NHL » 2,7 NBA » 6 FOR THE RECORD » 13 SUNSENTINEL.COM » SUNDAY, MAY 30, 2010 » PN Sports Robert Mayer, Correspondent Phillies starter Roy Halladay celebrates with catcher Carlos Ruiz as Ryan Howard rushes in after Halladay completes the 20th perfect game in MLB history. PERFECT HALLADAY Marlins no-hit for second time in history, and Phillies starter strikes out 11in rare gem By Juan C. Rodriguez NO-HITTERS THIS first since Jim Bunning did it against the SUN SENTINEL Mets on June 21, 1964. PERFECTION BY THE NUMBERS SEASON “Once you think it’s possible is prob- MIAMI GARDENS » He followed the American League ably two outs in the ninth,” said Halla- May 9 — x-Dallas Braden, Oakland vs. Tampa Bay, 4-0 ball into Juan Castro’s glove at third. He National League day, who had pitched a complete-game Halladay’s pitch count over nine rotated his head and body, watching the May 29 — x-Roy Halladay, Philadelphia at Florida, 1-0 one-hitter twice, the last coming against innings April 17 — Ubaldo Jimenez, Colorado at Atlanta, 4-0 115 throw cut through the humid South x-Perfect Game the Yankees on Sept. 4, 2009 while with Florida Saturday night until it hit Ryan the Blue Jays. “Up to that point obviously Number of strikes Halladay threw Howard’s glove at first. infield as they celebrated one of the rar- you’re aware of it, but it’s never some- in the 20th perfect game in MLB With that, Roy Halladay pounded a est and most special feats in baseball. thing you think is possible. Really, once I 72 history fist into his glove, outstretched his arms Halladay threw the 20th perfect game got to two outs it felt like I had a chance. and waited for catcher Carlos Ruiz to ac- (eighth in the National League) as the It’s not something you expect.” cept the embrace. The battery mates Phillies topped Josh Johnson and the The Marlins sent up three pinch hit- Number of three-ball counts Hal- quickly disappeared into a bobbing mass Marlins 1-0 on an unearned run. It was laday allowed to Marlins batters. » 7 of gray and red on the Sun Life Stadium the second perfect game by a Phillie and MARLINS PAGE 3 Cornerbacks Davis, Smith Wittels, FIU on a roll More inside show they learned well Garrett Wittels got a hit in his last at-bat NBA playoffs: Lakers finish Saturday to extend his hitting streak to 53 off Suns in West. » Page 6 DAVIE » The education came in different ways to each of them. To Vontae games, five shy of the NCAA record, and FIU Dave Stanley Cup finals: ’Hawks Davis, it came first through reading beat FAU 11-9 to reach the Sun Belt formations, routes and the next receiver edge Flyers 6-5 in Game 1. tournament championship game. UM and UF each Sunday. Hyde » Page 2 were eliminated in their tourneys. » Page 10 “The biggest thing I learned was the COMMENTARY kind of football stuff you can only get by playing week after week,’’ the Dolphins cornerback said. To Sean Smith, it was less technical. But a year later, they look back at who “I learned to relax,’’ he said. “We were they were last May and chuckle. Auto racing’s big day in so many close games the last thing I “I thought I was invincible,’’ Smith said. wanted to do was make a mistake and “I knew everything,’’ Davis said. Danica Patrick is not happy about her car for the Indy lose a game. I played a little too safe. This is how it goes through any profes- 500, which starts at 1 p.m. Sunday on ABC. NASCAR You’ve got to study and pick your spots sion. Doctors. Lawyers. Sports writers. has the Coca-Cola 600, which starts at 6 p.m. Sunday when to take chances, when the percent- Davis and Smith can offer chapter and at Charlotte Motor Speedway and airs on Fox. » Page 8 ages are on your side. verse on how that changed. And how “This year, I’ll know that better.” their NFL education really began. This is a story we don’t talk about “[New England’s] Randy Moss, just the enough in sports. What did the young burst he has, the way he moves,’’ Davis players learn? And what are they doing said. The best of the best about it? “[Carolina’s] Steve Smith, wow,’’ Sean A year ago, Davis and Smith entered as Smith said. “It’s easy to sit on the sidelines Coming Friday: The Sun Sentinel honors the high-priced rookies ready to make their and see when a receiver drops his hips, top high school athletes of spring sports in mark in the NFL. And they did fine as when he’s going to make his cut. But starters. For rookies. They handled them- when someone like Smith is running a special All-County section. selves well against some of the best re- ceivers. For rookies. » HYDE PAGE 7.