-mean-anything Pittsburgh 2 3 1 — 6 thoughts, from regular-season testing save on two-time NHL goal Perhaps. But the Penguins domi- Penguins will face the Bruins or goal, in the second period, allowed Washington 0 1 1 — 2 scoring leader Evgeni Malkin’s two leader Ovechkin on a breakaway all nated at both ends, and needed less Hurricanes, who play their second- Ovechkin to finish the series with First Period: 1, Pittsburgh, Crosby 11 (Gonchar, Malkin), 12:36 (pp). assists, to fourth-line forward Craig of 3:01 into a still-scoreless game. than 22½ minutes to forge a four- round Game 7 at Boston tonight. 14 points—one more than Crosby 2, Pittsburgh, Adams 1 (Fedotenko, Orpik), 12:44. Penalties: Mor- risonn, Was (slashing), 11:29; Fedorov, Was (interference), 16:37. Adams’ first goal in 42 career post- “That sends your team a message goal lead that moved Boudreau to For the Capitals, the setback and the first time an NHL player Second Period: 3, Pittsburgh, Guerin 5 (Crosby), :28. 4, Pittsburgh, season games. Second-year defen- right away,” Crosby said. “It allows switch goalies. extends some dispiriting trends. reached that total since 1995. But Letang 3 (Malkin, Satan), 2:12. 5, Pittsburgh, Staal 2 (Satan), 11:37. 6, Washington, Ovechkin 11, 18:09. Penalties: None. seman Kris Letang, 38-year-old you to calm down a little.” “We were surprised” at how easy They are 2-6 in Game 7s, including that’s little consolation, of course. Third Period: 7, Pittsburgh, Crosby 12, 2:02 (pp). 8, Washington, Guerin and Jordan Staal scored, Even Washington coach Bruce things went, Malkin said. 0-3 against the Penguins. And they When the game ended, Crosby Laich 3 (Fleischmann), 6:36. Penalties: Laich, Was, double minor (high-sticking), :26. too. Marc-Andre Fleury made 19 Boudreau said: “It didn’t seem like Pittsburgh’s 4-3 series victory have lost seven of eight playoff and Ovechkin met at center ice for Shots on Goal: Pittsburgh 16-8-6: 30. Washington 5-7-9: 21. saves and didn’t allow a goal until we had a lot of emotion, but if Alex after trailing 2-0 moves it closer to a series against Pittsburgh—includ- the customary post-series hand- Power-play opportunities: Pittsburgh 2 of 4; Washington 0 of 0. Goalies: Pittsburgh, Fleury 8-5-0 (21 shots-19 saves). Washington, his team led 5-0. would have put that one in on the second consecutive trip to the Stan- ing four times after Washington shakes. They’ve traded hits on the Varlamov 7-6-0 (18-14), Theodore (2:13 second, 12-10). Indeed, plenty of Penguins consid- breakaway, who knows? It might ley Cup finals, something the team held a two-game lead. ice and trash talk off it this season, A: 18,277 (18,277). T: 2:21. Referees: Dan O’Halloran, Bill McCreary. Linesmen: Brad Lazaro- ered the key moment Fleury’s nerve- have been a different story.” last did in 1991 and 1992. The Five of the series’ first six games yet both said the right things wich, Jay Sharrers. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NHL THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 8 EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS Julien can fall back on Game 7 success Former champs take it to the limit BOSTON—Claude Julien has a score to settle—with himself. ROMULUS, MICH.—The previous two Five years ago, he coached the Stanley Cup champions are meet- Montreal Canadiens to a Game 7 ing in the playoffs for the third win after they’d trailed the Boston time since the NHL expanded four Bruins 3-1. Now he’s on the verge of decades ago. a similar comeback as coach of the Perhaps fittingly, a Game 7 is Bruins. necessary. “I’d love to be able to return that The Detroit Red Wings and favor,” Julien said Wednesday. Anaheim Ducks have pushed their He gets his chance today when Western Conference semifinal the Bruins hope their revitalized series to the limit just as Edmon- game and their raucous fans will ton and Calgary did in 1991 and overwhelm and unnerve the Caro- Montreal and Boston did in 1971 in lina Hurricanes, who failed to wrap the last two matchups of Cup up the series on their own ice in a winners. 4-2 loss Tuesday night. “It should be exciting,” Red “If you said at the start of the Wings coach Mike Babcock said series that we had one chance to Wednesday when the team plane MARK AVERY / AP win one game to go on, we’d have landed in rain on a miserable eve- Anaheim’s Todd Marchant, center, and Detroit’s Pavel Datsyuk were part of a Game 6 scrap. said, ‘Let’s take it,’” Hurricanes GERRY BROOME / AP ning that matched its mood follow- captain Rob Brind’Amour said Five years ago, Claude Julien coached Montreal out of a 3-1 hole against the Bruins. ing a 2-1 loss. “Game 7s are always Ryan Getzlaf said. Rafalski. before his team flew to Boston. a lot of fun. Anaheim won Game 2 at Joe “I felt that some guys took liber- “What’s done is done. This team Eastern Conference and played like to give your guy that chance to be “It’s a good opportunity for us. Louis Arena in triple overtime and ties on certain players unknown to has been resilient.” it in a four-game sweep of the Mon- the difference, especially when We played all year to have home- opened the playoffs with two road fight,” Red Wings forward Daniel Carolina overcame a 3-2 deficit in treal Canadiens. Now they have a you’ve got a goaltender like Cam ice advantage.” wins against the top-seeded San Cleary said. “So, we just have to the first round and beat New Jersey, chance to reach the conference that’s capable of doing that.” The second-seeded Red Wings Jose Sharks. see (today).” scoring twice in the last 80 seconds finals for the first time since 1992. The Hurricanes played well for will face the eighth-seeded Ducks “Nobody expected us to beat San — The Associated Press of Game 7 to take the series. The Hurricanes were seeded much of Game 6 and outshot the tonight at home, hoping to follow a Jose,” Ducks forward Todd March- The Bruins won the opener of the sixth but finished the season strong Bruins 22-10 in the last two periods. trend. ant said. “We’re trying to ride the semifinal 4-1. Then the Hurricanes and then eliminated the Devils, They cut the lead to 2-1 on Matt Entering Wednesday, home unexpected. Today’s games outscored Boston 10-3 in taking the winning Game 7 on the road. They Cullen’s second-period goal, but teams had won 63 percent of Game “Hopefully, we can pull another next three games. Faced with a have a shot at their second Stanley Boston’s Marc Savard scored six 7s since 1939. However, Pittsburgh one off.” All Times ET Conference semifinals clear choice, play better or get elimi- Cup championship in four years. minutes later. Julien said Savard, beat Washington on Wednesday. Ducks coach Randy Carlyle (Best-of-7) nated, the Bruins rallied with a 4-0 “Yes, we’re home, but they’re a who left in the third period as a pre- And two other exceptions hap- hopes his team turns the tide in win in Game 5 and a 2-0 lead in the good team on the road as well,” Bos- caution after injuring his knee, is pened when the Oilers defeated shots on goal, but said that statistic Anaheim at Detroit, 7 p.m., first 5:04 of Game 6. ton’s Patrice Bergeron said. “So we expected to play today. the Flames in overtime and the isn’t foolproof. Versus “This series has (had) more have to feed off the crowd.” Scoring first may bring momen- Canadiens beat the Bruins by two “They’ve gotten more shots than Carolina at Boston, 8 p.m., Versus (joined in progress) momentum swings during games The Hurricanes have to give tum but it doesn’t guarantee vic- goals as road teams in matchups of we have. So did San Jose,” Carlyle than any series I’ve probably been goalie Cam Ward, the 2006 Stanley tory. The Bruins gave up the first previous champions. said. “But where is San Jose?” Betting lines involved with,” Boston goalie Tim Cup MVP, more help. goal in the last two games against This postseason, the Ducks have The Ducks avoided elimination Today Thomas said. “So it’s crucial to try “We forced our goaltender to go Montreal. The team that has scored proven they can win anywhere with a 2-1 win Tuesday night, then FAVORITE ...... LINE UNDERDOG...... LINE to keep that momentum.” post-to-post three times on 15 even- first in the Carolina series has lost and their confidence has grown. Scott Niedermayer roughed up at Boston ...... -220 Carolina...... +180 The Bruins entered the playoffs strength shots” Tuesday, Carolina two of the six games. “Everyone is believing we can Detroit’s Pavel Datsyuk, and Corey at Detroit ...... -250 Anaheim ...... +210 as the top-seeded team in the coach Paul Maurice said. “You have — The Associated Press beat this team,” Anaheim star Perry pounded Detroit’s Brian SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NHL THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 9 INSIDE DISH Playoff glance

CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS Report: Gretzky supportive of Reinsdorf group’s offer (Best-of-7) All Times ET Phoenix coach and part-owner the Nashville-based Tennessean Wayne Gretzky is described as “sup- that Russian F Alexander Radulov EASTERN CONFERENCE portive” of a plan that would have expressed a desire to return to the Boston vs. Carolina Chicago White Sox owner Jerry NHL during a recent meeting at (Series tied 3-3) Reinsdorf buy the Coyotes, accord- the World Championship tourna- May 1: Boston 4, Carolina 1 ing to sources quoted by the Toronto ment in Switzerland. May 3: Carolina 3, Boston 0 Star. But the Great One still has not Radulov, who signed with a KHL May 5: Carolina 3, Boston 2, OT made any public comments on the team last offseason despite having May 8: Carolina 4, Boston 1 bankruptcy controversy sur- a year remaining on his contract May 10: Boston 4, Carolina 0 rounding the team. with the Predators, had his first- May 12: Boston 4, Carolina 2 The Star also reported that face-to-face contact with Poile since Today: Carolina at Boston, 8 p.m. Gretzky could remain as coach leaving the team. The G.M. said he under a Reinsdorf group, which told the star winger that he needs Washington vs. Pittsburgh has conditionally offered an esti- to start planning for next season (Pittsburgh wins series 4-3) mated $130 million for the finan- and needs a decision by the end of May 2: Washington 3, Pittsburgh 2 cially strapped team. The June. May 4: Washington 4, Pittsburgh 3 newspaper also said Gretzky “I’ve said all along that I believe May 6: Pittsburgh 3, Washington 2, OT might be invited to be part of the he does (want to return to the NHL) May 8: Pittsburgh 5, Washington 3 team if Canadian businessman and after meeting with him, I still May 9: Pittsburgh 4, Washington 3, OT Jim Balsillie buys it and moves it to believe he does,’’ Poile told the May 11: Washington 5, Pittsburgh 4, OT Hamilton. newspaper. “But the ball is more in Wednesday: Pittsburgh 6, Washington 2 Balsillie has offered $212.5 mil- his court to make that overture to lion, but he also reportedly is seek- us if he wants to do that.’’ WESTERN CONFERENCE ing more than $120 million in Poile said he talked to Radulov federal and provincial handouts to regularly in Switzerland, partly Detroit vs. Anaheim (Series tied 3-3) renovate Hamilton’s Copps Coli- because the U.S. and Russian May 1: Detroit 3, Anaheim 2 seum pending a move. The Hamil- teams were staying at the same May 3: Anaheim 4, Detroit 3, 3OT ton Spectator reports that Balsillie hotel. May 5: Anaheim 2, Detroit 1 would pay the initial $30 million May 7: Detroit 6, Anaheim 3 for arena upgrades and then ask According to TSN, Molson May 10: Detroit 4, Anaheim 1 the city to find the rest of the ROSS D. FRANKLIN / AP Coors president Peter Swinburn has May 12: Anaheim 2, Detroit 1 money. Though he hasn’t made any public comments, Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky is reportedly on board with a deal to keep the team in Arizona. his company in a holding pattern Today: Anaheim at Detroit, 7 p.m. According to the Star, neither while he waits to see what George Gretzky’s support nor Balsillie’s Julien said he kept Savard off the He took two more shifts before and finished second among defen- Gillett, majority owner of the Mon- Vancouver vs. Chicago posturing will affect the Arizona ice after the third-period injury as leaving for good. semen with 76 points. He scored 14 treal Canadiens, decides to do with (Chicago wins series 4-2) bankruptcy hearings that start a precaution. “He’ll be fine for the goals and was plus-47. his team. April 30: Vancouver 5, Chicago 3 next week. next game,” he told The Boston Montreal general manager Bob The 6-2, 202-pounder won his Molson Coors, a minority owner, May 2: Chicago 6, Vancouver 3 Globe. Gainey announced Wednesday that second gold medal in January at is watching closely as Gillett con- May 5: Vancouver 3, Chicago 1 Boston coach Claude Julien said The Bruins could not afford to the Canadiens have signed flashy the world junior championship in fers with financial advisers, who May 7: Chicago 2, Vancouver 1, OT Wednesday that star F Marc Savard, lose Savard, who scored the Game young D P.K. Subban to a three-year Ottawa while playing for Team are exploring a recapitalization of May 9: Chicago 4, Vancouver 2 who was injured Tuesday night in 6-winning goal. After the collision, contract that will run through the Canada. He led all skaters in that his assets. May 11: Chicago 7, Vancouver 5 a knee-to-knee collision with Caro- Savard remained down for several 2011-2012 season. tournament with a plus-12 rating Swinson, speaking at the U.S.- lina F Chad LaRose, will play in Game moments before skating to the Subban, the team’s second-round and scored nine points. Canadian brewers’ meeting in 7 tonight at TD Banknorth bench with assistance from Patrice pick in the 2007 draft, played last Montreal, says company officials Garden. Bergeron and trainer Don DelNegro. season with Belleville of the OHL Predators G.M. David Poile told have been in contact with Gillett. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NBA THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 10 WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS Denver 124, Dallas 110

Anthony, Billups put an end to feisty series Series glance (Denver wins series 4-1)

DENVER—Chauncey Billups is tak- team,” Carlisle said. “They’ve got a May 3: Denver 109, Dallas 95 ing his hometown team to new great shot. They’ve got a real May 5: Denver 117, Dallas 105 heights with a big assist from Car- opportunity.” May 9: Denver 106, Dallas 105 melo Anthony. The Nuggets didn’t dare dream of May 11: Dallas 119, Denver 117 Behind 30 points from Anthony this type of success when the season Wednesday: Denver 124, and 28 from Billups, the Denver began following the departures of Dallas 110 Nuggets beat the Dallas Mavericks defensive stalwarts Marcus Camby 124-110 on Wednesday night to and Eduardo Najera. wrap up their semifinal series in “Sometimes when you’re forced five feisty games. to come together and fight together So, the Nuggets are leaving all the and persevere, your best qualities Dallas 27 28 25 30 — 110 Denver 34 35 25 30 — 124 animosity with the Mavericks’ play- come forward,” Denver coach ers, fans and owner behind and George Karl said. DALLAS Min FG FT Reb A PF PTS Howard 32:42 6-13 1-5 0-3 1 3 14 heading to their first Western Con- The impetus for the transforma- Nowitzki 45:17 9-17 12-12 3-10 7 5 32 ference finals since 1985. tion came when the team made its Dampier 24:17 3-3 0-0 1-2 0 3 6 Kidd 44:01 6-10 2-2 0-3 9 3 19 The Nuggets, who are 8-2 in the biggest trade ever, Allen Iverson to Terry 33:55 4-13 0-0 0-1 1 4 11 playoffs after tying their franchise Detroit for Billups, who turned his Barea 17:30 3-5 0-0 0-2 1 1 7 Bass 25:11 5-9 7-8 4-7 1 3 17 record with a 54-win regular sea- hometown team from an after- Wright 14:55 2-4 0-0 1-2 3 0 4 son, will face either Los Angeles or thought into a championship con- Singleton 0:52 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 Green 0:34 0-0 0-2 0-0 0 0 0 Houston for the conference title. tender after leading the Pistons to Hollins 0:23 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 “It’s special. We worked hard in six straight Eastern Conference Carroll 0:23 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 Totals 240:00 38-74 22-29 9-30 23 22 110 the offseason and training camp finals and the NBA championship and throughout,” Anthony said. in 2004. Percentages: FG .514, FT .759. 3-Point Goals: 12-34, .353 (Kidd 5-9, Terry 3-10, Nowitzki 2-5, Barea 1-3, Howard 1-6, Wright 0-1). “We stuck to everything, we over- “We love Allen, Allen’s family,” Team Rebounds: 7. Team Turnovers: 14 (21 PTS). Blocked Shots: came adversity, we stayed humble Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke said. 2 (Kidd, Nowitzki). Turnovers: 13 (Kidd 5, Nowitzki 5, Terry 2, Howard). Steals: 5 (Terry 2, Bass, Dampier, Kidd). Technical Fouls: and our hard work paid off.” “But as Allen has said many times Howard, 6:29 third; Terry, 2:59 third; Wright, 6:34 fourth. Winners of 16 straight games at it’s still a business. Chauncey was DENVER Min FG FT Reb A PF PTS the Pepsi Center, where no oppo- right for us, with the different per- Anthony 39:51 13-22 0-0 1-5 3 5 30 nent has won since March 9, the sonalities we have on the club JACK DEMPSEY / AP Martin 38:54 5-11 5-9 1-2 4 3 15 Nene 40:49 8-10 1-2 3-7 1 4 17 Nuggets would start their next Chauncey was a really important Chauncey Billups, left, and the Nuggets await the winner of the Lakers-Rockets series after taking out the Mavericks in five games. Billups 39:45 10-16 5-5 1-7 12 3 28 series on the road if the Lakers win, part.” Jones 18:49 3-4 2-2 0-2 1 0 8 Andersen 14:06 0-0 0-0 2-5 1 5 0 and at home if Houston does. The “He’s a leader,” Anthony said of The Mavericks wouldn’t go down technical and Billups’ free throw said. “If I told you I knew it was Smith 29:01 5-13 4-4 1-5 6 4 18 Lakers lead the series 3-2 with Billups. “He came on this team and easily, though, making five straight made it a 10-point game with 6:35 going in, I’d be lying to you. That Carter 17:03 4-6 0-0 3-5 3 0 8 Balkman 0:34 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 Game 6 tonight in Houston. he brought a business-like attitude 3-pointers, three by Jason Kidd, to left. was a lucky shot. It went in. I think Petro 0:34 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 1 0 Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle to our team. He brought a defensive pull within 79-72. “That ’Melo 3 was a killer,” Dallas that shot right there sparked the Hart 0:34 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 Totals 240:00 48-82 17-22 12-38 31 25 124 said the combination of Billups, a mindset we were looking for.” The Mavericks were within 103- star Dirk Nowitzki said. “We get momentum for us.” proven winner, and Anthony, Fired up from the ugliness on and 97 with seven minutes left but the technical on top. Back to 10 Carlisle called ’Melo’s shot a Percentages: FG .585, FT .773. 3-Point Goals: 11-26, .423 (Anthony 4-7, Smith 4-10, Billups 3-6, Carter 0-1, Jones 0-1, Martin “who’s just taking quantum leaps off the court in Dallas in Games 3 Anthony took the inbounds pass points.” microcosm of the series, where 0-1). Team Rebounds: 7. Team Turnovers: 13 (26 PTS). Blocked as a great player and leader,” makes and 4, the Nuggets came out in front and with two seconds on the shot “I don’t know how he hit that Denver had an answer to almost Shots: 2 (Andersen, Billups). Turnovers: 13 (Nene 4, Billups 2, Carter 2, Martin 2, Anthony, Jones, Smith). Steals: 8 (Martin 4, Nene the Nuggets a true title contender. of their home crowd with a passion clock, hit a turnaround 25-foot shot,” Billups said. everything the Mavericks threw 2, Anthony, Jones). Technical Fouls: None. “These guys are legitimate, a and shot 64 percent in the first half jumper at the buzzer. Anthony said it was pure luck. out. A: 19,962 (19,155). T: 2:34. Officials: Joe Crawford, Ron Garretson, legitimate championship-caliber while building a 69-55 lead. Antoine Wright was assessed a “Yeah, that was a spark,” Anthony — The Associated Press Bill Kennedy. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NBA THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 11 EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS Game 6: Boston at Orlando 7 tonight, ESPN Game 6: L.A. Lakers at Houston 9:30 tonight, ESPN Howard, Magic look to avoid meltdown Undermanned Rockets face elimination HOUSTON—The shots mindset for the game a ORLANDO—Dwight Howard wants the stopped falling, the passes “dumb mistake,” and Los ball more. Stan Van Gundy is telling fans that worked in Game 4 Angeles left nothing to not to panic, and some Orlando Magic play- were turnovers in Game 5, chance in Game 5, march- ers think their series with Boston should and every loose ball or ing to a 25-point halftime already be over. whistle seemed to go the lead. Orlando seems to be teetering on a Magic Los Angeles’ Lakers way. The Lakers have been Meltdown. Two days after one of the criticized for failure to sus- Howard met with Van Gundy and apolo- most stirring victories in fran- tain mental toughness gized Wednesday—but did not retract his chise history, the Houston throughout playoff series, statements—after publicly challenging the Rockets suffered one of their and Bryant said he’ll coach’s strategy in their Game 5 collapse. worst postseason defeats and demand that younger play- The Magic center even added another bold now face elimination today in ers come out focused in comment as the Celtics look to close out Game 6 of their Western Con- Game 6. Orlando in Game 6 today and move on to ference semifinal series with “Every game, you’ve got the Eastern Conference finals. the Lakers. to rebuild your momen- “We can’t give up hope,” Howard said “We know it’s time to CHRIS CARLSON / AP tum,” he said. “It doesn’t Wednesday. “We’re in this series to win it. man-up or else it’s going to Ron Artest and the Rockets are on the carry over. You’ve got to re- We are going to win this series.” be golf time,” said forward brink of a long summer. establish what you’re trying That will take quite a turnaround. Shane Battier, held to five to do out there on the floor. It was the second time during these play- points in Game 5 after scoring 23 in Hous- The energy and effort we played with (in Game offs Howard has questioned why the Magic ton’s 99-87 win Sunday. 5) is not going to be enough on (today).” coach doesn’t run more of the offense The Lakers’ 118-78 win on Tuesday So how can Houston extend the series? through him, with the latest being the loud- matched Houston’s most lopsided playoff The first step is getting off to a good start. est and most direct. The two met privately loss. The Rockets say don’t count them out The team winning after the first quarter has Wednesday before the team’s film session just yet, pointing to their propensity for won all 11 of their postseason games. and said they resolved their differences. bouncing back after embarrassing defeats. “That’s a strange stat everybody keeps “Getting the ball shouldn’t be a big issue Houston dropped 11 games by double-dig- throwing out there,” said Houston coach for me,” Howard said. “There’s more ways its during the regular season and won the Rick Adelman. “I guess we better pay atten- to dominate the game than scoring. Me and next game 10 times. The Rockets lost 95-84 tion to it. That’s very important. We need to coach, we talked about that. I just can’t let to Dallas in their regular-season finale, then get into the game early.” my frustrations get to the point where I’ll CHARLES KRUPA / AP beat Portland 108-81 in their playoff opener. — The Associated Press say anything.” Despite being down 3-2, Orlando’s Dwight Howard (12) is confident his team will win tonight. “Our margin for error is very slim, so when Howard’s comments come in a season you have foul trouble and a lot of turnovers it where Shaquille O’Neal criticized Van enough uproar in Orlando that Van Gundy in tough playoff series year after year after makes our job really tough,” Battier said. Today’s games Gundy, his former coach with the Miami even suggested Wednesday that any Magic year.” “But we’re going to keep shooting 3s and All Times ET Heat. O’Neal, who openly complained fans starting to panic need to keep their The Celtics have to feel confident. we’re going home and we’ve historically CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS (Best-of-7) about coaching decisions following Miami’s cool. The defending champions took Game 4 responded very well to double-digit losses Boston at Orlando, 7 p.m., ESPN Game 7 loss to Detroit in the 2005 Eastern “If you’re an Orlando fan and you con- on a jumper by Glen “Big Baby” Davis as this year. That’s our team.” L.A. Lakers at Houston, 9:30 p.m., ESPN Conference finals, went as far as calling sider a loss like that on Boston’s home court time expired, rallied in Game 5 despite At this point, the series may hinge more on Van Gundy a “master of panic” and a humiliating, it probably speaks more to the struggling for most of the night and have how the top-seeded Lakers play. Betting line “front-runner” after the Magic coach fact that you haven’t seen enough playoff the Magic on the brink of elimination. Bos- They came out flat and uninspired in Game Today insisted O’Neal flopped in a game in series around here in a long time,” Van ton is 32-0 when it takes a 3-2 lead in a best- 4, and the Rockets built a 29-point lead playing FAVORITE ...... LINE ...... O/U ...... UNDERDOG March. Gundy said. “That kind of panic wouldn’t of-seven series. without Yao Ming, who broke his left foot the at Orlando ...... 6½ ...... (190) ...... Boston L.A. Lakers ...... 8 ...... (197) ...... at Houston Howard’s comments have caused exist in cities that are used to having teams — The Associated Press previous game. Kobe Bryant called the Lakers’ SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NBA THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 12 INSIDE DISH Playoff glance CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS No surprise: LeBron leads All-NBA first team (Best-of-7), All times ET EASTERN CONFERENCE Cleveland vs. Atlanta LeBron James should be getting Boston Globe, Celtics president of (Cleveland wins series 4-0) 2009 All-NBA teams used to sweeps by now. The Cava- basketball operations Danny Ainge May 5: Cleveland 99, Atlanta 72 liers star was a unanimous selec- said Garnett’s rehab is going well, Selected by a panel of 122 May 7: Cleveland 105, Atlanta 85 sportswriters and broadcasters tion to the All-NBA first team but added, “We still are not plan- May 9: Cleveland 97, Atlanta 82 throughout North America. Voting Wednesday, after leading his team ning on him playing.” May 11: Cleveland 84, Atlanta, 74 on a 5-3-1 basis; first-place votes in to a franchise-best regular-season — Sean Deveney parentheses. record and a pair of playoff sweeps Boston vs. Orlando First team of the Pistons and Hawks. James TNT analyst Doug Collins refuted (Boston leads series 3-2) F — LeBron James, Cleveland, was put on the first team on every a report that he had spoken to the (122) 610 points May 4: Orlando 95, Boston 90 ballot of 122 sportswriters and 76ers about their vacant coaching F — Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas, May 6: Boston 112, Orlando 94 broadcasters who regularly cover job. (35) 383 May 8: Orlando 117, Boston 96 C — Dwight Howard, Orlando, the league. Lakers star Kobe Bryant An Associated Press story quoted May 10: Boston 95, Orlando 94 (116) 598 finished second in voting, making Collins as saying he had spoken to May 12: Boston 92, Orlando 88 G — Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers, the first team on 119 ballots, while the team, but Collins told the Phila- (119) 604 Today: Boston at Orlando, 7 p.m. Dwight Howard of the Magic, Dwyane delphia Daily News on Wednesday G — Dwyane Wade, Miami, Sunday: Orlando at Boston, 8 p.m., if Wade of the Heat and Dirk Nowitzki of that he had “absolutely not talked to (103) 572 necessary the Mavericks rounded out the first the Sixers,” and said the story was Second team team. James, the league’s MVP, was “out of line.” Collins also told ESPN. WESTERN CONFERENCE F — Tim Duncan, San Antonio, a first-team selection for the second com that “I apologize to (general (39) 378 L.A. Lakers vs. Houston straight season after finishing sec- manager) Eddie Stefanski if they felt F — Paul Pierce, Boston, (L.A. Lakers lead series 3-2) ond in the NBA in scoring at 28.4 like I was putting something out (27) 330 May 4: Houston 100, L.A. Lakers 92 C — Yao Ming, Houston, points and ranking in the top 10 in there that was not true.” May 6: L.A. Lakers 111, (8) 354 steals and assists. G — Chris Paul, New Orleans, Houston 98 The Timberwolves still don’t (32) 424 May 8: L.A. Lakers 108, Houston 94 Hundreds of mourners filled a have a general manager, but at least G — Brandon Roy, Portland, May 10: Houston 99, L.A. Lakers 87 church Wednesday in Tequesta, they know who will represent them 189 May 12: L.A. Lakers 118, Houston 78 Fla., to say farewell to Hall of Fame at the NBA draft lottery on Tues- Today: L.A. Lakers at Houston, 9:30 Third team coach Chuck Daly. Among those in day. Wolves F Kevin Love wrote on p.m. F — Pau Gasol, L.A. Lakers, (2) 165 attendance were several members Twitter that he will be in New Jer- F — Carmelo Anthony, Denver, Sunday: Houston at L.A. Lakers, 3:30 of his Pistons championship teams, sey for the annual drawing. The (2) 116 p.m., if necessary C — Shaquille O’Neal, Phoenix, 68 close friends that included Rollie Mas- team confirmed Love’s G — Tony Parker, San Antonio, simino and Billy Cunningham, and Dal- announcement. Denver vs. Dallas (1) 158 las coach Rick Carlisle—who left G — Chauncey Billups, Denver, 131 (Denver wins series 4-1) immediately afterward to join the Former NBA player and Uni- May 3: Denver 109, Dallas 95 Other players receiving votes: Deron Williams, Utah, Mavericks in Denver for a playoff versity of Cincinnati star Corie Blount May 5: Denver 117, Dallas 105 105; Kevin Garnett, Boston, 72; Chris Bosh, Toronto, 56; game Wednesday night. Daly was was sentenced to one year in prison Joe Johnson, Atlanta, 36, Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City, May 9: Denver 106, Dallas 105 34; Danny Granger, Indiana, 25; David West, New Orleans, diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on Wednesday in a plea arrange- May 11: Dallas 119, Denver 117 12; Mo Williams, Cleveland, 10; Al Jefferson, Minnesota, earlier this year and died Saturday ment resulting from drug charges. 8; Steve Nash, Phoenix, 7; Antawn Jamison, Washington, Wednesday: Denver 124, Dallas 110 7; Ray Allen, Boston, 6; Nene, Denver, 6; Devin Harris, at age 78 in Jupiter, Fla. JOHN AMIS / AP Blount, 40, had pleaded guilty in New Jersey, 5; LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland, 4; David Lee, New York, 4; Rajon Rondo, Boston, 2; Vince Carter, New LeBron James was a unanimous pick for All-NBA first team after averaging 28.4 points. Butler County (Ohio) Common Jersey, 1; Paul Millsap, Utah, 1; O.J. Mayo, Memphis, 1; Over the course of the playoffs, Pleas Court last month to two felony Mehmet Okur, Utah, 1; Jermaine O’Neal, Miami, 1; Hedo Turkoglu, Orlando, 1; Derrick Rose, Chicago, 1; Caron there has been speculation about Garnett returning, but Cavs PF Joe Wednesday. When pressed by the counts of marijuana possession Butler, Washington, 1; Carlos Boozer, Utah, 1; Andre injured PF Kevin Garnett’s possible Smith—one of Garnett’s closest media, however, Smith downplayed after prosecutors dropped two traf- Miller, Philadelphia, 1; Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia, 1. return to the Celtics’ lineup. The friends in the game—brought up a possible Willis Reed moment. ficking charges. team has said it doesn’t plan on that scenario at practice Meanwhile, according to The SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 13

INSIDE DISH THE LAUNCHING PAD Zambrano set to rejoin Cubs’ rotation next week What to expect in the major leagues today

Slowly but surely, the Cubs are couple of weeks.” getting healthy. Although 3B Aramis Ramirez (shoulder) remains out Royals senior vice president of indefinitely, 1B Derrek Lee (neck) baseball operations/general man- return to action Tuesday. And the ager Dayton Moore told the team’s Chicago Sun-Times reported P Carlos website that an MRI exam on P Joa- Zambrano (hamstring) is scheduled kim Soria’s sore shoulder revealed no to begin a rehab assignment this structural damage. weekend and should be ready to start for Chicago on May 22. Zam- According to an mlb.com brano, who is 3-1 with a 4.50 ERA report, Braves P Tom Glavine (shoul- this season, injured himself run- der) threw a pain-free, 35-pitch bull- ning the bases May 3. pen session Wednesday. Glavine likely will throw a simulated game The Red Sox, who have been Friday and then head out for at least ELAINE THOMPSON / AP playing without 1B Kevin Youkilis one rehab start. Barring a setback, Felix Hernandez has given up 11 earned runs in his past 10 innings. (back/oblique) and 2B he could make his 2009 Braves (groin), got another scare Tuesday debut by the end of the month. Cracks in the kingdom when DH was hit in his PAUL BEATY / AP Since getting off to a surprising 12-6 start and building a 3 1/2-game lead troublesome left wrist by a pitch. Carlos Zambrano has not pitched since being injured running the bases on May 3. Indians DH Travis Hafner (shoul- in the A.L. West, Seattle has struggled. Ace righthander Felix Hernandez has Ortiz told The Boston Globe that it der) will begin a Class AAA rehab followed a similar trajectory. In his first five starts, he was 4-0 with a 2.38 ERA. isn’t anything serious and that he then have a weekend series in Things are starting to improve assignment Friday, according to the However, he is 0-2 with a 9.90 ERA in his past two starts. King Felix will be actually feels better physically this Toronto, where the artificial turf for the injury-depleted Angels. This team’s website. He has been on the back on the mound this afternoon at Rangers Ballpark, which isn’t exactly a ’s paradise. It was Texas that began Hernandez’s slump, roughing him season than ever. So, injuries can’t could create more problems for afternoon against Boston, P Ervin 15-day disabled list since April 29. up for six earned runs in six innings on May 4. be blamed for his poor start. Quentin’s heel. Manager Ozzie Guil- Santana will make his 2009 debut len told the Chicago Sun-Times that after being sidelined by an elbow Because of a doubleheader Sat- Calm after the storm Before Wednesday’s game, he was upset at Quentin for keep- injury. And P John Lackey (forearm) urday, Phillies P J.A. Happ could get So, why are the Rays under .500 a season after their shocking run to Mets manager Jerry Manuel told ing the injury a secret for several will make his first start Saturday at a start, according to The Philadel- the ? Although Tampa Bay’s pitching has been a letdown, the reporters that 1B Carlos Delgado (hip) days. Texas. In addition, OF Vladimir Guer- phia Inquirer. Happ was a starter schedule-makers didn’t do the team any favors, either. The Rays finished could go on the disabled list as soon rero (chest) is hitting aggressively during his climb in the Phillies’ with a major league-best 57 home wins in 2008, but have played only 13 home games this season (compared to 22 road games). In addition, nine as Friday. Delgado was out of the Cardinals OF Ryan Ludwick was off a tee and could begin to take bat- system but has been used in relief of Tampa Bay’s past 13 games have been against the Red Sox and Yankees. starting lineup Wednesday for the placed on the disabled list Wednes- ting practice with the team this this season. Things will get a bit easier starting tonight when the last-place Indians come third consecutive game. He injured day after injuring his hamstring in week, according to the Los Angeles to Tropicana Field for a four-game set. After this series, the Rays will welcome his hip April 26, missed five con- Tuesday’s game. The team sud- Times. According to the Tigers’ website, the last-place A’s. secutive starts, returned for the denly is short on outfielders with P Jeremy Bonderman (shoulder) will next seven games (all Mets wins) Rick Ankiel (shoulder) also on the Just when A’s 3B Eric Chavez begin a rehab assignment Saturday Kauffman comfort and then was back on the bench. D.L. In more promising news, P was making progress with his with a start for Class A West Michi- Kansas City is another team glad to be back home. The Royals are coming Chris Carpenter (oblique) threw a strained forearm, an MRI exam gan. Bonderman hasn’t pitched in off a disastrous West Coast swing that included ace Zack Greinke’s first loss of the season and their first shutout loss of the season. Kansas City is 11-6 For the second consecutive 75-pitch bullpen session Tuesday revealed a bulging disk in his the majors since June 1, 2008. at home and brings a six-game home winning streak into tonight’s game game, White Sox OF Carlos Quentin without any discomfort, according back, according to the San Fran- against the Orioles at Kauffman Stadium. Royals first baseman Mike Jacobs (heel) was out of the starting lineup to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Car- cisco Chronicle. Manager Bob Geren The Orioles called up OF Nolan is especially fond of his new home park, where his batting average, on-base Wednesday after getting a corti- penter will throw again Friday told the newspaper that there is Reimold. In 31 games with Norfolk, percentage and are far superior to his road marks. sone shot. However, he pinch hit and could be ready for a rehab no timetable for Chavez’s return, the 25-year-old Reimold is batting — Chris Bahr and stayed in the game defensively. start next week. but that plans for a rehab assign- .394 with nine home runs and 27 The White Sox are off today and ment will be pushed back “a RBI. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 14 Q&A with ... Braves 3B Chipper Jones If you deliver ‘We won with pitching, solid defense and timely hitting’ it daily, they During his first series at new Citi Field, Jones Speaking of the old days, is told Sporting News Today’s Bill Eichenberger Q: there any way you’ll have as that he wouldn’t have signed a three-year con- much fun in this new park as you will come. tract extension that ensures he will finish his did at Shea Stadium? career in Atlanta if he didn’t believe the Braves Not unless we get back to the top of would reclaim their status as one of the National A: the National League East. Those League’s elite teams. A fortified starting rotation were the really fun games. When it was us has re-energized Chipper, who knows from expe- and Mets fighting tooth and nail. You rience how crucial that is to long-term success. knew every game was going to be a scrap, was going to be a war. It’s a little different Are you surprised the now. That’s because we haven’t been as Q: Braves are so close to first competitive. You will still have your place, given the team’s inconsistent moments when you get a pitch to hit and start? drive it out of the park. But I don’t get as We feel fortunate. I’ll put it that excited about those moments as I used to. A: way. At the beginning of the season, with the start that the Marlins Still, you remain convinced got off to, we knew we were going to be Q: that this franchise is headed in a hole pretty quick if we didn’t turn in the right direction, don’t you? things around. Thankfully, they came I think so. Once we addressed back to the pack a little bit. A: the starting pitching, we imme- diately took a turn upward. For so long, FREE! How do you see the race it was a very simple formula. We won Sign up Q: playing out in the N.L. East? with pitching, solid defense and timely Today! Everybody in this division is hitting. The year we won the World A: pretty competitive. We’ve just Series, I think we hit .250 as a club. But been beating up on each other. The Mets you knew every day you had a Maddux, had their little streak where they won Glavine, Smoltz, Avery, Neagle going to seven in a row and got into first place. the mound, and those guys weren’t The country’s fi rst and only Now we are playing a little better, going to give up five, six, seven runs. chasing them just to stay close. We’ve They weren’t going to get knocked out daily digital sports newspaper. really had to play well the last six or in the fourth inning. They were going to seven games to keep pace with the Mets. give you six or seven solid innings. And the offense, at some point, you knew Delivered via email every morning, 7 days a Do you feel like the Braves’ somebody was going to connect. week, Sporting News Today is your one-stop Q: starting rotation gives the GENE J. PUSKAR / AP team a real chance to compete? Chipper Jones had two doubles and 2 RBIs in Wednesday’s win over the Mets. What was different about destination for breaking sports stories plus There is no doubt. The rotation Q: those teams? A: the last couple of years just Jurrjens is just growing with every There is a lot to be excited about We just had the confidence and news about every team, every game and completely blew out our bullpen. ... start. He’s been awesome. Kenshin A: here, especially with what could A: trust that we were going to get it every score from coast-to-coast. There was no one in our starting five Kawakami has bounced back after a be on the horizon, with the possible done. I think as the names on the backs last year who could give us six or seven couple of bad starts, and even Jo-Jo return of Tim Hudson, the possible of the jerseys continued to change, the innings consistently. And in order to be Reyes has been competitive. call-up of Tommy Hanson. This rota- trust kind of went away. It is what we successful, you have to have that, and tion—maybe not by the end of this year have gotten away from here, and now Experience America’s hottest new product. we have it now. We’ve got Derek Lowe. Is that old winning feeling but next year and for years to come— after three or four years we are starting Sign up at sportingnewstoday.com. It’s free. Javier Vazquez is an innings eater. Jair Q: returning to this clubhouse? could be very, very solid. to climb back up. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 15

LEAGUE LEADERS Fantasy Focus American League Standings Batting Average Home Runs East W L Pct GB WCGB L10 Str Home Away Stock Watch Toronto 23 13 .639 — — 6-4 L-1 12-5 11-8 A.L. N.L. A.L. N.L. Boston 21 13 .618 1 — 6-4 L-1 13-4 8-9 Player Team Player Team Player Team Player Team New York 16 17 .485 5½ 4½ 3-7 W-1 6-7 10-10 V.Martinez Cleveland .385 Votto Cincinnati .374 C.Pena Tampa Bay 13 Ad.Gonzalez San Diego 13 Tampa Bay 16 19 .457 6½ 5½ 6-4 W-1 6-7 10-12 Baltimore 14 20 .412 8 7 5-5 L-1 11-11 3-9 Ad.Jones Baltimore .370 Beltran New York .370 Longoria Tampa Bay 11 Pujols St. Louis 13 Bartlett Tampa Bay .369 Ha.Ramirez Florida .361 Bay Boston 10 Dunn Washington 11 Central W L Pct GB WCGB L10 Str Home Away Mi.Cabrera Detroit .361 Zimmerman Washington .357 9 tied at 9 A.Soriano Chicago 11 Detroit 17 15 .531 — — 6-4 L-2 8-5 9-10 Kansas City 18 16 .529 — 3 5-5 L-5 11-6 7-10 A.Hill Toronto .352 Hudson Los Angeles .348 Bruce Cincinnati 10 Minnesota 17 17 .500 1 4 5-5 W-2 13-9 4-8 Longoria Tampa Bay .346 M.Ramirez Los Angeles .348 Ibanez Philadelphia 10 Chicago 15 18 .455 2½ 5½ 3-7 L-1 8-8 7-10 2 tied at .344 Helton Colorado .345 Utley Philadelphia 10 Cleveland 13 22 .371 5½ 8½ 4-6 W-1 7-11 6-11 West W L Pct GB WCGB L10 Str Home Away Runs Stolen Bases Texas 19 14 .576 — — 8-2 W-3 10-6 9-8 MORRY GASH / AP Los Angeles 17 15 .531 1½ 3 8-2 W-1 11-8 6-7 Jerry Hairston Jr. has rebounded from a A.L. N.L. A.L. N.L. Seattle 16 18 .471 3½ 5 2-8 L-2 7-7 9-11 Oakland 13 18 .419 5 6½ 4-6 W-2 8-10 5-8 poor April. Player Team Player Team Player Team Player Team Ad.Jones Baltimore 35 Pujols St. Louis 33 Crawford Tampa Bay 22 Bourn Houston 11 National League Standings A quick look at who’s moving up Markakis Baltimore 33 A.Soriano Chicago 30 Ellsbury Boston 16 Jose Reyes New York 11 East W L Pct GB WCGB L10 Str Home Away and down in the fantasy world: Scutaro Toronto 32 Hudson Los Angeles 29 Abreu Los Angeles 13 Fowler Colorado 10 New York 18 15 .545 — — 8-2 L-1 12-8 6-7 Bay Boston 30 Weeks Milwaukee 28 Figgins Los Angeles 13 Taveras Cincinnati 10 Philadelphia 16 15 .516 1 2½ 5-5 L-1 8-11 8-4 Pedroia Boston 29 Zimmerman Washington 28 Bartlett Tampa Bay 9 Burriss San Francisco 9 Atlanta 17 17 .500 1½ 3 6-4 W-1 5-9 12-8 ▲ Jerry Hairston, SS/OF, Reds. Hair- Florida 17 17 .500 1½ 3 3-7 L-3 6-7 11-10 5 tied at 27 Hart Milwaukee 27 Crisp Kansas City 9 Morgan Pittsburgh 9 Washington 11 21 .344 6½ 8 6-4 W-1 5-7 6-14 ston hit just .179 in April, but he is Werth Philadelphia 27 2 tied at 8 Kemp Los Angeles 8 13-for-32 (.406) with two homers Central W L Pct GB WCGB L10 Str Home Away Cincinnati 20 14 .588 — — 7-3 W-3 7-9 13-5 and 11 runs scored during an RBIs Pitching (3 decisions) Milwaukee 20 14 .588 — — 8-2 W-2 11-7 9-7 eight-game hitting streak, which St. Louis 20 14 .588 — — 3-7 L-2 12-5 8-9 A.L. N.L. A.L. N.L. Chicago 19 14 .576 ½ ½ 7-3 W-3 10-6 9-8 increased his average from .156 to Player Team Player Team Player Team Player Team Houston 15 18 .455 4½ 4½ 6-4 W-1 8-10 7-8 .260. The Reds are 6-2 in that Longoria Tampa Bay 45 Pujols St. Louis 35 Frasor Toronto 4-0 1.000 Martis Washington 5-0 1.000 Pittsburgh 14 19 .424 5½ 5½ 2-8 W-2 9-7 5-12 stretch, so manager Dusty Baker Bay Boston 37 Cantu Florida 33 R.Ramirez Boston 4-0 1.000 Meredith San Diego 4-0 1.000 West W L Pct GB WCGB L10 Str Home Away likely will keep Hairston in the C.Pena Tampa Bay 32 Fielder Milwaukee 31 Palmer Los Angeles 4-0 1.000 Pelfrey New York 4-0 1.000 Los Angeles 23 12 .657 — — 6-4 W-1 14-3 9-9 Huff Baltimore 31 Braun Milwaukee 28 ABailey Oakland 3-0 1.000 T.Pena Arizona 3-0 1.000 San Francisco 18 15 .545 4 1½ 6-4 L-1 12-5 6-10 No. 2 spot and let the good times Colorado 13 19 .406 8½ 6 4-6 L-1 7-9 6-10 Lind Toronto 31 Dunn Washington 28 Halladay Toronto 7-1 .875 Jo.Johnson Florida 3-0 1.000 roll. Hairston is an excellent San Diego 13 21 .382 9½ 7 2-8 L-5 8-6 5-15 A.Hill Toronto 30 B.Molina San Francisco 28 Greinke Kansas City 6-1 .857 DiFelice Milwaukee 3-0 1.000 Arizona 13 22 .371 10 7½ 2-8 L-3 9-15 4-7 utility player worth picking up for Markakis Baltimore 30 4 tied at 27 z-first game was a win short-term infield help. Doubles Pitching Matchups Today’s Games (All times Eastern) ▼ Dan Uggla, 2B, Marlins. Last May, A.L. N.L. A.L. N.L. American League The Line Uggla hit .347 with 12 homers and Player Team Player Team Player Team Player Team Detroit (Verlander 3-2) at Minnesota (S.Baker 1-4), 1:10 p.m. Det -120 at Min +110 26 RBIs. This May, he is hitting .114 Longoria Tampa Bay 16 Hudson Los Angeles 14 Greinke Kansas City 59 Peavy San Diego 61 Seattle (F.Hernandez 4-2) at Texas (Harrison 3-2), 2:05 p.m. at Tex -105 Sea -105 with no homers and three RBIs. Byrd Texas 13 F.Sanchez Pittsburgh 14 Verlander Detroit 56 Santana New York 60 Boston (Penny 3-1) at L.A. Angels (Santana 0-0), 3:35 p.m. at LA -120 Bos +110 Callaspo Kansas City 13 Kotchman Atlanta 13 Halladay Toronto 49 Lincecum San Francisco 58 Uggla owners have learned to deal N.Y. Yankees (Sabathia 2-3) at Toronto (Tallet 2-1), 7:07 p.m. NY -145 at Tor +135 Polanco Detroit 13 Ha.Ramirez Florida 12 Lester Boston 49 J.Vazquez Atlanta 57 with the drain in batting average, Cleveland (Carmona 1-4) at Tampa Bay (J.Shields 3-3), 7:08 p.m. at TB -150 Cle +140 M.Young Texas 13 Zimmerman Washington 12 F.Hernandez Seattle 47 Haren Arizona 56 but there’s no excuse for the 4 tied at 12 4 tied at 11 Bedard Seattle 43 Gallardo Milwaukee 47 Baltimore (Guthrie 2-3) at Kansas City (Meche 2-3), 8:10 p.m. at KC -140 Bal +130 missing power. Owners won’t be 2 tied at 42 Billingsley Los Angeles 47 able to trade Uggla, so they must National League The Line hope he will find his stroke against Triples Saves Florida (Jo.Johnson 3-0) at Milwaukee (Bush 1-0), 1:05 p.m. Flo -115 at Mil +105 L.A. Dodgers (Billingsley 5-1) at Philadelphia (Hamels 1-2), 1:05 p.m. at Phi -140 LA +130 the Dodgers this weekend. A.L. N.L. A.L. N.L. San Diego (Gaudin 0-2) at (Dempster 2-2), 2:20 p.m. at Chi -190 SD +180 — Bill Bender Player Team Player Team Player Team Player Team Crisp Kansas City 4 Bourn Houston 3 Papelbon Boston 9 Cordero Cincinnati 10 Houston (W.Rodriguez 3-2) at Colorado (Hammel 0-1), 3:10 p.m. Hou -115 at Col +105 Andrus Texas 3 Kemp Los Angeles 3 F.Francisco Texas 9 Fr.Rodriguez New York 9 St. Louis (Boggs 1-0) at Pittsburgh (Karstens 1-1), 7:05 p.m. STL -110 at Pit +100 MORE COVERAGE 8 tied at 2 Morgan Pittsburgh 3 Fuentes Los Angeles 9 Franklin St. Louis 9 N.Y. Mets (Maine 3-2) at San Francisco (J.Sanchez 1-3), 10:15 p.m. NY -125 at SF +115 Victorino Philadelphia 3 Jenks Chicago 8 Bell San Diego 8 Get everything you need to D.Wright New York 3 Soria Kansas City 7 B.Wilson San Francisco 8 dominate your fantasy league at 17 tied at 2 4 tied at 6 Broxton Los Angeles 8 sportingnews.com/fantasy/baseball Qualls Arizona 8 SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 16 NATIONAL LEAGUE

Washington 6, San Francisco 3 Nationals 6, Giants 3 Braves 8, Mets 7, 12 innings Atlanta 8, N.Y. Mets 7, Atlanta AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Washington AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Infante 2b-cf 6 2 2 0 0 2 .338 C.Guzman ss 5 2 3 0 0 0 .390 12 innings Escobar ss 3 2 1 0 3 0 .306 Zimmerman’s company C.Jones 3b 3 2 2 2 2 0 .305 N.Johnson 1b 5 1 4 2 0 0 .333 G.Anderson lf 5 0 3 3 0 0 .232 Zimmerman’s streak ends at 30 Zimmerman 3b 3 1 0 0 2 0 .357 M.Diaz rf 3 0 1 1 0 1 .261 Willingham lf 5 0 1 1 0 2 .194 The longest consecutive-game hitting streaks in a b-Kotchman ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .314 Gonzalez ends Francoeur rf 2 0 0 0 0 1 .257 Dukes cf 5 0 2 3 0 1 .280 single season in baseball history, including 1876- Prado 1b 6 2 2 1 0 0 .302 Kearns rf 4 0 0 0 1 0 .229 1900 (x-active): D.Ross c 5 0 0 0 1 2 .269 Belliard 2b 4 0 0 0 0 3 .163 Schafer cf 3 0 0 0 0 1 .214 Nieves c 4 1 1 0 0 1 .276 see-saw game d-K.Johnson ph-2b 3 0 2 1 0 0 .243 Player, Team, Year No. Jo-.Reyes p 2 0 0 0 0 2 .000 Martis p 2 1 1 0 0 0 .267 Carlyle p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 a-Dunn ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .310 Joe DiMaggio, New York (A), 1941 56 O’Flaherty p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- a-Norton ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .136 Beimel p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Pete Rose, Cincinnati, 1978 44 NEW YORK—After blowing a Moylan p 1 0 0 0 0 1 .000 K.Wells p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- R.Soriano p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Totals 38 6 12 6 3 7 Willie Keeler, Baltimore (N), 1897 44 save chance about 19 hours ear- Parr p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Bill Dahlen, Chicago (N), 1894 42 f-McCann ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .274 lier, Mike Gonzalez was Bennett p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- San Francisco AB R H BI BB SO Avg. George Sisler, St. Louis (A), 1922 41 i-Kawakami ph 1 0 0 0 0 1 .250 Burriss 2b 4 0 0 0 1 0 .263 determined. M.Gonzalez p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Renteria ss 5 1 2 0 0 1 .259 Ty Cobb, Detroit, 1911 40 “It happened last night. It Totals 46 8 13 8 6 11 Winn lf 3 0 0 0 1 0 .262 Paul Molitor, Milwaukee, 1987 39 wasn’t going to happen again New York AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Sandoval 3b 4 0 1 1 0 1 .301 Tommy Holmes, Boston (N), 1945 37 Jos.Reyes ss 5 1 3 0 1 1 .286 Ishikawa 1b 2 0 1 0 0 0 .241 today,” the Castillo 2b 4 1 1 1 1 1 .318 Jimmy Rollins, Philadelphia, 2005 36 Beltran cf 4 1 1 0 2 2 .370 Valdez p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- reliever said. “We work too Sheffield lf 6 2 2 1 0 2 .196 J.Miller p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 Chase Utley, Philadelphia, 2006 35 D.Wright 3b 4 1 1 0 0 1 .315 b-B.Molina ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .286 Tatis 1b 5 1 3 4 0 0 .358 Luis Castillo, Florida, 2002 35 hard.” R.Castro c 3 0 0 0 1 1 .275 Misch p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- g-Reed ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .333 Rowand cf 3 1 0 0 1 0 .233 Ty Cobb, Detroit, 1917 35 After allowing Jose Reyes’ Takahashi p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 Church rf 5 0 1 0 0 2 .265 Schierholtz rf 4 1 1 0 0 0 .233 Fred Clarke, Louisville, 1895 35 leadoff double in the 12th Niese p 1 0 0 0 0 0 .333 Holm c 2 0 0 0 1 0 .286 Stokes p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- c-F.Lewis ph 1 0 1 1 0 0 .292 Benito Santiago, San Diego, 1987 34 inning and Luis Castillo’s sac- Parnell p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- c-Dan.Murphy ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .275 Zito p 2 0 0 0 0 0 .091 Dom DiMaggio, Boston (A), 1949 34 rifice, Gonzalez struck out Car- Putz p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Aurilia 1b 1 0 0 1 0 1 .156 George McQuinn, St. Louis (A), 1938 34 Fr.Rodriguez p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Totals 32 3 6 3 4 3 los Beltran and froze Gary e-Cora ph 0 0 0 0 0 0 .333 George Sisler, St. Louis (A), 1925 34 S.Green p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Sheffield with a called third Feliciano p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Washington 000 010 302 — 6 12 0 Heinie Manush, Washington, 1933 33 strike, preserving an exhaust- h-Santos ph-c 1 0 0 0 0 0 .277 San Francisco 000 000 111 — 3 6 Rogers Hornsby, St. Louis (N), 1922 33 Totals 40 7 12 6 5 10 1 ing 8-7 win over the New York Atlanta 202 010 110 001 8 13 0 Hal Chase, New York (A), 1907 33 Mets on Wednesday. New York 200 400 010 000 7 12 1 a-popped out for Martis in the 8th. b-flied out George Davis, New York (N), 1893 33 for J.Miller in the 8th. c-doubled for Holm in the “I’m glad that game is over,” a-flied out for O’Flaherty in the 7th. b-popped out Vladimir Guerrero, Montreal, 1999 31 for M.Diaz in the 7th. c-lined out for Parnell in the 9th. E: Zito (1). LOB: Washington 9, San Francisco 7th. d-doubled for Schafer in the 8th. e-sacrificed for 8. 2B: C.Guzman (6), N.Johnson (5), Willingham Ken Landreaux, Minnesota, 1980 31 Atlanta manager Fr.Rodriguez in the 9th. f-grounded out for Parr in the (3), Dukes (7), Martis (1), Renteria (6), F.Lewis 10th. g-flied out for R.Castro in the 11th. h-flied out for Rico Carty, Atlanta, 1970 31 said. “I think both teams were Feliciano in the 11th. i-struck out for Bennett in the 12th. (7). 3B: Schierholtz (1). RBIs: N.Johnson 2 (19), E: D.Wright (5). LOB: Atlanta 10, New York 6. 2B: Infante Willingham (8), Dukes 3 (23), Sandoval (15), Willie Davis, Los Angeles, 1969 31 out of , position players (4), Escobar (9), C.Jones 2 (6), G.Anderson (5), Prado (6), K.Johnson (5), Jos.Reyes 3 (7). 3B: Castillo (2). HR: Prado BEN MARGOT / AP F.Lewis (3), Aurilia (7). SB: Winn (6). CS: Dukes Sam Rice, Washington, 1924 31 and just about everything (2), off Takahashi; Tatis (2), off Carlyle; Sheffield (2), off 2 (6). S: Martis. SF: Aurilia. Runners left in R.Soriano. RBIs: C.Jones 2 (13), G.Anderson 3 (8), M.Diaz Nationals 3B Ryan Zimmerman went 0-for-3 with two walks, one of which was intentional. scoring position: Washington 6 (Willingham 3, Nap Lajoie, Cleveland, 1906 31 else.” (14), Prado (7), K.Johnson (11), Castillo (11), Sheffield Ed Delahanty, Philadelphia, 1899 31 (6), Tatis 4 (8). CS: Castillo (1). S: Castillo, Niese, Cora. SF: Zimmerman, Kearns 2); San Francisco 5 (Rowand After wasting leads of 2-0, C.Jones, G.Anderson. Runners left in scoring posi- 2, Ishikawa, Burriss, Renteria). DP: San Francisco 1 Moises Alou, New York (N), 2007 30 tion: Atlanta 4 (Prado, M.Diaz, Kotchman, Infante); New SAN FRANCISCO—Although Ryan Zim- Nationals, who have the majors’ worst (Burriss, Renteria, Ishikawa). 4-2 and 7-6, Atlanta went ahead York 4 (Jos.Reyes, Castillo, Tatis, Sheffield). DP: Atlanta Ryan Zimmerman, Washington, 2009 30 4 (C.Jones, Infante, Prado), (Escobar, Prado), (Escobar, merman’s 30-game hitting streak record. for good when Martin Prado Infante, Prado), (Escobar, Prado); New York 2 (Jos.Reyes, ended right before he could carry it “I’m not relieved it’s over, because I Washington IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Willy Taveras, Houston, 2006 30 homered off Ken Takahashi Tatis), (Church, Church, D.Wright). Martis W, 5-0 7 2 1 1 4 2 109 4.10 Albert Pujols, St. Louis, 2003 30 home to Washington, he thinks the would have liked to keep it going for as Beimel H, 6 1⁄3 2 1 1 0 0 9 4.76 (0-1) with one out in the 12th. Atlanta IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Luis Gonzalez, Arizona, 1999 30 Jo-.Reyes 3 4 5 5 3 0 56 6.58 monthlong experience will benefit long as I can,” said Zimmerman, who K.Wells S, 2-2 1 2⁄3 2 1 1 0 1 24 4.40 Reyes had three doubles but Carlyle 2 1 1 1 2 2 35 5.28 San Francisco IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Sandy Alomar Jr., Cleveland, 1997 30 O’Flaherty 1 1 0 0 0 1 18 1.98 Zito L, 1-3 6 1⁄3 8 4 4 3 5 114 3.89 Moylan 1 1 0 0 0 0 13 6.39 him for years to come. fell just short of Vladimir Guerrero’s Eric Davis, Baltimore, 1997 30 again cost the Mets with foolish R.Soriano BS, 1-4 1 2 1 1 0 2 19 1.59 Valdez 2⁄3 1 0 0 0 0 14 3.27 Parr 1 1 0 0 0 2 15 3.38 Zimmerman got no luck in the franchise-record 31-game streak with J.Miller 1 0 0 0 0 2 8 2.20 Nomar Garciaparra, Boston, 1997 30 baserunning. Bennett W, 1-1 2 1 0 0 0 1 27 2.20 M.Gonzalez S, 6-8 1 1 0 0 0 2 20 3.45 Nationals’ 6-3 victory over the Giants Montreal in 1999. “But it’ll be good to Misch 1 3 2 2 0 0 2 7 Jerome Walton, Chicago (N), 1989 30 A day after he was thrown New York IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA 18.00 Niese 4 2⁄3 7 5 5 2 5 73 5.91 on Wednesday, going 0-for-3 with two go back to the usual routine. ... I’ve George Brett, Kansas City, 1980 30 out at third trying to stretch a Stokes 1 1⁄3 0 0 0 0 1 9 0.61 Parnell BS, 1-1 1 1 1 0 1 0 21 1.17 walks. He never got the ball out of the said every day that I’d rather win. It’s Inherited runners-scored: K.Wells 1-0, Valdez Ron LeFlore, Detroit, 1976 30 two-run double that pulled the Putz 1 2 1 1 0 2 22 4.05 3-2. IBB: off Zito (Zimmerman). HBP: by Martis Stan Musial, St. Louis (N), 1950 30 Fr.Rodriguez 1 1 0 0 1 1 16 1.08 infield, grounding into a fielder’s choice been a tough year for us. I feel like (Ishikawa). WP: Martis, Zito. Umpires: Home, Mets within a run in the eighth, S.Green 1⁄3 0 0 0 1 0 10 8.79 Goose Goslin, Detroit, 1934 30 Feliciano 1 2⁄3 0 0 0 1 0 15 3.07 on his final chance in the ninth. we’re a lot better than our record.” Gerry Davis; First, Jeff Kellogg; Second, Mark Reyes was out trying to cross to Takahashi L, 0-1 1 2 1 1 0 2 19 3.86 Wegner; Third, Tim Timmons. T: 3:01. A: 30,120 Bing Miller, Phi (A), 1929 30 At least Zimmerman slid home with Zimmerman produced two ground- (41,915). third on a grounder to short- Jo-.Reyes pitched to 3 batters in the 4th. Inherited Tris Speaker, Boston (A), 1912 30 runners-scored: Carlyle 3-3, Stokes 1-0, Feliciano 1-0. Washington’s sixth run moments outs and two walks against Giants stop with the score tied and one IBB: off Fr.Rodriguez (C.Jones), off Parnell (C.Jones). Elmer Smith, Cincinnati, 1898 30 HBP: by Bennett (D.Wright). Umpires: Home, Ted Bar- later, allowing him to play a part in a starter Barry Zito. out in the seventh. rett; First, Tim McClelland; Second, Greg Gibson; Third, rare victory for the frustrated — The Associated Press — The Associated Press Andy Fletcher. T: 3:46. A: 40,555 (41,800). SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 17 NATIONAL LEAGUE Houston 15, Colorado 11 Astros 15, Rockies 11 Cincinnati 10, Arizona 3 Reds 10, Diamondbacks 3 Houston AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Cincinnati AB R H BI BB SO Avg. K.Matsui 2b 6 1 2 0 0 0 .250 Taveras cf 6 2 3 0 0 1 .322 W.Wright p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Burton p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Geary p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Phillips, Reds Hairston Jr. ss 5 3 2 1 0 0 .268 Astros’ 24 hits one shy of team record Hawkins p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Bruce rf 3 2 0 0 1 1 .244 Bourn cf 6 1 2 1 0 1 .297 Phillips 2b 4 1 2 4 1 1 .274 Berkman 1b 4 3 4 2 1 0 .216 complete sweep R.Hernandez 1b 4 1 1 1 1 0 .279 b-Ja.Smith ph-2b 1 0 0 0 0 0 .000 A.Rosales 3b 4 1 1 1 0 2 .294 Ca.Lee lf 5 2 3 1 0 1 .333 Dickerson lf 4 0 2 1 1 1 .214 DENVER—Mike Hampton was back at Arias p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- PHOENIX—Nobody has won Hanigan c 5 0 2 1 0 0 .310 c-Erstad ph-1b 1 0 0 0 0 1 .171 Cueto p 4 0 1 0 0 0 .188 on Wednesday night, and it Tejada ss 5 3 3 3 0 0 .319 more on the road than Cincin- Herrera p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 definitely had a familiar feel for the d-Keppinger ph-ss 1 0 1 0 0 0 .333 nati. No one has lost more at a-D.McDonald ph-cf 1 0 0 0 0 0 .219 Pence rf 5 2 3 1 1 0 .328 Totals 40 10 14 9 4 6 lefthander. Blum 3b 6 1 2 5 0 1 .268 home than Arizona. Lance Berkman went 4-for-4 and the Quintero c 6 0 2 2 0 1 .133 So the Reds’ trip to the desert Arizona AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Hampton p 3 2 2 0 1 0 .357 F.Lopez 2b 4 0 0 0 0 1 .319 finished with 24 hits in a-Michaels ph-lf 2 0 0 0 0 1 .222 was true to form—a three-game Parra cf-lf 4 1 1 1 0 0 .250 Totals 51 15 24 15 3 6 J.Upton rf 3 1 2 0 1 1 .306 a 15-11 victory over the Colorado Rock- sweep for Cincinnati. S.Drew ss 4 0 1 1 0 2 .208 ies on Wednesday night. Colorado AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Brandon Phillips drove in L.Rosales p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Fowler cf 5 0 1 0 0 1 .253 Byrnes lf 3 0 0 0 0 0 .200 Berkman drove in two runs and Tulowitzki ss 3 0 0 0 0 0 .240 four runs and the Reds finished J.Gutierrez p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- scored three times for the Astros, who 1-Quintanilla pr-ss 0 2 0 0 1 0 .143 off the series Wednesday night Vasquez p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Helton 1b 2 1 1 0 1 0 .345 R.Roberts 3b 1 0 0 0 0 1 .333 were one hit shy of their franchise record Barmes 2b 2 1 2 1 0 0 .244 with a 10-3 rout of the Dia- Montero c 3 0 0 0 1 0 .240 Spilborghs lf-rf 5 2 2 0 0 1 .273 Tracy 1b 3 0 0 0 1 0 .200 for a nine-inning game set during the Hawpe rf 2 0 1 2 0 0 .362 mondbacks, who have gone Ojeda 3b-ss 4 1 1 1 0 1 .310 second game of a doubleheader against Grilli p 1 0 0 0 0 0 .000 from bad to worse since they Augenstein p 2 0 0 0 0 1 .000 Corpas p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Schoeneweis p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Atlanta on May 30, 1976. Geoff Blum e-S.Smith ph 1 1 1 1 0 0 .306 fired manager Bob Melvin a C.Young cf 1 0 0 0 0 0 .185 matched his career high with five RBIs. Atkins 3b-1b 4 1 0 0 1 2 .195 week ago. Totals 32 3 5 3 3 7 Iannetta c 4 2 3 5 1 0 .241 “It was one of those old-school games Stewart 2b-3b 5 1 1 2 0 1 .211 Gerardo Parra homered in Cincinnati 003 000 520 — 10 14 1 Marquis p 1 0 0 0 0 0 .286 Arizona 100 001 100 — 3 5 2 around here,” said Hampton, who Rusch p 1 0 0 0 0 1 .333 his first major league at-bat but pitched six innings to get the win against Murton lf 2 0 0 0 0 0 .286 Arizona could muster little a-grounded into a fielder’s choice for Herrera in Totals 38 11 12 11 4 6 the 9th. his former team. “There were a lot of offense beyond that against E: R.Hernandez (2), Montero (4), Augenstein runs, a lot of hits. You never know Houston 303 331 200 — 15 24 2 Johnny Cueto. (1). LOB: Cincinnati 9, Arizona 5. 2B: Hairston Jr. Colorado 030 002 105 — 11 12 0 (6), Phillips 2 (7), J.Upton (7). 3B: Hairston Jr. (1), what’s going to happen in this park and Willy Taveras singled three J.Upton (1). HR: Parra (1), off Cueto; Ojeda (1), a-struck out for Hampton in the 7th. b-grounded off Cueto. RBIs: Hairston Jr. (9), Phillips 4 (26), you’ve got to get as many runs as you into a fielder’s choice for Berkman in the 8th. times, scoring twice, to extend R.Hernandez (13), A.Rosales (6), Dickerson (6), can and fortunately we got enough.” c-struck out for Arias in the 8th. d-singled for his hitting streak to 14 games Hanigan (2), Parra (1), S.Drew (6), Ojeda (3). SB: Tejada in the 8th. e-doubled for Corpas in the Taveras (10), Hairston Jr. (4), Bruce (3). Hampton (2-3) allowed five runs and 9th. 1-ran for Tulowitzki in the 7th. E: Quintero and Jerry Hairston Jr. doubled Runners left in scoring position: Cincinnati seven hits to improve to 18-10 at Coors, (1), Arias (1). LOB: Houston 12, Colorado 6. and tripled as the Reds won for 6 (Hanigan, A.Rosales 2, R.Hernandez 2, Cueto); 2B: K.Matsui (4), Tejada (11), Pence (7), Blum Arizona 3 (Byrnes, S.Drew, Ojeda). the second-most wins by a lefthander in 2 (5), Quintero (1), Spilborghs (9), S.Smith (3), the sixth time in seven games Runners moved up: Bruce, R.Hernandez. GIDP: Iannetta (3). 3B: Spilborghs (1). HR: Stewart R.Hernandez, Cueto, Ojeda. the ballpark’s history. He also had two (7), off Hampton; Iannetta (7), off Geary. RBIs: to climb a season-best six games DP: Cincinnati 1 (Hairston Jr., R.Hernandez); hits and scored twice. Bourn (10), Berkman 2 (18), Ca.Lee (27), Tejada above .500. Taveras had nine Arizona 2 (Montero, S.Drew, F.Lopez), (S.Drew, 3 (19), Pence (14), Blum 5 (11), Quintero 2 (2), F.Lopez, Tracy). It was the first time all nine starters Barmes (12), Hawpe 2 (27), S.Smith (8), Iannetta hits in the series, and Phillips have gotten at least two hits in a game in 5 (16), Stewart 2 (20). SB: Pence (5), Fowler (10). had six hits and eight RBIs. Cincinnati IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA SF: Hawpe. Runners left in scoring position: Cueto W, 4-1 7 4 3 3 2 4 100 1.93 the National League since May 1, 1985, ED ANDRIESKI / AP Houston 8 (Blum 2, K.Matsui 3, Quintero, Ca.Lee, “We’re a team that’s very Herrera 1 1 0 0 0 2 16 1.98 Geoff Blum tied a career high with five RBIs, with three of them coming off this one swing. Pence); Colorado 3 (Hawpe, Stewart, Grilli). DP: Burton 1 0 0 0 1 1 17 5.28 when Atlanta did it against Cincinnati. Houston 1 (Tejada, K.Matsui, Berkman). hungry, very young,” Phillips Arizona IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Chris Iannetta hit his third career said. “We’re going out there Augenstein L, 0-1 61⁄3 8 5 5 2 3 95 7.11 Houston IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Schoeneweis 0 0 1 1 1 0 5 2.70 grand slam and drove in five for Colo- Berkman singled twice and walked 9-3 in the fourth. Hampton W, 2-3 6 7 5 5 2 3 93 5.31 and just playing Reds baseball J.Gutierrez 1⁄3 3 2 2 1 1 18 3.72 rado, which finished with 12 hits. Ian against Jason Marquis to boost his “I think they must have turned off the Arias 1 1 1 1 0 1 13 4.15 the best way we know how. Vasquez 11⁄3 2 2 2 0 1 30 5.91 W.Wright 1 1 0 0 0 2 19 7.15 L.Rosales 1 1 0 0 0 1 15 3.38 Stewart had a two-run drive for his career batting average against the right- humidor or something,” Berkman said. Geary 2⁄3 3 5 5 2 0 30 8.10 That’s all we’re really doing. Hawkins 1⁄3 0 0 0 0 0 4 2.35 Schoeneweis pitched to 1 batter in the 7th. third homer in two games and seventh hander to .511. “Maybe it was the atmospherics because Colorado IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA We’re just out there playing the Inherited runners-scored: Schoeneweis 1-0, this season. Miguel Tejada singled in Berkman in that’s how it used to be here. Balls were Marquis L, 4-3 3 2⁄3 10 9 9 3 1 86 5.40 game the right way.” J.Gutierrez 2-2, Vasquez 2-0. IBB: off Augenstein Rusch 2 2⁄3 12 6 6 0 2 63 6.75 (Phillips). HBP: by Vasquez (Bruce), by Augenstein “A swinging bat is a dangerous bat, the third to give Houston a 4-3 lead. flying around or falling in everywhere.” Grilli 1 2⁄3 2 0 0 0 2 30 1.46 The Reds (20-14) improved (A.Rosales). WP: Vasquez. Corpas 1 0 0 0 0 1 12 4.91 Umpires: Home, Rob Drake; First, Dana DeMuth; and the balls found holes,” Rockies Hunter Pence added an RBI single and Marquis (4-3) allowed nine runs and to 13-5 on the road, best in the Second, Doug Eddings; Third, Hunter Wendelst- manager Clint Hurdle said. Blum drove in another run with a field- 10 hits in 3 2/3 innings, his shortest out- Inherited runners-scored: Rusch 3-3, Grilli 1-0. majors. They had 26 runs and edt. HBP: by Arias (Tulowitzki). WP: Arias. Umpires: T: 2:58. A: 20,443 (48,652). Houston scored three runs in four of er’s choice. ing of the year. Home, Dan Iassogna; First, Charlie Reliford; Sec- 38 hits in the series. the first five innings to build a 12-3 lead. Blum’s bases-loaded double made it — The Associated Press ond, Adrian Johnson; Third, Larry Vanover. T: 3:13. — The Associated Press A: 19,226 (50,449). SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 18 NATIONAL LEAGUE Pittsburgh 5, St. Louis 2 Chicago Cubs 6, San Diego 4, 8 innings, rain LaRoche loses HR; Bucs still win 2nd straight Cubs display power in rain CHICAGO—Along with the rain Cubs 6, Padres 4, 8 innings, rain Pirates 5, Cardinals 2 San Diego AB R H BI BB SO Avg. PITTSBURGH —Adam LaRoche was wary St. Louis AB R H BI BB SO Avg. and lightning, the Chicago Hairston cf 4 1 2 0 0 1 .341 when baseball adopted video replay for Schumaker 2b 4 2 2 1 0 1 .306 Cubs unleashed a few big Eckstein 2b 4 0 0 0 0 0 .254 Robinson rf 4 0 1 0 0 0 .231 Ad.Gonzalez 1b 4 2 2 3 0 0 .307 home runs last season, convinced such Pujols 1b 4 0 1 1 0 0 .325 strikes of the their own. Headley lf 4 0 2 0 0 1 .254 a rule could only mean something bad Duncan lf 4 0 1 0 0 1 .282 Alfonso Soriano hit his 53rd Kouzmanoff 3b 4 0 1 0 0 1 .216 Y.Molina c 3 0 0 0 0 0 .302 Hundley c 3 1 0 0 1 2 .253 for him. Rasmus cf 3 0 1 0 0 1 .264 career leadoff homer, Ryan The- Giles rf 3 0 1 0 1 0 .165 Turns out he was right. K.Greene ss 3 0 0 0 0 0 .217 riot connected twice and Geo- L.Rodriguez ss 3 0 2 0 0 0 .256 Thurston 3b 3 0 0 0 0 1 .250 1-Correia pr 0 0 0 0 0 0 .400 LaRoche became the first player to Pineiro p 2 0 0 0 0 2 .077 vany Soto went deep to lead the Gregerson p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- have a taken away by video McClellan p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Chicago Cubs over the San Diego c-Gerut ph 1 0 1 1 0 0 .237 C.Perez p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- D.Sanchez p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- replay, but it didn’t prevent the last-place c-Stavinoha ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .000 Padres 6-4 in a rain-shortened C.Young p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .214 from beating the St. Totals 31 2 6 2 0 6 game on Wednesday night. a-E.Gonzalez ph 1 0 0 0 0 1 .167 Mujica p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Louis Cardinals 5-2 on Wednesday Pittsburgh AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Soriano moved into a tie for b-C.Burke ph-ss 1 0 0 0 0 1 .250 night behind Ross Ohlendorf’s two-hit Morgan lf 4 0 1 2 0 0 .303 second place on the all-time list Totals 32 4 11 4 2 7 F.Sanchez 2b 4 1 2 0 0 0 .323 pitching over six innings. McLouth cf 4 0 0 0 0 0 .279 with Craig Biggio in a game Chicago AB R H BI BB SO Avg. “If I could have bet the day this started, Ad.LaRoche 1b 4 0 2 1 0 0 .233 that was stopped following a A.Soriano lf 3 1 1 1 0 0 .279 R.Diaz c 3 1 0 0 0 0 .357 Theriot ss 3 2 2 2 1 0 .296 I would have put a lot of money on An.LaRoche 3b 4 0 1 0 0 1 .245 58-minute delay before the bot- Fukudome cf 4 0 1 0 0 1 .330 myself to be the first,” LaRoche said Moss rf 4 2 2 1 0 1 .213 tom of the eighth after a barrage D.Lee 1b 4 0 0 0 0 0 .194 Ja.Wilson ss 4 1 3 1 0 0 .273 Bradley rf 2 2 1 0 1 0 .194 after his first-inning drive to right field Ohlendorf p 2 0 0 0 0 1 .067 of lightning and rain. It also Fontenot 2b 2 0 0 0 1 1 .218 went from a homer to a double in a cou- a-Hinske ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .226 started 37 minutes late and was Soto c 3 1 2 3 0 0 .193 Yates p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Freel 3b 3 0 0 0 0 1 .158 ple of minutes. “That’s kind of the way it Grabow p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- interrupted for four minutes Lilly p 3 0 0 0 0 1 .125 goes. I can laugh those things off now, b-Monroe ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .216 after the fifth inning, but on A.Guzman p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 J.Chavez p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Marmol p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- but if there’s a couple of guys on and we Capps p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- this humid night, long drives Totals 27 6 7 6 3 4 lose by one, it’s huge.” Totals 35 5 11 5 0 3 were as constant as the San Diego 200 001 01 — 4 11 0 With a runner on, LaRoche’s flyball St. Louis 000 100 001 — 2 6 0 raindrops. Chicago 302 100 0x — 6 7 0 struck either a railing or small protec- Pittsburgh 100 103 00x — 5 11 0 “Theriot with a two-homer a-struck out for C.Young in the 5th. b-struck out tive screen above the 21-foot wall in right a-grounded out for Ohlendorf in the 6th. b-flied game—how about that?” man- for Mujica in the 7th. c-singled for Gregerson in field—both objects are in play—but first out for Grabow in the 8th. c-flied out for C.Perez in ager Lou Piniella said with a the 8th. 1-ran for L.Rodriguez in the 7th. LOB: the 9th. LOB: St. Louis 2, Pittsburgh 7. 2B: Duncan San Diego 7, Chicago 4. 2B: Headley (7). HR: base Lance Barksdale signaled a (11), F.Sanchez (14), Ad.LaRoche 2 (10), Moss (3), grin. Ad.Gonzalez 2 (13), off Lilly 2; A.Soriano (11), home run. LaRoche stopped at second, Ja.Wilson (4). HR: Schumaker (1), off Ohlendorf. There was plenty to smile off C.Young; Theriot 2 (5), off C.Young 2; Soto RBIs: Schumaker (10), Pujols (35), Morgan 2 (1), off C.Young. RBIs: Ad.Gonzalez 3 (27), Gerut only to be told by umpire Alfonso Mar- (17), Ad.LaRoche (16), Moss (6), Ja.Wilson (8). about even though Adrian Gon- (10), A.Soriano (23), Theriot 2 (17), Soto 3 (7). S: quez to head home. Runners left in scoring position: St. Louis zalez hit two homers off Chicago’s C.Young. Runners left in scoring position: San 2 (Y.Molina, Duncan); Pittsburgh 4 (Morgan 2, Diego 4 (Hairston 2, Giles, Ad.Gonzalez); Chicago Crew chief Randy Marsh, Barksdale R.Diaz, McLouth). DP: Pittsburgh 1 (F.Sanchez, Ted Lilly (5-2), giving him 13 1 (Freel). GIDP: Kouzmanoff, Fukudome. DP: San and Marquez watched the replay while Ja.Wilson, Ad.LaRoche). overall and at least one in three Diego 1 (L.Rodriguez, Eckstein, Kouzmanoff); Chicago 1 (Theriot, D.Lee). Mike Winters stayed at home plate, and St. Louis IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA straight games. His two-run shot Marsh quickly changed the call to a dou- GENE J. PUSKAR / AP Pineiro L, 4-3 6 11 5 5 0 1 90 4.17 in the first put the Padres ahead San Diego IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Pirates SS Jack Wilson eluded the break-up attempt from Albert Pujols to turn a game-ending double play. McClellan 1 0 0 0 0 1 6 3.07 C.Young L, 2-2 4 6 6 6 3 3 102 5.56 ble. The Pirates did not argue, and no TV C.Perez 1 0 0 0 0 1 8 2.61 2-0, but the Cubs responded with Mujica 2 0 0 0 0 1 28 3.63 replay showed the ball reaching the seats. Pittsburgh IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA three in in the bottom half against Gregerson 1 1 0 0 0 0 9 5.50 Ohlendorf W, 4-3 6 2 1 1 0 5 88 3.77 D.Sanchez 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6.75 “They went right to it and they saved Marlins pinch-hitter Ross Gload’s drive Molina of San Francisco were given Yates 1 1 0 0 0 0 13 7.94 Chris Young (2-2). Chicago IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA us a run,” Cardinals manager Tony La was finally called foul at Milwaukee. home runs. Grabow 1 0 0 0 0 1 8 5.74 Padres manager Bud Black Lilly W, 5-2 6 1⁄3 8 3 3 0 7 86 3.27 J.Chavez 1⁄3 2 1 1 0 0 17 2.84 A.Guzman H, 4 2⁄3 1 0 0 0 0 8 3.50 Russa said. Since video review began Aug. 28, 10 “Before they reviewed it, I said I’m prob- Capps S, 6-7 2⁄3 1 0 0 0 0 4 6.30 was upset that the game got Marmol S, 3-5 1 2 1 1 2 0 22 4.24 Of the seven potential home run plays calls have been upheld and four were ably going back out there,” LaRoche said. stopped but also said it’s “a Inherited runners-scored: Capps 2-1. HBP: by Inherited runners-scored: A.Guzman 1-0. reviewed this season, this was the first changed. Of the other two to be reversed, “I would have been shocked if it stayed. Pineiro (R.Diaz). Umpires: Home, Mike Winters; tough call” and he respects crew HBP: by C.Young (A.Soriano). WP: Marmol. to be changed. The second occurred both of which occurred in September, That does not surprise me one bit.” First, Lance Barksdale; Second, Alfonso Marquez; chief Tim Welke “immensely.” Umpires: Home, ; First, Tim Welke; Third, Randy Marsh. T: 2:20. A: 10,494 (38,362). Second, Scott Barry; Third, Angel Hernandez. T: shortly afterward, when Florida Carlos Pena of Tampa Bay and Bengie — The Associated Press — The Associated Press 2:26 (Rain delay: 1:02). A: 38,410 (41,210). SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 19 NATIONAL LEAGUE L.A. Dodgers 9, Philadelphia 2 Dodgers 9, Phillies 2 Milwaukee 8, Florida 6 Brewers 8, Marlins 6 Los Angeles AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Florida AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Pierre lf 4 0 2 0 0 0 .411 Bonifacio 3b-2b 5 1 2 0 0 0 .262 Furcal ss 5 1 2 0 0 0 .244 Coghlan lf 4 1 1 3 0 1 .250 Hudson 2b 4 2 2 1 1 0 .348 Replay works Ha.Ramirez ss 4 2 2 0 1 1 .361 Wolf pitches sharp six against old team Ethier rf 5 0 0 0 0 1 .273 Cantu 1b 4 0 1 1 1 0 .282 Martin c 3 2 1 0 2 1 .273 in Brewers’ favor Jo.Baker c 3 1 1 1 0 0 .287 Loney 1b 5 1 3 4 0 0 .277 b-Helms ph-3b 1 0 1 1 0 0 .244 Kemp cf 4 2 2 0 1 1 .281 Uggla 2b 4 0 0 0 0 1 .186 Blake 3b 4 1 2 3 0 0 .268 Calero p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Wolf p 2 0 0 1 0 0 .125 MILWAUKEE—Ross Gload said Pinto p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- b-Loretta ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .344 he’s no fan right now of instant Hermida rf 4 0 0 0 0 2 .232 Troncoso p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 Amezaga cf 4 1 3 0 0 0 .242 Ohman p 1 0 0 0 0 1 .500 replay, but even the Marlins Nolasco p 1 0 0 0 0 1 .231 Ja.McDonald p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 pinch hitter acknowledged the Penn p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Leach p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- a-Gload ph 1 0 0 0 0 1 .233 Totals 38 9 14 9 4 4 umpires fixed a bad call using Meyer p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 video review. R.Paulino c 1 0 0 0 0 0 .250 Philadelphia AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Totals 36 6 11 6 2 7 Victorino cf 5 0 0 0 0 0 .259 Rickie Weeks homered for Utley 2b 3 0 0 0 1 1 .286 the third straight game and the Milwaukee AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Werth rf 2 0 1 0 2 0 .299 Weeks 2b 5 3 3 2 0 1 .286 Howard 1b 4 0 0 0 0 3 .270 Milwaukee Brewers rallied Counsell 3b-ss 4 1 1 2 0 2 .328 Rollins ss 4 1 1 1 0 0 .200 again, benefiting from a replay Braun lf 3 0 0 0 1 2 .333 Ibanez lf 4 1 1 1 0 2 .328 Fielder 1b 4 0 1 2 0 2 .271 Feliz 3b 4 0 0 0 0 1 .291 reversal to beat Florida 8-6. M.Cameron cf 3 1 1 0 1 0 .297 Ruiz c 2 0 2 0 2 0 .212 Gload thought he hit a two- Hardy ss 3 0 1 1 0 1 .221 Moyer p 1 0 0 0 0 1 .111 Hall 3b 1 0 0 0 0 0 .280 Happ p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 run homer down the right-field Hart rf 3 1 1 0 1 0 .264 a-Cairo ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .125 line off Braden Looper to cut Kendall c 2 1 0 0 2 0 .224 Taschner p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 Looper p 2 1 1 1 0 1 .091 c-Dobbs ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .138 Milwaukee’s lead to 8-7 in the Coffey p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 Condrey p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- sixth inning. But first base Stetter p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- d-Stairs ph 0 0 0 0 0 0 .389 Villanueva p 0 0 0 0 0 0 1.000 e-Bruntlett ph 1 0 0 0 0 1 .136 umpire Bruce Dreckman’s col- c-McGehee ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .188 Totals 32 2 5 2 5 9 leagues reversed his call after Hoffman p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --- Totals 31 8 9 8 5 9 Los Angeles 000 520 002 — 9 14 0 spending two minutes watch- Philadelphia 010 000 001 — 2 5 0 ing a replay, the first at Miller Florida 310 001 100 — 6 11 0 Milwaukee 111 500 00x — 8 9 0 a-popped out for Happ in the 5th. b-popped out Park since baseball instituted for Wolf in the 7th. c-grounded into a fielder’s the system late last August. a-struck out for Penn in the 6th. b-singled for choice for Taschner in the 7th. d-was announced Jo.Baker in the 7th. c-grounded out for Villanueva for Condrey in the 9th. e-struck out for Stairs in the “We just got together and in the 8th. LOB: Florida 7, Milwaukee 6. 2B: 9th. LOB: Los Angeles 9, Philadelphia 8. 2B: Pierre looked at replay and the ball Ha.Ramirez (12), Amezaga (3). 3B: Weeks (2), (6), Furcal (6), Hudson 2 (14), Ruiz 2 (3). HR: Loney Hardy (1). HR: Coghlan (1), off Looper; Jo.Baker (1), off Moyer; Blake (7), off Condrey; Rollins (2), off was foul,” plate umpire and (4), off Looper; Weeks (9), off Nolasco. RBIs: TOM MIHALEK / AP Wolf; Ibanez (10), off Ohman. RBIs: Hudson (21), Coghlan 3 (3), Cantu (33), Jo.Baker (15), Helms (5), Loney 4 (25), Blake 3 (21), Wolf (3), Rollins (11), crew chief Gary Darling said. Dodgers CF Matt Kemp dove to make a catch on a ball hit by Phillies slugger Ryan Howard in the eighth inning. Kemp also had two hits in the game. Weeks 2 (24), Counsell 2 (6), Fielder 2 (31), Hardy Ibanez (26). SB: Pierre 2 (5). S: Wolf. SF: Blake. “Pretty simple.” (18), Looper (1). S: Nolasco, Looper. SF: Coghlan, Runners left in scoring position: Los Angeles Said Gload: “They got it Counsell. Runners left in scoring position: 6 (Ethier 3, Furcal, Wolf, Loretta); Philadelphia 3 Florida 3 (Cantu, Gload, Uggla); Milwaukee 4 PHILADELPHIA—All that was missing pitched. hit hard. I guess I have to be mistake- (Moyer, Utley, Victorino). DP: Philadelphia 1 (Feliz, right.” (Looper, Hardy 2, Weeks). was the Wolf Pack. “There’s a lot of moments here, that’s free.” Utley, Howard). Brewers manager Ken Macha Florida IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Randy Wolf dominated his former for sure,” Wolf said. The Dodgers, who have the best Los Angeles IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA said he believed the crew would Nolasco L, 2-4 3 2⁄3 7 8 8 2 3 69 7.78 team, James Loney homered and drove Jimmy Rollins and Raul Ibanez hit record in the N.L. at 23-12, won for the Wolf W, 2-1 6 3 1 1 3 8 113 2.77 have reversed the call even Penn 1 1⁄3 1 0 0 3 2 35 6.60 Troncoso 1 1⁄3 1 0 0 1 0 23 2.08 Meyer 1 0 0 0 0 3 16 1.88 in four runs and the Los Angeles Dodg- solo homers for the Phillies, who got second time in six games without sus- Ohman 2⁄3 1 1 1 0 0 8 5.73 without replay and Looper and Ja.McDonald 1⁄3 0 0 0 1 0 8 6.75 Calero 1 1 0 0 0 0 25 1.53 ers beat the 9-2 another poor outing from Jamie Moyer pended slugger Manny Ramirez. Leach 2⁄3 0 0 0 0 1 8 10.80 Marlins manager Fredi Gonza- Pinto 1 0 0 0 0 1 11 1.15 Wednesday night. (3-3). Moyer breezed through the first three Philadelphia IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA lez also agreed the play wasn’t Milwaukee IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Moyer L, 3-3 4 1⁄3 8 7 7 1 1 87 8.15 Looper W, 3-2 6 8 5 5 1 6 100 4.70 Wolf (2-1) allowed one run and three The 46-year-old Moyer still needs one innings, allowing just one hit. But the Happ 2⁄3 1 0 0 1 0 16 2.75 that close. Coffey H, 5 2⁄3 1 1 1 1 0 21 3.63 hits, striking out eight in six sharp victory to become the oldest pitcher to Dodgers got five runs off him in the Taschner 2 2 0 0 2 1 38 4.50 “I knew it was foul, I think Stetter H, 6 2⁄3 1 0 0 0 1 15 3.09 Condrey 2 3 2 2 0 2 40 2.84 Villanueva H, 5 2⁄3 1 0 0 0 0 12 5.29 innings in his second career start against reach 250 wins. He allowed seven runs fourth to take a 5-1 lead. the home plate umpire knew it Hoffman S, 7-7 1 0 0 0 0 0 8 0.00 the Phillies. Wolf spent his first eight and eight hits in 4 1/3 innings, while his The Dodgers chased Moyer in the Ohman pitched to 1 batter in the 9th. Inherited was foul, too, right away,” runners-scored: Ohman 1-0, Leach 1-0, Inherited runners-scored: Penn 2-2, Stetter years in Philadelphia, leaving after the ERA rose to 8.15. fifth. Happ 2-2. HBP: by Moyer (Pierre). WP: Leach. Looper said. “From where I 2-1. Umpires: Home, Gary Darling; First, Bruce 2006 season. His fan club called itself “I don’t really feel frustrated,” Moyer “I don’t think he’s right,” Phillies Umpires: Home, Bob Davidson; First, ; was looking, it looked four or Dreckman; Second, Bill Hohn; Third, Angel Cam- Second, Mark Carlson; Third, Tim Tschida. T: 3:22. pos. T: 3:14. A: 32,825 (41,900). the Wolf Pack and used to sit in the said. “I’m not making pitches I’d like to manager Charlie Manuel said. A: 45,273 (43,647). five feet foul.” bleachers wearing masks when he make. Every mistake I make has gotten — The Associated Press — The Associated Press SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 20 AMERICAN LEAGUE

N.Y. Yankees 8, Toronto 2 Gardner’s first big-league homer backs Pettitte

TORONTO—With and homer. “I just gave him a handshake Yankees 8, Blue Jays 2 sidelined by nagging and then everyone started saying it New York AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Damon dh 5 2 2 1 0 2 .323 injuries, man- was his first one and I got real excited Swisher rf 5 0 0 0 0 2 .252 ager figured his team for him. There’s not many better feel- Teixeira 1b 4 1 2 2 0 1 .202 A.Rodriguez 3b 2 0 0 0 3 1 .188 would need to scratch out some runs ings than your first home run.” Berroa 3b 0 0 0 0 0 0 .167 Wednesday night. Gardner’s teammates presented Cano 2b 5 1 2 1 0 0 .317 Me.Cabrera lf 5 1 1 0 0 0 .326 The three rookies at the bottom of him with a dummy memento ball, Gardner cf 3 2 2 3 1 0 .233 the lineup proved him wrong. spelling his name wrong, writing the R.Pena ss 4 1 1 0 0 2 .280 Cervelli c 4 0 1 1 0 1 .267 hit his first major wrong date and saying the homer Totals 37 8 11 8 4 9 league homer and finished with was a solo shot, not a two-run drive. Toronto AB R H BI BB SO Avg. three RBIs in New York’s 8-2 victory He said the real one will go into his Scutaro ss 3 0 1 0 2 0 .271 over the , sending trophy case alongside his first career A.Hill 2b 2 1 0 0 0 1 .352 Jo.McDonald 2b 3 0 1 0 0 0 .231 to his first win in four hit. Rios rf 4 0 1 0 1 0 .257 starts. Teixeira finished 2 for 4 with a V.Wells cf 4 0 1 0 0 1 .276 Lind dh 3 0 0 0 1 0 .321 “I thought we might have to score double and two RBIs, raising his Rolen 3b 4 1 2 0 0 0 .325 runs in a little bit different fashion, average to .202. Millar 1b 3 0 0 0 1 1 .309 Barajas c 4 0 1 1 0 0 .307 especially at the bottom of the order,” “One of the best things about Bautista lf 3 0 0 0 1 0 .311 Girardi said. “Those guys kept hit- tonight was Tex,” Girardi said. Totals 33 2 7 1 6 3 ting triples.” “That’s the Tex we’re used to seeing New York 050 120 000 — 8 11 2 Making his second straight start most of the time. He’s not going to do Toronto 100 100 000 — 2 7 0 in place of Jeter (right oblique), rookie it every night but that’s the type of E: Cano (2), R.Pena (3). LOB: New York 7, Ramiro Pena tripled and scored from hitter he is.” Toronto 10. 2B: Damon (8), Teixeira (5), Cano (9), Me.Cabrera (5), Scutaro (6), V.Wells (10), Rolen the eighth spot. Right behind him, Every Yankees starter except right (9). 3B: Damon (2), Gardner (1), R.Pena (1). HR: rookie Francisco Cervelli fielder reached base Gardner (1), off Richmond. RBIs: Damon (26), Teixeira 2 (19), Cano (19), Gardner 3 (7), Cervelli picked up his first career RBI as the safely at least once. Besides Swisher, (1), Barajas (20). CS: Scutaro (2). SF: Teixeira. Yankees finished with 11 hits, includ- the only Yankees starter not to get a Runners left in scoring position: New York 2 (Cano, Me.Cabrera); Toronto 7 (Rolen, Scutaro 2, ing eight for extra bases, and hit was , who went 0 Bautista, Millar, Rios 2). DP: New York 1 (Berroa, improved to 11-0 when holding their for 2 with three walks. Cano, Teixeira). opponent to three runs or less. Jeter has not played since Sunday New York IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA “It gives us a little boost,” Gardner because of a sore right oblique and Pettitte W, 3-1 6 5 2 1 4 2 106 4.00 Aceves 2 1 0 0 0 1 26 2.84 said of the big night by the bottom Girardi said he might not play again Albaladejo 1 1 0 0 2 0 18 5.29 third. “We’ve got a lot of interchange- until Friday. Matsui left Tuesday’s Toronto IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Richmond L, 4-2 1 2⁄3 7 5 5 2 2 58 4.28 able parts here.” game after one at-bat with a tight Wolfe 2 1⁄3 1 1 1 0 2 32 3.00 Batting in the seventh spot, Gard- right hamstring and is day to day. B.Murphy 2 3 2 2 1 2 42 3.18 League 1 0 0 0 1 1 17 4.86 ner hooked a 1-1 breaking ball over Pettitte (3-1) allowed two runs and Frasor 1 0 0 0 0 2 14 0.71 the wall in the right-field corner in five hits in six innings to win for the Camp 1 0 0 0 0 0 7 4.20 the second, then tripled and scored first time since April 21. Inherited runners-scored: Wolfe 2-0. WP: in the fifth. “They made it hard on me,” Pet- Richmond. Umpires: Home, Chuck Meriwether; First, Mike Reilly; Second, ; Third, Laz “At the time, I didn’t know that titte said. “By the sixth inning I was Diaz. T: 3:09. A: 20,164 (49,539). was his first one,” Yankees slugger running on fumes a little bit.” FRANK GUNN / AP said of Gardner’s — The Associated Press Along with his first homer, Brett Gardner, left, had a triple and three RBIs to lift the Yanks, who were missing Derek Jeter and Hideki Matsui. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 21 AMERICAN LEAGUE Texas 6, Seattle 5, 11 innings Tampa Bay 8, Baltimore 6 Blalock’s two-run double completes comeback Rays hold off O’s rally in 9th BALTIMORE—Troy Percival Rays 8, Orioles 6 Rangers 6, Mariners 5, 11 innings Tampa Bay AB R H BI BB SO Avg. ARLINGTON, TEXAS—Hank Blalock feasts Seattle AB R H BI BB SO Avg. watched the B.Upton cf 6 0 3 1 0 1 .179 on fastballs, and that’s what the Texas I.Suzuki rf 5 0 1 0 0 1 .308 erupt for four ninth-inning Crawford lf 3 0 0 0 0 0 .329 Jo.Lopez 2b 3 0 0 0 1 0 .242 Zobrist lf 2 0 2 1 1 0 .274 Rangers slugger got with the game on Griffey Jr. dh 5 0 0 0 0 2 .212 runs and knew he wouldn’t be Longoria 3b 6 0 0 0 0 2 .346 the line from closer Beltre 3b 5 2 1 1 0 1 .226 pitching in a save situation. C.Pena 1b 3 3 2 0 2 0 .262 Branyan 1b 4 1 2 1 0 1 .286 W.Aybar dh 3 1 1 1 2 0 .273 Brandon Morrow. Balentien lf 5 1 1 1 0 1 .296 Then the veteran closer felt Gross rf 5 1 1 1 0 1 .255 Blalock’s two-run double in the 11th Johjima c 4 1 2 2 1 0 .273 stronger than he had in two Iwamura 2b 5 0 2 0 0 0 .282 F.Gutierrez cf 4 0 0 0 1 2 .260 Bartlett ss 4 2 3 1 1 1 .369 inning rallied the streaking Rangers to Cedeno ss 4 0 1 0 0 2 .152 years, only to almost cough up Navarro c 3 1 1 2 0 1 .190 a 6-5 victory over the Mariners on Totals 39 5 8 5 3 10 a lopsided lead. Totals 40 8 15 7 6 6 Wednesday night. Texas AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Willie Aybar hit a tiebreak- Baltimore AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Wladimir Balentien’s RBI double in Kinsler 2b 3 1 0 0 3 0 .319 ing RBI single in the sixth B.Roberts 2b 4 2 2 2 1 1 .288 M.Young 3b 6 1 2 0 0 0 .344 Ad.Jones cf 3 0 2 1 0 0 .370 the top of the 11th had given the Mari- Hamilton cf 3 3 1 2 3 2 .243 inning and Tampa Bay beat the 1-Pie pr-cf 2 1 2 1 0 0 .206 ners a 5-4 lead. An.Jones rf 6 0 1 0 0 1 .300 8-6. Markakis rf 5 0 1 0 0 1 .344 Blalock dh 6 0 1 2 0 2 .252 Huff 1b 4 1 2 0 1 0 .275 In the bottom half, Michael Young led Byrd lf 4 1 1 0 1 1 .302 Jason Bartlett matched a Mora 3b 5 0 1 1 0 0 .254 off with a single off Morrow (0-2). Josh C.Davis 1b 5 0 1 1 0 2 .230 career high with his fifth homer Montanez lf 4 0 0 0 1 1 .220 Saltalamacchia c 4 0 2 0 1 1 .272 Wigginton dh 5 1 3 1 0 1 .222 Hamilton walked and one out later, Bla- Andrus ss 4 0 2 1 0 0 .281 of the season for the Rays, who Moeller c 3 0 0 0 0 0 .212 lock’s line drive one-hopped off the wall a-N.Cruz ph 1 0 0 0 0 1 .270 put together a big ninth against a-Zaun ph-c 1 0 0 0 0 0 .212 Vizquel ss 0 0 0 0 0 0 .371 C.Izturis ss 4 1 2 0 0 0 .255 in right-center, chasing home both run- Totals 42 6 11 6 8 10 Bob McCrory and held on after Totals 40 6 15 6 3 4 ners as teammates streamed out of the the Orioles rallied in the bot- Seattle 010 201 000 01 5 8 2 Tampa Bay 001 102 004 — 8 15 0 dugout in celebration. Texas 000 121 000 02 6 11 1 tom half. Bartlett and B.J. Baltimore 010 100 004 — 6 15 0 “It was great to get that hit off Mor- Upton finished with three hits One out when winning run scored. a-struck out a-flied out for Moeller in the 8th. 1-ran for row. The guy’s got some of the best stuff for Andrus in the 10th. E: Jo.Lopez (5), White each and Dioner Navarro had Ad.Jones in the 4th. LOB: Tampa Bay 13, Balti- in the league,” Blalock said. “I was look- (1), M.Young (3). LOB: Seattle 6, Texas 13. 2B: two RBIs. more 10. 2B: B.Upton (6), Zobrist (6), C.Pena 2 (8), Balentien (5), M.Young (13), An.Jones (7), Blalock B.Roberts (9), Huff (10), Wigginton (4), C.Izturis ing for a fastball I could jump on. We did TONY GUTIERREZ / AP (6). 3B: Andrus (3). HR: Beltre (2), off McCarthy; “It’s a good thing we got those (5). HR: Bartlett (5), off Bergesen; Wigginton a great job to grind it out for the win.” Josh Hamilton (32) slid into home safely to the joy of teammates and Rangers fans, ending the game. Johjima (2), off McCarthy; Branyan (8), off McCa- runs (in the ninth). It turned (2), off Niemann; B.Roberts (5), off Percival; Pie rthy; Hamilton (4), off Washburn. RBIs: Beltre (2), off Percival. RBIs: B.Upton (4), Zobrist (14), C.J. Wilson (2-2) pitched two innings (15), Branyan (16), Balentien (4), Johjima 2 (9), out we needed them,” Tampa W.Aybar (3), Gross (6), Bartlett (14), Navarro 2 (7), for the Rangers, who won for the ninth fourth-inning RBI single got the Rang- allowed four runs and seven hits in six Hamilton 2 (14), Blalock 2 (23), C.Davis (18), Bay’s Carl Crawford said. B.Roberts 2 (15), Ad.Jones (26), Pie (3), Mora (13), Andrus (8). SB: Johjima (1), Cedeno (1), M.Young Wigginton (11). SB: Bartlett (9), B.Roberts (5), time in their last 11 games. ers on the board, and Hamilton tied it at innings, striking out five and walking (3). CS: Saltalamacchia (1). S: Jo.Lopez, Branyan. Jeff Niemann (3-3) struggled C.Izturis (7). CS: Huff (2). S: Navarro. SF: Navarro. Young’s throwing error in the 11th 3 with his two-run shot in the fifth. four. Runners left in scoring position: Seattle 4 through five innings, but Runners left in scoring position: Tampa Bay 8 (Cedeno, Beltre, Griffey Jr., F.Gutierrez); Texas 7 (Bartlett, Longoria 4, B.Upton 2, Gross); Baltimore provided an opening for the Mariners to Hamilton homered for the second Washburn kept the Mariners in the (M.Young 3, Andrus 2, Kinsler, Byrd). DP: Texas 1 picked up his third victory in 5 (Mora, Markakis 2, Moeller 2). DP: Tampa Bay 1 score the go-ahead run, but Young got a time in as many nights after returning game against a lineup that leads the (C.Wilson, Andrus, C.Davis). four decisions. The righthander (Shouse, Bartlett, C.Pena). chance to redeem himself in the bottom from a 13-game stint on the disabled list majors in homers on a night when the Seattle IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA allowed two runs. Tampa Bay IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA of the inning. due to a pulled ribcage muscle. wind was blowing hard to right field. Washburn 6 7 4 4 4 5 110 3.11 Baltimore’s Adam Jones left Niemann W, 3-3 5 8 2 2 3 2 88 5.35 Aardsma 1 1⁄3 1 0 0 2 2 33 1.72 Cormier H, 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 15 2.39 “I didn’t give one thought to it,” Young Branyan’s two-out solo shot in the “They’re a very good hitting ballclub, White 1 2⁄3 0 0 0 1 2 23 2.93 with a mild right hamstring Shouse H, 4 1 1 0 0 0 0 14 3.86 said. “I was getting ready to have a good sixth put Seattle back in front, but rookie especially with the wind howling out Olson 1 1 0 0 0 1 22 2.57 strain after hitting an RBI sin- Wheeler H, 5 1 1 0 0 0 1 11 6.23 Morrow L, 0-2 BS, 1-7 1⁄3 2 2 2 1 0 16 Percival 1⁄3 4 4 4 0 0 19 6.00 at-bat. If I start thinking about some- Elvis Andrus’ two-out RBI triple in the like that,” Washburn said. 6.75 gle in the fourth and was Howell S, 1-3 2⁄3 1 0 0 0 0 12 3.00 thing that happened earlier in the ball- sixth tied the game at 4. In an effort to energize his lineup, Texas IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA replaced by pinch-runner Felix Baltimore IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA McCarthy 7 5 4 4 1 7 105 5.92 Bergesen L, 1-1 5 2⁄3 9 4 4 1 3 96 5.27 game, good or bad, I’m not giving it my Andrus also came up with a spectacu- Seattle manager Don Wakamatsu made Guardado 2⁄3 1 0 0 0 1 9 6.75 Pie, who took over in center. Pie C.Ray 1 1⁄3 1 0 0 1 2 21 6.35 best effort.” lar defensive play with a runner on first two changes, giving Ronny Cedeno his O’Day 1 1⁄3 0 0 0 1 2 23 0.84 was supposed to have been Walker 1⁄3 2 0 0 0 0 5 2.70 Adrian Beltre, Kenji Johjima and Rus- and two out in the eighth, ranging third start of the season at in C.Wilson W, 2-2 2 2 1 0 1 0 25 4.20 unavailable following a bout McCrory 1 2⁄3 3 4 4 4 1 48 9.00 sell Branyan homered for the Mariners, behind second base to glove Franklin place of slumping Yuniesky Betancourt, Inherited runners-scored: White 1-0, O’Day with food poisoning that caused Inherited runners-scored: Howell 1-1, C.Ray 1-0. PB: Johjima. Umpires: Home, Marvin 2-0, McCrory 2-0. IBB: off C.Ray (C.Pena), off who have lost eight of their last nine. Gutierrez’s sharp ground ball and and giving Balentien his 10th start in Hudson; First, John Hirschbeck; Second, Wally Bell; him to leave Tuesday’s game Bergesen (W.Aybar). WP: Bergesen, McCrory. Beltre and Johjima’s homers staked throwing out Gutierrez at first. left field for Endy Chavez. Third, . T: 3:29. A: 25,865 (49,170). after three innings. Umpires: Home, Tom Hallion; First, Jerry Craw- ford; Second, Phil Cuzzi; Third, . T: Seattle to a 3-0 lead before Chris Davis’ Mariners starter Jarrod Washburn — The Associated Press — The Associated Press 3:26. A: 13,237 (48,290). SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Baseball THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 22 AMERICAN LEAGUE Minnesota 14, Detroit 10, 13 innings Twins 14, Tigers 10, 13 innings Cleveland 4, Chicago White Sox 0 Detroit AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Granderson cf 6 2 3 0 1 0 .265 Polanco 2b 5 1 0 0 1 2 .262 Thomas lf-rf 7 1 2 0 0 1 .345 Lee dominates White Sox again Crede ends it with one grand swing Mi.Cabrera 1b 4 2 1 3 2 1 .361 Ordonez rf 5 1 1 0 0 2 .239 J.Anderson lf 1 0 0 0 0 1 .316 Larish dh 3 2 1 1 2 1 .267 CLEVELAND—With the bases Indians 4, White Sox 0 1-Raburn pr-dh 1 0 1 0 0 0 .095 Chicago AB R H BI BB SO Avg. MINNEAPOLIS—Joe Crede thrust both arms in Inge 3b 5 1 3 2 1 1 .284 loaded and two outs in the sixth J.Nix 2b-rf 4 0 1 0 0 0 .300 Everett ss 6 0 2 2 0 1 .286 the air once the ball was safely in the seats, as Sardinha c 4 0 0 0 0 1 .077 inning, Cliff Lee threw a called Podsednik lf-cf 4 0 2 0 0 0 .273 much a sign of relief as celebration while he b-Laird ph-c 2 0 0 0 0 0 .202 third strike past Jermaine Dye, Dye rf 3 0 0 0 0 2 .283 Totals 49 10 14 8 7 11 Getz 2b 1 0 0 0 0 0 .256 began his game-ending trot around the who then flipped his bat and Konerko 1b 4 0 1 0 0 1 .303 bases. Minnesota AB R H BI BB SO Avg. slammed his helmet to the Pierzynski c 4 0 0 0 0 2 .289 Span lf-cf 5 1 1 2 1 2 .295 Fields 3b 4 0 0 0 0 2 .235 It took 13 innings, four hours and 48 min- Tolbert 2b 5 2 2 2 0 1 .231 ground. Betemit dh 3 0 0 0 1 2 .257 Mauer dh 5 1 1 1 2 0 .463 Al.Ramirez ss 3 0 3 0 0 0 .223 utes, but Crede’s two-out, two-strike grand Morneau 1b 6 2 2 2 1 1 .315 It was the hardest contact the Lillibridge cf 2 0 0 0 0 1 .154 slam gave the a 14-10 vic- Cuddyer rf 6 1 2 0 1 0 .275 White Sox made all day. a-Quentin ph-lf 1 0 0 0 0 0 .235 Crede 3b 7 1 2 4 0 0 .237 Totals 33 0 7 0 1 10 tory over the Tigers just before midnight B.Harris ss 5 2 3 0 1 1 .309 Lee extended his mastery Wednesday—long after Dontrelle Willis Redmond c 6 1 2 0 0 0 .250 over Chicago with seven strong Cleveland AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Gomez cf 1 1 0 1 1 0 .214 Sizemore cf 4 0 1 1 0 1 .228 made his first start of the season for Detroit. a-Kubel ph-lf 3 1 2 2 0 0 .318 innings, outpitching Mark A.Cabrera 2b 4 0 0 0 0 0 .318 2-Punto pr 0 1 0 0 0 0 .200 It has taken him about a month to get going, Totals 49 14 17 14 7 5 Buehrle in the Cleveland Indi- V.Martinez 1b 4 1 3 1 0 0 .385 but Crede is feeling comfortable with his new ans’ 4-0 victory Wednesday. Choo rf 4 0 1 0 0 3 .265 Detroit 000 212 400 000 1 10 14 1 Peralta ss 4 1 1 0 0 0 .246 team. He’s hitting .237, but fitting in fine. Minnesota 201 103 020 000 5 14 17 0 The Indians took two of three Garko dh 4 1 1 2 0 1 .272 “These guys have been great so far this from Chicago, their second Carroll 3b 3 0 0 0 0 0 .000 Two outs when winning run scored. a-homered LaPorta lf 2 1 1 0 1 0 .222 year. It’s going to be fun to see what this team for Gomez in the 8th. b-grounded out for Sardinha series win this season. They Shoppach c 2 0 0 0 0 2 .217 in the 10th. 1-ran for Larish in the 9th. 2-ran for Totals 31 4 8 4 1 7 can do,” said Crede, who has 15 hits, 10 RBIs Kubel in the 13th. E: Mi.Cabrera (4). LOB: Detroit also won two of three against and four homers in his last 12 games. 8, Minnesota 8. 2B: Thomas (2), Ordonez (2), Kansas City at home April Chicago 000 000 000 — 0 7 0 Tolbert (2), B.Harris (3). 3B: Granderson (1), Span Cleveland 100 210 00x — 4 8 0 This was his seventh career grand slam. (2). HR: Inge (9), off Perkins; Mi.Cabrera (8), off 21-23. He hit one in 2002 with the Chicago White Guerrier; Larish (4), off Guerrier; Morneau (9), off Lee (2-5) hadn’t won since the a-flied out for Lillibridge in the 7th. LOB: Chicago Willis; Kubel (5), off Zumaya; Crede (5), off Lyon. 7, Cleveland 5. 2B: LaPorta (1). HR: V.Martinez Sox that ended a game, too. RBIs: Mi.Cabrera 3 (25), Larish (5), Inge 2 (22), Yankee Stadium opener April (7), off Buehrle; Garko (2), off Buehrle. RBIs: Everett 2 (14), Span 2 (18), Tolbert 2 (2), Mauer The middle innings of this game featured a (13), Morneau 2 (28), Crede 4 (13), Gomez (2), 16 and he began the day tied for Sizemore (24), V.Martinez (21), Garko 2 (14). S: flurry of back-and-forth rallies. Then both Kubel 2 (19). SB: Granderson (5), Everett (2). S: the A.L. lead in losses despite a Shoppach. Runners left in scoring position: Polanco, Span, Tolbert. SF: Tolbert, Gomez. Run- Chicago 4 (Dye 2, Quentin 2); Cleveland 2 (Choo, teams stopped hitting until the Twins ners left in scoring position: Detroit 4 (Polanco, 1.70 ERA in his last five starts. A.Cabrera). GIDP: Lillibridge. DP: Cleveland 1 mounted their final push. Matt Tolbert’s Sardinha, Granderson, Ordonez); Minnesota 3 The four runs Cleveland scored (Carroll, A.Cabrera, V.Martinez). (Cuddyer, Crede, Redmond). DP: Detroit 2 (Willis, single that Josh Anderson nearly caught but Everett), (Everett, Polanco, Mi.Cabrera); Minnesota Wednesday doubled its output Chicago IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA 3 (Nathan, B.Harris, Morneau), (Tolbert, Morneau), Buehrle L, 5-1 7 7 4 4 1 6 98 3.00 trapped in left field tied it at 10 against Bran- (B.Harris, Tolbert, Morneau). in Lee’s previous four starts Linebrink 1 1 0 0 0 1 21 0.75 don Lyon (1-3), who walked Michael Cuddyer combined. Cleveland IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Detroit IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Cl.Lee W, 2-5 7 6 0 0 1 9 113 3.00 to load the bases before Crede came up. Willis 4 2⁄3 8 4 4 2 0 87 7.71 “He’s been about as good as R.Betancourt 1 1 0 0 0 0 12 4.91 Crede almost ended the game in the 12th Miner 2⁄3 1 2 2 2 0 23 4.98 we’ve seen him. He’s been very K.Wood 1 0 0 0 0 1 10 6.00 Seay BS, 2-2 1 1 1 1 0 0 21 2.45 against Lyon, but that drive was caught by Zumaya BS, 1-1 2 2⁄3 3 2 2 0 3 47 2.08 consistent,” Indians manager Umpires: Home, Mike DiMuro; First, James Hoye; Rodney 1 0 0 0 0 1 17 4.85 Curtis Granderson with his shoulder against Lyon L, 1-3 2 2⁄3 4 5 5 3 1 60 6.89 Eric Wedge said. “He’s gone Second, Dale Scott; Third, Jerry Meals. T: 2:23. A: the wall in center field. Lyon threw 60 pitches Minnesota IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA through a stretch here where 23,884 (45,199). Perkins 5 1⁄3 5 5 5 4 4 83 4.27 over 2 2/3 innings. Ayala 2⁄3 2 2 2 1 0 17 5.63 we haven’t scored any runs for Manager Jim Leyland, his voice rising with Guerrier BS, 1-1 1⁄3 2 2 2 0 1 6 4.42 him, but he hasn’t given in to Dickey 1 2⁄3 2 0 0 1 2 24 4.50 the cigarette smoke in his office before the Nathan 1 0 0 0 1 1 11 1.38 that.” Mijares 2 1 0 0 0 2 22 2.89 game, declared Tuesday’s 6-2 defeat the most Crain W, 2-1 2 2 1 1 0 1 25 8.10 Lee struck out a season-high disappointed he’s been in the Tigers all sea- nine while working out of two Ayala pitched to 2 batters in the 7th. Inherited son—citing too many missed opportunities runners-scored: Miner 1-0, Seay 2-2, Guerrier bases-loaded jams and has by his offense. He was worked up in the sev- 2-2. IBB: off Lyon (Morneau), off Dickey (Mi. pitched 20 consecutive score- Cabrera). WP: Perkins 2. Balk: Crain. Umpires: enth, too, drawing an ejection after rushing Home, Paul Schrieber; First, Paul Nauert; Second, less innings against the Joe West; Third, Ed Rapuano. T: 4:48. A: 22,178 to scream at plate umpire Paul Schrieber. JIM MONE / AP (46,632). White Sox dating to July 1. — The Associated Press Joe Crede’s grand slam in the 13th was the second time in his career he won a game with a slam. — The Associated Press SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NFL THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 23 Scouts’ views Receiver rankings: Fitzgerald, Johnson rise above the rest

Some of the NFL’s best wide receivers Lee Evans, Bills. Owens’ arrival midseason, Williams played out Brandon Marshall, Broncos. make headlines for the wrong reasons: Off- should allow Evans to see of position at flanker and was Marshall (hip surgery) will field troubles, contract squabbles, trade 8. 17. requests and bad attitudes. But despite all favorable coverage. Evans has deep hampered by a foot injury in not be ready to practice until well the whining, crying and complaining, this speed, and his improved route- ’08. Back in good health and at into the summer, meaning he likely group includes some of the greatest pure running provides more opportuni- split end, Owens’ old spot, we will struggle early in the season. athletes to ever play the game. ties after the catch. expect better things. Plus, we’re not sold on QBs Kyle RealScouts, SN Today’s team of for- Orton or Chris Simms. mer NFL scouts, rank their top 20 wide receivers: Greg Jennings, Packers. After Donald Driver, Packers. 9. proving to be a big-time 13. Driver, 34, is a polished T.J. Houshmandzadeh, playmaker in ’07 with 12 touch- receiver who consistently deliv- 18. Seahawks. Houshmandza- Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals. If there downs, he put up great numbers in ers. Over the past seven seasons, deh produced well on a bad team 1. were any questions about ’08: 1,292 yards on 80 catches. QB Driver has missed just two games in Cincinnati, but he is not a Fitzgerald’s place at the top of this Aaron Rodgers will be better in his and only once had fewer than 70 big-play threat or even a big list, his incredible postseason run second year as a starter, too. catches. red-zone target. Despite making should have convinced doubters. 92 catches in ’08, he averaged less He had 30 catches for 546 yards Steve Smith, Panthers. Smith Marques Colston, Saints. than 10 yards per catch and and seven in four 10. had eight 100-yard games 14. Colston is the featured scored just four times. postseason games, averaging 18.2 in ’08, including a career-high receiver in a pass-happy attack. He yards per catch despite many 18.2-yard average despite constant finished strong last year, but , Steelers. TV double-teams. DAVID KADLUBOWSKI / AP double-teams. As long as Smith coming off a season in 19. analysts talk mostly about SN scouts are giving Larry Fitzgerald, center, his due after a remarkable postseason run. remains healthy, his route-running ’07, he struggled with injuries and his team-first attitude and down- Andre Johnson, Texans. Johnson is skills and aggressiveness will inconsistency last year. field blocking, but it shouldn’t be 2. the only player who can chal- Anquan Boldin, Cardinals. Boldin is Terrell Owens, Bills. If the Bills, as make him one of the NFL’s most lost that he had 81 catches last lenge Fitzgerald. He led the league in 4. big and physical working the 6. reported, move toward a productive playmakers. Roddy White, Falcons. White season and turned in his first receptions and receiving yards in ’08 underneath routes and the middle three-wide, no-huddle attack, it 15. could be placed higher on 1,000-yard season in four years despite double-teams, umbrella of the field, and he makes plays could create even more mismatches Calvin Johnson, Lions. New this list, but he plays in a run-first while playing through a myriad of coverage and every other scheme after the catch. He might be the No. for Owens downfield. He’s still 11. offensive coordinator Scott offense. Plus, we want to see how injuries. defensive coordinators could fathom. 2 on the Cardinals, but he’d be No. 1 talented, but he turns 36 in Linehan is a proponent of the he performs with coverage rolled With a healthy Matt Schaub and an for almost every other NFL team. December. vertical passing game and likes to his way often this season. Wes Welker, Patriots. Welker’s improving line, Johnson could throw in the red zone. Both Daunte 20. ability to read coverage and overtake Fitzgerald in ’09. Randy Moss, Patriots. By Moss’ Braylon Edwards, Browns. Culpepper and Matthew Stafford Chad Johnson, Bengals. Some adjust routes makes him tough to 5. standards, 2008 was a down 7. Edwards is a big, physical have strong arms, but both are 16. say he is in decline, but he cover in the middle. But he lacks Reggie Wayne, Colts. Though his year. But that happens when the receiver who is hard to knock off inconsistent and the line is a work remains a good route-runner the size to work anywhere other 3. 1,145 yards was the mark of a NFL’s best quarterback gets hurt. his routes and has the physical in progress. capable of stretching the field. than the slot, and he’s not a threat “bad” year, Wayne still possesses Moss, 32, shows more savvy with tools to expose any cornerback. Johnson can return to the Pro in the red zone. the speed and route-running age now; he remains a deep threat Will the Browns keep him? Do the , Cowboys. In Bowl this year—if he gets his ability to dominate from anywhere and has learned to adjust routes Browns have a QB who can get him 12. addition to trying to mind right and has Carson — RealScouts analyze NFL and college players, coaches on the field. and make plays after the catch. the ball? learn a new offense in Palmer at 100 percent. and teams exclusively for Sporting News.

WEEKDAYS 10AM–1PM ET Listen on Sirius Satellite Radio Channel 127, online at SportingNews.com or check your local listings for broadcast times in your area. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NFL THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 24 Q&A with ... Hall of Fame WR Michael Irvin T.O. ‘helped Tony Romo stand up and become confident’

In his new Spike TV reality show called the expectations and the pressure. 4th and Long, Michael Irvin puts 12 Dallas What was your reaction He was on a team in Detroit where Cowboys hopefuls through the ultimate Q: to the collapse at the losing an average of 14 games was test for their last shot to make it in the NFL. Cowboys’ practice facility May the norm; with the Cowboys, a Irvin talked with Sporting News Today’s 2? You’re hosting a benefit, too, team with expecta- Vinnie Iyer about the series and the hot during the TV show’s premiere tions, there’s a higher responsibil- topics surrounding the Cowboys’ recent party, right? ity. Before, he could just get away practice-facility collapse, Terrell Owens’ It was scary. It’s a sad with making a few big plays. Now, departure and the Cowboys’ outlook for A: situation. My heart goes out not only does he need to make ‘09. to Rich Behm. For him to be those plays but he is expected to paralyzed with three young kids, I help lead the Cowboys to wins, How would you describe can’t imagine how tough that is. too. Q: 4th and Long? I’ve never experienced anything It’s the American Idol of the like that in practice, but I was once What do you think of the A: . laying on the hard carpet in Q: Cowboys’ “addition by Instead of a recording contract, the Philadelphia, thinking to myself I subtraction” moves this goal is a contract with the Dallas may never walk again. When we offseason? Cowboys. It’s the last opportunity debut the show in Dallas (today), We’ll have to see how things for those seeking a professional we will be continuing to raise A: play out. They shook up the career, who, for some reason, have money to help (Behm) and his locker room, and with the moves been overlooked in the past. family see through this. they made it’s clear they wanted to go back to being more of a team. It Are you running the How will Owens’ time as remains to be seen if the technique Q: show like an NFL Q: a Cowboy be of cutting down on talent for the training camp? remembered? sake of unity pays off. I have to, because there’s no I think T.O. in Dallas was a A: other way to show this is A: success. It would have been What will it take for the real football. You’re pushing people ideal for him to finish his career Q: Cowboys to meet their to go places that in their mind, they there and the team obviously promise as a Super Bowl- don’t know they can. There’s no TOM PENNINGTON / AP would have liked to win a Super caliber team? easy way to do that, except by Michael Irvin, center, says his new show, 4th and Long, is the American Idol of the National Football League. Bowl with him, but I wouldn’t call You really need to become a emphasizing the realness of it all. it a major failure or disappoint- A: football family to get You push hoping to pull the best Are you prepared to tell The hope is that he has learned a of sports and entertainment. ment. You look back to how much through the peaks and valleys of a out of them. Q: it like it is, a la Simon great deal about himself, whether he helped Tony Romo stand up and season. While you enjoy great Cowell or Donald Trump, when he pushed himself the hardest or How will 4th and Long become confident as a young highs, you need to be able to lean So the reward for you need to criticize or cut didn’t push enough. Q: give us a better quarterback, and overall it was a on your teammates to keep the Q: surviving your camp is players? appreciation of football good pairing for both. valleys tight and short. On my training camp with the There is only one way to go: Would you like to be in players? Cowboys teams, a rough spot was Cowboys? A: Keeping it real. In my Q: front of the camera Some only see the big You once were the usually only like two losses and we Unfortunately, after the ministry, I have talked about acting again? A: dollar-sign numbers, but Q: Cowboys’ No. 1 receiver. took the attitude of “let’s fix it” and A: tough days with me, the self-empowerment. Here I’m I enjoyed doing Burn Notice this is a look at the hard work What’s in front of Roy it brought us back quickly to the winner is in for tougher days. playing a part in ending a young A: and The Longest Yard, but it every day that is required to meet Williams? peaks. Hopefully, we’ll prepare them well man’s dream as he’s competing for would need to be the right oppor- the standards of the NFL. Very few Roy has experience as the for that. his last shot. Whether he makes it, tunity at the right time. This, what are willing to sacrifice so much and A: Lions’ No. 1 receiver, but it’s 4th and Long premieres on Spike TV on he should leave a better person. I’m doing now, I love doing, a mix work so hard for their dream. a whole lot different in Dallas with Monday, May 18 at 10 p.m. ET. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NFL THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 25

Remaining free agents DEFENSE 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 Taylor steps back to Miami to bolster pass rush (R-restricted free agent, F-franchise tagged player): Edwards, Oakland; , Denver; John Engelberger, Denver; Simon Fraser, Atlanta; Roderick Green, San Francisco; Travis MIAMI—Jason Taylor’s newest dance step has OFFENSE LaBoy, Arizona; Jayme Mitchell, Minnesota; Jerome McDougle, NY Giants; (F), Carolina; Anthony Weaver, Houston; him back where he started. —Brooks Bollinger, Dallas; Ken Dorsey, Cleveland; James Wyche, Jacksonville. Taylor, who turns 35 in September, signed a Gus Frerotte, Minnesota; Charlie Frye, Seattle; Drew Henson, Defensive tackles—Kenderick Allen, Minnesota; Gary Detroit; Quinn Gray, Kansas City; Trent Green, St. Louis; Rex Gross- $1.5 million, one-year contract Wednesday Gibson, Carolina; La’Roi Glover, St. Louis; Vonnie Holliday, with the , said his agent, Gary man, Chicago; Brad Johnson, Dallas; J.P. Losman, Buffalo; Jamie Miami; Antwan Lake, New Orleans; Langston Moore, Detroit; Martin, San Francisco; Craig Nall, Houston; Marques Tuiasosopo, Kindal Moorehead, Atlanta; Dewayne Robertson, Denver; Wichard. Oakland; Anthony Wright, NY Giants. , Pittsburgh; Hollis Thomas, New Orleans; Josh Taylor played his first 11 seasons with Miami Running backs—Darian Barnes, New Orleans; , Thomas, Indianapolis; John Thornton, Cincinnati; Darwin before being traded to the Washington Red- Denver; Brian Calhoun, Detroit; Jesse Chatman, NY Jets; P.J. Walker, Carolina; Ellis Wyms, Minnesota; Brian Young, New Daniels, Baltimore; Reuben Droughns, NY Giants; Warrick Dunn, skins—a fallout from his stint on the TV show Orleans; Jeff Zgonina, Houston. Dancing With the Stars. He was released by Tampa Bay; DeShaun Foster, San Francisco; Samkon Gado, St. Linebackers—Rufus Alexander, Indianapolis; Jason Babin, Louis; Nick Goings, Carolina; Ahman Green, Houston; Andre Hall, Kansas City; Rocky Boiman, Kansas City; Derrick Brooks, Tampa Washington in March after one injury-plagued Denver; Kay-Jay Harris, NY Giants; Maurice Hicks, Minnesota; Bay; Khary Campbell, Washington; Anthony Cannon, Detroit; season. Edgerrin James, Arizona; Rudi Johnson, Detroit; Deuce McAllister, Dan Cody, Baltimore; Rosevelt Colvin, New England; Donte’ New Orleans; Travis Minor, St. Louis; Chris Perry, Cincinnati; The also courted Tay- Curry, Carolina; Donnie Edwards, Kansas City; Keith Ellison (R), lor, who wanted to return to South Florida, Andrew Pinnock, Denver; Michael Pittman, Denver; P.J. Pope, Buffalo; Troy Evans, New Orleans; Gilbert Gardner, Chicago; Curtis Denver; Cecil Sapp, Houston; Aaron Stecker, New Orleans; Selvin Gatewood, Kansas City; Morlon Greenwood, Houston; Marques where he lives. Young, Denver. Harris, San Diego; , Minnesota; Abdul Hodge “My heart has always been in Miami, and so Wide receivers—Drew Bennett, St. Louis; Marty Booker, (R), Cincinnati; , Pittsburgh; Brad Kassell, NY Jets; I’m truly excited to call myself a Dolphin once Chicago; Drew Carter, Oakland; Jason Carter; Carolina; Keary Jason Kyle, Carolina; , Buffalo; Paris Lenon, Detroit; Colbert, Detroit; Jayson Foster, Denver; Malcom Floyd (R), San again,” Taylor said in a statement. “I was pre- Wesly Mallard, Seattle; Jim Maxwell, Cincinnati; Willie McGinest, sented with a number of different opportuni- Diego; D.J. Hackett, Carolina; Dante Hall, St. Louis; Marvin Cleveland; Marques Murrell (R), NY Jets; Ryan Nece, Detroit; Harrison, Indianapolis; Ike Hilliard, Tampa Bay; Darrell Jackson, Shantee Orr, Cleveland; Antwan Peek, Cleveland; Carlos Polk, ties, but in the end the combination of this Denver; Nate Jackson, Denver; Matt Jones, Jacksonville; Joe Dallas; Junior Seau, New England; Matt Sinclair, Washington; being the best situation for my family, my love Jurevicius, Cleveland; , Oakland; Brandon Lloyd, Gary Stills, St. Louis; Terrell Suggs (F), Baltimore; Dontarrious Chicago; Dane Looker, St. Louis; Anthony Mix, Tampa Bay; for this community and my tremendous loy- Thomas, Minnesota; Pisa Tinoisamoa, St. Louis; Marcus alty to a great organization made this an easy Ben Obomanu (R), Seattle; , Miami; Jerry Porter, Washington, Washington; Nate Webster, Denver. Jacksonville; Kevin Robinson, Kansas City; Koren Robinson, Cornerbacks—David Barrett, NY Jets; Dre’ Bly, Denver; Fakhir decision.” Seattle; Edell Shepherd, Denver; Travis Taylor, Detroit; Amani Brown, St. Louis; Terry Cousin, Cleveland; Jason Craft, St. Louis; Taylor made the Pro Bowl six times with Toomer, NY Giants; Kelley Washington, New England; Todd Travis Fisher, Detroit; Reynaldo Hill, Tennessee; Roderick Hood, Miami and was the NFL Defensive Player of Watkins (R), Oakland; Harry Williams, Houston; Reggie Wil- Arizona; William James, Jacksonville; Michael Lehan, New the Year in ’06. liams, Jacksonville; Wallace Wright (R), NY Jets. Orleans; , NY Giants; Ricky Manning Jr., St. Louis; Tight ends—Courtney Anderson, Houston; , Derrick Martin (R), Baltimore; Chris McAlister, Baltimore; Mike The Redskins released Taylor after he Denver; , Houston; Scott Chandler, San Diego; McKenzie, New Orleans; R.W. McQuarters, NY Giants; Deltha turned down a chance to play another season J. PAT CARTER / AP Owen Daniels (R), Houston; Nate Lawrie, Cincinnati; Michael O’Neal, New England; Dunta Robinson (F), Houston; Lewis with them for $8.5 million. Taylor didn’t like Dancing With the Stars played a part in Jason Taylor’s exit from Miami, but now the 35-year-old DE is back in the fold. Merritt, Kansas City; Chad Mustard, Denver; Jeff Robinson, Sanders, New England; Duane Starks, Jacksonville; Brandon Seattle; Derek Schouman (R), Buffalo; Stephen Spach (R), being away from his wife and three children Sumrall, NY Giants; DeJuan Tribble, San Diego; Jason Webster, last season and wanted to rejoin the Dolphins rather than spending the offseason working The calf injury hampered Taylor much of Arizona; Daniel Wilcox, Baltimore; Kris Wilson, San Diego. New England; Jimmy Williams, Houston; Stanley Wilson, Detroit. Offensive tackles—Tyson Clabo (R), Atlanta; Anthony Davis, Safeties—Oshiomogho Atogwe (F), St. Louis; Michael regardless of how much money they offered, out with teammates. Parcells traded Taylor for the season, and he struggled to fit into a Red- St. Louis; Jon Dunn, Detroit; Wayne Gandy, Atlanta; Kwame Boulware, Minnesota; Mike Brown, Chicago; John Busing, Wichard said. a pair of draft picks. skins’ defensive scheme that gave him less Harris, Oakland; Jonas Jennings, San Francisco; , Cincinnati; Oliver Celestin, Kansas City; Corey Chavous, St. “Jason told me, ‘Tell the Dolphins whatever The two have patched up their rift, however, freedom than he had with the Dolphins. He Cincinnati; James Marten (R), Oakland; Fred Miller, Chicago; Louis; Keith Davis, Dallas; Will Demps, Houston; Mike Doss, fits their budget, I’m ready to play,’ “ Wichard and Taylor raves about coach Tony Sparano, had only 3 1/2 for the Redskins, his lowest total Rob Petitti, St. Louis; Jon Runyan, Philadelphia; Ephraim Cincinnati; Hiram Eugene, Oakland; Mike Green, Washington; Salaam, Houston; Charles Spencer, Jacksonville; Barry Stokes, Rodney Harrison, New England; Terrence Holt, New Orleans; said. “There were no negotiations. It was who in his first season led the Dolphins to the since 1999. New England; Mark Tauscher, Green Bay; Mark Wilson (R), Dexter Jackson, Cincinnati; Sammy Knight, NY Giants; always going to be Miami.” AFC East title and their first playoff berth The Dolphins had little pass rush last season Oakland; Eric Young, Cleveland. Marquand Manuel, Denver; Marlon McCree, Denver; Lawyer Wichard says he also turned down a couple since 2001. aside from outside linebacker , who Guards—Lennie Friedman, Cleveland; Adrian Jones, Kansas Milloy, Atlanta; Jarrad Page (R), Kansas City; Pierson Prioleau, City; Pete Kendall, Washington; Matt Lentz, Detroit; Terrence of movie offers because Taylor didn’t want to While the Dolphins enjoyed a turnaround, led the AFC with 17 1/2 sacks. Taylor’s 120 1/2 Jacksonville; Chris Reis (R), New Orleans; Dwight Smith, be away from his family. Taylor has talked Taylor struggled to stay healthy after missing career sacks are the most among active play- Metcalf, Chicago; Edwin Mulitalo, Detroit; Chris Naeole, Detroit; Cameron Worrell, Chicago. Jacksonville; Tutan Reyes, Jacksonville; , NY often of a movie career after football and only four games with Miami. He sprained his ers, and he could line up opposite Porter this Giants; , Pittsburgh; Rob Sims (R), Seattle; SPECIAL TEAMS helped his Hollywood celebrity a year ago on knee during the Redskins’ preseason and hurt year. Jason Whittle, Buffalo. Dancing With the Stars. his calf in a win over Arizona on Sept. 21. Tay- Parcells didn’t select a pass rusher in the Centers—Brennen Carvalho, Green Bay; Jean-Philippe Darche, Kickers—John Carney, NY Giants; Matt Stover, Baltimore. But his success on the show soured his rela- lor required an operation to have blood drained April draft, a clear signal he was open to a Kansas City; Melvin Fowler, Buffalo; Matt Lehr, New Orleans; Punters—, Pittsburgh; Mike Dragosavich, Andy McCollum, Detroit; Jeremy Newberry, San Diego; Scott Indianapolis; Sam Koch (R), Baltimore; Kyle Larson, Cincinnati; tionship with new Dolphins boss Bill Parcells, from his calf and a second procedure a month reunion with Taylor. Peters, Arizona; Bryan Pittman, Houston; Cory Withrow, St. Louis. Ryan Plackemeier, Cincinnati. who fumed that Taylor was in California later. — The Associated Press SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NFL THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 26

INSIDE DISH Favre gets Sharper’s advice; Jets’ Washington grounded Brett Favre, a former Packer considering Nashville about his second-year desire: been here to work, and that’s been great for playing for the division rival Vikings, con- becoming league MVP as its leading rusher. us.” sulted a former teammate who once went To help Johnson, offensive coordinator Mike Palmer specifically cited WR Jerome Simp- through with that move: Saints S Darren Heimerdinger said he intends to increase John- son, a second-round pick in ’08, as a player Sharper. According to ESPN, the two spoke at son’s workload and get him the ball in more who has performed well. length about Favre’s possible comeback. ways. During the talks, Favre, 39, reportedly “There (are) places we can move him, The new $1.1 billion home of the Dallas admitted to Sharper that he felt that age when routes we can run with him, looks we can do Cowboys has a name, before it has a sponsor. sprinting down the length of a football field. with him that we held back last year because Owner Jerry Jones announced the venue in The meeting made Sharper more uncer- I thought I was stretching him too much.” Arlington, Texas, will be called Cowboys tain about Favre’s future. Last week, the Stadium. four-time Pro Bowl safety said in an inter- The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that view with Sirius NFL Radio that Favre was coach Andy Reid said he sees rookie RB LeSean Free-agent WR Kelley Washington has likely to play for Minnesota and was a good McCoy becoming the top backup to Brian West- impressed the Ravens enough. fit there. brook. In the same radio interview with WIP- FOXSports.com reported that Baltimore is AM 610 on Wednesday morning, Reid said it expected finalize a deal to sign Washington The Jets have been left with an empty was unlikely the team would re-sign 35-year- by Friday. The team also announced on backfield as their initial offseason practices old free-agent RT Jon Runyan, who has been Wednesday that OT Willie Anderson is going on are under way. Thomas Jones, who has been recovering from right knee surgery. the reserved/retired list. The 33-year-old missing team-related activities since mid- four-time Pro Bowler with the Bengals had March, has been joined by backup Leon Wash- The Bills and RB Fred Jackson agreed on a one injury-plagued season with the Ravens. ington as a no-show. four-year contract extension on Wednesday. According to the New York Daily News, the Jackson, originally an undrafted free agent The Packers look set at three of their four fourth-year back had been attending work- from Coe College, gained 888 yards from starting linebacker spots with A.J. Hawk, Nick outs with the hopes of getting extended. The scrimmage to complement fellow second- Barnett and Aaron Kampman. As for right outside, discussions are expected to progress this year back Marshawn Lynch last season. Jackson the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported Brady week. will likely have the upper hand on Dominic Poppinga is ready for a challenge from rookie Washington is entering the final year of Rhodes for starting duties while Lynch serves first-round pick Clay Matthews Jr. his rookie contract, worth $535,000 in a season-opening three-game suspension. 2009. He is believed to be seeking $5 million Dolphins CB , signed as a free annually. Last season, the Pro Bowl return WR Hakeem Nicks will need to work hard agent away from Arizona, told the Miami specialist gained 805 yards from scrimmage to prove he can start as a rookie. Newsday Herald that he feels he has an advantage over with 9 total touchdowns. reported Giants offensive coordinator Kevin rookies Vontae Davis and Sean Smith to earn a Gilbride has veterans Steve Smith and Domenik starting job in ’09. Former Colts coach Tony Dungy says JOHN RUSSELL / AP Hixon tabbed as the team’s starters heading wants a second chance when out Jets RB Leon Washington, above, has joined Thomas Jones as a no-show to offseason practices. into training camp. The oldest son of of prison. Dungy met with Vick last week at coach Andy Reid has returned to prison. Garrett the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, town, Dungy also visited the Colts’ practice Tampa Bay will cut Griese by the end of the QB Carson Palmer, after six weeks of the Reid’s lawyer, Timothy Woodward, said Wednes- Kan., where Vick is serving a 23-month sen- complex to reconnect with former colleagues week. McCown told the St. Petersburg Times Bengals’ offseason workouts, says the team is day the 26-year-old Villanova man was in an tence for bankrolling a dogfighting and friends. he feels confident he will be No. 1 come Week more harmonious and more focused even altercation at a Philadelphia halfway house. conspiracy. 1. “This has been a long time coming for me though WR Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson has been Reid was sentenced to two years in a state Speaking Wednesday at a workshop in Brian Griese is out of the Bucs’ QB compe- and I’m not letting anybody take it from me. absent. drug rehabilitation program in July after Indianapolis for offenders seeking jobs, tition. With Luke McCown the front-runner and “Definitely by far it’s been the best offsea- being caught with 89 prescription pills at the Dungy compared Vick’s situation as he nears the team signing and drafting After making the Pro Bowl as a rookie, son program since I’ve been here,” Palmer Montgomery County Prison. his release from prison to theirs. While in Josh Freeman, FOXSports.com reported Titans RB Chris Johnson told The Tennessean of told the Cincinnati Enquirer. “Everyone has SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com College Basketball THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 27 One year with Mayo could prove costly for Floyd, USC

There isn’t a whole lot about O.J. Mayo’s After Mayo spent his one season with coaches to be almost radioactive. It’s not one season with the Southern California the Trojans, leading them to a 21-12 record hard for the public to discern which play- Trojans that is easy to believe. He aver- and an NCAA Tournament appearance ers fit that description. When multiple aged 20.7 points and 3.3 assists, and shot (a first-round loss), Johnson told ESPN’s schools withdraw from recruiting a 40.9 percent from 3-point range. Sporting Outside The Lines program that Guillory McDonald’s All-American or an elite News named him all-freshman and the had been paid hundreds of thousands of prospect has a hard time finding a school Pac-10 chose him to its all-conference first dollars to deliver Mayo to an agent and that will take him, it’s fairly obvious. team. There is docu- Guillory had shared some of that bounty There were people at UCLA who won- mentation to support all with Mayo while he was a college dered if they’d done the right thing in of that. The rest? student. excusing themselves from the pursuit of Lots of papers printed Right there, USC was harangued by 6-11 forward Renardo Sidney a few the story Trojans coach the media for failing to keep a close watch months back. The Bruins’ concerns got a Tim Floyd told about on Mayo, even though the clothes and strange sort of validation when the rival how one Rodney Guil- flat-screen TV he allegedly was given are Trojans, even after gaining his commit- lory walked into his common in college dorms these days. ment, passed on signing him. Mike DeCourcy office and asked, before The USC basketball program already Kansas coach Bill Self looked pretty COLLEGE BASKETBALL USC had made any seri- was under investigation regarding those smooth when he put the pursuit of Lance ous recruiting over- charges when Johnson threw an acceler- Stephenson on hold until the NCAA could tures, if he’d like to have ant on a burning fire with the payoff determine whether the star New York Mayo play for his team. Reporters wrote charges against Floyd—which Johnson wing—subject of an Internet documen- it because Floyd was a credible source has repeated to federal investigators and tary called Born Ready—would be eligible. and it was a great tale, but did anyone the NCAA before revealing them to Immediately afterward, the coaching really buy that? reporters from Yahoo! Sports. And change at Memphis made elite wing The NCAA approved Mayo’s eligibility whether or not the allegations make Xavier Henry of Oklahoma City available. to compete as a freshman with the Tro- sense, whether or not they’re true, Floyd KU signed him and exited the pursuit of jans, essentially certifying him as an has become engulfed by those flames. His Stephenson. amateur athlete. Did that ever compute? career will be profoundly impacted. It once seemed as though Southern Now, former sportswriter Louis John- “It’s like the lottery. It’s a dollar and a California and Floyd didn’t have much to son has alleged Floyd handed Guillory an dream,” said Marc Isenberg, whose book lose in signing Mayo. If the NCAA cleared envelope containing $1,000—presum- Money Players is a guide for young athletes him, the Trojans would have themselves ably as a reward for keeping Mayo on dealing with issues of amateurism and a fabulous scoring guard. He wouldn’t track to attend USC—on a busy Southern professionalism. “These are the program- even be on campus for a year before leav- California street that is almost within changers, and it’s very difficult to turn ing for the NBA, which wouldn’t leave walking distance of the UCLA campus. your back on these types of players— much time for things to go wrong. If the Seriously? knowing that if you don’t take them, NCAA said no, well, it’s not as though the It’s hard to locate much innocence in the somebody else will. Trojans would have missed on a similar whole Mayo-goes-to-college saga, but it’s “These guys have an artificial market player to take him. There are only so even more challenging to find some truth. value of zero and a true value of some- many Mayos in a decade of college basket- It’s easy to spot the moral to the story, thing greater. Even if we want them to be ball, let alone one recruiting class. though: Colleges and their coaches take a amateurs and we want them to follow the All that seemed like a pretty safe plan substantial risk if they merely close their rules, the underground economy is going when Mayo arrived on the USC campus eyes, toss their recruits’ amateurism to kick in.” bearing the NCAA’s stamp of approval. issues at the NCAA and force the organi- It is not easy for any program recruit- Now it’s apparent those 20 points a game zation to determine whether the players ing from the top of the recruiting lists to carried a pretty steep price, one way or can compete. Even if the NCAA initially find prospects that are entirely unspoiled, the other. DEAN HARE / AP approves, there still can be repercussions. but particular players are considered by [email protected] Tim Floyd welcomed O.J. Mayo and his program-changing potential to Southern Cal, but his methods are in question. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com College Basketball / College Football THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 28

COLLEGE BASKETBALL COLLEGE FOOTBALL INSIDE DISH INSIDE DISH ACC rejects conference schedule increase Marve likely to pick Vols or Purdue A proposal to increase the num- Tennessee has emerged as a sur- ber of ACC conference games from Utah has rewarded coach Jim prise candidate for the services of 16 to 18 failed Wednesday at the Boylen with a raise and new contract former Miami QB Robert Marve, who league meetings. after just two years on the job. is expected to transfer to a new The measure would have made Boylen has signed a five-year deal school as soon as next week. scheduling easier and reduced the that will pay him $850,000 annu- A source told Sporting News number of payout games for ACC ally with potential for $1 million Today on Wednesday that Marve schools. But Karl Hicks, the confer- with incentives. is deciding between walking on ence’s associate commissioner for Boylen has gone 42-25 in two sea- with the Vols or accepting a schol- men’s basketball, said coaches sons at Utah. Although Boylen had arship at Purdue. wanted to keep their options flexi- three years remaining on his origi- According to The Tampa Tri- ble for lining up strong intersec- nal contract, which paid him bune, Marve is leaning toward tional games. $575,000 a year, athletic director Tennessee. The story was first “The basketball coaches were ED REINKE / AP Chris Hill said he wanted to retain reported by ESPN.com, which unanimous in wanting to continue John Calipari would like to see UK play some Boylen with the new deal, which quoted Eugene Marve as saying that to be able to schedule intersectional powerhouses at neutral sites. keeps him in Utah through 2014. a new school had emerged as a games,” Hicks told reporters. “If possible destination for his son. they went to more conference year. He played parts of three sea- Washington State coach Ken Marve would have to pay for ALAN DIAZ / AP games, it might dampen that and it sons for the Chicago Bulls, along Bone has signed a seven-year con- his first year at Tennessee because Former Miami QB Robert Marve is leaning toward being a walk-on at Tennessee, might impact the number of teams with stints for Utah and Golden tract with starting pay of $650,000 Miami refused to release him according to one report. we get to the (NCAA) tournament, State. per year, plus incentives. The con- from his scholarship to transfer given that we have the highest RPI As a junior in 1995, LaRue became tract was released Wednesday after there. Hurricanes officials are ing from a dispute outside a Pitts- loss to Mississippi. rating in the country.” the second athlete in ACC history to The Associated Press requested it believed to feel that several SEC burgh nightclub. play football, basketball and base- under the state’s open records schools, including the Vols, con- The ACC will cut costs this New Kentucky coach John Cali- ball in the same year. laws. tacted Marve before he requested Florida coach Urban Meyer didn’t fall by limiting travel rosters to 72 pari said Wednesday he could see the release. At either Tennessee call former Gators QB Shane Matthews players for conference games— the Wildcats holding their annual Former Florida F Allan Chaney is Michael Washington has decided or Purdue, Marve must sit out the by name last month at a booster the same number allowed for the Big Blue Madness in Common- transferring to Virginia Tech, the to pass on the NBA and return to 2009 season in accordance with function in Orlando, but many league title game. There was no wealth Stadium, just one of a hand- Gainesville Sun reported. Arkansas for his senior season, NCAA transfer rules. believe he called Matthews out. previous limit for road teams in ful of major changes Calipari could Chaney, who was suspended for Little Rock television station KTHV Marve played in 11 games last sea- Meyer told the audience that regular-season ACC games, be making as he gets comfortable in the final two games of his freshman reported. The 6-9 led the Razor- son as a redshirt freshman at Miami, former Florida athletes should though many coaches said their his new job. season after insubordination issues, backs with 15.5 points per game last throwing for 1,293 yards, nine show loyalty to the program, travel squads were slightly above Other suggestions include hold- left the program because he was season, and he led the SEC with 9.8 touchdowns and 13 . according to the Orlando Sentinel. or even below 72. League athletic ing a series of neutral site games unhappy with playing time. He rebounds. Arkansas went 14-16, But his career has been stained by “If you want to be critical of a directors passed the proposal against a major opponent, whether averaged 3.0 points and 2.1 including a 2-14 mark in conference off-field incidents, including a 2007 player on our team or a coach on Wednesday at the annual spring it’s Notre Dame in Louisville or rebounds, and scored a season-high play. car accident and two suspensions our team, you can buy a ticket for meetings in Amelia Island, Fla. Duke in Atlanta. 13 points against Washington. during the 2008 season. seat 37F—you’re not welcome back The conference also gave com- Shawntez Patterson and Aleksandar — Dave Curtis in the football office,” Meyer said. missioner John Swofford authority Wake Forest coach Dino Gaudio Add Providence’s Keno Davis to Milovic, a pair of 6-7 freshman for- Matthews, who hosts a radio to push for an early signing period has hired former NBA player Rusty the list of coaches who have opened wards who played little last season, Pitt senior MLB Adam Gunn show in Gainesville, Fla., was pub- for football. Coaches hope Swof- LaRue as an assistant coach, the up a Twitter account to communicate have been released from their schol- has been suspended indefinitely licly critical of the Gators’ offense ford can get a December signing school announced Wednesday. with fans. Davis’ Twitter page is at arships and will transfer from from the football team after being early last season—particularly for date passed when conference LaRue was inducted into the Wake http://twitter.com/CoachKenoDavis. Duquesne University. charged with public drunkenness its failure to exploit man-to-man commissioners meet next month Forest Sports Hall of Fame last and several other offenses result- coverage on receivers in the team’s in Colorado Springs, Colo. SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NASCAR THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 29 INSIDE DISH Vickers’ team to defend pit crew title

BY REID SPENCER [email protected]

If the record-setting No. 83 Red Bull Toyota team is to repeat as champions of tonight’s Sprint Crew Challenge in Charlotte, the men that service Brian Vickers’ Camry in the Sprint Cup Series will have to do so with a blend of old and new members. Of the crew that won last year’s BRETT FLASHNICK / AP competition, four members of the Juan Pablo Montoya hopes fans vote him into this weekend’s All-Star Race. over-the-wall gang remain: jack- man Shaun Peet, rear tire carrier Jake Brzozowski, gas man Doug Nationwide crew chief fined Newell and rear tire changer Danny Kincaid. The others—front Michael Allen, crew chief for the No. half. Voting also can be done at tire changer Joe Slingerland, front 91 MSRP Motorsports Chevrolet NASCAR.com. tire carrier Ryan Crellin, catch can driven by Terry Cook in the Nationwide The Sprint Fan Vote closes at 7:30 man Brett Nenaber and pit crew BOB BRODBECK / AP Series, was fined $2,500 by p.m. ET Saturday. coach Lance Munksgard—are new Brian Vickers’ pit crew will be one of 24 teams vying to win this year’s Sprint Crew Challenge tonight in Charlotte. NASCAR for violating rules con- to the No. 83 car this year. cerning jacking bolts that must be Ryan Newman will make his sec- Peet thinks a repeat victory in requires the various functions to guys have been working real hard Richard Petty Motorsports with made of solid magnetic steel but were ond career Camping World Truck the pit crew competition would be take place in succession each on a on the techniques needed for that driver Kasey Kahne), has won an hollow. The infractions were discov- Series start this Friday at Lowe’s, especially gratifying during a year different car—fueling, jacking and particular event, which is unlike a individual title. … The event, at ered May 7 at Darlington Raceway. driving the No. 4 Kevin Harvick in which top pit crews have experi- changing tires. After team mem- normal pit stop, as we all know. So Time Warner Cable Arena, is the Inc. entry that has been piloted by enced more difficulty than usual at bers complete their tasks on they’re trying to figure out exactly only NASCAR-sanctioned compe- Sprint on Wednesday rookie Ricky Carmichael this season. the racetrack, where the pressure generic cars, they run to a car bear- how to shave time and the steps tition held indoors. announced the names of the top 10 Newman’s other race (a win) was to gain track position during pit ing their team’s colors and begin and techniques; the way they push — Reid Spencer writes for the drivers leading the Sprint Fan Vote, last October at Atlanta. Carmichael stops is enormous. pushing it toward the finish line the car and the points (scoring) ... Sporting News NASCAR Wire Service the competition that will put the final is scheduled to return to the truck Accordingly, Peet welcomes any 40 yards away. they’re working hard on it. I cer- competitor not already qualified into June 5 at Texas. recognition the crews might receive. The quickest overall time wins. tainly hope our guys can come Saturday night’s Sprint All-Star “Winning the race last year in “If they could use a pat on the The 22.655 seconds the 83 team through and win the thing.” Race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Atlanta in my first and only truck back, this is definitely the year they posted in last year’s quarterfinals Official entry list The top 10 drivers as of Tuesday, start was pretty cool,” Newman said. could use it,” said Peet, who played is an event record. Come to order No. 00 (Michael Waltrip in alphabetical order, are AJ Allmend- “In my opinion, winning my first race professional hockey before he Though drivers don’t take part The finishing order of this year’s Racing); Nos. 07, 29, 31, 33 (Richard inger, Bill Elliott, Joey Logano, Jamie doesn’t put any additional pressure found his niche as a jackman. in the event, many attend the com- event will determine the order of Childress Racing); Nos. 1, 42 (Earnhardt Ganassi Racing); No. 2 McMurray, Juan Pablo Montoya, David on me as the driver, and it doesn’t give “They get to have their families petition to support their crews. Of pit selection for Saturday’s Sprint (Penske Racing); Nos. 5, 24, 48, 88 Ragan, David Reutimann, Elliott Sadler, me any preconceived notions about out, they can mingle, and it’s kind the 24 teams in last year’s competi- Showdown or subsequent Sprint (Hendrick Motorsports); Nos. 9, 43 Martin Truex Jr. and Michael Waltrip. what’s going to happen this week in of a neat deal for them.” tion, 20 had drivers in attendance. All-Star Race, if the car is already (Richard Petty Motorsports); Nos. The top eight in the standings are Charlotte. There is definitely some Despite the convivial atmo- Three-time defending Cup cham- qualified for the latter. … In addi- 11, 18 (Joe Gibbs Racing); Nos. 14, separated by fewer than 20,000 tough competition in the truck series. sphere, the competition is intense pion Jimmie Johnson is well aware tion to the team competition, there 39 (Stewart-Haas Racing); Nos. 16, 17, 99 (Roush Fenway Racing); No. votes, and the top two are separated “Throw in the fact that we are and serious. Unlike a pit stop on of the effort his crew is making to also is individual competition at 83 (Red Bull Racing); No. 47 (JTG/ by fewer than 4,000 votes. Votes racing at Charlotte, and I think the race day, where crew members prepare for the event. each position. In each of the past Daugherty Racing); No. 96 (Hall of placed on Sprint phones count dou- competition just got tougher. perform their duties simultane- “It’s definitely a team-building four years, at least one member of Fame Racing). ble, which could cut the margin in — SceneDaily.com ously, the pit crew competition opportunity,” Johnson said. “The the No. 9 Dodge team (now part of SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com NASCAR THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 30

AVG. RUNNING POSITION LAPS IN TOP 15 POINTS STANDINGS Sprint Cup statistics Sum of driver position on each lap Season to date laps: 3,621 divided by the laps run in the race. PTS. LAPS (Through 11 of 36 races) RK. DRIVER PTS. BACK ST. WINS T-5 T-10 DNF RK. DRIVER PCT. LAPS LED 1. Jeff Gordon 1,601 -- 11 1 6 8 0 496 RK. DRIVER ARP 1. Jeff Gordon 86.9 3,145 2. Tony Stewart 1,572 -29 11 0 5 8 0 54 1. Jeff Gordon 9.4 2. Denny Hamlin 78.8 2,852 3. Kurt Busch 1,546 -55 11 1 3 6 0 322 2. Kurt Busch 9.8 3. Jimmie Johnson 77.5 2,807 3. Denny Hamlin 10.3 4. Mark Martin 77.1 2,792 4. Jimmie Johnson 1,465 -136 11 1 5 7 1 313 4. Tony Stewart 10.4 5. Tony Stewart 76.4 2,766 5. Denny Hamlin 1,445 -156 11 0 2 4 0 479 5. Jimmie Johnson 10.5 6. Kurt Busch 75.6 2,737 6. Jeff Burton 1,384 -217 11 0 2 5 0 67 6. Kyle Busch 12.1 7. Jeff Burton 70.5 2,551 7. Kyle Busch 1,380 -221 11 3 4 4 1 616 7. Carl Edwards 13.8 8. Carl Edwards 67.3 2,437 8. Ryan Newman 1,363 -238 11 0 3 5 0 135 8. Mark Martin 14.2 9. Kyle Busch 66.5 2,408 9. Greg Biffle 1,345 -256 11 0 3 6 2 267 9. Greg Biffle 15.3 10. David Reutimann 62.9 2,278 10. Matt Kenseth 1,326 -275 11 2 3 4 1 171 10. Jeff Burton 15.5 11. Greg Bif fle 56.6 2,051 11. Mark Martin 1,316 -285 11 2 3 6 3 215 11. David Reutimann 15.7 12. Ryan Newman 54.8 1,985 12. Carl Edwards 1,271 -330 11 0 1 4 1 42 12. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 16.1 13. Kevin Harvick 50.4 1,826 13. Clint Bowyer 1,264 -337 11 0 3 4 1 16 13. Brian Vickers 17.1 14. Brian Vickers 49.1 1,777 14. Juan Montoya 1,255 -346 11 0 0 3 0 8 14. Juan Montoya 17.5 15. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 49.0 1,775 15. David Reutimann 1,232 -369 11 0 1 2 0 42 15. Ryan Newman 17.5 16. Clint Bowyer 47.8 1,732 16. Kasey Kahne 1,205 -396 11 0 1 2 0 46 16. Martin Truex Jr. 17.7 17. Juan Montoya 47.8 1,730 17. Brian Vickers 1,188 -413 11 0 1 4 2 26 HAROLD HINSON FOR SN 17. Matt Kenseth 18.3 18. Jamie McMurray 43.1 1,560 18. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 1,182 -419 11 0 1 3 1 90 Kyle Busch has four Top 5 finishes this season—and three of them are wins. 18. Clint Bowyer 18.7 19. Kasey Kahne 42.6 1,542 19. Martin Truex Jr. 1,144 -457 11 0 0 3 1 109 19. Kasey Kahne 18.8 20. Martin Truex Jr. 41.0 1,486 20. Jamie McMurray 19.9 20. Marcos Ambrose 1,131 -470 11 0 1 2 2 0 DRIVER RATING 21. Kevin Harvick 1,109 -492 11 0 2 2 1 9 FASTEST LAPS RUN PERCENTAGE OF LAPS 22. Casey Mears 1,104 -497 11 0 0 1 0 2 Number of laps where driver had the RUN ON LEAD LAP Formula combining the following categories: Wins, finishes, top-15 finishes, average 23. Reed Sorenson 1,090 -511 11 0 0 1 0 0 fastest speed on the lap. Season to date laps: 3,621 running position while on lead lap, average speed under green, fastest lap, led most 24. Jamie McMurray 1,068 -533 11 0 0 3 1 0 laps, lead-lap finish. Maximum: 150 points per race. Must have raced in 75 percent of Total green flag laps: 2,954 scheduled point-paying races. RK. DRIVER PCT. LAPS 25. AJ Allmendinger 1,059 -542 11 0 1 2 0 0 RK. DRIVER PCT. LAPS 1. Kurt Busch 97.7 3,536 26. Elliott Sadler 1,059 -542 11 0 1 1 0 29 RK. DRIVER MAKE TEAM RATING 1. Jeff Gordon 9.9 291 2. Denny Hamlin 94.2 3,410 27. David Stremme 1,039 -562 11 0 0 0 2 3 1. Jeff Gordon Chevrolet Hendrick Motorsports 109.8 2. Greg Biffle 8.6 255 3. Jimmie Johnson 91.4 3,310 28. Michael Waltrip 1,017 -584 11 0 0 1 1 4 2. Kyle Busch Toyota Joe Gibbs Racing 104.1 3. Kurt Busch 7.6 224 4. Carl Edwards 90.4 3,274 29. Bobby Labonte 1,007 -594 11 0 1 1 3 5 3. Tony Stewart Chevrolet Stewart-Haas Racing 100.9 4. Jimmie Johnson 6.9 204 5. Jeff Gordon 89.4 3,237 30. Joey Logano 1,002 -599 11 0 0 2 2 24 4. Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet Hendrick Motorsports 100.7 5. Mark Martin 6.6 194 6. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 89.2 3,229 31. Sam Hornish Jr. 998 -603 11 0 0 2 2 3 5. Kurt Busch Dodge Penske Racing 100.7 6. Kyle Busch 6.3 186 7. Tony Stewart 86.0 3,113 32. David Ragan 998 -603 11 0 0 1 3 3 6. Denny Hamlin Toyota Joe Gibbs Racing 100.3 7. Denny Hamlin 5.5 161 8. Mark Martin 85.3 3,089 33. Paul Menard 957 -644 11 0 0 0 2 3 7. Mark Martin Chevrolet Hendrick Motorsports 97.1 8. Tony Stewart 4.5 133 9. Jeff Burton 85.3 3,087 34. Robby Gordon 847 -754 11 0 0 0 3 1 9. Carl Edwards 3.9 115 8. Greg Biffle Ford Roush Fenway Racing 90.7 10. David Reutimann 83.8 3,035 35. Scott Speed 756 -845 10 0 1 1 2 13 10. Jeff Burton 2.8 82 9. Carl Edwards Ford Roush Fenway Racing 88.4 11. Juan Montoya 79.0 2,861 36. John Andretti 743 -858 10 0 0 0 0 2 10. Jeff Burton Chevrolet Richard Childress Racing 84.9 11. David Reutimann 2.7 80 12. Clint Bowyer 78.9 2,855 37. David Gilliland 649 -952 10 0 0 0 3 0 11. Ryan Newman Chevrolet Stewart-Haas Racing 81.7 12. Matt Kenseth 2.5 75 13. Ryan Newman 77.2 2,797 38. Regan Smith 573 -1,028 6 0 0 0 0 0 12. Matt Kenseth Ford Roush Fenway Racing 80.7 13. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 2.4 70 14. Greg Biffle 77.0 2,789 39. Brad Keselowski 479-1,122 4 1 1 2 0 1 13. Juan Montoya Chevrolet Earnhardt Ganassi Racing 80.5 14. Brian Vickers 2.3 67 15. Brian Vickers 76.5 2,769 40. Aric Almirola 451 -1,150 7 0 0 0 2 0 13. David Reutimann Toyota Michael Waltrip Racing 80.5 15. Ryan Newman 2.2 66 16. Kyle Busch 74.2 2,685 41. Joe Nemechek 414 -1,187 8 0 0 0 7 2 15. Brian Vickers Toyota Red Bull Racing 80.5 16. Kasey Kahne 2.2 65 17. David Stremme 73.4 2,657 16. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet Hendrick Motorsports 80.3 17. Martin Truex Jr. 2.0 59 18. Kasey Kahne 71.0 2,570 42. Scott Riggs 394 -1,207 7 0 0 0 3 0 17. Jamie McMurray Ford Roush Fenway Racing 78.0 18. Marcos Ambrose 1.7 49 19. Martin Truex Jr. 68.6 2,484 43. Dave Blaney 298 -1,303 8 0 0 0 8 1 18. Clint Bowyer Chevrolet Richard Childress Racing 77.9 19. Clint Bowyer 1.5 45 20. Marcos Ambrose 68.0 2,463 44. Travis Kvapil 292 -1,309 4 0 0 0 1 0 19. Martin Truex Jr. Chevrolet Earnhardt Ganassi Racing 76.5 20. Juan Montoya 1.4 42 45. Jeremy Mayfield 288 -1,313 5 0 0 0 1 2 20. Kasey Kahne Dodge Richard Petty Motorsports 75.9 46. Max Papis 280 -1,321 4 0 0 0 0 0 SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Lacrosse

Q&A … with Princeton coach Bill Tierney With Cornell looming, ‘survive or go home’

Over the last 22 years, Bill Tierney has redefined the Princeton program, leading them to six national championships. And after a disappointing ’08, he has the Tigers back on track: They beat UMass, 10-7, in the NCAA first round last Sunday, setting up a rematch with Ivy League foe Cornell this Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Tierney spoke with Inside Lacrosse’s Jon Brand.

Congratulations on your Q: win over UMass in the first round, but we bet you’re refocusing right about now to face Cornell. We really do have to refocus A: quickly. The good news is JAMES SCHAFFER / INSIDE LACROSSE we’re playing a team that we know Bill Tierney has six titles to his credit, and he’s preparing Princeton for an Ivy League rematch. very well, but the bad news is that we’re playing a team that we know and shoot and feed. We thought it tournament it may happen three very well. It’s a very different week was a great combination, and they times. It’s not a good feeling, from last week, when we had to do haven’t disappointed us yet. though, but you just go out and you a lot of scrambling and find out a know they beat you last time and lot about UMass. So, very different You guys lost the initial they’re capable of doing it again— weeks, but it still means the same Q: meeting with the Big they’ve won four of the last five so thing: survive or go home. Red, 10-7, on April 18. Do you we’re not overly confident in any almost like losing the initial way. We’ll just go out and play hard. Your midfield was huge game of a two game series, —For more on the NCAA Tournament, Q: for you on Sunday—the knowing that you will be able go to InsideLacrosse.com first unit combined for nine of to use it as motivation for the the team’s 10 goals. How well troops in a rematch? are they meshing right now? I don’t think you ever like These guys have played A: losing. It’s just another game Games to watch A: together since day one. We now, but it’s just happened to come Quarterfinal matchups came in the fall and were thinking up very quickly. This is the first Saturday @ Hofstra about making junior Scott Macken- time we played Cornell in the No. 4 Princeton vs. No. 5 zie the leader on the second midfield, NCAA tournament and the first Cornell, noon but coach Metzbower’s decision was time we’ve played an Ivy team in Maryland vs. No. 2 Syracuse, to put them together. You’ve got two the tournament since [Brown in] 2:30 p.m. seniors, including Mark Kovler, 1994. It’s a new experience to be Sunday @ Navy who’s the guy with the name, and playing someone you’ve played No. 1 Virginia vs. No. 8 Hopkins, noon Rich Sgalardi, who has had a against so recently, but maybe we’d No. 3 Duke vs. No. 6 UNC, phenomenal year for us. And Scott better get used to it because next 2:30 p.m. SUBSCRIBE TODAY Mackenzie, who can handle the ball year with the Ivy League www.insidelacrosse.com SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Horse Racing THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 32

134TH PREAKNESS Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET, NBC (Post time, 6 p.m.) Rachel Alexandra early favorite at 8-5 NOTEBOOK Mine That Bird happy Preakness odds chart at new Pimlico home The field for Saturday’s 134th Preakness Stakes: HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY ODDS Kentucky Derby winner Mine entrance to Interstate 83 when the 1. Big Drama David Fawkes John Velazquez 10-1 That Bird is a very relaxed van was clipped on the driver’s side 2. Mine That Bird Chip Woolley, Jr. Mike Smith 6-1 traveler. by another vehicle as Poe attempted 3. Musket Man Derek Ryan Eibar Coa 8-1 The morning after a 10-hour to find his way back to Pimlico. van ride, the colt galloped around “My heart jumped up in my 4. Luv Gov D. Wayne Lukas Jamie Theriot 50-1 the track Wednesday at Pimlico mouth,” trainer-owner Tom 5. Friesan Fire Larry Jones Gabriel Saez 6-1 in preparation for the Preakness McCarthy said when the news of 6. Terrain Albert Stall, Jr. Jeremy Rose 30-1 Stakes on Saturday. Tuesday’s accident reached him. 7. Papa Clem Gary Stute Rafael Bejarano 12-1 “He made the trip really good,” “I couldn’t believe it.” 8. General Quarters Tom McCarthy Julien Leparoux 20-1 trainer Bennie Woolley Jr. said. Fortunately, Poe, groom Billy 9. Pioneerof the Nile Bob Baffert Garrett Gomez 5-1 “He was really bucking and play- Bass, General Quarters and 10. Flying Private D. Wayne Lukas Alan Garcia 50-1 ing this morning. He looked super. another unidentified thorough- 11. Take the Points Todd Pletcher Edgar Prado 30-1 “He’s really handled things bred were uninjured. McCarthy 12. Tone It Down William Komlo Kent Desormeaux 50-1 well. No matter what you do with said the star of his one-horse sta- 13. Rachel Alexandra Steve Asmussen Calvin Borel 8-5 him, he wants to go perform. He ble was sweating a bit after hear- Weights: Rachel Alexandra 121 pounds, others 126. Distance: 1 3-16 miles. Purse: bounced back well and he’s happy. ing the police sirens, but showed $1.1 million. First place: $710,000. Second place: $220,000. Third place: $110,000. I think we’ve got him where we no signs of stiffness Wednesday Fourth place: $55,000. Post time: 6 p.m. EDT. want him.” morning. GARRY JONES / AP The trip from Churchill Downs “I think I’m more upset than he Rachel Alexandra is the first filly since 1988 to be the early favorite at the Preakness. was a snap, compared to his pre- is,” McCarthy said. “There was vious van trip from New Mexico hardly any damage to the van.” BALTIMORE—Rachel Alexandra “Calvin knows this filly so well, I paid a $100,000 supplemental fee— clear. If you’re in the middle and to Kentucky. Bass called the collision “pretty was made the early 8-5 favorite don’t think we have to tell him any- above and beyond the entry fees—to you don’t break well, they can jam A win in the Preakness would scary” but said General Quarters Wednesday for the Preakness thing about where he wants to be get her into the Preakness because you up. She’s going to be (running) validate Mine That Bird’s stun- was never in danger. Stakes, the first filly accorded that with her,” Blasi said. “He’s very she wasn’t nominated for the Triple one, two or three; that’s a good spot ning 50-1 upset in the Derby. “It didn’t throw him around, status since 1988. comfortable with her and we’re Crown races by her previous owners. for her.” “Horses fire big races,” Woolley just the feed,” Bass said. She brings a five-race winning very comfortable with him.” They had expected her to only run Pioneerof the Nile, the Kentucky said. “I’m not saying he didn’t run General Quarters, the Blue Grass streak into Saturday’s 1 3-16-mile No filly since Nellie Morse in 1924 against fillies. Derby runner-up, was made the 5-1 over his form. Hopefully, he’ll fire winner, finished 10th in the Derby. race at Pimlico. Trained by Steve has won the Preakness. The last “I think the fans deserve to see second choice in the 13-horse field back like that this week. If he does, Asmussen and ridden by Calvin filly to go off as the wagering favor- the best horses compete regardless by Pimlico oddsmaker Frank Car- that’s wonderful. If he doesn’t, we’ll Soggy again Borel, Rachel Alexandra drew the ite was Winning Colors at 2-1 odds of sex,” Jackson said on a confer- ulli. The colt drew the No. 9 post. regroup and aim at the Belmont Rain continues to dog this year’s No. 13 post on the far outside. in 1988. She finished third. ence call. “This isn’t about male or The draw was done in a tent near Stakes and see what happens.” Triple Crown. “It’s beautiful. She’s going to be “I am trying to help the industry,” female, it’s about the best athletes.” the stakes barn at Pimlico after After the Derby was run in the able to get position,” said Scott Blasi, said Jess Jackson, the filly’s co- Rachel Alexandra has a front- being held in downtown Baltimore Fender bender slop, the forecast calls for a rainy Asmussen’s assistant. owner. “I hope this helps revive running style, and hasn’t been far- in recent years. It was a traditional The van carrying General Preakness weekend. Thunder- Borel chose to stay on as Rachel horse racing in the United States.” ther back than second while “pill pull” where the horses’ entry Quarters was involved in a minor storms are expected Friday with a Alexandra’s regular rider, switch- Jackson, who founded Kendall- running her last five races. blanks were drawn simultaneously traffic accident as it approached lingering isolated thundershower ing off Kentucky Derby winner Jackson winery, and Harold McCor- “It’s a good spot for her,” said Bob with a numbered pill to determine Pimlico. Saturday for race day, with tem- Mine That Bird, who gets Hall of mick bought Rachel Alexandra for Baffert, who trains rival Pioneerof their position in the starting gate. Driver Maurice Poe missed the peratures in the upper 70s. Fame jockey Mike Smith. an undisclosed price last week. They the Nile. “She’s out there in the — The Associated Press stable gate and was heading for the — The Associated Press SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Golf THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 33 NOTEBOOK Johnson back to defend Texas Open title Sponsorship dearth SAN ANTONIO—Zach Johnson is the in the grand scheme of things, to defending champion at the Valero boost the level of this event, it needs claims British Masters Texas Open, though he doesn’t a golf course that can handle that.” know much about its reputation. The par-70, 6,896-yard course Oh, where to begin? certainly has its distinctions. No BALTRAY, IRELAND—The Brit- “We continue to be optimistic,” An exhausting, rugged course to more was its reputation for low ish Masters has been dropped Finchem said. “We think this is hike. A tournament all but dead scores secured than 2003, when from this year’s European Tour cyclical, and we’re taking steps before securing a major sponsor in Tommy Armour III shot a 26-under schedule after it was unable to that allow us to be stronger com- 2001. And, worst of all for players 254 to set a PGA record. find a new sponsor. ing out than when we went in.” and prestige, relegated to the PGA’s But the price for shooting under The tournament is one of the Finchem had a dual purpose for slow fall calendar and squeezed at La Cantera can be the course’s oldest events on the Tour and has his visit to the nation’s capital. among the Presidents Cup and notoriously grueling walk. been staged every year since 1946. He and Presidents Cup captains Ryder Cup to boot. “We’ve kind of outgrown the It was dropped from this year’s Fred Couples and Greg Norman “Dates-wise, it hasn’t been great,” venue,” said Tony Piazzi, president calendar after Quinn Insurance’s spent the morning on Capitol Hill Johnson said Wednesday. and CEO of Golf San Antonio. “Cer- sponsorship came to an end and doing a bit of lobbying on behalf That much will be remedied start- tainly, there was some player feed- no replacement could be found. of their sport, then headed to the ing today, when the third-oldest back that was not positive. That It had been planned for Sept. National Press Club to promote PGA tournament tees off in the word of mouth ... is the kind of thing 17-20 at The Belfry. the U.S.-vs.-International team spring for the first since 1969. Along where if one person (hears) some- event that will be held at San with returning to a more favorable thing negative, and they tell five and Tour donations to decline Francisco’s Harding Park course date, the Texas Open is also closing they tell five, all of the sudden it’s a WASHINGTON—The PGA Tour in October. out a 15-year run at La Cantera Golf domino effect. Certainly, we under- estimates its donations to charity Club before moving to a Greg Nor- stood that was an issue for us.” will decline by as much as 14 per- man-designed TPC course in 2010. Johnson, who is eighth on the cent this year, the result of an eco- Harrington tinkering Johnson headlines a field that Tour money earnings list, got nomic downturn that is affecting BALTRAY, IRELAND—Padraig Har- includes Justin Leonard, who is another win in January at the Sony everything from sponsors to hos- rington has a ready explanation seeking his fourth Texas Open title Open and had a two-shot lead at the pitality sales. for his poor performance this and first since 2007. Other notables Quail Hollow Championship this “If I had to guess right now, I’d year: He has been tinkering with are Anthony Kim and Alex Cejka, month before faltering in the final say we wouldn’t be off more than his swing as he seeks to improve fresh off a stunning collapse at The round. 10-14 percent with our charita- on his success of 2008, when he Players Championship in Florida — The Associated Press bles, which I think would be a vic- won the British Open and the on Sunday when he blew a five-shot tory,” commissioner Tim Finchem PGA Championship. lead heading into the final round. said Wednesday. “If that were the “To be blatantly honest, I don’t Johnson, the 2007 Masters win- Texas Open case, I would feel real good about want to play like I did last year. I ner, won the Texas Open in October it. It’s still too early to tell.” want to play better,” Harrington with a two-shot victory for his first Site: San Antonio PGA Tour events are structured said Wednesday. Tour victory outside Georgia. Now ERIC GAY / AP Schedule: Today-Sunday as nonprofit organizations that Harrington’s best finish in 10 the tournament kicks off a new Zach Johnson and the PGA Tour will play at La Cantera Golf Club for the last time this weekend. Course: La Cantera Golf Club, donate proceeds to local charities. events on the PGA Tour this year Texas Swing that continues with Resort Course (7,153 yards, par 70) Finchem said the tour last year has been 11th place. the HP Byron Nelson Champion- for Texas Open regulars like Leon- San Antonio in 2000 and 2001, one Purse: $6.1 million. Winner’s share: raised $124 million for charity, He has missed three cuts. ship in Dallas next week, and wraps ard and tournament officials, the last swing through La Cantera in $1,098,000 and his estimate means the Tour But on the eve of the Irish Open— up May with the Crowne Plaza move to the May this year and to the the shadow of Six Flags roller coast- TV (all times ET): Golf Channel is on pace to give $12 million to $17 a title he took two years ago and Invitational at Colonial in Fort AT&T Oaks Course at TPC San ers is a touch bittersweet. (Today-Friday, 3-6 p.m., 8:30-11:30 million less in 2009. regards as his “fifth major”—he Worth. Antonio next year are steps toward “Probably a little bit because I’ve p.m.) and CBS (Saturday-Sunday, Still, Finchem was optimistic said he hopes the work he has put Like usual, the Texas Open field improving stature. had a lot of success on this golf 3-6 p.m.) that the Tour will weather the melt- into his swing will pay dividends. isn’t flush with biggest names. But For Leonard, who also won in course,” Leonard said. “But I think down in good financial shape. — The Associated Press ON SALE NOW! SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Tennis THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 34

Madrid Open results Nadal wins in front of Queen Sofia in Madrid At Recinto Ferial Casa de Campo Madrid Purse: Men, $5.04 million (WT1000); Women, $4.5 million (Premier) MADRID—Rafael Nadal pow- Surface: Clay-Outdoor Menís, First ered into the third round of the round Madrid Open on Wednesday Singles with a convincing 6-3, 6-1 win Men Second Round over Jurgen Melzer. Juan Martin del Potro (5), Argentina, def. Tomas Berdych, Czech Republic, The top-ranked player made 6-2, 4-1, retired. just three unforced errors play- Andreas Seppi, Italy, def. Sam Querrey, ing on clay in front of Spain’s United States, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4. Stanislas Wawrinka (11), Switzerland, Queen Sofia, and converted all def. Jeremy Chardy, France, 6-4, 7-5. four of his break points. Gilles Simon (8), France, def. Fabio “It’s more difficult to play Fognini, Italy, 6-3, 6-2. here than on normal altitude Phillipp Kohlschreiber, Germany, def. Marin Cilic (13), Croatia, 6-1, 6-7 (5), surfaces,” Nadal said of playing 7-6 (2). 1,970 feet above sea level. “You Novak Djokovic (3), Serbia, def. Oscar can do more with the ball with Hernandez, Spain, 6-3, 6-3. Rafael Nadal (1), Spain, def. Jurgen less effort, but your opponent Melzer, Austria, 6-3, 6-1. also does it.” James Blake (14), United States, def. Earlier, Novak Djokovic beat Ivo Karlovic, Croatia, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (4). Oscar Hernandez 6-3, 6-3. Juan Monaco, Argentina, def. David The third-seeded Serb fell Ferrer (12), Spain, 6-4, 6-4. awkwardly on his right knee on Nikolay Davydenko (10), Russia, def. the clay surface at Madrid’s new Florent Serra, France, 7-5, 6-3. Andy Roddick (6), United States, def. “Magic Box” tennis center in the Tommy Haas, Germany, 1-6, 7-6 (9), second set, but was rarely trou- 6-4. s Sports’ Top Rivalries bled by his opponent. Women Second Round “I was aware the court was Victoria Azarenka (7), Belarus, def. s 2009 NFL Draft Recap quite wet because I saw they Peng Shuai, China, 6-4, 6-1. had watered it after the previ- Alona Bondarenko, Ukraine, def. SN Conversation: Svetlana Kuznetsova, Russia, 6-3, 6-2. s ous match. But I was lucky that Dinara Safina (1), Russia, def. Li Na, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman I fell in a good way so there is no China, 6-3, 7-6 (2). injury,” Djokovic said. “It looked Third Round s Plus hundreds of expert voices easy, but it wasn’t. I played just Vera Dushevina, Russia, def. Francesca well enough to win.” Schiavone, Italy, 6-3, 4-6, 6-2. including Fred Claire, Dallas Clark, VICTOR R. CAIVANO / AP Djokovic never faced a break Patty Schnyder, Switzerland, def. David Wells, Terrelle Pryor, Rocky Rafael Nadal blitzed Jurgen Melzer 6-3, 6-1 to reach the third round of the Madrid Open. Nadia Petrova (8), Russia, 6-4, 6-7 (2), point in the match, while break- 7-6 (5). Wirtz, Tony Stewart and nearly ing Hernandez once in the first Amelie Mauresmo, France, def. Elena set and twice in the second. my third ranking position.” everyone.” 7-6 (9), 6-4, eighth-seeded Gilles Dementieva (3), Russia, 1-6, 6-4, 6-2. 200 more! Djokovic recently fell from Nadal agreed with Djokovic Nadal’s next opponent is Phil- Simon beat qualifier Fabio Fog- third to fourth in the rankings, that the way the rankings are lipp Kohlschreiber, who beat nini 6-3, 6-2 and other winners surpassed by Andy Murray calculated, players are forced to 13th-seeded Marin Cilic 6-1, 6-7 included Nikolay Davydenko, Na 6-3, 7-6 (2), Amelie Mau- despite winning the Serbia play too many tournaments. (5), 7-6 (2). Stanislas Wawrinka and James resmo defeated third-seeded Open last week—the country’s “The way things are now, you “He hits the ball very hard Blake, who withstood 26 aces Elena Demetieva 1-6, 6-4, 6-2. first ATP Tour event that he can’t choose which events you and cleanly, so I’d like to make from Ivo Karlovic to set up a Victoria Azarenka eased past also helped organize. would like to focus on, you have sure my serves are winners match with Roger Federer after Peng Shuai 6-4, 6-1, and Vera “I try not to pay too much to play everything in order to against him,” Nadal said. a 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (4) win. Dushevina stopped Francesca Subscribe Today and SAVE 88%! attention to rankings,” he said. defend your position,” Nadal Sixth-seeded Andy Roddick In the women’s event, top- Schiavone 6-3, 4-6, 6-2. One Year just $14.97 “But I am motivated to win back said. “But it’s the same for squeezed past Tommy Haas 1-6, ranked Dinara Safina beat Li — The Associated Press 1-800-777-6785 s www.sportingnews.com SPORTING NEWS TODAY www.sportingnews.com Back Page THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009 35

IN BRIEF TRANSACTIONS

BASEBALL : Agreed to terms American League with RB Fred Jackson on a Armstrong lags behind in Giro d’Italia CLEVELAND INDIANS: Assigned DH contract extension. Travis Hafner to Columbus (IL) for MIAMI DOLPHINS: Signed LB Ja- ALPI DI SIUSI, ITALY—Lance Armstrong is a rehab assignment. son Taylor to a one-year contract. Major League Soccer National League still a long way from regaining the form EASTERN CONFERENCE ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS: Pur- MONTREAL ALOUETTES: Signed DE that won him a record seven consecutive W L T Pts GF GA chased the contract of RHP Bryan Nickolas Morin-Soucy to a three- D.C. 3 1 5 14 15 13 Augenstein from Mobile (SL). Tour de France titles. Toronto FC 3 2 4 13 13 13 year contract. The Texan finished nearly three min- Chicago 2 0 6 12 14 11 NEW YORK METS: Optioned LHP arenafootball2 Kansas City 3 4 2 11 12 12 Jonathon Niese to Buffalo (IL). PEORIA PIRATES: Fired coach utes behind the leaders in the grueling New England 2 2 3 9 6 12 Purchased the contract of RHP Bruce Crowdrey, effective after uphill finish that concluded the fifth stage New York 2 5 2 8 9 11 Nelson Figuero from Buffalo. Friday’s game. of his first Giro d’Italia on Wednesday. Columbus 1 2 5 8 11 14 PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES: Named STOCKTON LIGHTNING: Acquired WESTERN CONFERENCE Armstrong dropped from sixth to 22nd Bryan Price minor league pitching DL Manase Hopoi from Central W L T Pts GF GA consultant. Valley for DB Ruschard Dodd- overall, 3 minutes, 34 seconds behind Chivas USA 7 1 1 22 12 3 Seattle 4 2 2 14 11 5 ST. LOUIS CARDINALS: Placed OF Masters. new race leader Danilo Di Luca. Colorado 3 2 2 11 10 8 Ryan Ludwick on the 15-day DL. “I knew that we would be behind so we Houston 3 2 2 11 7 5 Recalled OF Nick Stavinoha from HOCKEY Real Salt Lake 3 4 1 10 14 11 Memphis (PCL). National Hockey League just had to ride our tempo and limit the Los Angeles 1 1 6 9 10 10 Midwest League MONTREAL CANADIENS: Signed losses,” Armstrong said. “I thought San Jose 1 5 2 5 8 16 QUAD CITIES RIVER BANDITS: D Andre Benoit to a one-year FC Dallas 1 6 1 4 7 15 contract and D P.K. Subban to a maybe two minutes and it’s closer to NOTE: Three points for victory, one point for tie. Transferred OF Ryde Rodriguez three, but that’s OK.” to extended and three-year contract. Saturday’s Games Saturday, May 23 TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING: Signed Armstrong returned this season after Chicago at Toronto FC, 4 p.m. New England at Toronto, 4 p.m. OF Jarred Bogany from extended Colorado at New England, 7:30 p.m. Real Salt Lake at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m. spring training. C Mitch Fadden to a three-year 3½ years of retirement and broke his col- Houston at New York, 7:30 p.m. Chivas USA at Kansas City, 8:30 p.m. South Atlantic League contract. larbone in March, putting him on the Seattle FC at FC Dallas, 8:30 p.m. Los Angeles at FC Dallas, 8:30 p.m. SAVANNAH SAND GNATS: American Hockey League Kansas City at Real Salt Lake, 9 p.m. San Jose at Houston, 8:30 p.m. PEORIA RIVERMEN: Named sideline again. Transferred RHP Jake Goldberg to D.C. United at Chivas USA, 11 p.m. Seattle at Colorado, 9:30 p.m. Brooklyn (NYP). Karen Doering controller and Matt “As I said at the beginning, the first half Sunday’s Game Sunday, May 24 American Association Brooks corporate and group sales Columbus at Los Angeles, 3 p.m. Chicago at New York, 3 p.m. of the Giro is not going to be my half. I’ve EL PASO DIABLOS: Released RHP account executive. got to ride into the race and still get my Alex Gett and LHP Chris Nyman. Signed RHP Dane De La Rosa. COLLEGE condition back after the accident,” Arm- FORT WORTH CATS: Signed C WEST COAST CONFERENCE: Named strong said. “I can’t expect to be at the ALBERTO SAIZ / AP since 1998 also snapped a three-year tro- Freddy Carmona. Released RHP David Libbey coordinator of men’s front. Xavi Hernandez, left, had a goal as Barcelona beat Athletic Bilbao for its 25th Copa del Rey title. phyless drought. Tim Haines. basketball officials. “I didn’t come in with any big illusions. LINCOLN SALTDOGS: Released RHP ARKANSAS: Announced junior F Khalid Afify. Michael Washington has with- I knew that I would be minutes behind Leipheimer and Chris Horner finished winner with four minutes remaining at Swimming PENSACOLA PELICANS: Released drawn from the NBA draft. the best guys,” Armstrong said. “The key fifth and sixth, respectively, both nine JJB Stadium. LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND—A panel of swim- RHP Noel Baca, RHP Jody Finch, CENTRAL MICHIGAN: Signed is to ride within your limits, so that when seconds behind the leader. United needs only to avoid defeat ming experts will meet Monday to decide RHP Marcus Moore, OF Donald women’s basketball coach Sue you get dropped you find your threshold Armstrong crossed 35th, 2:58 behind against visiting Arsenal on Saturday to which models of high-tech swimsuits can Green and INF Osmany Masso. Guevara to a five-year contract SIOUX FALLS CANARIES: Released through the 2013-14 season. and hold it there. We’ll see what happens Menchov. clinch the championship with a game be worn at the world championships this C Matt Acevedo and LHP Shaun CINCINNATI: Named Susan Seaton in the second half of the Giro.” remaining and tie Liverpool for a record summer. Corning. women’s outdoor track and field Denis Menchov sprinted away from a Soccer 18 titles. Governing body FINA said Wednesday ST. PAUL SAINTS: Signed RHP coach. Mitch Wylie. MEREDITH: Named Melinda select group of riders and held off Di Luca LONDON—Another crucial goal by Carlos that independent laboratory tests have Atlantic League Campbell women’s basketball in a sprint for the stage victory in this ski Tevez led Manchester United to within VALENCIA, SPAIN—Barcelona rallied for been completed on all models of suits that LANCASTER BARNSTOMERS: coach. resort in the heart of the Dolomite range. one point of a third straight English Pre- a 4-1 victory against Athletic Bilbao for its were used by swimmers to rewrite the Signed OF Michael Woods. NEW ORLEANS: Announced junior Menchov, a Russian rider for the mier League title with a 2-1 win at Wigan record 25th Copa del Rey title. sport’s record book in the past 15 months. United League basketball G Darrian McKinstry SAN ANGELO COLTS: Signed OF has lost his scholarship and will Rabobank team, covered the 77.68-mile on Wednesday. Lionel Messi’s 57th-minute winner The commission, which includes tech- Hunter Jobes, RHP Brett Lester, C be leaving school. leg that began in San Martino di Cas- United trailed to Hugo Rodallega’s came before Bojan Krkic and Xavi Her- nical officials, athletes and coaches, will Chad Clemons and player/coaches RUTGERS: Announced G Earl trozza in 3 hours, 15 minutes, 24 seconds. 28th-minute goal until Tevez went on as a nandez sealed a well-deserved win that meet at FINA headquarters in Lausanne INF-OF Joe Rhomberg and INF-OF Pettis will transfer from the men’s Overall race favorite Ivan Basso set the substitute and tied it just three minutes put the Catalans on course to become the to decide which suits can be worn at the Chris Mongiardo. basketball team. WAKE FOREST: Named Rusty pace for most of the climb and finished later with a 61st-minute backheel into the first Spanish club to win three trophies in July 19-Aug. 2 worlds being held in Rome, FOOTBALL LaRue men’s assistant basketball National Football League fourth, also five seconds back. Arm- net. a season. and for the rest of the year. coach. strong’s Astana teammates Levi Michael Carrick then scored the Barcelona’s first domestic cup triumph — The Associated Press