Sportingnews - 20090515

QUICK LINKS:

MLB > 19

NFL > 31

NBA > 6

NHL > 10

NASCAR > 15

COLLEGE FOOTBALL > 29

COLLEGE BASKETBALL > 34

NBA DRAFT > 4

NHL PLAYOFFS

Who is No. 1 QB?

Manning

Wings, Canes advance

SNT’s NFL insiders rank their top 20 quarterbacks for ’09. The top 3:

1. Peyton Manning, Colts 2. Tom Brady, Patriots 3. Drew Brees, Saints Complete ranking, Page 32

A look ahead to the Conference Finals: WESTERN CONFERENCE Detroit vs. Chicago: Young Blackhawks are not quite ready for the Red Wings. Prediction: Wings in 6. CHARLES KRUPA / AP

FRIDAY MAY 15, 2009 SEE A DIFFERENT GAME VOLUME 1 ISSUE 297

Carolina G Cam Ward, center, is 6-0 in playoff series.

EASTERN CONFERENCE Pittsburgh vs. Carolina: It’s time to start believing in the Hurricanes. Prediction: Hurricanes in 7.

— Craig Custance NHL coverage, Pages 10-13

Scoreboard NBA PLAYOFFS

NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference semifinals Orlando 83, Boston 75 (Series tied 3-3) Western Conference semifinals Houston 95, L.A. Lakers 80 (Series tied 3-3)

NHL Playoffs Eastern Conference semifinals Carolina 3, Boston 2, OT (Carolina wins series 4-3) Western Conference semifinals Detroit 4, Anaheim 3 (Detroit wins series 4-3)

Baseball American League Minnesota 6, Detroit 5 Texas 3, Seattle 2 L.A. Angels 5, Boston 4, 12 innings N.Y. Yankees 3, Toronto 2 Cleveland 11, Tampa Bay 7 Baltimore 9, Kansas City 5 National League Milwaukee 5, Florida 3 L.A. Dodgers 5, Philadelphia 3, 10 innings Chicago Cubs 11, San Diego 3 Houston 5, Colorado 3 St. Louis 5, Pittsburgh 1 N.Y. Mets 7, San Francisco 4

ORLANDO 83, BOSTON 75

Howard a Magic man BY MATT HAYES [email protected]

ORLANDO—Maybe there’s something to this touches controversy after all. See Dwight Howard get touches, see the Orlando Magic force Game 7. That’s not too difficult to figure out. “I guess Dwight Howard was right,” said Boston coach Doc Rivers. “He was unbelievable.” OK, so Howard didn’t really get more touches. He simply got more physical in the Magic’s 83-75 Eastern Conference semifinal victory Thursday. And that’s exactly what a desperate team needed to force Game 7 Sunday night in Boston. “It’s not about touches, it’s about being dominant,”

Howard said. How’s this for dominant: after getting just 10 shots in Game 5, Howard made 9-of16 field goals and had 22 rebounds—10 of which were offensive rebounds that led to numerous easy putbacks. And although it was Hedo Turkoglu and Rafer Alston with big shots in the closing minutes, the Magic would’ve been watching the start of the Eastern Conference finals if not for Howard’s big performance. But now, it’s all about Game 7—the second time the defending champion Celtics have been pushed this far in the playoffs. “Tired right now,” said Boston forward Paul Pierce, “is a state of mind.”

HOUSTON 95, L.A. LAKERS 80

Rockets push Lakers to Game 7 It was 21-3. After a Game 4 in which the Rockets led by as many as 29 points and a Game 5 which saw the Lakers win by 40, it looked early on as though L.A.-Houston’s Game 6—which saw the Rockets take firm command from the jump—would be another blowout. It wasn’t. The Lakers came back and nearly derailed the Rockets, but ultimately, Game 6 was all Houston, all the time. The Rockets got 15 points on 6-for-6 shooting from Carl Landry, and terrific defense on Kobe Bryant (who shot just 11-for-27) from Shane Battier, and lived to fight another day. That sets up a very busy Sunday, with two Game 7s. — Sean Deveney

Orange land Devil of a QB Former Duke point guard Greg Paulus announced Thursday that he’s headed to Syracuse to play quarterback. Paulus was a two-sport Greg Paulus high school All-American at Christian Brothers Academy near Syracuse, and will have one year of eligibility. But will he make an impact? Sporting News Today college football writers Dave Curtis and Matt Hayes weigh in: Curtis: Already, Paulus ranks as the most talented quarterback at Syracuse. He hits the Carrier Dome trifecta—throwing, running and filling the seats. It’s not that Paulus will make folks forget Donovan McNabb; it’s that he’s a struggling program’s best option. Hayes: Somebody has to hold the clipboard. Why not Paulus, who hasn’t played the position in four years and weighs 180 pounds? Syracuse has a better shot winning the Big East than getting a significant contribution from Paulus.

JOHN RAOUX / AP

Dwight dominant, Pages 6-7

Dwight Howard had 23 points and 22 rebounds as Orlando forced a Game 7.

’D’ drives Houston, Page 8

A chance to play, Page 30

www.sportingnews.com

Tune In Today

OFF THE FIELD

A quick look at the best sports on TV — all times Eastern BASEBALL

Astros at Cubs 2 p.m., WGN Even with Carlos Zambrano and Aramis Ramirez on the shelf, and Derrek Lee struggling along with Milton Bradley, the Cubs have won four straight and six of their past eight. Granted, the last three were against the piñata Padres, so maybe it’s not saying much. But wins are wins, and Chicago has a great shot at posting another today, with Houston’s Brian Moehler and his 8.44 ERA heading to the mound. Chicago has rookie Randy Wells, who pitched well in his first outing but is still just a rookie. If you like offense, you’ll like this one.

NASCAR

All-Star Race qualifying 5 p.m., Speed Qualifying for the All-Star Race comes with a twist—three laps around Lowe’s Motor Speedway and a four-tire pit stop to boot, giving crew members a chance to improve (or ruin) a driver’s qualifying position. But with pit selection already having been decided on the basis of Thursday’s pit crew competition, this is just all about getting the best spot on Saturday night’s starting grid. With $1 million on the line, you want to start up front.

GOLF

Valero Texas Open 3 p.m., Golf Channel For all the success Texas native Justin Leonard has had at La Cantera Golf Club, it’s fitting that he’s atop the leaderboard with Paul Goydos after one round of play. This is the last time the PGA Tour has a stop at La Cantera, as next year’s tournament will be held at a Greg Normandesigned TPC San Antonio course. A surprise member of Thursday’s Top 10 was David Duval, whose last win came at the 2001 British Open.

— Compiled by Roger Kuznia GUIDE AUTO RACING 3:30 p.m. SPEED—NASCAR, Truck Series, pole qualifying for North Carolina Education Lottery 200, at Concord, N.C. 5 p.m. SPEED—NASCAR, Sprint Cup, pole qualifying for All-Star Race, at Concord, N.C.

8 p.m. SPEED—NASCAR, Truck Series, North Carolina Education Lottery 200, at Concord, N.C. GOLF 10 a.m. TGC—European PGA Tour, Irish Open, second round, at Baltray, Ireland 1 p.m. TGC—Nationwide Tour,

See a Different Game

BMW Charity Pro-Am, second round, at Spartanburg, S.C. 3 p.m. TGC—PGA Tour, Texas Open, second round, at San Antonio MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL 2:10 p.m. WGN—Houston at Chicago Cubs

Bengals will have their day on HBO It’s official. The Cincinnati Bengals will be the team featured in the fifth season of HBO’s Hard Knocks, the hourlong five-episode reality series that will follow the Bengals players and coaches during training camp at Georgetown College in Kentucky. The show is presented by HBO Sports and NFL Films. The first show airs Aug. 12. “Hard Knocks will give Bengals fans a tremendous opportunity for an inside look at their team,” coach Marvin Lewis said.

©2009 Speed Channel, Inc. All Rights Reserved. NASCAR is a registered trademark of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc.

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

Quick hits Former New York Yankee Jim Leyritz was hospitalized Wednesday night after threatening suicide when he failed a Breathalyzer test required to start his car, police in Florida told the New York Post. Leyritz was released from the psychiatric unit at Memorial Hospital in Hollywood, Fla., on Thursday, his exwife, Karri Leyritz told the Post. Memphis Grizzlies forward Darius , Miles who was suspended last season for violating the NBA’s anti-drug program, was free on bond after being charged with possession of marijuana on Thursday. The 27-year-old Miles was alone in his car in suburban Fairview Heights, Illinois late Wednesday when an officer pulled him over for allegedly failing to use a turn signal, police Sgt. Steve Evans said. During a search of the car, Evans said police found a small amount of marijuana in a plastic bag in the passenger compartment. — Compiled by Ken Bradley, with wire reports

Watch the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race for your chance to win $25,000! Go to SPEEDtv.com for details.

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

My Profile

www.sportingnews.com

SINCE YOU ASKED ... You have questions, we have answers TO: Sporting News Today FROM: Bob Wilson, Mesa, Ariz.

Mark Eaton

Has any major league player ever been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame posthumously? Response from Brad Horn, Senior Director, Communications and Education National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Bob, A total of 45 former major league players have been elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame posthumously— most recently Joe Gordon Joe Gordon, who was elected by the Veterans Committee and will formally be inducted on Sunday, July 26, in Cooperstown, along with Rickey Henderson and Jim Rice. A total of six players have been elected by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America following their death—Frank Chance, Roberto Clemente, Willie Keeler, Rabbit Maranville, Christy Mathewson and Herb Pennock. Aside from Clemente, who was elected by a special acclimation in 1973 following his death, Maranville was the last to earn election by the BBWAA in a regular election, in 1954, 15 days after his passing.

WRITE US Got a question you’d like answered? E-mail it to editor-inchief Jeff D’Alessio at jdalessio@ sportingnews.com, along with your name and hometown.

R.J. CARSON / AP

The 7-foot-4 Mark Eaton, right, puts up a hook shot over the outstretched hand of 7-4 Ralph Sampson of the Rockets on Nov. 11, 1983.

Two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year with Jazz (What you won’t find on Facebook … even if you are approved as a friend) Born: Jan. 24, 1957, in Inglewood, Calif. Alma mater: UCLA What’s on TV: CNN, COPS, The Rifleman What’s in my iPod: Wynton Marsalis, Wayman Tisdale, John Smith, Ruthie Foster, Mollie O’Brien, Rex Foster, Jimmy Cliff, Chuck Pyle What I drive: Marine blue 1966 Chevy Impala convertible Favorite flick: Rio Bravo What I’m reading: The One Minute Entrepreneur: The Secret to Creating and Sustaining a Successful Business, by Ken Blanchard, Don Hutson and Ethan Willis Magazine subscriptions: Popular Science, Popular Mechanics Bookmarks: 7ft4.com, Tuscanyslc.com, News.Google.com, ESPN.com Superstitions: 1. A clean car runs better than a dirty one; 2. A shot of Patron when friends die Worst habit: Not saying the word “no” enough On my office walls: Signed Pyramid of Success from Coach (John) Wooden; telegram I received after being drafted by the Jazz; photo of me blocking Magic’s (Johnson) shot; tail feathers of turkey I shot last spring Love to trade places for a day with … No one. It is enough of a challenge being me on a daily basis. First job: 18 years old, fry cook at Jack in the Box in Phoenix. Worked the graveyard shift cleaning deep fryers and toilets for $1.80 an hour. 2 a.m. bar rush—best-looking woman I saw turned out to be a man! Talent I’d most like to have: To speak five languages Favorite meal: Double-cut marinated pork chop, soaked in molasses brine for three days and cooked on the hardwood grill Favorite athlete to watch in another sport: Tiger Favorite city to visit: Chicago Favorite team as a kid: L.A. Rams—Fearsome Foursome Favorite value in others: Gratitude Favorite physical attribute about myself: My height And least … My height (7-4) in small places! Dream date: Christie Brinkley My greatest love: Skiing My hero: My father, who taught me how to work hard My bucket list: 1. Learn Spanish; 2. Swim with a whale shark; 3. Teach my horse, Big Tim, how to drive a buggy; 4. Get my message of teamwork out to the whole world My motto: The better you make others look, the better you look to them. — Jeff D’Alessio

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

3

THE WORLD’S FIRST DIGITAL DAILY SPORTS NEWSPAPER

CHAIRMAN & CEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ray Shaw PRESIDENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Whitney Shaw PUBLISHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ed Baker EDITOR-IN-CHIEF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jeff D’Alessio MANAGING EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Paul Kasko CREATIVE DIRECTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keith Wood VP, GENERAL MANAGER, ONLINE . . . . . Jeff Gerttula VP, INTEGRATED MARKETING & SALES .Stuart Marvin DIRECTOR, DIGITAL MEDIA. . . . . . . . . . . . Geoff Shaw VP, MARKETING & SALES DEVELOPMENT . .Eric Karp EDITORIAL OFFICES

120 West Morehead Street, Suite 200 Charlotte, NC 28202 704-973-1550 1-800-443-1886 Letters to the editor: [email protected] General feedback: [email protected] National Digital Sales Managers Joey Glowacki, 704-973-1856 [email protected] Gary Strauss, 212-500-0672 [email protected]

ON NEWSSTANDS NOW

What’s your state’s best sports rivalry? Find out if your opinion matches ours in the new issue of SN Magazine.

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

Next Gen: NBA Draft

www.sportingnews.com

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

Q&A with … G Stephen Curry

Draft order

Curry deals with training, draft rumors and music video With his schoolwork done, NBA prospect Stephen Curry left for Washington, D.C., this week to begin some serious training before the NBA draft. Sporting News Today’s Chris Littmann talked to Curry before he left about his training sessions, rumors about the Knicks promising to draft him (since shot down by his father, Dell) and his music video that’s become a YouTube hit.

wide-open system? That’s something I would definitely appreciate. An open court, that freedom to make plays, with the guys around you who buy into that system as well, and can get up and down the floor and are athletic. It’s proven to work, and it’d be nice to play in that kind of system.

A:

Q: A:

Is there another point guard you see in the NBA that you’re like? I try to set my own style of play. I think I have a lot more to offer combo-wise. There’s talk of Steve Nash, maybe—I’m not as quick as he is, but I can shoot it like he can, and hopefully I can work on my playmaking ability and making my teammates better like he does, and go from there.

Q: A:

Have you been watching the playoffs? Do you have a favorite for the title? I watch every night I can. The West Coast games are tough—you’re up until 1 or 2 in the morning. I love how the Cavs are playing right now as a whole. LeBron (James) is doing his thing, but as a team they’re really stepping up to the plate, sweeping everyone they’ve played so far. They’re fun to watch.

Q:

Since you’ve declared, has your routine changed when it comes to how you eat and work out? Not really, just with school out of the picture, it’s a lot more focused. I wake up in the morning, and that’s all I’m thinking about—how I’m going to make myself a better player. … So 24-7, it’s geared towards basketball, and I’m loving every bit of it.

A:

Q:

You’re heading to D.C. to work out with (player development coach) Idan Ravin. What will he do for you? I’m going to be up there for two weeks, in Washington, D.C. … working on the court, in the weight room and then doing some speed and agility to try to make myself quicker and prepare for the tests they’ll have at

A:

4

Q: BOB LEVERONE / SN

Concerning rumors the Knicks might be interested, Stephen Curry says, ‘that’d be a great spot for me.’ the combine. He worked with Chris Paul when he was a rookie. A couple of other guys who are in the draft this year are up there right now, so I have a good group of guys to work against and with on the court.

Q: A:

Has anyone told you there’s one specific area of your game you need to improve? No … I pay attention to what people say, guys who are

analysts. … There’s a lot things, a lot of doubters out there. I can’t buy into it a lot. What I see in my game is working on the decision-making, and on the defensive end, really focusing on that during my workouts.

Q:

There were reports this week the Knicks had their eye on you in the lottery. What do you know about these

reports? I’ve heard talks about that; I don’t know exactly what has been said, or if it’s all hearsay. If the Knicks is where I land, that’d be a great spot for me. A team that I can go in and help. I don’t know if (the rumors) are legitimate or not, but at least my name is out there.

A:

Q:

How do you think you would do in the Knicks’

To see a video of the Curry Q&A, and a clip of the I Love Commons music video: sportingnews.com/blog/The_Baseline/entry/view/24116/curry_address_knicks_rumors,_music_video

You were a YouTube star last week in the I Love Commons music video that was a viral hit. How’d that come about? I’ve been working with The Davidson Show … a studentrun variety show on campus. Since it started my sophomore year, I’ve been in and out of working with those guys and trying to have some fun. About a month ago, me, Steve Rossiter on our team and a couple of other athletes were listening to the I Love College song at the cafeteria, called Commons, and somebody came up with the idea to make a song. It took about a week to write the lyrics and make the video. It was just something fun to do. We didn’t expect it to blow up like that, but it was well produced, and I hope people liked it.

A:

At New York, June 25

First round

No. Team (Lottery chances);Record tbd. Sacramento (250 of 1000);17-65 tbd. Washington (178);19-63 tbd. L.A. Clippers (177);19-63 tbd. Oklahoma City (119);23-59 tbd. Minnesota (76);24-58 tbd. Memphis (75);24-58 tbd. Golden State (43);29-53 tbd. New York (28);32-50 tbd. Toronto (17);33-49 tbd. Milwaukee (10);34-48 tbd. New Jersey (9);34-48 tbd. Charlotte (7);35-47 tbd. Indiana (6);36-46 tbd. Phoenix (5);46-36 15. Detroit;39-43 16. Chicago;41-41 17. Philadelphia;41-41 18. Miami (To Minnesota);43-39 19. Atlanta;47-35 20. Utah;48-34 21. New Orleans;49-33 22. Dallas;50-32 23. Houston (To Sacramento);53-29 24. Portland;54-28 25. San Antonio (To Oklahoma City);54-28 26. Denver (To Chicago via Oklahoma City);54-28 27. Orlando (To Memphis);59-23 28. Boston (To Minnesota);62-20 29. L.A. Lakers;65-17 30. Cleveland;66-16

Second round

31. Sacramento 32/33. L.A. Clippers (To Portland) 32/33. Washington 34. Oklahoma City (To Denver) 35/36. Memphis 35/36. Minnesota (To Detroit) 37. Golden State (To San Antonio via Phoenix) 38. New York (To Portland via Chicago) 39. Toronto (To Detroit) 40/41. New Jersey (To Charlotte via Oklahoma City) 40/41. Milwaukee 42. Charlotte (To LA Lakers) 43. Indiana (To Miami) 44. Detroit 45. Philadelphia (To Minnesota via Miami) 46. Chicago (To Cleveland) 47. Miami (To Minnesota) 48. Phoenix 49. Atlanta 50. Utah 51. New Orleans (To San Antonio via Toronto) 52. Dallas (To Indiana) 53. Houston (To San Antonio) 54. San Antonio (To Charlotte) 55. Denver (To Portland) 56. Portland 57. Orlando (To Phoenix via Oklahoma City) 58. Boston 59. L.A. Lakers 60. Cleveland (To Miami) Teams that finished the regular season with identical records will select in the second round in the reverse of the order in which they select in the first round. With respect to the ties between the Los Angeles Clippers and Washington (32 and 33); Memphis and Minnesota (35 and 36); and New Jersey and Milwaukee (40 and 41): since the order of selection in the first round for each set of teams may change based on the results of the Draft Lottery, the order of selection in the second round cannot be determined until after the Draft Lottery is conducted Tuesday.

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

www.sportingnews.com

Next Gen / Overnight Report BASEBALL / NATIONAL LEAGUE

RECRUITING DISH

SN100 DL switching high schools Chris Martin not only plans to play at Notre Dame, he wants to be finishing up his first semester of college by this time next year. To be an early entrant into the college, he needed to finish up his high school days at a school that allowed him to get the credits to graduate early. It’s now official, he told Sporting News Today, after months of speculation: Martin will transfer from Bishop O’Dowd (Oakland, Calif.) to The Hun School (Princeton, N.J.). He would not have been able to graduate early at the Oakland school, he said. Martin, who is a part of the inaugural preseason Sporting News Top 100 ranking for 2010, said he can’t wait to get on the practice field for the Fighting Irish. “Some people are saying I’m doing it backward,” Martin joked, when talking to SN Today. “They’ve said, ‘Hey, you’ve picked your college, but now you have to figure out where you’ll go to high school.’ “ As far as his decision to play at Notre Dame, there really never was any doubt. Even with USC, UCLA, Georgia and North Carolina chasing the 6-4, 240-pound defensive end early on, he said the February decision came down to Notre Dame and Stanford, purely because of academics. “The weight of what a Notre Dame or Stanford degree held is what sold me,” Martin told SN Today. “You’ll be sitting next to somebody else at a job interview, and their degree probably won’t hold as much weight as one from those two schools.”

JOE RAYMOND / AP

Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis, above, will get DL Chris Martin on the practice field in 2010. Grossmont Community College (El Cajon, Calif.) DB Larry Parker has chosen Louisville, Rivals.com reported. The 6-foot, 170-pound cornerback was also receiving interest from BYU, Houston, Nevada, Colorado State and San Diego State. He will join the class of 2009. “They straight-up asked me how I felt and I told them how I felt,” Parker told Rivals.com. “I liked everything I saw and it was the best thing for me, so I just have to get in where I fit in. It’s a calm town, so I had to (commit).”

IN HOOPS: Coming into this week, DeShawn Painter was one of the few top

5

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

prospects still undecided in the class of 2009, but he ended his recruitment by committing to N.C. State, Rivals.com reported. The 6-9 center from Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia was originally committed to Florida, but he and the Gators parted ways in April before he ever signed a letter of intent. “It’s done,” Hargrave coach Kevin Keatts told Rivals.com. “My man is going with the Wolfpack ... I just think he had a comfort level with them. Coach (Sidney) Lowe was heavily involved in his recruitment, and certainly he felt he had an opportunity to play right away.” — Brian McLaughlin

N.Y. Mets 7, San Francisco 4

Beltran sparks Mets in 9th SAN FRANCISCO—Carlos Beltran figured it was better to be aggressive than wait around. Beltran turned his one-out, ninthinning double into an easy tiebreaking run by stealing third, one of New York’s franchise-record seven stolen bases, and the Mets beat the San Francisco Giants 7-4 on Thursday. “Sometimes you’re going to have to steal bases to win games,” Beltran said. “Once I got to second I knew we were going to score at least that run. I’m trying to pick up the spot and let Sheff (Gary Sheffield) drive me in. He got the walk and David got the big hit.” Wright singled in Beltran to give the Mets a 5-4 lead and tied a club mark with four steals, accomplished twice by Vince Coleman and equaled by Roger Cedeno in 1999. “I got a few opportunities early,” Wright said. “I like putting pressure on the defense, and I like to keep the pitcher on his toes to make him focus on the baserunners.” Wright had three hits and drove in two runs for New York, which has won nine of 11. Sheffield and Beltran each had two hits and Ramon Castro had two RBIs. Sheffield and Alex Cora also stole a base for New York, which ran wild on the basepaths with speedy shortstop Jose Reyes sitting out with a stiff right calf. The team had swiped six bags on four occasions, the last time on Sept. 15, 2007, against Philadelphia. “I think we’ve been aggressive in late-inning situations,” manager Jerry Manuel said. “It was nice to see that type of fight against a very good pitcher.”

MARCIO JOSE SANCHEZ / AP

Gary Sheffield singled in a run in the first inning to give the Mets an early lead. New York also was without reliever J.J. Putz and first baseman Carlos Delgado. Putz had a cortisone shot to alleviate inflammation in his right elbow, and Delgado’s ailing hip kept him out of the lineup. Bobby Parnell (2-0), subbing for Putz in the eighth inning, gave up RBI hits to Jose Uribe and Edgar Renteria to leave the game tied at 4. Renteria departed with a sore left hamstring after his infield single. “It’s tight,” Renteria said. “Hopefully tomorrow it will get better.” The Mets responded with three runs in the ninth. Beltran hit a oneout double off Brian Wilson (2-1) and swiped third, barely beating Bengie Molina’s throw. After Sheffield walked, Wright lined an RBI single into right field. “That was a close call at third and it went their way,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “Still, we have to do a better job.” — The Associated Press

Mets 7, Giants 4 New York AB Castillo 2b 4 Cora ss 4 Beltran cf 5 Sheffield lf 4 Fr.Rodriguez p 0 D.Wright 3b 3 Tatis 1b 5 R.Castro c 4 Church rf 5 Maine p 3 Stokes p 0 b-Dan.Murphy ph 1 Parnell p 0 Reed lf 0 Totals 38

R 0 1 2 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 7

H 0 1 2 2 0 3 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 12

BI 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 5

BB 1 1 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 6

SO 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 6

Avg. .304 .325 .371 .218 --.331 .328 .273 .262 .143 --.272 --.333

San Francisco Burriss 2b Medders p c-Aurilia ph B.Wilson p Renteria ss 1-Velez pr-2b Sandoval 3b B.Molina c Winn rf F.Lewis lf Rowand cf Ishikawa 1b J.Sanchez p J.Miller p a-Uribe ph-2b-ss Totals

R 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 4

H 2 0 0 0 1 0 1 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 11

BI 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 4

BB 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 5

SO 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 6

Avg. .271 --.152 .000 .256 .136 .297 .301 .254 .291 .236 .232 .000 .000 .289

AB 4 0 1 0 5 0 5 4 4 4 3 3 1 0 2 36

New York 102 100 003 — San Francisco 200 000 020 —

7 12 1 4 11 0

a-singled for J.Miller in the 6th. b-struck out for Stokes in the 8th. c-struck out for Medders in the 8th. 1-ran for Renteria in the 8th. E: Cora (1). LOB: New York 10, San Francisco 12. 2B: Beltran (8), Sheffield (3), Burriss (3), B.Molina (7). RBIs: Sheffield (7), D.Wright 2 (20), R.Castro 2 (10), Renteria (17), B.Molina (29), Winn (16), Uribe (2). SB: Cora (2), Beltran (5), Sheffield (1), D.Wright 4 (9), Burriss (10), F.Lewis (3). S: Ishikawa. SF: Winn. Runners left in scoring position: New York 7 (Tatis 3, Cora, Beltran 2, R.Castro); San Francisco 7 (Ishikawa 2, B.Molina, Renteria, Burriss, Sandoval, Rowand). DP: New York 1 (Castillo, Tatis, Cora); San Francisco 1 (Renteria, Ishikawa). New York IP Maine 6 2⁄3 Stokes H, 1 1⁄3 Parnell W, 2-0 BS, 2-2 1 Fr.Rodriguez S, 10-10 1 San Francisco IP J.Sanchez 5 2⁄3 J.Miller 1⁄3 Medders 2 B.Wilson L, 2-1 1

H 7 0 3 1 H 9 0 0 3

R ER BB SO NP ERA 2 2 4 4 118 4.24 0 0 0 0 2 0.60 2 2 1 1 25 2.20 0 0 0 1 10 1.02 R ER BB SO NP ERA 4 4 3 5 115 5.06 0 0 1 0 8 2.16 0 0 1 1 26 3.86 3 3 1 0 21 4.50

Inherited runners-scored: Stokes 1-0, J.Miller 2-0. WP: Maine 2, J.Sanchez. Umpires: Home, Dana DeMuth; First, Doug Eddings; Second, Hunter Wendelstedt; Third, Brian Knight. T: 3:11. A: 30,154 (41,915).

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

www.sportingnews.com

NBA

6

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS Orlando 83, Boston 75

Howard makes sure this series goes the distance ORLANDO—Dwight Howard demanded the ball, and delivered when the Orlando Magic gave it to him. Now he needs to back it up, one more time. Howard had 23 points and 22 rebounds after challenging Stan Van Gundy’s coaching strategy, and the Magic beat the Boston Celtics 83-75 on Thursday night to force a decisive Game 7. “I just tried to be me,” Howard said. “I just have to go out there and play and not worry about nothing.” Rashard Lewis had 20 points, and Hedo Turkoglu made a 3-pointer to highlight an 11-2 run to close the game for the Magic, who haven’t made it to the conference finals since 1996. But it was Howard who the Magic leaned on after he called out Van Gundy for not getting the ball enough in Game 5. “I guess Dwight Howard was right,” Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. “My gosh. He was unbelievable.” Rajon Rondo finished with 19 points, 16 rebounds and six assists, and Paul Pierce scored 17 for the Celtics, who led by 10 points in the second half before falling apart. Game 7 is Sunday in Boston. The Celtics also failed to close out the Chicago Bulls in Game 6 of their first-round series, a triple-overtime epic. Boston now will go the distance in its first two series for the second straight year. The two days off before Game 7 should give an older, worn-out Boston team a chance to rest its tired

legs. It’s still not enough for Rivers. “I would take a week off and do it like the Super Bowl,” Rivers joked. “That would be terrific. But that’s not going to happen.” Boston had chances. The Celtics held the Magic scoreless for more than five minutes to start the third quarter, building a 10-point lead on a jumper by Glen “Big Baby” Davis. But Howard led the Magic back, with a backspin alley-oop from Turkoglu that highlighted a spurt to end the third quarter. Orlando took its first lead with 8:38 remaining in the fourth. Pierce hit three straight jumpers to give Boston a 73-72 lead with about four minutes to play, but the Celtics were done in by their 3-for18 shooting from 3-point range and 19 turnovers. Ray Allen missed all seven attempts from behind the arc. “The offense definitely struggled,” Pierce said. “But we still played enough defense to win the game. We turned the ball over too much.” Howard blamed Van Gundy for not getting the ball more after the Magic’s Game 5 collapse, when they blew a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter. “You’ve got a dominant player, let him be dominant,” Howard said. He came out trying to back up his strong words. Howard scored the first eight points of the game for the Magic, including a pair of dunks that pumped some life into the home crowd. He finished 9-for-16

Series glance (Series tied 3-3) May 4: Orlando 95, Boston 90 May 6: Boston 112, Orlando 94 May 8: Orlando 117, Boston 96 May 10: Boston 95, Orlando 94 May 12: Boston 92, Orlando 88 Thursday: Orlando 83, Boston 75 Sunday: Orlando at Boston, 8 p.m., TNT

Boston Orlando BOSTON Min FG Pierce 41:11 6-14 Davis 24:49 3-8 Perkins 36:40 7-11 Rondo 39:38 8-19 RAllen 41:50 2-11 Scalabrine 32:43 3-7 House 14:43 3-6 Marbury 8:26 0-1 Totals 240:00 32-77

25 22

21 23

16 16

FT Reb 5-8 0-9 0-0 1-2 1-1 3-10 1-3 3-16 1-1 3-7 0-0 2-3 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 8-13 12-48

13 — 22 — A 5 2 1 6 1 1 1 1 18

PF 3 4 5 3 5 4 2 2 28

75 83 PTS 17 6 15 19 5 7 6 0 75

Percentages: FG .416, FT .615. 3-Point Goals: 3-18, .167 (Rondo 2-4, Scalabrine 1-4, Pierce 0-3, R.Allen 0-7). Team Rebounds: 11. Team Turnovers: 22 (28 PTS). Blocked Shots: 4 (Perkins 3, Scalabrine). Turnovers: 19 (Perkins 5, Rondo 5, R.Allen 4, Pierce 3, Davis 2). Steals: 7 (Rondo 4, Davis 2, House). Technical Fouls: Perkins, 1:05 second; Marbury, 10:42 fourth.

PHELAN M. EBENHACK / AP

Dwight Howard, left, put his mark on the game early, scoring Orlando’s first eight points en route to 23 in all and 22 rebounds. shooting. Van Gundy said he didn’t change his strategy at all, and compared Howard’s comments to an argument between himself and his wife. “When she gets on me for something, my first reaction is to blame someone else,” Van Gundy said. “To make an excuse. To do

something else, because I don’t like being criticized. And I think when Dwight gets into a game, his first thing is, ‘I don’t want the blame.’ This is just my guess. “But when you step back and look at it, I usually realize the person who’s been on me has a point. And then it’s time to step up and do the

job.” The Celtics were again the scrappier team for most of the night, diving for loose balls and outmuscling the Magic for rebounds. Pierce’s layup capped a 13-2 run that pushed Boston’s lead to 31-22 early in the second quarter. — The Associated Press

ORLANDO Min FG FT Reb Turkoglu 37:48 3-13 0-0 0-2 Lewis 42:32 7-18 6-8 3-6 Howard 42:45 9-16 5-12 10-22 Alston 30:10 4-9 1-2 0-2 Redick 20:24 0-7 2-3 0-3 Pietrus 24:37 4-8 1-2 2-3 Lee 21:54 2-5 2-2 0-2 Battie 3:26 0-1 0-0 0-0 Johnson 11:09 1-5 0-2 0-1 Gortat 5:15 0-0 0-0 1-1 Totals 240:00 30-82 17-31 16-42

A 3 3 2 3 0 2 0 0 0 0 13

PF 2 1 5 1 0 4 1 0 1 0 15

PTS 7 20 23 11 2 11 6 0 3 0 83

Percentages: FG .366, FT .548. 3-Point Goals: 6-26, .231 (Alston 2-4, Pietrus 2-6, Johnson 1-4, Turkoglu 1-5, Lee 0-1, Redick 0-2, Lewis 0-4). Team Rebounds: 15. Team Turnovers: 10 (3 PTS). Blocked Shots: 7 (Howard 3, Alston 2, Lewis, Redick). Turnovers: 9 (Turkoglu 3, Howard 2, Alston, Gortat, Lee, Lewis). Steals: 9 (Alston 3, Lewis 2, Pietrus 2, Johnson, Turkoglu). Technical Fouls: Howard, 7:46 first; Turkoglu, 10:42 fourth. A: 17,461 (17,461). T: 2:40. Officials: Dan Crawford, Dick Bavetta, Marc Davis.

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

NBA

www.sportingnews.com

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

7

EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS Orlando 83, Boston 75

NOTEBOOK

Magic’s win calms Howard-Van Gundy rift—for now ORLANDO—Like he hasn’t seen this flick before. The star player is angry, the fans are restless, his coaching ability is called into question. And Stan Van Gundy sounds like a guy who doesn’t give a flip. “We’ve been a very good team all year in difficult situations,” Van Gundy said. “I know that’s hard to understand with a Matt Hayes coach that panPRO BASKETBALL ics like I do.” Forgive the sarcasm, everyone. For a guy who already has been run out of town by a star player, the second time around isn’t nearly as traumatic. When you’ve been to the rodeo before, the bucking bronco doesn’t have quite the same kick. Dwight Howard got his points in Orlando’s 83-75 victory over Boston in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals Thursday, and then said his criticism of Van Gundy was blown out of proportion. Forget about him publicly going Kobe on Van Gundy, calling out his strategy and questioning the direction of the team. Winning changes everything. For the time being, anyway. When asked about the lesson he learned from the past 48 hours, and after he had 23 points and 22 rebounds and led the Magic with his energy, How-

PHELAN M. EBENHACK / AP

After the Magic won Game 6, coach Stan Van Gundy, right, was able to laugh off criticism. ard said, “Keep my mouth shut.” It’s too late now. This is the way it works in the NBA, the league of pampered players and coaches hired to be fired. And when the league’s best big man, when its biggest, brightest young star not named LeBron says something is wrong, well, something most certainly is wrong. Whether it is or isn’t. Orlando could find a way to

win Game 7 Sunday in Boston and put this whole sordid mess of spoiled stars and beleaguered coaches in the rearview. And it just doesn’t matter. Because this, everyone, is the cardinal sin of NBA coaching: never, ever, make the star player unhappy. Remember when Van Gundy, in the prime of his coaching career and after having built the Miami Heat into a title contender,

suddenly became “burned out” early in the 2005-06 season and resigned? That season, it was another babied star—Shaquille O’Neal—who thought Van Gundy wasn’t the guy to lead the Heat anymore. And just like that, 21 games into the season, Van Gundy was gone, Pat Riley returned and the Heat won the NBA championship. It was after a heartbreaking Game 5 loss in Boston that Howard questioned why he wasn’t getting the ball more, and how Van Gundy’s specific substitution patterns sapped the team of momentum. But instead of retreating and reorganizing, Van Gundy didn’t change a thing. Howard, in fact, got less touches in offensive sets than he did in Game 5. His points, more than anything, were a combination of putbacks on offensive rebounds and uncontested dunks after dribble penetration. And just like that, all is well again in the world of pampered athletes. For the time being, anyway. “Dwight feels a great responsibility to get this team to advance,” Van Gundy said. “He badly wants to get this done. When it doesn’t go well, that frustration boils over.” And guess who gets burned? Van Gundy has been here before, all right. May as well enjoy the second time around. [email protected]

JOHN RAOUX / AP

Without Kevin Garnett, center, the Celtics have to gear up for another Game 7.

Celtics: Fatigue not a factor for Game 7 Suddenly, the topic of the series–other than Dwight Howard’s temper tantrum– has become Boston’s age. More specifically, the Celtics’ ability to bounce back physically for another Game 7. If the first round knockdown, dragout with Chicago weren’t enough, here comes another Game 7 for the defending champions. “Tired right now is a state of mind,” said Boston forward Paul Pierce. “This is where we all want to be. We’re a very confident group when it comes to Game 7, especially at home.” Boston won Game 7 with Chicago in the first round, and the Celtics won two Game 7s in last year’s playoff run against Atlanta and Cleveland—in the first two rounds. The extra day of rest—the series moves to two off days for the final—and the primetime start should give both teams plenty of time to physically recoup. “The way coach described it is it’s the best experience to be a part of,” said Magic center Dwight Howard. “I guess this will be my college experience here of one and done.”

Closing out The Magic have struggled in the playoffs to keep leads and close out games. It hurt them in the first round against Philadelphia, and has become a big issue against Boston.

The reality is, this series should already be over. Orlando has more talent than Boston. The Magic are younger, more athletic, more put together to go deep in the NBA playoffs. And now their season comes down to Game 7 against the aging Celtics, playing without their best player and a ragtag group of replacements and castoffs (when have we heard this before in Beantown?) in a classic Game 7. None of this would be a factor if Orlando hadn’t blown double-digit leads in Games 4-5. “Generally in these games, the veteran team has the advantage, not the younger team,” said Magic coach Stan Van Gundy. “All you have to do is a little research on that. But I don’t think that means anything. When it was Yankees vs. Red Sox, no one had ever come back. There are a lot of things that haven’t happened until someone does it.”

Number game Soak all this in, if you will: Orlando shot 36 percent from the field, 54 percent from the free throw line (missing 14) and was outrebounded by six. And somehow still won. The reason: Boston had 22 turnovers, and the Magic had 28 points off the turnovers. Boston’s guards had nine assists and nine turnovers. — Matt Hayes

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

www.sportingnews.com

NBA

8

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS Houston 95, L.A. Lakers 80

To live or die in L.A.: Rockets force Game 7 HOUSTON—The Houston Rockets keep surprising everyone but themselves, and now they’ve got a chance to pull off the ultimate stunner: knocking out the Los Angeles Lakers. Aaron Brooks scored 26 points, Luis Scola added 24 points and 12 rebounds, and the scrappy, undermanned Rockets pushed the Lakers to the limit in their Western Conference semifinal series with a 95-80 victory in Game 6 on Thursday night. Reserve Carl Landry scored 15 as the Rockets built another huge lead in the first half, then fought off a Lakers rally to force Game 7 on Sunday at the Staples Center. “For the last two days, all I’ve heard is that we weren’t going back to L.A.,” said Houston coach Rick Adelman. “Our guys in the locker room didn’t believe that.” Kobe Bryant scored 32 and Pau Gasol added 14 points and 11 rebounds for Los Angeles, which lost for only the third time in the last 18 games when it has a chance to close out a series. The Lakers have one more opportunity to finish off Houston, but they probably didn’t expect to need it, three games after Yao Ming exited the series with a broken left foot. “They all have the same mentality, they all fight for everything that they get,” Bryant said of the Rockets. “That’s why we’re in the position that we’re in right now. They don’t quit. So Game 7 is going to be

exciting.” The winner will play the Denver Nuggets, who finished off Dallas on Wednesday night and now have a few extra days to rest. Like Bryant, Los Angeles coach Phil Jackson tried to put a positive spin on his team’s predicament. “There’s nothing to worry about,” he said. “We are just going to go out and play. It’s our home court and it’s what we play for. We play a different game on our court, and that’s pretty obvious to see.” Los Angeles won Game 5 by 40 points, matching Houston’s worst playoff loss, but the Rockets came out dominant instead of demoralized on Thursday. They put together a near carbon copy of the first half of Game 4, when they seemed to hit every open shot, smothered the Lakers on defense and built an 18-point halftime lead. “We really came out with a great deal of aggression,” said Shane Battier, who played 42 minutes, despite an illness. “We were just focused. We took care of the ball, we swung the ball and we played the way we know we can play.” Bryant missed a halfcourt shot at the halftime buzzer and angrily shook his head as he stormed off the court. The Rockets led 52-36 at the break—one basket shy of the halftime score in Game 4. “We just didn’t start the game off the way we should have,” Bryant said. “We didn’t execute right. They jumped on top of us.”

On Sunday, Houston stretched its lead to 29 and cruised to a 99-87 win. This time, the Lakers made a game of it, opening the second half with a 16-2 spurt. But Landry converted a threepoint play to break the Lakers’ momentum and Brooks sank a 3-pointer to help Houston rebuild its lead. The Rockets hit their last eight shots in the third quarter and took a 75-65 lead to the fourth. Landry drove down the lane for a onehanded dunk with 6:56 left to put Houston up 81-71 and Bryant checked in after a long rest. But Bryant missed four of his next six shots and Brooks scored eight points over the next five minutes to secure another surprise over the Western Conference’s top seed. “I think it’s fun,” Brooks said. “We enjoy it. We got them on their heels a little bit. The pressure’s on them.” The Rockets scored 40 points in the paint and held Los Angeles to 36 percent shooting (30-for-84). The Lakers went only 5-for-23 from 3-point range. Houston opened the game with a 17-1 burst, electrifying another redclad capacity crowd at the Toyota Center. Bryant made the Lakers’ first field goal near the 6-minute mark, but Scola put in another short jumper to make it 19-3—one point better than Houston’s opening run in Game 4. — The Associated Press

Series glance L.A. Lakers vs. Houston (Series tied 3-3) May 4: Houston 100, L.A. Lakers 92 May 6: L.A. Lakers 111, Houston 98 May 8: L.A. Lakers 108, Houston 94 May 10: Houston 99, L.A. Lakers 87 May 12: L.A. Lakers 118, Houston 78 Thursday: Houston 95, L.A. Lakers 80 Sunday: Houston at L.A. Lakers, 3:30 p.m.

L.A. Lakers Houston

15 27

21 25

29 22

L.A. Min FG FT Reb Ariza 30:32 2-6 2-4 2-4 Gasol 43:03 7-15 0-0 2-11 Bynum 19:03 0-3 0-0 4-7 Fisher 21:24 1-7 0-0 0-0 Bryant 38:26 11-27 9-10 1-2 Odom 28:36 3-5 2-4 3-14 Walton 15:51 0-5 0-0 1-2 Farmar 21:01 5-10 0-0 0-2 Brown 15:29 0-3 2-2 1-1 Vujacic 6:35 1-3 0-0 1-2 Totals 240:00 30-84 15-20 15-45

15 — 21 — A 2 2 1 1 3 0 0 0 1 1 11

PF 1 2 3 1 2 6 2 3 1 2 23

80 95 PTS 7 14 0 2 32 8 0 13 2 2 80

Percentages: FG .357, FT .750. 3-Point Goals: 5-23, .217 (Farmar 3-5, Ariza 1-5, Bryant 1-5, Brown 0-1, Walton 0-2, Fisher 0-5). Team Rebounds: 9. Team Turnovers: 10 (16 PTS). Blocked Shots: 5 (Bryant 3, Odom 2). Turnovers: 10 (Ariza 2, Bryant 2, Farmar 2, Gasol 2, Bynum, Fisher). Steals: 6 (Ariza 2, Bryant, Bynum, Farmar, Odom). Technical Fouls: Bryant, 2:03 second. HOUSTON Min FG FT Battier 41:27 2-8 0-0 Scola 36:28 10-17 4-5 Hayes 30:19 1-1 0-0 Brooks 40:30 8-13 7-7 Artest 44:25 6-17 0-2 Lowry 14:56 1-6 2-2 Landry 27:23 6-6 3-6 Wafer 4:32 2-3 0-0 Totals 240:00 36-71 16-22

Reb 1-5 2-12 2-5 0-3 0-3 0-2 2-9 0-0 7-39

A 4 2 2 4 3 4 0 0 19

PF 4 3 4 1 3 1 3 0 19

PTS 5 24 2 26 14 4 15 5 95

Percentages: FG .507, FT .727. 3-Point Goals: 7-18, .389 (Brooks 3-4, Artest 2-7, Wafer 1-1, Battier 1-6). Team Rebounds: 7. Team Turnovers: 12 (12 PTS). Blocked Shots: 2 (Landry 2). Turnovers: 10 (Brooks 4, Artest 3, Landry 2, Battier). Steals: 6 (Artest 2, Brooks 2, Battier, Hayes). Technical Fouls: None. PAT SULLIVAN / AP

Houston’s Luis Scola, left, helped make sure there would be a Game 7 with the Lakers.

A: 18,501 (18,043). T: 2:35. Officials: Monty McCutchen, Tom Washington, Mark Wunderlich.

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

NBA

www.sportingnews.com

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

9

Playoff glance

INSIDE DISH

CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

Mavs face offseason decision with Kidd One of the Mavs’ offseason issues will be whether to re-sign PG Jason Kidd, who can become a free agent this summer. Kidd, 36, told The Dallas Morning News he “still has a lot to offer.” His coach and teammates apparently agree. After the team’s season-ending loss to the Nuggets on Wednesday, Rick Carlisle put in a plea for Kidd’s return. “It’s hard for me to put into words what he does for our team and how he makes us better,” Carlisle told the Morning News. “He does so many things to make us a better team and I’ve made that known throughout the organization.” And SG Jason Terry said, “Jason Kidd is still a great player. We all want him back. But he’s free. He can go wherever he wants to go.” The 76ers will interview Eddie Jordan for their head coaching vacancy today. Jordan, who was fired by the Wizards in November, interviewed with the Kings earlier this week. According to the Philadelphia Daily News, a source close to Jordan indicated that between the two job openings, Jordan would prefer the Sixers’ because of their immediate ability to compete, as well as their proximity to his home—he grew up in Washington, D.C. A day after talking with Jordan, the Kings interviewed Paul Westphal on Wednesday, The

Sacramento Bee reported. “I’m very pleased that they thought enough of me to talk to me,” Westphal said. “I think it went well. I’m sure they’ll make whatever decision is best for the Kings. I know that’s diplomatic, but it also happens to be true.” Westphal has an NBA head coaching record of 267-159; his last NBA head coaching stop was in Seattle during the 200001 season. But back when the Cavaliers made the deal for PG Mo Williams before the season, there was some question about whether it would work. Taking on Williams (who is 6-1), meant that the Cavs would move Delonte West (6-3) to shooting guard and would line up each night with a backcourt significantly smaller than just about any opponent they faced. Both have been brilliant, however, creating space for LeBron James by knocking down open 3-pointers. “We knew what Mo is, we knew he could score and do this, this and that,” Cavs coach Mike Brown said. “We also felt he was a better defender than what he showed and what he got credit for in Milwaukee. On top of that, we felt that, with the starting two-guard position being an open spot, we felt that Delonte could fill that spot as a starter, that he was not too small to start there. There were a lot of things we talked about last summer that have come to the

forefront, and we’re now seeing the benefits.” — Sean Deveney Mavericks F Josh Howard will have arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle next week. Howard missed 22 games this season because of the ankle. He returned in late March and played through pain, but was a big part of Dallas’ run to the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference and firstround playoff win against San Antonio. Howard said Thursday that doctors are “just going in there to clean out all the junk.”

EASTERN CONFERENCE Cleveland vs. Atlanta (Cleveland wins series 4-0) May 5: Cleveland 99, Atlanta 72 May 7: Cleveland 105, Atlanta 85 May 9: Cleveland 97, Atlanta 82 May 11: Cleveland 84, Atlanta, 74 Boston vs. Orlando (Series tied 3-3) May 4: Orlando 95, Boston 90 May 6: Boston 112, Orlando 94 May 8: Orlando 117, Boston 96 May 10: Boston 95, Orlando 94 May 12: Boston 92, Orlando 88 Thursday: Orlando 83, Boston 75 Sunday: Orlando at Boston, 8 p.m. WESTERN CONFERENCE L.A. Lakers vs. Houston (Series tied 3-3) May 4: Houston 100, L.A. Lakers 92 May 6: L.A. Lakers 111, Houston 98 May 8: L.A. Lakers 108, Houston 94 May 10: Houston 99, L.A. Lakers 87 May 12: L.A. Lakers 118, Houston 78 Thursday: Houston 95, L.A. Lakers 80 Sunday: Houston at L.A. Lakers, 3:30 p.m.

Reeling from a terrible season for the Kings, Maloof Sports & Entertainment said it has eliminated about 1 percent of its 1,200 jobs. Jim Kozimor, one of the team’s most recognizable faces as a TV and radio broadcaster, was included in the layoffs. “I understood that I was front and center, and in some ways I was one of the faces of the organization,” Kozimor said in a phone interview with The Sacramento Bee. “I cared about that. This comes as a complete shock.” The Heat laid off a small number of positions, including that of Wali Jones, the team’s community affairs liaison and a former NBA player and scout. The Heat would not comment on the exact number of layoffs, but the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported about 20 people lost their jobs.

(Best-of-7), All times ET

Denver vs. Dallas (Denver wins series 4-1) May 3: Denver 109, Dallas 95 May 5: Denver 117, Dallas 105 May 9: Denver 106, Dallas 105 May 11: Dallas 119, Denver 117 May 13: Denver 124, Dallas 110

MATT SLOCUM / AP

Jason Kidd’s coach this season, Rick Carlisle, has made it known he wants the free agent to return.

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

NHL

www.sportingnews.com

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

NOTEBOOK

Detroit 4, Anaheim 3

Red Wings survive Game 7 cliffhanger DETROIT—After a close win, players rarely admit they were ever worried about losing a game. Not Mike Babcock. After Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals, the Red Wings coach admitted to wondering if a third consecutive trip to the conference finals was meant to be. When he saw rookie defenseman Jonathan Ericsson losing the puck because of interference from an abandoned stick sitting on the ice—a turnover that Craig Custance led to Anaheim’s gameHOCKEY tying goal in the third period—the doubt crept in. “You think to yourself, ‘My goodness, maybe we’re not supposed to do this,’ ” Babcock said. The Red Wings did do it, but not before learning just how tough it is to eliminate an experienced, talented, former Cupwinning team. The kind of team they haven’t faced in a long time. The kind of team they are themselves. It made their 4-3 Game 7 win over the Ducks that much more satisfying. “They were not going to go away,” said Detroit captain Nicklas Lidstrom. “They had that experience that they can hang around and tie games up late in a game, or win in an overtime, win late. It’s extra gratifying to win the series the way we did.” The Ducks, like the Red Wings and Carolina in the East, know what it takes to win it all this time of year. With all the star power and high-flying offense Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin provided in their fantastic seven-game series, this battle in the West featured two

PAUL SANCYA / AP

Chris Osgood, left, was unheralded compared to the Ducks’ Jonas Hiller, but stopped 24 shots as the Red Wings advanced to the final four. experienced heavyweights who just might be the toughest to eliminate. Now there’s only one. The team that advanced, the Red Wings, not only survived. It identified itself as the best of the four remaining teams in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Beating a team like the Ducks, one that manhandled the Sharks in Round 1, earns them that title. How big was this win? Babcock, who hoisted a Stanley Cup last spring, put it at the top of his list. “The best series I’ve been in. For sure, the hardest series, most even, the least room,” Babcock said. “I thought (goalie

Jonas) Hiller was fantastic, so you wouldn’t even be talking about guys without him, but in my opinion the play of (Ryan) Getzlaf and (Scott) Niedermayer and (Chris) Pronger was just outstanding.” All three, former Stanley Cup winners. “What people don’t understand, the people who have won, they know what it takes to win and they don’t give in,” Babcock said. “They just keep going. That’s why they were so hard.” The Ducks desperately wanted to get to overtime. They know that once that happens, anybody can win. Just like

10

Anaheim did on a Todd Marchant goal in triple overtime in Game 2. For most of the series, Anaheim was outplayed and out-skilled. But the Ducks stuck to a formula that could keep them in games and put them in position to steal them. The Red Wings carried the play, yet with 3:01 remaining in Game 7, the series was deadlocked. “There’s a lot of heart in here,” said Hiller, who made 36 saves. “We showed it again tonight.” He could have been talking about both teams. [email protected]

Red Wings dig deep to reach final four It was the Red Wings’ biggest game of the season, and they got goals from Jiri Hudler, Darren Helm, Mikael Samuelsson and Dan Cleary. Not exactly the household names that top the Wings’ list of stars. Detroit is the deepest team in hockey, and that’s why the Red Wings will be playing in another conference final. “This is three years in a row that we’ve been in the final four and in the cap world, that’s phenomenal,” Detroit coach Mike Babcock said. Cleary scored the game-winner, his third of the playoffs, when he stuffed a puck under Anaheim goalie Jonas Hiller on a pass from Henrik Zetterberg. “It’s the biggest goal I’ve ever scored,” Cleary said. “(Zetterberg) made a nice play and I just pushed it underneath.” Helms’ goal might have been the most impressive because he flashed the breakaway speed that puts him in the conversation as one of the NHL’s fastest skaters. “I think I got a pretty good jump on the puck there, I knew I just wanted to get away from both (defensemen),” Helm said. “Inside the blue line, I started thinking of what I was going to do.”

Ducks came a long way It wasn’t any consolation after being eliminated, but this same Ducks team was close to missing the playoffs. They didn’t play like a No. 8 seed, but they weren’t exactly happy about any moral victories they might have won by pushing Detroit to the brink of elimination. “Everybody sacrificed for the group,” goalie Jonas Hiller said. “If somebody told us in January we’d be in the conference semifinals, losing Game 7, we probably would have taken it. But now that we’re here, it’s kind of tough because we had the chance to move on.” — Craig Custance

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

www.sportingnews.com

NHL

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

11

WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS Detroit 4, Anaheim 3

Cleary’s late goal helps champs move on DETROIT—The Detroit Red Wings were pushed to the brink of elimination on home ice by the Anaheim Ducks. Dan Cleary came through, though, scoring a tiebreaking goal with 3 minutes left that lifted Detroit to a 4-3 win on Thursday night that sent the defending Stanley Cup champions to the Western Conference finals for the third straight year. “Most teams that have won the Stanley Cup don’t even get here,” Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said. “For us to be in this situation is a real positive, but we have a hungry Chicago team waiting for us.” Detroit will host the Blackhawks in Game 1 on Sunday, matching up the Original Six teams in the playoffs for the first time since the conference finals in 1995. “It should be fun,” Babcock said. Before Detroit did it, Colorado was the most recent NHL team to reach the conference finals after hoisting the Cup. The Avalanche lost to Detroit 7-0 in the deciding game in 2002. The previous two Cup champions met for the third time since the NHL expanded in 1967, and all three series went the distance. The Edmonton Oilers needed overtime to get past Calgary in 1991, and Montreal beat Boston by two goals in 1971. Unlike those winners, secondseeded Detroit was at home against

eighth-seeded Anaheim, which knocked off the top-seeded San Jose Sharks in the first round. Five of the games were decided by a goal, including Game 2 in triple overtime. “It was the best series I’ve been in,” Babcock said. Anaheim’s Jonas Hiller had a lot to do with the competitiveness, making 36 saves in the finale. “What made this series so hard and what people don’t understand, the people that have won know what it takes to win,” Babcock said. “That’s what made them so hard to get rid of.” Chris Osgood stopped 24 shots for the Red Wings, who couldn’t protect a two-goal lead in the second period. “It was a tough series, probably one of the toughest we’ve played in a long time,” Osgood said. Detroit’s Jiri Hudler, Darren Helm and Mikael Samuelsson scored. Cleary set up a matchup with his former team by scoring the winning goal, stuffing the puck past Hiller after Henrik Zetterberg flipped it into the crease. “Z was in the corner and made a good play, put it on net,” Cleary said. “I stayed with it and got it under Hiller.” Ducks coach Randy Carlyle wasn’t sure the goal should have been allowed, but didn’t complain much about it. “When (Hiller) went down,

Series glance Detroit vs. Anaheim (Detroit wins series 4-3) May 1: Detroit 3, Anaheim 2 May 3: Anaheim 4, Detroit 3, 3OT May 5: Anaheim 2, Detroit 1 May 7: Detroit 6, Anaheim 3 May 10: Detroit 4, Anaheim 1 May 12: Anaheim 2, Detroit 1 Thursday: Detroit 4, Anaheim 3

Conference Finals Chicago vs. Detroit Sunday: Chicago at Detroit, 3 p.m. Tuesday: Chicago at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.

May 22: Detroit at Chicago, 8 p.m. May 24: Detroit at Chicago, 3 p.m. May 27: Chicago at Detroit, 7:30 p.m., if necessary May 30: Detroit at Chicago, TBA, 8 p.m., if necessary June 1: Chicago at Detroit, TBA, 7:30 p.m., if necessary

Anaheim Detroit

JERRY S. MENDOZA / AP

Dan Cleary (11), who broke into the NHL with the Blackhawks in 1997, propelled the Wings into the Western finals against Chicago. Cleary pushed his pads,” Carlyle said. “It’s moot at this point.” The Ducks, though, showed a lot of resolve to make Game 7 necessary and to give Detroit all it could handle. “When you’re that close with so few minutes left, it’s tough to lose,”

Ducks defenseman Scott Niedermayer said. Teemu Selanne and Corey Perry cut into deficits, and Bobby Ryan made it 3-all at 7:37 of the third. The game ended in thrilling fashion after it appeared the Red Wings might win in a rout.

Ducks forward Ryan Getzlaf was called for two penalties in the first period and Detroit took advantage of the second. Anaheim failed on an extended 5-on-3 power play in the first period when the game was scoreless.

0 1

2 2

1 1

— —

3 4

First Period: 1, Detroit, Hudler 4 (Franzen, Zetterberg), 15:43 (pp). Penalties: Zetterberg, Det (holding stick), 4:42; Kronwall, Det (hooking), 5:32; Getzlaf, Ana (holding), 8:42; Getzlaf, Ana (slashing), 14:12. Second Period: 2, Detroit, Helm 2 (Hossa), 1:17. 3, Anaheim, Selanne 4 (Carter, Whitney), 14:50. 4, Detroit, Samuelsson 3 (Datsyuk, Filppula), 16:23. 5, Anaheim, Perry 8 (Pronger, Selanne), 17:12 (pp). Penalties: Whitney, Ana (high-sticking), 6:29; Beauchemin, Ana (delay of game), 8:07; Hossa, Det (high-sticking), 8:42; Stuart, Det (interference), 9:05; Hudler, Det (goaltender interference), 16:46. Third Period: 6, Anaheim, Ryan 5 (Perry, S.Niedermayer), 7:37. 7, Detroit, Cleary 3 (Zetterberg, Lidstrom), 17:00. Penalties: Selanne, Ana (holding), 8:04. Shots on Goal: Anaheim 6-14-7: 27. Detroit 17-8-15: 40. Power-play opportunities: Anaheim 1 of 5; Detroit 1 of 5. Goalies: Anaheim, Hiller 7-6-0 (40 shots-36 saves). Detroit, Osgood 8-3-0 (27-24). A: 20,066 (20,066). T: 2:31. Referees: Paul Devorski, Marc Joannette. Linesmen: Steve Miller, Jean Morin.

“That was huge to keep us in the game and not give them any momentum,” Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom said. — The Associated Press

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

www.sportingnews.com

NHL

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

12

EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS Carolina 3, Boston 2, OT

Walker finishes Bruins, lifts Canes to East final BOSTON—Scott Walker delivered the final knockout punch to the Boston Bruins. His overtime goal sent the Carolina Hurricanes into the Eastern Conference finals and eliminated the top-seeded team in the process. Four days after decking Aaron Ward with his right fist, Walker flipped his first NHL playoff goal over Tim Thomas 18:46 into overtime to give the Hurricanes a 3-2 win in Game 7 Thursday night and foil the Bruins hopes to recover from a 3-1 series deficit. “I just went to the net and whacked one in,” Walker said after his 25th career NHL playoff game. “Didn’t take much skill.” The Hurricanes will open the East finals on Monday at Pittsburgh against the Penguins. Thomas stopped Ray Whitney’s shot with his upper body, and the puck dropped in front of him. Walker, with Bruins defenseman Dennis Wideman beside him, shot just as the goalie reached out with his stick, too late to stop Walker from putting the puck over Thomas’ left shoulder. The red light went on and Thomas sped from the net toward his bench while the Hurricanes celebrated. “I saw the guy coming down the lane, laying up for the shot,” said Thomas, a finalist for the Vezina Trophy. “I saw the shot. I made the save and left the rebound up in the air.” Carolina, which beat New Jersey in the first round, will now take on the fourth-seeded Penguins, who

Series glance Boston vs. Carolina (Carolina wins series 4-3) May 1: Boston 4, Carolina 1 May 3: Carolina 3, Boston 0 May 5: Carolina 3, Boston 2, OT May 8: Carolina 4, Boston 1 May 10: Boston 4, Carolina 0 May 12: Boston 4, Carolina 2 Thursday: Carolina 3, Boston 2

CONFERENCE FINALS Pittsburgh vs. Carolina Monday: Carolina at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m. Thursday: Carolina at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m. May 23: Pittsburgh at Carolina, 7:30 p.m. May 26: Pittsburgh at Carolina, 7:30 p.m. May 29: Carolina at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m., if necessary May 31: Pittsburgh at Carolina, 7:30 p.m., if necessary June 2: Carolina at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m., if necessary

Carolina Boston CHARLES KRUPA / AP

Scott Walker’s first career playoff goal could not have come at a better time for the Hurricanes—in overtime of Game 7. beat the Washington Capitals in Game 7 of that series on Wednesday. “Just because we won these series doesn’t mean we are going to change our approach against Pittsburgh,” Carolina coach Paul Maurice said. “If we try to trade goals with them,

it will be a short series.” Boston was trying to accomplish what no other Bruins club has done—win a series it trailed 3-1. They won 4-0 in Game 5 which was marred by Walker’s late-game punch. Then they won 4-2 in Carolina on Tuesday night, giving them

a chance to advance in front of their home fans. Instead, they are 0-21 in those series, with only two going seven games. The other came last year in the first round against the Montreal Canadiens. — The Associated Press

1 1

1 0

0 1

1 0

— —

3 2

First Period: 1, Boston, Bitz 1 (Krejci, Ryder), 7:42. 2, Carolina, Brind’Amour 1 (Seidenberg, Pitkanen), 13:59. Penalties: Axelsson, Bos (hooking), 11:59; Ruutu, Car (slashing), 16:52. Second Period: 3, Carolina, Samsonov 4 (Pitkanen, Kaberle), 7:45. Penalties: Cullen, Car (hooking), 3:54; Kaberle, Car (hooking), 10:55; Samsonov, Car (holding), 13:54; Ryder, Bos (holding), 18:46. Third Period: 4, Boston, Lucic 3 (Savard, Kessel), 6:19. Penalties: None. First Overtime: 5, Carolina, Walker 1 (Whitney, Seidenberg), 18:46. Penalties: None. Shots on Goal: Carolina 10-10-9-8: 37. Boston 11-6-11-8: 36. Power-play opportunities: Carolina 0 of 2; Boston 0 of 4. Goalies: Carolina, C.Ward 8-6-0 (36 shots-34 saves). Boston, Thomas 7-4-0 (37-34). A: 17,565 (17,565). T: 3:13. Referees: Dave Jackson, Kevin Pollock. Linesmen: Derek Amell, Pierre Racicot.

Game 7 OT results in NHL playoffs May 14, 2009—Scott Walker, Carolina, 18:46, for a 3-2 win over Boston. April 22, 2008—Joffrey Lupul, Philadelphia, 6:06, for a 3-2 win over Washington. April 19, 2004—Martin Gelinas, Calgary, 1:25, for 3-2 win over Vancouver. April22,2003—Andrew Brunette, Minnesota, 3:25, for 3-2 win over Colorado. May 10, 2001—Darius Kasparaitis, Pittsburgh, 13:01, for 3-2 win over Buffalo. May 4, 1999—Pierre Turgeon, St. Louis, 17:59, for 1-0 win over Phoenix. April 29, 1997—Todd Marchant, Edmonton, 12:26, for 4-3 win over Dallas. April 29, 1997—Derek Plante, Buffalo, 5:24, for 3-2 win over Ottawa. May 16, 1996—Steve Yzerman, Detroit, 21:15 for 1-0 win over St. Louis. May 19, 1995—Ray Whitney, San Jose, 21:54, for 5-4 win over Calgary. May 27, 1994—Stephane Matteau, N.Y. Rangers, 24:24, for 2-1 win over New Jersey. April 30, 1994—Pavel Bure, Vancouver, 22:30, for 4-3 win over Calgary. May 14, 1993—David Volek, N.Y. Islanders, 5:16, for 4-3 win over Pittsburgh. May 1, 1993—Nikolai Borschevsky, Toronto, 2:35, for 4-3 win over Detroit. May 1, 1992—Russ Courtnall, Montreal, 25:26, for 3-2 win over Hartford. April 16, 1991—Esa Tikkanen, Edmonton, 6:58, for 5-4 win over Calgary. April 15, 1989—Joel Otto, Calgary, 19:21, for 4-3 win over Vancouver. April 16, 1988—Dale Hunter, Washington, 5:57, for 5-4 win over Philadelphia. April 18, 1987—Pat LaFontaine, N.Y. Islanders, 68:47, for 3-2 win over Washington. April 29, 1986—Claude Lemieux, Montreal, 5:55, for 2-1 win over Hartford. May 2, 1985—Peter Stastny, Quebec, 2:22, for 3-2 win over Montreal. April 22, 1984—Steve Payne, Minnesota, 6:00, for 4-3 win over St. Louis. April 24, 1983—Brad Park, Boston, 1:52, for 3-2 win over Buffalo. May 10, 1979—Yvon Lambert, Montreal, 9:33, for 5-4 win over Boston. April 29, 1978—Lanny McDonald, Toronto, 4:13, for 2-1 win over N.Y. Islanders. April 16, 1972—Kevin O’Shea, St. Louis, 10:07, for 2-1 win over Minnesota. May 3, 1968—Gerry Melnyk, St. Louis, 22:50, for 2-1 win over Minnesota. April 16, 1954—Tony Leswick, Detroit, 4:29, for 2-1 win over Montreal (Stanley Cup winning goal). April 23, 1950—Pete Babando, Detroit, 28:31, for 4-3 win over N.Y. Rangers (Stanley Cup winning goal). April 9, 1950—Leo Reise, Detroit, 8:39, for 1-0 win over Toronto. April 2, 1939—Mel Hill, Boston, 48:00, for 2-1 win over N.Y. Rangers.

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

NHL

www.sportingnews.com

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

13

Playoff glance

INSIDE DISH

CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS (Best-of-7) All Times ET

NHL: Balsillie’s bid on Coyotes is a sham The NHL characterizes Canadian businessman Jim Balsillie’s effort to buy the Coyotes and relocate the club to Ontario as a sham that “should be rejected” by the bankruptcy court because it is “premised on several flaws that rendered the stalking horse bid and the related process illusory.” In a limited objection filed in U.S. bankruptcy court late Wednesday night, the NHL argues that the bid to buy the Coyotes out of bankruptcy attempts to sell something that neither Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes nor any other debtors own—“the right to operate an NHL franchise anywhere other than the Phoenix area.” It also argues that Moyes and Balsillie are using the court “to eviscerate the NHL’s fundamental right to decide who will be members of the venture and where franchises will be located.” It accuses Moyes and Balsillie of misrepresenting league procedures for relocation. In a statement released Thursday, Balsillie fired back at the league: “I made a generous, good-faith offer to buy the Coyotes from Jerry Moyes, who I understand is the owner of the Coyotes. Who owns or controls the team is a distinction without a difference. The team itself is still bankrupt, voluntarily or not. The owner of the team has a fiduciary obligation toward the creditors.” — Tripp Mickle, SportsBusiness Journal According to the Canadian Press, F Mats Sundin said he has no regret over his decision to play the second half of the season with Vancouver but will not decide right away whether to return to the Canucks or any other NHL team next season. Sundin, 38, also promises that money will not be the deciding factor. “It won’t be a money issue, whether or not I’m going to play,” Sundin said. “You want to

have a chance to win. I am going to take my time to make a good decision this summer. Right now I wouldn’t know ... whether I am going to play or not.” Sundin’s Canucks lost a second-round playoff series to Chicago. It was his first postseason appearance since 2003-04.

Boston vs. Carolina (Carolina wins series 4-3) May 1: Boston 4, Carolina 1 May 3: Carolina 3, Boston 0 May 5: Carolina 3, Boston 2, OT May 8: Carolina 4, Boston 1 May 10: Boston 4, Carolina 0 May 12: Boston 4, Carolina 2 Thursday: Carolina 3, Boston 2

Washington vs. Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh wins series 4-3) May 2: Washington 3, Pittsburgh 2 May 4: Washington 4, Pittsburgh 3 May 6: Pittsburgh 3, Washington 2, OT May 8: Pittsburgh 5, Washington 3 May 9: Pittsburgh 4, Washington 3, OT May 11: Washington 5, Pittsburgh 4, OT May 13: Pittsburgh 6, Washington 2

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that the Penguins’ Game 7 victory over Washington Wednesday night set a viewership record for FSN Pittsburgh. Game 7 of the semifinal playoff series registered a 24.97 average rating for the network, according to Nielsen Media Research. It was the third straight game of the series that set a local viewership record. Game 5 was 21.2, Game 6 was 24.2 and the Game 7 number was the highest rating every achieved by a local network and the best for any hockey game ever telecast by an FSN regional sports network. For perspective, the Post-Gazette points out, Mario Lemieux’s comeback from retirement game in 2000 drew a 15.9. Tampa Bay coach Rick Tocchet, who had the interim tag removed from his title on Monday, got down to business three days later when he told his players to show up at training camp ready to compete—or pay the consequences. “If you’re not in shape, there’s ramifications,” he told the St. Petersburg Times. “You might not be in camp. You might not be with the team. There are things I will do that, if you’re not in shape, I’ll carry out.” Tocchet made it clear that things will be different now that he has the security of a two-term contract. “A lot of stuff I did last season was patchwork,” said Tocchet, who replaced Barry Melrose 16 games into the regular season. “Not to

EASTERN CONFERENCE

WESTERN CONFERENCE Detroit vs. Anaheim (Detroit wins series 4-3) May 1: Detroit 3, Anaheim 2 May 3: Anaheim 4, Detroit 3, 3OT May 5: Anaheim 2, Detroit 1 May 7: Detroit 6, Anaheim 3 May 10: Detroit 4, Anaheim 1 May 12: Anaheim 2, Detroit 1 Thursday: Detroit 4, Anaheim 3

Vancouver vs. Chicago (Chicago wins series 4-2) April 30: Vancouver 5, Chicago 3 May 2: Chicago 6, Vancouver 3 May 5: Vancouver 3, Chicago 1 May 7: Chicago 2, Vancouver 1, OT May 9: Chicago 4, Vancouver 2 May 11: Chicago 7, Vancouver 5

CONFERENCE FINALS (Best-of-7) All Times ET

WESTERN CONFERENCE Detroit vs. Chicago Sunday: Chicago at Detroit, 3 p.m. Tuesday: Chicago at Detroit, 7:30 p.m. May 22: Detroit at Chicago, 8 p.m. May 24: Detroit at Chicago, 3 p.m. * May 27: Chicago at Detroit, 7:30 p.m. * May 30: Detroit at Chicago, 8 p.m. * June 1: Chicago at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.

EASTERN CONFERENCE Pittsburgh vs. Carolina NAM Y. HUH / AP

The 38-year-old Mats Sundin, right, is not certain he wants to return for what would be his 19th season. make excuses, but now it’s like a mandate. … I’ll have more conviction in how we’re going

to play right off the bat. There will be no leeway, no compromise on certain things.”

Monday: Carolina at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m. May 21: Carolina at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m. May 23: Pittsburgh at Carolina, 7:30 p.m. May 26: Pittsburgh at Carolina, 7:30 p.m. * May 29: Carolina at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m. * May 31: Pittsburgh at Carolina, 7:30 p.m. * June 2: Carolina at Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m. * if necessary

N_\ek_\dflekX`ejklieYcl\# pfliY\\i`jXjZfc[Xjk_\IfZb`\j% :fc[Y\\i%K_XkËjfligfc`Zp% =ifjk$9i\n\[ :ffijC`^_k% K_\Nfic[ËjDfjkI\]i\j_`e^9\\i%  ž

© 2009 COORS BREWING COMPANY, GOLDEN, CO * BEER

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

www.sportingnews.com

NASCAR

TERRY RENNA / AP

Members of Jeff Burton’s pit crew push the No. 31 toward the finish line to win the Sprint Pit Crew Challenge over Reed Sorenson’s crew.

Burton’s crew wins Challenge with record time BY REID SPENCER [email protected]

CHARLOTTE—Avoiding mistakes on pit road has been a key to victory in NASCAR Sprint Cup competition this season. The same can be said of the fifth NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge, which the No. 31 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet team of driver Jeff Burton won in record fashion Thursday night at Time Warner Cable Arena. Burton’s over-the-wall crew of gas man Curt Bowman, catch-can man Andrew Childers, front-tire changer Daniel Blizzard, front-tire carrier Jon Wallace, rear-tire changer Terry Spalding, rear-tire carrier Chris Martin and jackman Adam North completed their respective skills and the 40-yard car push in 22.115 seconds, an event record, to defeat the No. 43 Richard Petty Motorsports Dodge team of driver Reed Sorenson in the finals. “I’m really proud of them,” said Burton, who attended the event in

support of his crew and his wife Kim, who steered the car during the push. “They put so much effort into the pit stops, and they take this very seriously. They truly are athletes, and they work very hard at it.” The 31 team, led by crew chief Scott Miller, won the event with a rear-tire changer (Spalding) who had just joined the team, after a stint with Michael Waltrip Racing. “Terry literally started for us yesterday,” said pit crew coach Matt Clark. “Yesterday was his first practice. We did two practice runs with him… We were having performance problems, and Terry became available. We liked what we saw, and we definitely liked what we saw tonight.” With a total time of 22.411 seconds, the 31 team advanced to the finals with a mistake-free semi in which they lost a close race to the finish line but benefited from a three-second lug nut penalty to the No. 11 team Joe Gibbs Racing team of driver Denny Hamlin. That set up the unlikely meeting with the 43 team, which took

advantage of penalties to each of its opponents in the preceding three rounds to advance to the finals. The second round of the competition produced an immediate upset, as the top-seeded No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing team of driver Kyle Busch drew a five-second penalty for not getting enough fuel in the car. (The top eight teams in Cup owner points competed for seeding in preliminary rounds during the afternoon.) Notes: The Pit Crew Challenge also crowned individual champions, with the competition dominated by the No. 1 Earnhardt Ganassi Racing team of driver Martin Truex Jr. and the No. 18 Toyota team. From Truex’s crew, gas man Preston Cordell, catch-can man Eric Hoyle, front-tire changer Dennis Terry, front-tire carrier Shannon Keys and jackman Jeff Kerr took individual honors. From the No. 18 team, rear-tire changer Jake Seminara and rear-tire carrier Kenny Barber posted the fastest time in the individual competition. — Reid Spencer writes for the Sporting News NASCAR Wire Service

N_\ek_\dflekX`ejklieYcl\# pfliY\\i`jXjZfc[Xjk_\IfZb`\j% :fc[Y\\i%K_XkËjfligfc`Zp% =ifjk$9i\n\[ :ffijC`^_k% K_\Nfic[ËjDfjkI\]i\j_`e^9\\i%  ž

© 2009 COORS BREWING COMPANY, GOLDEN, CO * BEER

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

www.sportingnews.com

NASCAR

Perspectives differ for Johnson, Newman BY JARED TURNER SceneDaily.com

Jimmie Johnson and Ryan Newman have a little different perspective on the technical alliance between Hendrick Motorsports and Stewart-Haas Racing in the Sprint Cup Series. Johnson, who competes for Hendrick, doesn’t really view Newman and Stewart-Haas’ owner/driver Tony Stewart as teammates to the four full-time Hendrick drivers. Newman, on the other hand, basically considers the Hendrick drivers—Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin and Dale Earnhardt Jr.—as teammates without the formal title. “I personally feel, and I’m pretty sure Tony personally feels, that they’re unofficial teammates,” Newman said. “I mean, even to an extent you could consider them official teammates, in a different way. We at Stewart-Haas use Hendrick engines and Hendrick chassis. We hang our own bodies on our cars. Sixty-six percent of what we do of the entire package—I guess you could say the bulk of the package with our racecar that we take to the racetrack—is built at Hendrick Motorsports. “Without a doubt, there’s 66 percent of those people over at Hendrick Motorsports that are our teammates in a roundabout way. I feel Jeff, Jimmie and Mark and Junior are great drivers; I consider them teammates in the essence.” But the feeling isn’t mutual where Johnson is concerned. Although Johnson sees the potential advantages to having extra teammates to lean on, he believes

Efn:ffijC`^_k_XjZfc[XZk`mXk\[ZXej#^cXjj\jYfkkc\j%N_\ek_\dflekX`ej klieYcl\#pfliY\\i`jXjZfc[Xjk_\IfZb`\j%:fc[Y\\i%K_XkËjfligfc`Zp%

=ifjk$9i\n\[ž:ffijC`^_k%K_\Nfic[ËjDfjkI\]i\j_`e^9\\i% 

GREGG ELLMAN FOR SN

Tony Stewart, left, and Ryan Newman enjoy their relationship with Hendrick Motorsports. they also can be a burden, depending on the situation. “I don’t know if I want to think of them as teammates because some of the toughest decisions to make on track is when you’re around a teammate,” Johnson said. “You’re like, ‘Well, how hard do I push?’ If you’re in the draft, (you say), ‘Oh, damn it. I need to help him and not really worry about where that goes and if it’s going to work out for me. I need to stick with a teammate.’ So at times it’s nice not to have any allegiances out there. I mean I’ve already got three other guys to worry about and try to keep an eye on. I really don’t want two more.” Johnson and Newman agree that one potential downside to the arrangement between

their organizations is that it can sometimes actually mean more top cars to compete against. Such was the case in the Southern 500 at Darlington when Hendrick and Stewart-Haas drivers accounted for six of the top-seven drivers in the finishing order. And five of the top 11 spots in the points standings belong to Hendrick or Stewart-Haas drivers. But as Johnson alluded to, the benefits also can be reciprocal. Said Newman, “I’m sure they look at our notes just as we look at their notes, so that there’s a true two-way street there, the essence of sharing information, making it a performance gain for both organizations to be united.” [email protected]

© 2009 COORS BREWING COMPANY, GOLDEN, CO * BEER

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

NASCAR

www.sportingnews.com

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

17

INSIDE DISH

Up-and-coming Scott aiming for first win Carpentier to race again for SK Motorsports Patrick Carpentier will return to the seat of SK Motorsports’ Toyota for the Nationwide Series race May 23 at Lowe’s. Carpentier, who finished 17th in his first start for the team last weekend at Darlington, was tabbed as a last-minute replacement for David Green in that race. “I am really pumped to know that I’ll be racing again with these guys,” Carpentier said. “It might not be the biggest team on the grid, but they know what they are doing, and we hit it off right away. … I can’t wait to build on what we learned in Darlington.” Carpentier, who competed in the Sprint Cup Series last season for the team now known as Richard Petty Motorsports, plans to make at least one Nationwide start beyond Charlotte, at Montreal for Michael Waltrip Racing. — SceneDaily.com One of the former owners of Kentucky Motor Speedway said Thursday he won’t be forced into dropping an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR by new track owner Bruton Smith. Richard Duchossios told The Associated Press he’s not sure why Smith has decided to go public with claims that the former owners have a “moral obligation” to race fans in Kentucky to drop the four-

year-old lawsuit against NASCAR and International Speedway Corp. “I’m not going to be bullied,” Duchossios said. Smith purchased the track last year for $78.3 million after the original ownership group tried unsuccessfully for almost a decade to land a coveted Sprint Cup race. Smith, the owner of Speedway Motorsports Inc., is in the process of giving the venue a $70 million facelift with the goal of finally bringing a Cup race to the area. Kentucky is the eighth NASCAR-sanctioned track in SMI’s portfolio, but the only one without a Cup date. SMI recently asked NASCAR to consider Kentucky for the 2010 Cup schedule, but the sanctioning body will not act on any proposals until the former owners drop their antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR and ISC, its sister company. The former ownership group spent $152 million to build the facility, which opened in 2000 and hosts an annual Nationwide Series event. With seating for 68,000 fans, it is currently the largest venue that hosts a Nationwide race but doesn’t have a Cup date. The owners filed the antitrust suit in 2005 claiming NASCAR and ISC had an unfair monopoly over the sport. The case was dismissed last year but is currently on appeal.

BY TIM TUTTLE For SN Today

Brian Scott has emerged as a prime candidate to become the next firsttime winner in the Camping World Truck Series since crew chief Jeff Hensley joined Xpress Motorsports late last season. Scott’s third-place finish in the previous race at Kansas was his third top-five in the past seven races. He closed out 2008 by finishing fourth at Phoenix and second at Homestead-Miami and has put together three straight top 10s this season heading into tonight’s North Carolina Education Lottery 200 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. In 12 races with Hensley, a veteran crew chief with multiple victories in the truck series, Scott has eight top 10s. He had two top 10s in his initial 25 starts in the series. “We made a crew chief change and made the switch to Toyota and everything started firing on all cylinders,” Scott said. “We keep running better and better. There’s a lot of reasons why we’re running better—the changes in personnel and equipment and the more I drive. The experience is always a plus and equates to better finishes. “But the main change has been Jeff. He joined us at Las Vegas last year, and our relationship went pretty well. I don’t feel like it took long to get acquainted.” Scott, 21, expects to win somewhere this season and believes it could come at 1.5-mile Lowe’s. “I think our team is the best out there on the mile-and-a-half tracks,” Scott said. “Our big-track program is really good, and I know we’ll be competitive and be one of

North Carolina Education Lottery 200 Where: Lowe’s Motor Speedway; Concord, N.C. When: Tonight, 8 ET TV: Speed, 7:30 p.m. Radio: MRN/Sirius XM Satellite Ch. 128 Track layout: 1.5-mile oval Race distance: 134 laps/201 miles 2008 winner: Matt Crafton 2008 polesitter: Kyle Busch Points leaders: 1. Mike Skinner, 801; 2. Ron Hornaday Jr., 776; 3. Todd Bodine, 744; 4. Matt Crafton, 707; 5. Johnny Benson, 685; 6. Kyle Busch, 682; 7. Brian Scott, 659; 8. Chad McCumbee, 647; 9. Terry Cook, 631; 10. Stacy Compton, 624.

WAYNE EBINGER / AP

Brian Scott is off to a great start in ‘09, with three Top 10 finishes in the season’s first five races. the trucks to beat. Jeff really knows those tracks. We finished really strong at Homestead (leading with nine laps to go and finishing second) and that was a huge confidence booster for me. That was our Achilles’ heel up through the

middle of the year. We just couldn’t figure it out. “I think we’re every bit capable of winning a couple of races this year. I think we’re a championship-caliber team.” Scott, of Boise, Idaho, has climbed

into seventh in the points, 142 behind leader Mike Skinner. Scott is the highest-ranked driver in the points without a career victory in the series. The sixth race of the season is one of the biggest because of its location in the Charlotte area, home to the vast majority of NASCAR teams. If Scott is going to get his first win tonight, he’ll have to beat one of the toughest fields of the season. In addition to series regulars and championship contenders Skinner, Ron Hornaday Jr., Todd Bodine and Matt Crafton, and semi-regular Kyle Busch, Sprint Cup drivers Ryan Newman and David Gilliland are entered. Newman won his only previous start in the series at Atlanta last fall for Kevin Harvick Inc. and returns to drive for the team. Gilliland will drive for TRG Motorsports, his Cup team. It will be Gilliland’s second career truck race.

N_\ek_\dflekX`ejklieYcl\# pfliY\\i`jXjZfc[Xjk_\IfZb`\j% :fc[Y\\i%K_XkËjfligfc`Zp% =ifjk$9i\n\[ :ffijC`^_k% K_\Nfic[ËjDfjkI\]i\j_`e^9\\i%  ž

© 2009 COORS BREWING COMPANY, GOLDEN, CO * BEER

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

Baseball

www.sportingnews.com

INSIDE DISH

Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez launched a three-run homer on the first pitch he saw in his comeback from hip surgery last Friday, but he has shown some rust at the plate since then. Tonight, he will play his first game at home this season— and his first game at new Yankee Stadium. What kind of reaction will he get from the hometown fans, who have had an infamous love/hate relationship with A-Rod in recent seasons? Also worth watching: the health of SS Derek Jeter (oblique) and DH Hideki Matsui (hamstring), both of whom were in the lineup Thursday against Toronto.

Forced to make an early exit from Wednesday’s game because of a bruised shoulder, Rays OF Carl Crawford told the St. Petersburg Times that he doesn’t expect to miss much time. Crawford injured himself while making a diving catch. Cubs 3B Aramis Ramirez told the Chicago SunTimes that his shoulder still is sore and that this is the worst of the three separations that he has suffered in his career. He could miss two months or more because of the injury and eventually might need surgery on the shoulder. In other Cubs news, the newspaper reported P Sean Marshall could move from the rotation to the bullpen when P Carlos Zambrano (hamstring) comes off the disabled list next week. Because of a tight right hamstring, Mariners

19

THE LAUNCHING PAD

A-Rod ready for his Yankee Stadium debut tonight

Umpire Paul Schrieber apologized for making contact with Tigers OF Magglio Ordonez during a confrontation in Wednesday’s game. Ordonez was questioning a called third strike when Schrieber put his arm around Ordonez and guided him toward the dugout. While Ordonez said he didn’t believe Schrieber had any bad intentions, he noted that he’d likely be suspended if he had touched Schrieber. Tigers manager Jim Leyland, who was ejected after coming to Ordonez’s defense Thursday, echoed Ordonez’s comments.

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

What to expect in the major leagues today

Rangers P Frank Francisco (biceps) played catch without pain Thursday, will throw long toss today and will throw a bullpen session Saturday, according to The Dallas Morning News. General manager Jon Daniels hopes Francisco will be ready to return Sunday. Another injured closer, Astros P Jose Valverde, played catch Wednesday, according to the Houston Chronicle. Valverde, sidelined since April 26 because of a calf injury, has a 5.63 ERA and two blown saves this season. Meanwhile, the Astros placed P Geoff Geary (biceps) on the 15-day disabled list Thursday. The Boston Globe reported P John Smoltz (shoulder) threw a side session Wednesday and felt good. He is expected to throw a couple of innings in an extended spring training game today.

ROB CARR / AP

Alex Rodriguez is just 2 of 20 since his first at-bat homer against Baltimore. P Erik Bedard is expected to miss his scheduled start Saturday against Boston. Manager Don Wakamatsu told reporters that he would make an official decision today. Bedard, coming back from shoulder surgery, is 2-1 with a 2.53 ERA in five starts this season. The Brewers called up 3B Mat Gamel on Thursday. Gamel, considered the organization’s top offensive prospect, hit .336 with eight homers and 31 RBIs for Class AAA Nashville this season. General manager Doug Melvin told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Gamel was called up in part to provide a productive bench bat. With interleague play starting next weekend, Gamel also could serve as the Brewers’ DH in American League parks.

According to the Royals’ website, P Brian Bannister removed himself from Thursday’s game because of shoulder stiffness. Bannister, who has been a pleasant surprise (3-0, 1.80 ERA in five starts) since his call-up, expects to make his next start. The Blue Jays activated closer B.J. Ryan off the 15-day disabled list following Thursday’s 3-2 loss to the New York Yankees. Ryan, out since April 23 with muscle tightness in his back and shoulder, is 1-0 with a 11.12 ERA and two saves in four chances. P Eric Milton, who hasn’t pitched in the majors since elbow ligament replacement surgery in 2007, will start Saturday for the Dodgers after being recalled from Class AAA Albuquerque. Milton will start in place of Jeff Weaver. The Indians signed P Luis Vizcaino and optioned P Jeremy Sowers to Class AAA on Thursday. Vizcaino was released by the Cubs earlier this season, while Sowers posted a 12.00 ERA in two recent starts.

CHARLIE RIEDEL / AP

Zack Greinke can tie Roy Halladay tonight for most wins in the majors.

Greinke the great Through no fault of his own—OK, he did give up an earned run—Royals ace Zack Greinke suffered his first loss of the season in his most recent start. Greinke struck out five batters over eight innings in a game the Royals lost, 1-0, to the Angels. In seven starts this season, Greinke has struck 10 batters in a game more times (3) than he has allowed an earned run in a game (2). He has yet to allow a home run this season and hasn’t walked a batter in his past two starts, covering 17 innings. A win tonight over Baltimore would be Greinke’s seventh, tying him with Blue Jays righthander Roy Halladay for the major league lead.

Red-hot Reds Not only did surging Cincinnati just complete a sweep of Arizona at Chase Field, it did so in convincing fashion. In the three games, the Reds outscored the Diamondbacks by a 26-9 margin. Before that, Cincy took two of three from the Cardinals. The schedule continues to be favorable for the Reds, who will take their N.L.-best 13-5 road record into a three-game series at San Diego this weekend. Plenty of players deserve credit for the Reds’ turnaround, but second baseman Brandon Phillips’ resurgence has been key. After hitting .188 with two homers and seven RBIs in April, Phillips is batting .386 with four homers and 15 RBIs in May.

Home of the Braves Back from a 6-2 road trip against three key N.L. East rivals (Marlins, Phillies, Mets), the Braves are back in the division race. A big reason for the Braves’ recent road success: First baseman Casey Kotchman hit .360 with two homers and 11 RBIs in those eight games. Atlanta opens a 10-game homestand tonight, with the last-place D-backs up first.

— Chris Bahr

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

www.sportingnews.com

Baseball

20

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

Head-to-Head

The best young player you haven’t heard enough about is ... McNeal picks Elvis Andrus Shortstop no longer is a position of stars in the American League. Instead of A-Rod, Jeter, Nomar and Omar (Vizquel) in their primes, there are Bartlett, Punto, Scutaro and Peralta. Fine players, but hardly household names. Don’t expect this trend of lesserknown shortstops to last long, though. That’s because Elvis is in the league. That would be Rangers Stan rookie Elvis McNeal Andrus, perhaps BASEBALL best known to this point for being the reason Michael Young was moved to third base. Before much longer, you will know Elvis for another reason: being one of the game’s top shortstops. He is 6 feet, 185 pounds and has all the tools, including the oftunderrated ones up top. At 20, Andrus already has established himself as the majors’ youngest everyday player. He ranks near the top of the charts in runs scored among the A.L. shortstops, has a solid batting average and strikes out far less than most young players. Andrus is at his best with the glove. He has ranked among the game’s top prospects defensively almost from the day he signed four years ago. After Wednesday’s action,

Bahr picks Adam Jones

TONY GUTIERREZ / AP

In addition to terrific range at short, Elvis Andrus is batting a respectable .273 with 3 triples. he led major league shortstops with seven errors, but he also was first in assists and chances per nine innings, meaning he is reaching a lot of ground balls that others aren’t. The Rangers lost out to the Braves when Andrus signed as an amateur out of Venezuela in 2005, but Texas targeted him when shopping first baseman Mark Teixeira (a trade, by the way, that also netted the Rangers their starting catcher, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and a starting pitcher, Matt Harrison). Andrus has stood out from the start, as much for a maturebeyond-his-years demeanor as his arm, glove, bat and speed. “He’s able to handle the ups and downs much better than most people, regardless of age. That he can do it at 20 is what makes him unique,” Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. Royals senior vice president of

baseball operations/general manager Dayton Moore has known for years how “special” Andrus is. Moore worked for the Braves when they signed the teenager. Andrus’ workout was scheduled for the morning after he had worked out for Texas. When Andrus didn’t show up on time, Moore figured the Rangers had beaten the Braves to the punch. But Andrus arrived about 15 minutes late and wowed the Braves from the first pitch he faced in the batting cage. “After watching him work out, we sat down,” Moore says. “We had $325,000 on the table. I asked him how much he wanted. He said $500,000. I put out my hand to shake his. If he had asked for $700,000, I would have given it to him.” Moore considers Andrus a soonto-be star. Watch him play and you will, too. [email protected]

Though lefthander Erik Bedard certainly has been better for Seattle this season than he was in 2008, it is becoming clear that Baltimore came out ahead in the deal that shipped Bedard to the Mariners in February of 2008. That deal brought closer George Sherrill, among others, to the Orioles, but the most important piece was outfielder Adam Jones. Chris Bahr BASEBALL Chances are, you haven’t followed the last-place (again) Orioles too closely this season, but you at least should start to pay attention to Jones. Assuming, of course, he is in the lineup. Unfortunately, Jones is dealing with hamstring issues. In only his second full season in the majors, Jones has the makings of a superstar. He is hitting .370 with eight homers, 26 RBIs, 35 runs scored (best in the majors) and three steals. Perhaps most impressive is his .426 on-base percentage. At times last season, there were doubts as to whether Jones ever would live up to the enormous expectations attached to him. On May 31, he was hitting just .245 with two homers, 17 RBIs and 18 runs scored. Then he caught fire,

NICK WASS / AP

Entering Thursday, Adam Jones already had 17 multihit games and was batting .370. hitting .302 with five homers, 31 RBIs and 32 runs scored from June and July. But then came a bad break—literally. Jones fractured his left foot Aug. 2, and although he returned Sept. 1, he struggled in the final month (.228 average, two homers, seven RBIs). Jones bulked up over the winter, with the desired results. With eight homers in 127 at-bats, he is only one homer shy of the careerhigh nine he swatted last season. Coming into 2009, Jones had 12 homers in 616 lifetime at-bats. He primarily hit seventh and eighth in 2008 but has thrived in the No. 2 spot—where he has hit every game—this season. Jones still has weaknesses—he struck out 108 times last season and already has fanned 25 times this season—but that is the case with

most young players. Speaking of young, Jones won’t even turn 24 until Aug. 1, by which time he should have roughly 1,000 career at-bats. Just wait until he hits his prime. With 10 multihit games in April and seven in May, you can make a strong case that Jones already is the Orioles’ most valuable player. Considering Baltimore’s offense includes second baseman Brian Roberts, outfielder Nick Markakis and first baseman Aubrey Huff, that’s saying something. Jones’ stats compare favorably to all three of those stars, and because he can do a little bit of everything, Jones legitimately might be better. He hits for power like Markakis and Huff, runs like Roberts and outslugs them all. For now, Jones does all of this in obscurity. [email protected]

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

Baseball

www.sportingnews.com

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

21

Q&A with ... Angels manager Mike Scioscia

‘We’re here to support the family of a terrific young kid’ Despite the tragic loss of 22-year-old righthander Nick Adenhart and numerous injuries to key players, especially starting pitchers, the Angels are in contention for their fifth A.L. West title in the past six seasons. Angels manager Mike Scioscia recently appeared on Sporting News Radio to discuss his team’s early-season challenges and the issues it must address going forward.

A:

Q: A:

Q: A:

How has the team rebounded after the death of Nick Adenhart? I think we’ve had perspective all the way along. It’s not about us or how we’re coping or dealing with it; it’s really about a mom and a dad losing a son and a family losing a son. I think that helps us to support them. It helps us get through one day at a time. And when you’re playing baseball, once the game starts, this game is an escape and our guys do what they love to do for three hours a night. Certainly, every day he’s in our memories and our thoughts and prayers. We keep in contact with the family. Hopefully, helping them to get through is going to help us.

Q:

How soon after the tragedy did you realize your team was going to be able to get through this?

I didn’t know. You never know. This is something that’s never really happened to us. As a group, you really don’t know. But, again, it’s not about how we’re coping, what we’re doing. Really, we’re here to support the family of a terrific young kid. That’s what we’re going to keep doing.

How would you assess your team’s performance thus far? We’re starting to see some things come together. I think the one glaring thing that’s really come up this year is our bullpen. It’s really been a strength for us (in the past). It’s really been strange. We’ve got some good arms down there; they’ve done it before. They’re just not throwing the ball with the continuity and consistency they need. It’s been tough for us to get the roles down there. We’re going to keep plowing through this until we get it right. We feel we will. We’ve got a lot of bright spots in Torii Hunter and Bobby Abreu, who are playing great baseball. Some of our young kids, Kendry Morales and Mike Napoli, are playing great. So there’s a lot of good things happening on the field. ... What is really vital to us is our bullpen and getting those last six or

seven outs. We’ve had a little problem doing that so far.

Q: A:

When do you expect Vladimir Guerrero

back? Vlad’s going to start taking batting practice on the field this week, probably (today). And once he starts taking batting practice on the field, we’ll get a better idea of how close he is. He’s going to need at least a good five, seven days of batting practice on the field before we can evaluate him as ready to get some at-bats. Best-case scenario, we’re talking within two weeks or so. And worst case, it’s going to take longer, maybe three or four. He’s definitely making progress and he’s a big part of our lineup, needless to say. We need him back in the lineup.

Q:

You’re getting Ervin Santana and John Lackey back this week. What does that do for your team? It’s very important to us. We’ve had some guys step up—Shane Loux, Matt Palmer, Dustin Moseley, who is also injured right now. But we’ve done what we can out of the rotation. They’ve done a good job to keep us in it. Getting Ervin Santana back and

A:

DANNY MOLOSHOK / AP

Angels manager Mike Scioscia, above, said star OF Vladimir Guerrero could be back from the D.L. within two weeks. John Lackey ... those are both All-Star-caliber pitchers. We get that rotation going, and I think that will go a long way to settling some of the roles in the bullpen if they can get the length that we anticipate as we move forward.

Q:

Do some managers tell pitchers to hit batters?

A:

I think there are some managers, certainly, that have told guys to send a message. That’s not the way we operate. We’re not a team that retaliates. We pitch in hard, we’re aggressive. We hit guys by trying to get them out and pitch inside. There’s no part in this game for head-hunting, but I’m sure from what I hear and from

(when) I’ve talked to other managers, some managers do send messages that way.

COMING SATURDAY: A closer look at the Angels’ slow start, tragic loss and recent hot play as they face their key A.L. West showdown against the Rangers this weekend.

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

Baseball

www.sportingnews.com

Fantasy Focus

LEAGUE LEADERS Batting Average

Start ’em, Sit ’em A.L.

MARK DUNCAN / AP

Player VMartinez AdJones MiCabrera Bartlett MYoung Markakis Longoria

.400 .370 .366 .363 .348 .346 .343

A.L.

Joe Saunders, SP, Angels. Saunders has been great in May (1.15 ERA, 0.83 WHIP) and has a surprisingly high K/9 ratio (8.0) in his career against Texas. Jhonny Peralta, SS, Indians. Though he is struggling this season, Peralta’s career numbers (5-for12, two homers) against Rays lefthander Scott Kazmir make him worth a start. Ivan Rodriguez, C, Astros. Pudge is hitting more than 100 points better in day games vs. night games. Have him in your lineup for today’s matinee at Wrigley.

Player AdJones Markakis Scutaro Bay Pedroia BRoberts VMartinez

MORE COVERAGE Get everything you need to dominate your fantasy league at: sportingnews.com/fantasy/baseball

A.L.

Team Cincinnati New York Florida Washington Colorado Colorado Los Angeles

.374 .371 .358 .357 .357 .351 .348

Player CPena Longoria Bay Blalock CDavis Seven tied

N.L.

Team Tampa Bay Tampa Bay Boston Texas Texas

Player Pujols ASoriano Hudson Weeks Zimmerman Hart Werth

35 34 32 30 30 30 29

A.L.

Team St. Louis Chicago Los Angeles Milwaukee Washington Milwaukee Philadelphia

33 30 29 28 28 27 27

Player Crawford Ellsbury Abreu Figgins Bartlett Crisp BUpton

Player Longoria Bay Markakis Huff CPena Lind AHill

Player Pujols Cantu Fielder BMolina Five tied

45 38 33 32 32 31 30

A.L.

Team St. Louis Florida Milwaukee San Francisco

37 33 32 29 28

Player RRamirez Frasor Palmer Halladay Greinke Saunders

Player Longoria Callaspo Byrd Markakis Polanco MYoung Six tied

Player Hudson FSanchez Kotchman HaRamirez Zimmerman Five tied

16 14 13 13 13 13 12

4-0 4-0 4-0 7-1 6-1 5-1

Player Crisp Andrus Nine tied

A.L.

Team Los Angeles Pittsburgh Atlanta Florida Washington

14 14 13 13 12 11

5 3 2

Team Washington Los Angeles New York San Diego Los Angeles Atlanta

5-0 4-0 4-0 4-0 5-1 5-1

1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 .833 .833

Player Verlander Greinke FHernandez Halladay Lester Bedard Two tied

Team Detroit Kansas City Seattle Toronto Boston Seattle

Player Peavy Santana Lincecum JVazquez Billingsley Haren WRodriguez

69 59 53 49 49 43 42

Player Kemp Bourn Morgan Victorino DWright 17 tied

A.L.

Team Los Angeles Houston Pittsburgh Philadelphia New York

4 3 3 3 3 2

Player FFrancisco Fuentes Papelbon Jenks Soria MaRivera Four tied

Team San Diego New York San Francisco Atlanta Los Angeles Arizona Houston

61 60 58 57 56 56 48

N.L.

Team Texas Los Angeles Boston Chicago Kansas City New York

9 9 9 8 7 7 6

Player Cordero FrRodriguez Franklin Five tied

East Toronto Boston New York Tampa Bay Baltimore

W 23 21 17 16 15

L 14 14 17 20 20

Pct .622 .600 .500 .444 .429

GB WCGB L10 — — 5-5 1 — 6-4 4½ 3½ 4-6 6½ 5½ 5-5 7 6 6-4

Str L-2 L-2 W-2 L-1 W-1

Home 12-6 13-4 6-7 6-8 11-11

Away 11-8 8-10 11-10 10-12 4-9

Central Detroit Kansas City Minnesota Chicago Cleveland

W 17 18 18 15 14

L 16 17 17 18 22

Pct .515 .514 .514 .455 .389

GB WCGB L10 — — 5-5 — 3 4-6 — 3 6-4 2 5 3-7 4½ 7½ 4-6

Str L-3 L-6 W-3 L-1 W-2

Home 8-5 11-7 14-9 8-8 7-11

Away 9-11 7-10 4-8 7-10 7-11

West Texas Los Angeles Seattle Oakland

W 20 18 16 13

L 14 15 19 18

Pct .588 .545 .457 .419

GB WCGB L10 — — 8-2 1½ 2 8-2 4½ 5 1-9 5½ 6 4-6

Str W-4 W-2 L-3 W-2

Home Away 11-6 9-8 12-8 6-7 7-7 9-12 8-10 5-8

National League Standings East New York Atlanta Philadelphia Florida Washington

W 19 17 16 17 11

L 15 17 16 18 21

Pct .559 .500 .500 .486 .344

GB WCGB L10 — — 8-2 2 3½ 6-4 2 3½ 4-6 2½ 4 3-7 7 8½ 6-4

Str W-1 W-1 L-2 L-4 W-1

Home 12-8 5-9 8-12 6-7 5-7

Away 7-7 12-8 8-4 11-11 6-14

Central Milwaukee St. Louis Chicago Cincinnati Houston Pittsburgh

W 21 21 20 20 16 14

L 14 14 14 14 18 20

Pct .600 .600 .588 .588 .471 .412

GB WCGB L10 — — 8-2 — — 4-6 ½ ½ 7-3 ½ ½ 7-3 4½ 4½ 6-4 6½ 6½ 2-8

Str W-3 W-1 W-4 W-3 W-2 L-1

Home Away 12-7 9-7 12-5 9-9 11-6 9-8 7-9 13-5 8-10 8-8 9-8 5-12

West W Los Angeles 24 San Francisco 18 Colorado 13 Arizona 13 San Diego 13 z-first game was a win

L 12 16 20 22 22

Pct GB WCGB L10 .667 — — 6-4 .529 5 2½ 6-4 .394 9½ 7 4-6 .371 10½ 8 2-8 .371 10½ 8 2-8

Str W-2 L-2 L-2 L-3 L-6

Home 14-3 12-6 7-10 9-15 8-6

Away 10-9 6-10 6-10 4-7 5-16

Pitching Matchups Today’s Games (All times Eastern)

N.L.

Saves N.L.

Team Kansas City Texas

Player Martis Broxton Pelfrey Meredith Billingsley DLowe

1.000 1.000 1.000 .875 .857 .833

Triples A.L.

13 11 10 10 10 9 9

Strikeouts

N.L.

Team Tampa Bay Kansas City Texas Baltimore Detroit Texas

Team Houston New York San Francisco Colorado Cincinnati Pittsburgh New York

N.L.

Team Boston Toronto Los Angeles Toronto Kansas City Los Angeles

Doubles A.L.

Player Bourn JosReyes Burriss Fowler Taveras Morgan DWright

22 16 13 13 9 9 9

Pitching (4 decisions) N.L.

Team Tampa Bay Boston Baltimore Baltimore Tampa Bay Toronto Toronto

14 13 11 11 10 10 10

N.L.

Team Tampa Bay Boston Los Angeles Los Angeles Tampa Bay Kansas City Tampa Bay

RBIs A.L.

Team San Diego St. Louis Washington Chicago Cincinnati Philadelphia Philadelphia

Stolen Bases N.L.

Team Baltimore Baltimore Toronto Boston Boston Baltimore Cleveland

Player AdGonzalez Pujols Dunn ASoriano Bruce Ibanez Utley

13 11 10 10 10 9

Runs

Start ’em

Chone Figgins, 3B, Angels. Figgins is 3-for-29 with seven strikeouts in his career against Texas’ Kevin Millwood. Doug Davis, SP, Diamondbacks. The Braves hit significantly better against lefties (.285) than righties (.251), and Davis allows more baserunners on the road (1.46 WHIP) than at home (1.16). Randy Winn, OF, Giants. Winn is 6-for-33 against Mets starter Livan Hernandez over the past five seasons. — Matt Lutovsky

Player Votto Beltran HaRamirez Zimmerman Hawpe Helton MRamirez

22

American League Standings

Home Runs

N.L.

Team Cleveland Baltimore Detroit Tampa Bay Texas Baltimore Tampa Bay

Cleveland SS Jhonny Peralta

Sit ’em

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

Team Cincinnati New York St. Louis

10 10 9 8

American League Oakland (Bre.Anderson 0-3) at Detroit (E.Jackson 2-2), 7:05 p.m. Minnesota (Liriano 2-4) at N.Y. Yankees (Hughes 1-2), 7:05 p.m. Chicago White Sox (Danks 2-2) at Toronto (Cecil 1-0), 7:07 p.m. Cleveland (A.Reyes 1-1) at Tampa Bay (Kazmir 4-3), 7:38 p.m. L.A. Angels (Saunders 5-1) at Texas (Millwood 3-3), 8:05 p.m. Baltimore (Eaton 2-3) at Kansas City (Greinke 6-1), 8:10 p.m. Boston (Lester 2-3) at Seattle (Jakubauskas 1-4), 10:10 p.m.

The Line at Det -135 Oak +125 at NY -125 Min +115 at Tor -105 Chi -105 at TB -175 Cle +165 at Tex -120 LA +110 at KC -200 Bal +185 Bos -145 at Sea +135

National League Houston (Moehler 0-2) at Chicago Cubs (R.Wells 0-0), 2:20 p.m. Colorado (De La Rosa 0-3) at Pittsburgh (Maholm 3-1), 7:05 p.m. Philadelphia (Blanton 1-3) at Washington (Lannan 2-3), 7:05 p.m. L.A. Dodgers (Stults 4-1) at Florida (Volstad 2-2), 7:10 p.m. Arizona (D.Davis 2-5) at Atlanta (J.Vazquez 3-3), 7:35 p.m. Milwaukee (Gallardo 4-1) at St. Louis (Lohse 3-2), 8:15 p.m. Cincinnati (Harang 3-3) at San Diego (Correia 0-2), 10:05 p.m. N.Y. Mets (Li.Hernandez 3-1) at San Francisco (Lincecum 3-1), 10:15 p.m.

The Line at Chi -170 Hou +160 at Pit -120 Col +110 Phi -115 at Was +105 at Florida -125 LA +115 at Atl -175 Ari +165 at STL -105 Mil -105 Cin -125 at SD +115 at SF -175 NY +165

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

www.sportingnews.com

Baseball

23

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

AMERICAN LEAGUE Texas 3, Seattle 2

L.A. Angels 5, Boston 4, 12 innings

Davis, Rangers save best for last, earn sweep

Frustrated Ortiz: ‘Papi stinks’

ARLINGTON, TEXAS—Matt Harrison walked off the mound after 102 pitches with another complete game, though his shutout streak was over and the Rangers still hadn’t scored. A few batters later, the lefthander was leaping over the dugout railing with the rest of his teammates to celebrate Texas’ latest victory in its final at-bat. Chris Davis hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth, after Hank Blalock led off the inning against closer Brandon Morrow (0-3) with his 10th homer, and the Rangers beat the Seattle Mariners 3-2 on Thursday to complete a three-game sweep. “We’re waiting a little bit too long to get the bats going, but we got them going just in time,” Ian Kinsler said. “The way Matt threw the ball, it was just incredible. We feel great for him.” Harrison (4-2) threw a five-hitter to win his fourth consecutive start. He retired 16 of the last 18 batters after Seattle scored twice in the fourth to end his scoreless innings streak at 22 in a row. “It was great that Chris did it but I was more happy for (Harrison), because Harry hung in there, kept us in there,” Rangers manager Ron Washington said. Harrison struck out seven with no walks in his second complete game in a week, the third of his career. He had a four-hit shutout against the Chicago White Sox last Friday. It was the 13th victory for Harrison in 22 major league games, the most for a left-hander starting a career since Vean Gregg won 16 of his first 22 games for Cleveland in 1911. The A.L. West-leading Rangers (2014) got their 10th win in 12 games to reach six games over .500, matching their best

Rangers 3, Mariners 2 Seattle AB R I.Suzuki rf 4 0 Jo.Lopez 2b 4 1 M.Sweeney dh 3 0 Beltre 3b 4 1 Branyan 1b 4 0 Balentien lf 4 0 Ro.Johnson c 3 0 F.Gutierrez cf 3 0 Cedeno ss 3 0 Totals 32 2

H 1 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 5

BI 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 2

BB 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

SO 0 0 1 2 2 1 0 0 1 7

Avg. .306 .250 .266 .227 .275 .293 .197 .252 .139

Texas Kinsler 2b M.Young 3b Hamilton cf Blalock dh N.Cruz rf Dav.Murphy lf C.Davis 1b Teagarden c Andrus ss Totals

H 0 2 0 1 1 1 2 0 0 7

BI 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 3

BB 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 2

SO 0 0 2 3 0 1 0 1 0 7

Avg. .310 .348 .234 .252 .270 .210 .239 .206 .273

Seattle Texas

AB 4 4 3 4 4 4 4 2 3 32

R 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 3

000 200 000 — 000 000 003 —

2 5 1 3 7 0

One out when winning run scored. E: F.Hernandez (1). LOB: Seattle 4, Texas 6. 2B: Jo.Lopez (6), Beltre (10), Balentien (6), Dav.Murphy (4). HR: Blalock (10), off Morrow; C.Davis (10), off Morrow. RBIs: Branyan (17), Balentien (5), Blalock (24), C.Davis 2 (20). Runners left in scoring position: Seattle 2 (Beltre, Ro.Johnson); Texas 3 (N.Cruz, Blalock, Andrus). Seattle IP F.Hernandez 7 Aardsma H, 6 1 Morrow L,0-3 BS,2-8 1⁄3 Texas IP Harrison W, 4-2 9

H 4 0 3 H 5

R ER BB SO NP ERA 0 0 2 6 110 3.53 0 0 0 1 13 1.62 3 3 0 0 16 9.72 R ER BB SO NP ERA 2 2 0 7 102 4.23

HBP: by Harrison (M.Sweeney). WP: F.Hernandez. Umpires: Home, John Hirschbeck; First, Wally Bell; Second, Marty Foster; Third, Marvin Hudson. T: 2:10. A: 21,002 (49,170).

TONY GUTIERREZ / AP

Texas’ Chris Davis (19) hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth to start the celebration. mark in Washington’s three seasons. Felix Hernandez pitched seven shutout innings for Seattle and David Aardsma had a 1-2-3 eighth against the top of the Texas order. Morrow has six

saves and hadn’t blown a chance until Wednesday night, when Blalock hit a two-run double with one out in the 11th for a 6-5 victory. — The Associated Press

ANAHEIM—Jeff Mathis and Torii Hunter came through for the Los Angeles Angels. The Boston Red Sox keep waiting for David Ortiz to do the same. Mathis hit an RBI single in the 12th inning, Hunter had a two-run double and an RBI triple, and the Angels beat the Red Sox 5-4 on Thursday. Ortiz went 0-for-7 and stranded 12 runners—tying Trot Nixon’s team record—as his average plummeted to .208. The five-time All-Star dressed slowly while facing his corner locker, then turned around and saw a swarm of reporters surrounding him before saying: “Sorry, guys. I don’t feel like talking today. Just put down, ‘Papi stinks.’ ” Ortiz has gone 144 at-bats since his last home run on Sept. 22 against Cleveland’s Zach Jackson at Fenway Park. He is one at-bat from equaling his longest dry spell in the majors. “When you have a wrist injury and a knee injury at the same time, it messes up your mechanics and you’re trying to figure out ways to hit while you’re hurting,” Hunter said. “So you’ve got to tweak your swing—and that’s not his swing. But he’s going to be fine. I just told him, ‘Just go out there and do what you do, and at the end of the season watch what you have.’ ” — The Associated Press

Angels 5, Red Sox 4, 12 innings Boston AB R H BI BB Ellsbury cf 6 0 2 1 1 Pedroia 2b 6 1 4 1 1 D.Ortiz dh 7 0 0 0 0 Bay lf 6 0 1 1 0 Lowell 3b 4 1 1 0 1 1-N.Green pr-3b 1 0 0 0 0 J.Drew rf 3 1 0 0 1 a-Baldelli ph-rf 2 0 1 0 0 J.Bailey 1b 4 0 0 0 1 Varitek c 6 0 1 0 0 2-Kottaras pr-c 0 0 0 0 0 Lugo ss 6 1 5 1 0 Totals 51 4 15 4 5

SO 2 1 3 2 1 0 2 0 1 2 0 0 14

Avg. .297 .336 .208 .311 .299 .289 .238 .292 .159 .235 .143 .349

Los Angeles Figgins 3b M.Izturis 2b Abreu rf Hunter cf K.Morales 1b Napoli dh J.Rivera lf 3-Willits pr E.Aybar ss Mathis c Totals

SO 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 6

Avg. .244 .263 .306 .320 .280 .300 .277 .333 .303 .283

AB 5 5 5 5 3 5 5 0 4 4 41

R 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 5

H 1 0 2 3 0 0 2 0 1 2 11

BI 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 2 5

BB 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2

Boston 011 100 010 000 —4 15 0 Los Angeles 102 000 100 001 —5 11 0 One out when winning run scored. a-singled for J.Drew in the 9th. 1-ran for Lowell in the 9th. 2-ran for Varitek in the 12th. 3-ran for J.Rivera in the 12th. LOB: Boston 17, Los Angeles 6. 2B: Pedroia 2 (11), Bay (9), Lowell (12), Lugo (1), Hunter (8). 3B: Abreu (1), Hunter (1), E.Aybar (1). RBIs: Ellsbury (12), Pedroia (13), Bay (38), Lugo (3), Hunter 3 (27), Mathis 2 (12). SB: Lugo (1), Hunter 2 (5). S: E.Aybar. SF: Mathis. Runners left in scoring position: Boston 12 (Bay, Ellsbury 2, D.Ortiz 7, Varitek 2); Los Angeles 4 (K.Morales, Napoli 3). DP: Boston 1 (J.Drew, J.Drew, Varitek); Los Angeles 1 (E.Aybar, M.Izturis, K.Morales). Boston IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Penny 6 1⁄3 7 4 4 1 4 97 6.69 Okajima 1 1 0 0 0 1 15 3.12 R.Ramirez 2 2⁄3 0 0 0 0 1 16 0.45 Papelbon 1 1 0 0 1 0 22 1.13 Delcarmen L, 1-1 1⁄3 2 1 1 0 0 10 1.02 Los Angeles IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Santana 5 7 3 3 3 5 92 5.40 Oliver 2 1 0 0 0 5 34 1.23 S.Shields BS, 2-3 1 3 1 1 0 1 13 7.90 Fuentes 1 1 0 0 1 1 22 4.97 Arredondo 2 1⁄3 2 0 0 0 1 33 5.51 Bulger W, 1-1 2⁄3 1 0 0 1 1 18 7.94 Inherited runners-scored: Okajima 1-1, R.Ramirez 1-0, Bulger 1-0. IBB: off Papelbon (K.Morales). HBP: by Santana (J.Bailey). WP: Santana, Arredondo. Umpires: Home, Bill Miller; First, Derryl Cousins; Second, Jim Joyce; Third, Brian Runge. T: 4:07. A: 35,124 (45,257).

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

www.sportingnews.com

Baseball

24

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

AMERICAN LEAGUE N.Y. Yankees 3, Toronto 2

Cleveland 11, Tampa Bay 7

Sweet returns by Jeter, Matsui spark Yanks

Martinez leads offensive surge

TORONTO—Welcome back, Derek Jeter and Hideki Matsui. The two Yankees stars returned from nagging injuries and delivered key hits to lead CC Sabathia and New York past the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 on Thursday night. “You have to give our trainers Trainer of the Day for getting them back in there,” manager Joe Girardi joked. Jeter tied it with an RBI single in the seventh inning, Matsui put New York ahead with a solo homer in the eighth and Mariano Rivera worked a perfect ninth for his seventh save in eight chances. “You know I don’t like watching so it was good to get back out there,” Jeter said. “It’s been a couple of days. It’s a big win for us. We needed that one.” Sabathia (3-3) allowed five hits in eight innings to win consecutive starts for the first time this season. He walked four, one intentional, and struck out five to help the Yankees take two of three from Toronto, the surprise leader in the A.L. East. “I’m just trying to pound the strike zone, getting guys to swing early in the count, keeping the pitch count down and just trying to pick the team up,” Sabathia said. Sabathia, who pitched a four-hit shutout at Baltimore last Saturday, improved to 8-3 in 11 career games against the Blue Jays. “He pitched well against one of the best offenses in the league,” teammate Johnny Damon said. Jeter and Matsui returned to the lineup after sitting out Wednesday night. Jeter missed two games with a sore right oblique and Matsui left Tuesday’s game after one at-bat with a tight right hamstring. Matsui led off the eighth with a drive to

Yankees 3, Blue Jays 2 New York AB R Jeter ss 5 0 Damon lf 5 1 Teixeira 1b 4 0 A.Rodriguez 3b 5 0 H.Matsui dh 3 1 Swisher rf 2 0 Me.Cabrera rf 0 0 Cano 2b 4 0 Gardner cf 2 1 Cervelli c 4 0 Totals 34 3

SO 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 5

Avg. .270 .318 .203 .143 .265 .248 .326 .315 .227 .316

Toronto AB R H BI BB SO Scutaro ss 3 0 0 0 1 0 A.Hill dh 4 0 0 0 0 1 Rios rf 3 1 2 1 1 0 V.Wells cf 4 0 0 0 0 0 Bautista lf 4 0 0 0 0 2 Rolen 3b 3 1 1 0 1 0 Millar 1b 4 0 0 0 0 1 Barajas c 3 0 1 1 1 1 Jo.McDonald 2b 3 0 1 0 0 1 Totals 31 2 5 2 4 6

Avg. .266 .337 .265 .269 .292 .325 .288 .308 .250

New York Toronto

FRANK GUNN / AP

New York’s Hideki Matsui, right, is congratulated by Nick Swisher, left, after his go-ahead solo home run. right-center off lefthander Jesse Carlson (0-2), his fourth. “When he’s swinging the bat well he can hit lefties or righties, it doesn’t make a difference,” Jeter said. “That was the difference in the game.” Jeter finished 1 for 5 with an RBI and Matsui went 1 for 3 with a walk. New York went 4-2 on its road trip and returned to .500 at 17-17 as it prepares to begin a nine-game homestand. The Yankees host Minnesota for a four-game series beginning tonight, with Baltimore and Philadelphia to follow. Alex Rodriguez, who came off the disabled list in Baltimore last Saturday, will get to play at the new Yankee Stadium for the first time.

“All the guys have been telling me about our new home,” Rodriguez said. “For me it’s like opening day all over again.” Toronto lost a home series for the first time this season after winning four and splitting a two-game set with Cleveland. Nick Swisher gave the Yankees a 1-0 lead with a bases-loaded walk in the first but Toronto tied it in the fourth. Sabathia had retired eight in a row when Alex Rios homered to center, his fourth. Toronto took a 2-1 lead in the fifth. Scott Rolen drew a leadoff walk and scored one out later on Rod Barajas’ double. John McDonald followed with a single but center fielder Brett Gardner threw out Barajas at the plate. — The Associated Press

H 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 7

BI 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 3

BB 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 5

100 000 110 — 000 110 000 —

3 7 0 2 5 0

LOB: New York 10, Toronto 6. 2B: Damon (9), Rolen (10), Barajas (10). HR: H.Matsui (4), off Carlson; Rios (4), off Sabathia. RBIs: Jeter (14), H.Matsui (13), Swisher (22), Rios (18), Barajas (21). Runners left in scoring position: New York 5 (Cano 2, Cervelli, A.Rodriguez, Jeter); Toronto 3 (Scutaro, A.Hill 2). New York Sabathia W, 3-3 Ma.Rivera S, 7-8 Toronto Tallet Frasor BS, 1-2 Carlson L, 0-2 League Downs

IP 8 1 IP 6 1 2⁄3 1⁄3 1

H 5 0 H 4 1 2 0 0

R ER BB SO NP ERA 2 2 4 5 111 3.70 0 0 0 1 11 3.38 R ER BB SO NP ERA 2 2 5 2 91 4.68 0 0 0 1 18 0.66 1 1 0 1 17 3.12 0 0 0 0 3 4.76 0 0 0 1 9 2.08

Tallet pitched to 2 batters in the 7th. Inherited runners-scored: Frasor 2-1, League 2-0. IBB: off Sabathia (Barajas). HBP: by Carlson (Gardner). Umpires: Home, Mike Reilly; First, Chad Fairchild; Second, Laz Diaz; Third, Chuck Meriwether. T: 2:52. A: 22,667 (49,539).

ST. PETERSBURG, FLA.—Victor Martinez had four hits, drove in four runs and raised his batting average to .400. And that was far from the only thing the last-place Cleveland Indians had to feel good about after Thursday night’s 11-7 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. “The guys did a real good job offensively. You saw us spraying the ball around the field,” manager Eric Wedge said after his two-three-four hitters— Asdrubal Cabrera, Martinez and Shin-Soo Choo—went 12-for-15, scored eight runs and drove in nine. “Asdrubal, what a great night,” the manager added. “Victor had a great night. Choo had a great night.” Martinez hit a two-run double off James Shields (3-4) in the fifth, an RBI double off Joe Nelson in the sixth and a run-scoring single off Grant Balfour in the eighth. Choo’s career-best, four-hit night included an RBI double off Shields and a two-run homer off Nelson that made it 9-0 in the sixth. He finished 4-for-5, as did Martinez and Cabrera, in support of Fausto Carmona (2-4), who made it interesting after being staked to a nine-run lead. “Every game, every at-bat, we try and make it quality,” Choo said. “I’m more focused with runners in scoring position.” — The Associated Press

Indians 11, Rays 7 Cleveland AB Sizemore cf 5 A.Cabrera ss 5 V.Martinez c 5 Choo dh 5 Peralta 3b 3 DeRosa 1b 5 B.Francisco lf 5 LaPorta rf 5 Valbuena 2b 5 Totals 43

R 1 4 2 2 0 0 0 2 0 11

H BI 1 0 4 2 4 4 4 3 1 1 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 18 11

BB 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2

SO 1 0 0 1 0 2 2 1 2 9

Avg. .227 .336 .400 .287 .248 .245 .236 .261 .133

Tampa Bay AB R H BI BB SO B.Upton cf 4 1 0 0 1 1 Bartlett ss 2 0 0 0 0 0 a-Kapler ph-lf 1 1 0 0 1 0 Longoria 3b 4 0 1 0 0 1 C.Pena 1b 4 1 0 0 0 2 W.Aybar dh 4 1 1 1 0 0 Gross rf 4 1 2 1 0 0 Zobrist lf-ss 2 2 1 3 2 0 Iwamura 2b 4 0 1 0 0 0 M.Hernandez c 3 0 0 0 0 0 b-Navarro ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 Totals 33 7 6 5 4 4

Avg. .172 .363 .229 .343 .254 .271 .271 .280 .281 .292 .189

Cleveland 000 234 020 — 11 18 1 Tampa Bay 000 006 001 — 7 6 1 a-walked for Bartlett in the 6th. b-grounded into a double play for M.Hernandez in the 9th. E: A.Cabrera (2), Iwamura (5). LOB: Cleveland 7, Tampa Bay 3. 2B: A.Cabrera (8), V.Martinez 2 (12), Choo (8), Gross (3). 3B: A.Cabrera (2). HR: Choo (4), off J.Nelson; Zobrist (6), off Herges. RBIs: A.Cabrera 2 (19), V.Martinez 4 (25), Choo 3 (21), Peralta (15), DeRosa (23), W.Aybar (4), Gross (7), Zobrist 3 (17). SB: LaPorta (1), B.Upton 2 (9). Runners left in scoring position: Cleveland 4 (B.Francisco 3, DeRosa); Tampa Bay 2 (M.Hernandez 2). DP: Cleveland 1 (Peralta, Valbuena, DeRosa); Tampa Bay 2 (Longoria, Iwamura, C.Pena), (Longoria, C.Pena). Cleveland Carmona W, 2-4 Herges Laffey Tampa Bay J.Shields L, 3-4 J.Nelson Balfour Shouse

IP 5 1⁄3 1 2⁄3 2 IP 5 2⁄3 2 1⁄3 1

H 4 1 1 H 10 4 4 0

R ER BB SO 5 4 3 2 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 2 R ER BB SO 5 2 1 5 4 4 1 1 2 2 0 3 0 0 0 0

NP ERA 82 5.70 22 2.57 34 3.45 NP ERA 98 3.98 39 6.32 28 6.32 7 3.55

Inherited runners-scored: Herges 2-2, Balfour 1-0. WP: Carmona. Umpires: Home, Tim McClelland; First, Greg Gibson; Second, Andy Fletcher; Third, Ted Barrett. T: 3:04. A: 17,169 (36,973).

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

www.sportingnews.com

Baseball

25

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

AMERICAN LEAGUE Baltimore 9, Kansas City 5

Minnesota 6, Detroit 5

Orioles treating Kauffman like home turf

Crede helps cap Twins’ sweep

Orioles 9, Royals 5 Baltimore AB B.Roberts 2b 3 C.Izturis ss 5 Markakis rf 5 Huff 1b 3 Mora 3b 3 Wigginton dh 5 Reimold lf 5 Zaun c 5 Pie cf 4 Totals 38

R 3 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 9

H 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 0 1 12

BI 0 3 3 1 2 0 0 0 0 9

BB 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 1 7

SO 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 1 0 5

Avg. .296 .262 .346 .276 .270 .221 .200 .200 .209

Kansas City Crisp cf DeJesus lf Butler 1b Jacobs dh J.Guillen rf Teahen 3b Callaspo 2b J.Buck c Aviles ss Totals

R 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 5

H 1 2 2 1 1 0 2 2 0 11

BI 1 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 5

BB 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 4

SO 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 4

Avg. .252 .230 .283 .261 .263 .281 .330 .232 .194

AB 4 4 5 4 3 4 4 3 4 35

Baltimore 000 143 010 — Kansas City 002 020 100 —

CHARLIE RIEDEL / AP

Kansas City’s John Buck (14) is forced out at second by Baltimore SS Cesar Izturis during the third inning. The Royals came up with two runs in the inning. KANSAS CITY—The losses piling up, injuries mounting, the Baltimore Orioles needed to find some way, any way, to win on the road. A trip to Kauffman Stadium was all it took. Cesar Izturis and Nick Markakis each drove in three runs and the Orioles won again in their favorite road ballpark, beating the Kansas City Royals 9-5 Thursday night. “We were looking to kind of get back on track—we haven’t played real well on the road,” Orioles manager Dave Trembley said. “This is a 10-day road trip and

this is a very good way to start that trip.” Of course it came against the Royals. Baltimore has won 15 of 18 against Kansas City and is 43-15 against the Royals since 2001, including 24-7 at Kauffman Stadium. The Orioles did it this time with a big night offensively—12 hits—despite a depleted lineup, superb defense from Izturis at shortstop and a just-good-enough start from Jeremy Guthrie (3-3). Izturis had three RBIs for the first time in four years, Aubrey Huff homered and Melvin Mora had two RBIs for

the Orioles, who won for just the second time in 11 road games overall. “Tonight, I feel we won almost in spite of me,” said Guthrie, who matched a season low with two strikeouts. “But it’s nice to get one in the win column.” The Royals had hoped a return to the New K would re-engergize them after a miserable California road trip that included five straight losses to the Angels and Athletics. Even with 24,431 fans screeching for Girls Night Out, the trip home didn’t do any good. — The Associated Press

9 12 0 5 11 0

LOB: Baltimore 9, Kansas City 7. 2B: B.Roberts (10), Markakis 2 (13), Pie (2), DeJesus 2 (7), Callaspo (14), J.Buck (4). 3B: C.Izturis (1), Crisp (5). HR: Huff (7), off Meche; Butler (3), off Walker. RBIs: C.Izturis 3 (13), Markakis 3 (33), Huff (32), Mora 2 (15), Crisp (13), DeJesus (15), Butler 3 (16). Runners left in scoring position: Baltimore 4 (C.Izturis, Wigginton 3); Kansas City 4 (Butler 2, Jacobs, Aviles). DP: Baltimore 3 (C.Izturis, B.Roberts, Huff), (B.Roberts, C.Izturis, Huff), (C.Izturis, B.Roberts, Huff); Kansas City 1 (Callaspo, Aviles, Butler). Baltimore Guthrie W, 3-3 Baez Walker Ji.Johnson Kansas City Meche L, 2-4 Tejeda Mahay Ponson Farnsworth

IP 5 1 1 1⁄3 1 2⁄3 IP 4 1⁄3 1 1⁄3 1 1⁄3 1 1

H 6 1 2 2 H 6 4 1 1 0

R ER BB SO 4 4 2 2 0 0 2 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 R ER BB SO 5 5 2 1 3 3 1 3 0 0 2 0 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 0

NP ERA 98 5.21 23 2.25 21 3.38 20 3.18 NP ERA 87 4.60 43 3.46 23 3.65 22 6.16 5 5.11

Inherited runners-scored: Tejeda 1-1, Mahay 1-0. IBB: off Tejeda (B.Roberts). Umpires: Home, James Hoye; First, Dale Scott; Second, Jerry Meals; Third, Mike DiMuro. T: 3:14. A: 24,431 (38,177).

MINNEAPOLIS—Joe Crede saw a lot of these comebacks by Minnesota from the other side. Participation is a lot more fun. Crede capped another Twins rally with a two-run, two-out single in a six-run seventh inning. Minnesota overcame a five-run deficit and Justin Verlander’s career-high 13 strikeouts, completing a three-game sweep of the Detroit Tigers with a 6-5 victory Thursday. “They just play well here, and we’ve been able to continue that this year,” said Crede, who signed with Minnesota in February after back problems ended his tenure with the rival Chicago White Sox. His blooper into shallow center against struggling reliever Zach Miner, who loaded the bases with a walk to Michael Cuddyer, put the Twins ahead. The Twins were so pesky with bunts, steals and high choppers in recent seasons that Ozzie Guillen famously dubbed them “The Piranhas.” But Crede’s arrival, Cuddyer’s return from injuries, Jason Kubel’s development and Joe Mauer’s surge this month have not only deepened the lineup but made it more powerful. “You’re not totally reliant on yourself to get the job done. You can rely on the guy hitting behind you and the guy hitting behind him, which alleviates a lot of the pressure that you put on yourself,” Cuddyer said. — The Associated Press

Twins 6, Tigers 5 Detroit AB Granderson cf 4 Santiago 2b 4 Ordonez rf 4 Mi.Cabrera 1b 4 Larish dh 2 a-Raburn ph 0 b-J.Anderson ph-dh 1 Thomas lf 4 Inge 3b 4 Everett ss 4 Sardinha c 3 Laird c 0 Totals 34

R 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 5

H 0 2 1 2 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 9

BI 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 5

BB 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

SO 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 0 7

Avg. .257 .300 .240 .366 .250 .095 .310 .333 .283 .297 .063 .202

Minnesota Span cf-lf Tolbert 2b Mauer c Morneau dh Kubel lf Gomez cf Cuddyer rf Crede 3b Buscher 1b Punto ss Totals

R 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 6

H 2 0 1 1 3 0 0 1 1 0 9

BI 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 6

BB 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 5

SO 2 2 1 2 0 0 2 2 1 2 14

Avg. .299 .200 .455 .313 .333 .214 .268 .237 .211 .193

AB 5 4 3 4 4 0 3 4 3 3 33

Detroit 000 005 000 — Minnesota 000 000 60x —

5 9 0 6 9 0

LOB: Detroit 3, Minnesota 8. 2B: Santiago (3), Mi.Cabrera (4), Kubel 2 (11). RBIs: Santiago (15), Ordonez 2 (14), Thomas 2 (5), Tolbert (3), Mauer (14), Morneau (29), Kubel (20), Crede 2 (15). Runners left in scoring position: Detroit 1 (Inge); Minnesota 3 (Morneau, Punto, Buscher). GIDP: Ordonez, Sardinha. DP: Minnesota 2 (Punto, Tolbert, Buscher), (Crede, Tolbert, Buscher). Detroit Verlander Seay L, 0-1 Miner BS, 1-1 Minnesota S.Baker Breslow W, 1-1 Guerrier H, 5 Nathan S, 6-7

IP 6 1⁄3 1⁄3 1 1⁄3 IP 6 1 2⁄3 1⁄3 1

H 5 3 1 H 7 2 0 0

R ER BB SO NP ERA 2 2 3 13 122 4.29 4 4 1 0 19 5.56 0 0 1 1 20 4.70 R ER BB SO NP ERA 5 5 1 4 98 6.95 0 0 0 1 15 5.84 0 0 0 0 5 4.34 0 0 0 2 12 1.29

Inherited runners-scored: Seay 2-2, Miner 2-2, Guerrier 1-0. WP: Verlander. Umpires: Home, Paul Nauert; First, Joe West; Second, Ed Rapuano; Third, Paul Schrieber. T: 2:51. A: 26,046 (46,632).

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

www.sportingnews.com

Baseball

26

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

NATIONAL LEAGUE L.A. Dodgers 5, Philadelphia 3, 10 innings

Dodgers’ bats make up for Broxton PHILADELPHIA—The Phillies’ two-out rally tied the game. The Dodgers’ two-out burst won it. All those late-game runs gnarled Joe Torre’s nerves, but the Dodgers manager at least got to celebrate a win. Russell Martin hit a tiebreaking double in the 10th inning and Matt Kemp followed with an RBI double to lift Los Angeles over Philadelphia 5-3 Thursday. “My stomach is not good,” Torre said. “To digest it all and to be able to do this, tells you something about our team.” Chad Durbin (1-1) retired the first two batters, then walked Andre Ethier. Martin doubled for a 4-3 lead and after an intentional walk, Kemp delivered. The Dodgers, minus the suspended Manny Ramirez, won two of three in a rematch of the N.L. championship series. Jonathan Broxton (4-0) earned the win despite blowing a two-run lead with two outs in the ninth. Ramon Troncoso pitched a scoreless 10th to earn his second save, striking out Ryan Howard to end it. “We’re not playing good,” Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said. “We don’t look good.” The Phillies briefly looked good when they wrecked a strong outing from Chad Billingsley with a two-out, two-run rally in the ninth against Broxton that made it 3-all.

Dodgers 5, Phillies 3, 10 innings Los Angeles AB R H BI BB Pierre lf 4 0 0 0 0 Furcal ss 5 0 1 0 0 Hudson 2b 5 0 1 0 0 Ethier rf 4 1 1 0 1 Martin c 4 1 3 1 1 Loney 1b 4 1 1 1 1 Kemp cf 5 1 3 1 0 Blake 3b 4 1 2 1 0 Billingsley p 3 0 0 0 0 Wade p 0 0 0 0 0 b-Paul ph 1 0 1 0 0 Broxton p 0 0 0 0 0 Troncoso p 0 0 0 0 0 Totals 39 5 13 4 3

SO 0 1 4 2 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 11

Avg. .383 .243 .342 .272 .289 .276 .293 .276 .167 .000 .500 --.000

Philadelphia AB Rollins ss 5 Victorino cf 4 Utley 2b 3 Howard 1b 4 Werth rf 4 Ibanez lf 3 Feliz 3b 3 c-Dobbs ph 0 Durbin p 0 Ruiz c 2 Hamels p 0 a-Stairs ph 1 Madson p 0 Lidge p 0 d-Bruntlett ph-3b 1 Totals 30

SO 1 2 2 2 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 13

Avg. .200 .252 .278 .262 .288 .336 .283 .138 .500 .257 .000 .368 ----.130

R 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3

H 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 5

BI 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 3

BB 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 5

Los Angeles 001 000 101 2 — 5 13 2 Philadelphia 100 000 002 0 — 3 5 2 a-flied out for Hamels in the 7th. b-doubled for Wade in the 9th. c-walked for Feliz in the 9th. d-struck out for Lidge in the 9th. E: Martin (1), Billingsley (1), Ibanez (1), Rollins (2). LOB: Los Angeles 9, Philadelphia 7. 2B: Martin (6), Kemp (8), Blake (6), Paul (1), Rollins (7), Ruiz (4). 3B: Kemp (4). HR: Loney (2), off Hamels. RBIs: Martin (15), Loney (26), Kemp (25), Blake (22), Howard (23), Ruiz 2 (2). SB: Martin (4). CS: Furcal (2), Martin (3), Ruiz (1). S: Pierre, Victorino, Hamels 2. SF: Blake, Howard. Runners left in scoring position: Los Angeles 7 (Furcal 2, Martin 2, Pierre, Blake 2); Philadelphia 4 (Rollins 2, Bruntlett, Howard). GIDP: Feliz. DP: Los Angeles 2 (Loney, Furcal, Loney), (Martin, Martin, Loney, Furcal, Blake, Loney, Furcal); Philadelphia 2 (Ruiz, Ruiz, Utley, Howard), (Howard, Rollins).

TOM MIHALEK / AP

Look closely, and you’ll see the ball above the head of Orlando Hudson, right. Hudson slid safely into third base on the play. Broxton struck out the first two batters, then allowed a single and a walk. Torre walked to the mound to visit his closer, then Carlos Ruiz doubled to right to score the runners and send the crowd into a frenzy. The Dodgers won for the third time in seven games since

Ramirez was penalized 50 games for using a banned drug. The Dodgers have the best record in the N.L. at 24-12 and are off to Florida for a series with the Marlins. Dodgers shortstop Rafael Furcal spoke with Ramirez a few days ago and received some

pointers from the dreadlocked star on his swing. “He seemed OK,” Furcal said. “He was maybe a little down, but we’re behind him.” Torre said there was a chance Ramirez could appear in Miami to talk to his teammates. — The Associated Press

Los Angeles Billingsley Wade H, 4 Broxton W, 4-0 BS, 2 Troncoso S, 2-2 Philadelphia Hamels Madson Lidge Durbin L, 1-1

IP 7 1 1 1 IP 7 1 1 1

H 3 0 2 0 H 7 2 2 2

R ER BB SO NP ERA 1 1 4 9 123 2.30 0 0 0 0 8 5.06 2 2 1 3 27 1.59 0 0 0 1 13 1.99 R ER BB SO NP ERA 2 1 1 9 110 5.04 0 0 0 0 19 2.35 1 1 0 0 16 8.59 2 2 2 2 29 4.19

IBB: off Durbin (Loney). HBP: by Troncoso (Utley). Umpires: Home, Jeff Nelson; First, Mark Carlson; Second, Tim Tschida; Third, Bob Davidson. T: 3:33. A: 45,307 (43,647).

If you deliver it daily, they will come.

FREEup! Sign Today!

The country’s first and only daily digital sports newspaper. Delivered via email every morning, 7 days a week, Sporting News Today is your one-stop destination for breaking sports stories plus news about every team, every game and every score from coast-to-coast. Experience America’s hottest new product. Sign up at sportingnewstoday.com. It’s free.

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

www.sportingnews.com

Baseball

27

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

NATIONAL LEAGUE Milwaukee 5, Florida 3

Chicago Cubs 11, San Diego 3

Bush not flashy but continues to get job done

Scales finally gets spotlight

MILWAUKEE—Dave Bush doesn’t light up radar guns or strike fear into the hearts of opposing batters. The Milwaukee Brewers righthander just knows how to pitch—something that’s been especially apparent in the month of May. Bush turned in his third straight seven-inning outing, Prince Fielder hit the go-ahead home run and the Brewers completed a three-game sweep of the Florida Marlins with a 5-3 victory Thursday. “It’s not a lot of bling for him,” Brewers manager Ken Macha said of Bush. “He just goes out there, and it’s workmanlike.” Bush (2-0) struck out seven while giving up six hits and three runs, only two of which were earned. He was followed by Mark DiFelice and Trevor Hoffman, neither of whom allowed a baserunner for a rapidly improving Brewers bullpen. Hoffman earned his eighth save and has yet to give up a run in nine innings this season. “It’s always fun to hear the bell,” Fielder said—a reference to Hoffman’s theme song, AC/DC’s “Hells Bells.” The Brewers have won nine of 11 and begin a nine-game road trip at St. Louis on Friday night. It was a short afternoon for Florida starter Josh Johnson, who walked five in only four innings. Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said he took Johnson out of the game because he felt “something” in his shoulder, but Johnson should be able to make his next start. “We just didn’t want to take any chances with him,” Gonzalez said. — The Associated Press

Brewers 5, Marlins 3 Florida AB R Bonifacio 3b 4 0 Coghlan lf 3 0 Ha.Ramirez ss 4 1 Cantu 1b 4 0 Jo.Baker c 4 0 Uggla 2b 4 1 Gload rf 3 1 Amezaga cf 3 0 Jo.Johnson p 2 0 Badenhop p 0 0 a-Hermida ph 1 0 Meyer p 0 0 Nunez p 0 0 Totals 32 3

H 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 6

BI 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

BB 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

SO 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 2 2 0 1 0 0 8

Avg. .262 .267 .358 .281 .275 .188 .239 .231 .056 .000 .230 .000 ---

Milwaukee Weeks 2b Hardy ss Braun lf Fielder 1b M.Cameron cf Hall 3b Duffy rf Mi.Rivera c Kendall c Bush p DiFelice p b-Gamel ph Hoffman p Totals

H 0 1 0 1 2 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 8

BI 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4

BB 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 5

SO 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 1 0 9

Avg. .282 .224 .322 .273 .304 .278 .125 .375 .222 .125 --.000 ---

AB 2 3 4 3 4 4 4 3 1 2 0 1 0 31

R 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 5

Florida 010 110 000 — Milwaukee 021 011 00x —

3 6 1 5 8 1

a-struck out for Badenhop in the 7th. b-struck out for DiFelice in the 8th. E: Bonifacio (5), Weeks (6). LOB: Florida 3, Milwaukee 7. 2B: Ha.Ramirez (13), Uggla (5). HR: Gload (1), off Bush; Hall (4), off Jo.Johnson; Fielder (8), off Badenhop. RBIs: Gload (4), Hardy (19), Fielder (32), Hall 2 (10). SB: Coghlan (1), Weeks (2). Runners left in scoring position: Florida 1 (Cantu); Milwaukee 3 (Fielder, Weeks, Braun). DP: Florida 1 (Bonifacio, Cantu). Florida Jo.Johnson Badenhop L, 2-2 Meyer Nunez Milwaukee Bush W, 2-0 DiFelice H, 4 Hoffman S, 8-8

IP 4 2 1 1 IP 7 1 1

H 3 5 0 0 H 6 0 0

R ER BB SO 3 2 5 3 2 2 0 3 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 R ER BB SO 3 2 1 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

NP ERA 82 2.50 37 4.26 13 1.76 12 2.16 NP ERA 97 3.83 12 1.02 12 0.00

WP: Bush. Umpires: Home, Bruce Dreckman; First, Bill Hohn; Second, Angel Campos; Third, Gary Darling. T: 2:36. A: 35,658 (41,900).

MORRY GASH / AP

Milwaukee’s Prince Fielder hit his eighth homer of the season in the fifth inning.

CHICAGO—A few minutes after his manager referred to him as “Scalesie,” Bobby Scales was invited into the postgame interview room for the first time in his short—but so far storybook—big league career. So the 31-year-old rookie finally has made it, right? “I don’t know about that,” he said, “but it sure is a step in the right direction.” After 11 years in the minors, Scales has made all the right steps since the Chicago Cubs called him up last week. He had a pair of two-run doubles in Thursday’s 11-3 victory over the San Diego Padres, giving him at least one hit in each of his six major league games and lifting his average to .444. “Scalesie is swinging the bat,” manager Lou Piniella said. “He wants some playing time.” A made-for-TV story? Or maybe one headed directly to the big screen? It’s not every day that a ballplayer who needs to supplement his income by working as a substitute teacher during the offseason makes an immediate impact in the big leagues. “No, no, no, no,” Scales said, laughing. “You’re going to have to talk to my marketing people: my wife.” Adrian Gonzalez homered for the fourth consecutive game but couldn’t prevent San Diego from losing its 11th straight on the road, its longest skid in 38 years. Afterward, Padres manager Bud Black held a closed-door meeting. — The Associated Press

Cubs 11, Padres 3 San Diego AB Hairston cf 4 Eckstein 2b 3 Macias rf 1 Ad.Gonzalez 1b 2 Headley lf 4 Giles rf 3 Kouzmanoff 3b 1 E.Gonzalez 3b-2b 4 C.Burke ss 3 Blanco c 3 Gaudin p 2 Perdomo p 0 D.Sanchez p 0 Meredith p 0 b-Gerut ph 1 Bell p 0 Totals 31 Chicago A.Soriano lf Freel lf Theriot ss Fukudome rf Hoffpauir 1b Soto c a-K.Hill ph-c Re.Johnson cf Scales 3b Miles 2b Dempster p Ascanio p Totals San Diego Chicago

AB 4 1 3 3 3 2 0 5 4 5 4 1 35

R 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 R 0 0 2 1 2 1 0 2 2 1 0 0 11

H 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4

BI 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3

BB 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

SO 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 8

Avg. .337 .248 .400 .310 .246 .169 .214 .152 .226 .150 .000 .000 ----.235 ---

H BI 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 2 2 4 2 1 2 2 0 0 11 11

BB 1 0 2 2 2 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 10

SO 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 1 0 1 8

Avg. .271 .150 .297 .340 .292 .188 .306 .241 .444 .220 .105 .000

000 100 110 — 3 4 1 001 064 00x — 11 11 0

a-walked for Soto in the 7th. b-flied out for Meredith in the 8th. E: E.Gonzalez (2). LOB: San Diego 3, Chicago 11. 2B: Giles (5), Theriot (5), Re.Johnson (1), Scales 2 (2), Miles (6), Dempster (1). HR: Ad.Gonzalez (14), off Dempster; Macias (1), off Ascanio. RBIs: Macias (1), Ad.Gonzalez (28), C.Burke (1), Soto 2 (9), Re.Johnson 2 (6), Scales 4 (5), Miles (4), Dempster 2 (2). SF: Soto. Runners left in scoring position: Chicago 6 (Re. Johnson 3, A.Soriano 2, Theriot). San Diego IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Gaudin L, 0-3 4 1⁄3 1 4 4 7 3 102 4.91 Perdomo 0 2 3 3 1 0 13 5.84 D.Sanchez 1 2⁄3 6 4 4 1 0 37 9.00 Meredith 1 1 0 0 1 3 25 4.15 Bell 1 1 0 0 0 2 14 0.00 Chicago IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Dempster W, 3-2 7 3 2 2 2 5 105 4.65 Ascanio 2 1 1 1 0 3 34 4.50 Perdomo pitched to 3 batters in the 5th. Inherited runners-scored: Perdomo 3-3, D.Sanchez 1-1. Umpires: Home, Tim Welke; First, Scott Barry; Second, Angel Hernandez; Third, Bill Welke. T: 2:55. A: 39,728 (41,210).

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

www.sportingnews.com

Baseball

28

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

NATIONAL LEAGUE St. Louis 5, Pittsburgh 1

Rasmus has memorable PNC blast PITTSBURGH—Jeff Karstens of the Pirates didn’t need to watch Colby Rasmus’ homer to know it traveled a long way. A loud noise told him so, and it wasn’t a sound any major league pitcher wants to hear. Rasmus’ two-run homer in the second inning gave St. Louis’ slumping offense a lift and the Cardinals avoided being swept by last-place Pittsburgh, getting a strong effort from their bullpen in a 5-1 victory Thursday night. The Cardinals had lost five consecutive games in Pittsburgh and were in jeopardy of being swept in a three-game series for the first time since Sept. 12-14, also in PNC Park. Depleted by injuries, St. Louis had lost four of five and seven of 10. “It was a win we really needed,” Cardinals starter Mitchell Boggs said. Rasmus’ drive—estimated at 458 feet— was a hit the Cardinals needed after being held to three runs and 11 hits in the first two games of the series. They are missing a lot of offense with Rick Ankiel and Ryan Ludwick injured, but Rasmus gave them some with one swing. “I didn’t see where it went, I put my head down—but I know it felt like an explosion off the bat,” Karstens said. Rasmus’ shot was the 24th to bounce into the Allegheny River behind the right-field stands since PNC Park opened in 2001. Only one batter, Daryle Ward in 2002, has reached the river on the fly. Rasmus’ drive was about 20 feet short of doing that. “I wouldn’t say it puts any more on me,” Rasmus said of trying to pick up the offense with Ankiel and Ludwick out. “I try to do the most with every at-bat I have. ... I knew I hit it pretty good.”

Cardinals 5, Pirates 1 St. Louis AB R H Schumaker 2b-rf 4 1 3 Robinson rf-lf 3 1 1 Pujols 1b 4 0 1 Duncan lf 3 0 0 b-Barden ph-3b 1 0 0 Y.Molina c 3 1 1 Rasmus cf 4 1 1 T.Greene ss 4 0 2 Thurston 3b-2b 4 0 0 Boggs p 2 1 1 T.Miller p 0 0 0 McClellan p 1 0 0 D.Reyes p 0 0 0 C.Perez p 0 0 0 d-Stavinoha ph 1 0 0 Franklin p 0 0 0 Totals 34 5 10

BI 0 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5

BB 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

SO 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 5

Avg. .321 .250 .323 .274 .286 .303 .263 .269 .239 .125 --.000 ----.000 ---

Pittsburgh AB Morgan lf 3 F.Sanchez 2b 5 McLouth cf 3 Ad.LaRoche 1b 4 R.Diaz c 4 Hinske 3b 3 c-An.LaRoche ph-3b 1 Moss rf 4 Ja.Wilson ss 4 Karstens p 2 a-Delw.Young ph 1 Meek p 0 S.Burnett p 0 J.Chavez p 0 e-R.Vazquez ph 1 Totals 35

BI 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

BB 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3

SO 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 5

Avg. .311 .333 .280 .234 .344 .250 .243 .224 .254 .000 .333 ------.179

R H 0 2 0 3 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 12

St. Louis 020 010 020 — Pittsburgh 000 100 000 —

5 10 0 1 12 1

a-struck out for Karstens in the 6th. b-struck out for Duncan in the 8th. c-struck out for Hinske in the 8th. d-flied out for C.Perez in the 9th. e-grounded out for J.Chavez in the 9th. E: Ad.LaRoche (1). LOB: St. Louis 4, Pittsburgh 10. 2B: Boggs (1), Moss (4). 3B: Ad.LaRoche (1). HR: Rasmus (2), off Karstens. RBIs: Robinson (1), Pujols 2 (37), Rasmus 2 (10), R.Diaz (5). SB: Pujols (6), T.Greene (2). SF: Robinson. Runners left in scoring position: St. Louis 2 (Duncan, Thurston); Pittsburgh 6 (R.Diaz 3, McLouth, Ja.Wilson 2). DP: St. Louis 3 (Pujols, T.Greene, Pujols), (Thurston, Schumaker, Pujols), (McClellan, Schumaker, Pujols); Pittsburgh 3 (F.Sanchez, Ja.Wilson, Ad.LaRoche), (Ja.Wilson, F.Sanchez, Ad.LaRoche), (Moss, Ja.Wilson).

GENE J. PUSKAR / AP

Colby Rasmus’ homer just missed flying directly into Pittsburgh’s Allegheny River, which is around 478 feet. Boggs didn’t pitch long enough to get the victory, but also aided the offense by lining a double for his first major league hit and scoring on Shane Robinson’s sacrifice fly in the fifth to make it 3-1. The inning before, Adam LaRoche tripled for the first of four consecutive hits to start the Pirates’ fourth, but Boggs

managed to give up only one run. Rookie catcher Robinzon Diaz was thrown out trying to move from first to third on Eric Hinske’s single and Jack Wilson hit into a double play. Albert Pujols added a two-run single for St. Louis in the eighth. — The Associated Press

St. Louis Boggs T.Miller W, 1-0 McClellan H, 5 D.Reyes H, 6 C.Perez Franklin Pittsburgh Karstens L, 1-2 Meek S.Burnett J.Chavez

IP 4 1⁄3 1 1 1⁄3 1 1⁄3 1 IP 6 1 1 1

H 9 1 0 2 0 0 H 7 3 0 0

R ER BB SO 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 R ER BB SO 3 3 0 2 2 2 0 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0

NP ERA 82 3.22 14 3.38 13 2.81 17 3.97 2 2.53 10 1.15 NP ERA 75 5.06 23 4.22 11 2.93 8 2.63

Meek pitched to 3 batters in the 8th. Inherited runners-scored: T.Miller 3-0, McClellan 1-0, C.Perez 1-0, S.Burnett 1-0. IBB: off S.Burnett (Y.Molina). WP: Meek. Balk: Boggs. Umpires: Home, Lance Barksdale; First, Alfonso Marquez; Second, Randy Marsh; Third, Mike Winters. T: 2:43. A: 12,347 (38,362).

Houston 5, Colorado 3

Astros latest to swipe home DENVER—Michael Bourn can’t remember ever stealing home before. Sure, he’s wanted to. Even studied the tendencies of catchers just in case the opportunity ever arose. Finally, his chance came Thursday. Bourn took off on a double steal and became the latest player to swipe home, leading the Houston Astros to a 5-3 win over the Colorado Rockies. He joined Boston’s Jacoby Ellsbury and Philadelphia’s Jayson Werth as players who have stolen home this season— although those two pulled off straight steals. Bourn’s came on a double steal as Carlos Lee took off from first, drawing a throw from Rockies catcher Yorvit Torrealba down to second. As soon as Torrealba released the ball, Bourn bolted for the plate and scored easily. “I knew if he was throwing through I was going,” said Bourn, one of baseball’s fastest runners. The Rockies took a gamble on trying to nab the muchslower Lee, who homered later in the game. But the All-Star outfielder beat the throw with a nifty slide into second. “He can steal a few bases,” Bourn said. “That’s how he gets you, he’ll lull you to sleep and he’s gone.” — The Associated Press

Astros 5, Rockies 3 Houston AB K.Matsui 2b 5 Bourn cf 5 Berkman 1b 4 Ca.Lee lf 5 Hawkins p 0 Tejada ss 2 Pence rf 4 I.Rodriguez c 4 Keppinger 3b 4 W.Rodriguez p 3 a-Michaels ph 1 Sampson p 0 Erstad lf 0 Totals 37

R 1 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5

H 1 4 0 1 0 0 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 11

BI 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4

BB 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

SO 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 7

Avg. .248 .317 .209 .328 --.314 .333 .283 .327 .000 .214 .000 .171

Colorado Spilborghs cf Barmes ss Helton 1b Murton lf c-S.Smith ph Hawpe rf Atkins 3b Torrealba c Stewart 2b Hammel p Daley p Embree p b-Fowler ph Street p Totals

R 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3

H 1 0 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5

BI 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3

BB 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

SO 1 1 0 3 0 2 1 1 1 2 0 0 1 0 13

Avg. .272 .233 .351 .235 .306 .357 .198 .219 .203 .000 ----.250 ---

Houston Colorado

AB 4 4 4 3 0 4 3 3 3 2 0 0 1 0 31

301 000 010 — 000 300 000 —

5 11 1 3 5 3

a-struck out for W.Rodriguez in the 8th. b-struck out for Embree in the 8th. c-walked for Murton in the 9th. E: Berkman (3), Atkins 2 (5), Barmes (1). LOB: Houston 8, Colorado 2. 2B: Bourn (6), Pence (8), Helton (7), Hawpe (11). HR: Ca.Lee (7), off Embree. RBIs: Berkman (19), Ca.Lee (28), Tejada (20), Pence (15), Helton (21), Hawpe (28), Atkins (14). SB: Bourn 2 (13), Ca.Lee (1). CS: Spilborghs (2). SF: Tejada. Runners left in scoring position: Houston 4 (I.Rodriguez, Ca.Lee, Keppinger, Michaels). GIDP: Keppinger. DP: Colorado 1 (Stewart, Barmes, Helton). Houston IP W.Rodriguez W, 4-2 7 Sampson H, 5 1 Hawkins S, 5-7 1 Colorado IP Hammel L, 0-2 5 1⁄3 Daley 1 2⁄3 Embree 1 Street 1

H 5 0 0 H 7 1 3 0

R ER BB SO NP ERA 3 2 0 11 113 1.90 0 0 0 1 5 1.64 0 0 1 1 22 2.20 R ER BB SO NP ERA 4 1 0 4 89 4.62 0 0 0 1 17 1.04 1 1 0 1 22 4.50 0 0 1 1 16 4.40

Inherited runners-scored: Daley 2-0. HBP: by Hammel (Tejada). Umpires: Home, Charlie Reliford; First, Adrian Johnson; Second, Larry Vanover; Third, Dan Iassogna. T: 2:54. A: 22,696 (50,449).

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

College Football

www.sportingnews.com

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

29

5 Questions for ... Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor

‘Buckeyes will be a team of ‘expect the unexpected’’ When Terrelle Pryor committed to Ohio State last year, big things immediately were expected from the dual-threat quarterback from Pennsylvania. It didn’t take long for him to become the Buckeyes’ starter. He ran for 631 yards and threw for 1,311 while completing 60.6 percent of his pass attempts. Despite that success, concern lingers: Can a running quarterback be successful throwing the ball? He answered that question in OSU’s spring game, completing 13 of 18 passes for 191 yards and two scores, and addresses it in questions from Sporting News readers.

Q:

You waited until mid-March to commit to Ohio State. When you look back on it, are you glad you waited and how did that extra time benefit you? — Derick Hughes, Atlanta

Pryor: Waiting was the right thing for me. It allowed me to take care of my responsibilities, including winning state championships in football and basketball (at Jeannette High School). That’s an accomplishment that will last forever at my high school and I will always be proud that I was a part of it.

Q:

Of all of the talented Buckeye receivers, who do you think will step up this year and be your go-to guy? — Pete Brownshoes, Olympia, Wash.

Pryor: Even though (Brian) Robiskie and (Brian) Hartline are headed to the NFL, we will have more than one go-to guy. We have (Dane) Sanzenbacher, (Ray) Small, Taurian Washington, (DeVier) Posey, Lamaar Thomas—that’s a very strong receiver group.

Q:

After signing and now playing with Ohio State, are you treated any differently when you return for visits to Pennsylvania? — Dennis A. Matejka, Cleveland

Pryor: No, those are my home folks. The people in Pennsylvania are great to me and very proud of me. And I’m proud to represent Jeannette wherever I go.

Q:

What was the biggest adjustment you had to make going from high school to playing quarterback in the Big Ten? — Dave Burtscher, North Canton, Ohio TERRY GILLIAM / AP

Pryor: The biggest adjustment for me has been quicker decision-making. But I am working on it and getting quicker and more comfortable.

Q:

Running quarterbacks often want to prove they can throw it, so if you run less and become less of a threat to run, will the offense be as effective as it can be? — Jeff Gilbert, Roanoke, Va.

Pryor: This was my first time in spring

Buckeyes QB Terrelle Pryor said spring practice was a great experience for him as he and his teammates learned to play without star RB Beanie Wells. practice and it was a great experience. It was almost like another season to practice and watch film every day, and I really learned a lot. Our whole offense was learning to adjust without Beanie Wells and our veteran receivers, so it was a great time to try new things and see where our strengths might be. I hope I have learned to be more patient, and see more of what is developing on the field before the play unfolds. I love our receivers and how we have been able to

connect and learn each other’s habits through the passing drills, but I still love to be part of the running attack. I think all of us have gained confidence in our knowledge and in each other, so we will have a great

summer together. And in August, who knows what our coaches will have ready for us? The Buckeyes will be a team of “expect the unexpected.” — Ken Bradley

This story first appeared in the May 11 edition of Sporting News Magazine. If you are not receiving the magazine, subscribe today, or pick up a copy, available at most Barnes & Noble, Borders and Hudson Retail outlets.

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

www.sportingnews.com

INSIDE DISH

ACC’s defensive POY fighting cancer Boston College senior LB Mark Herzlich has been diagnosed with the cancer Ewing’s Sarcoma, a malignant tumor often found in bone or soft tissue. Herzlich, the defensive player of the year in the ACC last season, has returned to his home in Wayne, Pa., and will have Mark Herzlich more tests. He said the cancer was discovered during the past week when he had tests because he was experiencing pain in his leg. “Obviously, I was shocked,” Herzlich said in a statement released by the school. “At this point, I do not know what this means for my football future, but I am determined to rid my body of this disease so that I can put that uniform back on.” Herzlich, a finalist for the Butkus Award last season, led the Eagles with 110 tackles and was one of two linebackers in the country with six interceptions. “When people think of Mark Herzlich, they think of a fearless individual who is always ready to take on a tough opponent,” coach Frank Spaziani said in a statement. “His integrity, determination and focus are unmatched. I know he will face this challenge with that same attitude.” The Pac-10 might be the next conference to launch a television network. League commissioner Tom Hansen told the Orange County Register the Pac-10 must look at establishing a cable network similar to the Big Ten’s to try to narrow the revenue gap between it and the other BCS conferences. “I think there will be viability (for a Pac-10 network), and I know there’s interest on our part,” Hansen told the newspaper. The athletic departments of several

Pac-10 schools, including UCLA, Stanford and Washington are struggling financially, and the conference’s revenues lag significantly behind those of other major conferences. The Big Ten generated $177.4 million in revenues for the 2007 fiscal year; the Pac-10 reported $88.78 million. IRS documents show that the ACC had gross receipts of $162.4 million for that year, while the SEC had $149.1 million, and the Big 12 $119.2 million, according to the newspaper report. Washington State freshman DE Cory Mackay, who broke his back in a pickuptruck accident last Thursday, was has been moved from intensive care at Harborview Medical Center to a rehabilitation unit. He had surgery to fuse vertebrae, and his father indicated damage to the spinal cord was “minimal.” “He’s in good spirits,” Don Mackay told The Seattle Times. “He’s got a lot of spunk.” Mackay said his son would have three rehabilitation sessions daily. Former Auburn coach Tommy Tuberhas a new job—he’ll provide insight ville on the SEC this season for website BusterSports.com. With five Big 12 South teams playing games in the Dallas area, a recruiting hotbed, the next two seasons, Oklahoma State is feeling a bit left out. “We’re the only team in the South that doesn’t have a game in Dallas,” Oklahoma State athletic director Mike Holder told The Oklahoman. Oklahoma State wanted to schedule a series with Texas Tech in Dallas, but the deal fell through. Holder said he plans to look at options outside the conference.

College Football

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

30

Syracuse offers Paulus a chance to play but no promises, he says BY DAVE CURTIS [email protected]

Greg Paulus mulled over basketball in Europe. He peeked at an opportunity to play football at Michigan and even flew halfway across the country to kick the tires at Nebraska. In the end, though, Paulus, an All-American quarterback in high school and a Duke point guard in college, went home. The Syracuse-area native said Thursday he plans to enroll in graduate school at Syracuse University in the next few weeks and suit up for the Orange football team this fall. “I have a chance, hopefully, to get to play and help Syracuse out,” Paulus said in a teleconference from Durham, N.C. “And I can do something I love at a high level.” Paulus-to-Syracuse was anticipated after he spent the past month investigating postgrad football opportunities. He worked out for the Green Bay Packers, but a jump to the NFL draft seemed foolish. About 25 schools contacted him, he said Thursday, and he visited three in April, including Syracuse. The chance to play a few minutes from the house where he grew up helped sway him to Central New York. The same went for a slew of other factors–memories of watching championship Syracuse teams as a boy, a burgeoning relationship with rookie Orange coach Doug Marrone and, perhaps most important, a legitimate chance to play in the fall. Marrone named redshirt freshman Ryan Nassib the starter heading into the fall, with veteran Cameron Dantley as the No. 2. And although Paulus could end up sitting the bench all season, he’ll begin his Orange career as perhaps the most talented quarterback on campus. “I have no guarantees,” Paulus said on the call. “No promises.”

GERRY BROOME / AP

Greg Paulus is a native of the Syracuse area, so the choice of school makes sense. Syracuse officials are unable to comment about Paulus until he fills out necessary NCAA and admissions paperwork. But the excitement within the program must be as strong as any time since Marrone’s hire in December. Paulus’ arrival figures to boost season ticket sales for a school desperate to raise football attendance. And he has proven a strong enough athlete to average 8.6 points during his basketball career at Duke after throwing for 11,763 yards and 152 touchdowns in four years at Christian Brothers Academy. “He’s an incredible athlete,” said Buddy Wleklinski, the basketball coach at CBA. “He’s the kind of kid you think can do anything.” Paulus said Thursday he has spent the

past month strengthening his throwing arm and changing his conditioning style to add some weight. He has adopted a convenient workout partner—his younger brother Mike, a backup quarterback at North Carolina. (Through a UNC spokesman, Mike Paulus declined an interview request Thursday). All the while, Greg Paulus checked out his options before phoning Marrone on Thursday morning with news of his decision. The plan, Paulus said, is to drive home this weekend, try to enroll next week and begin voluntary workouts with teammates and study sessions with offensive coordinator Rob Spence as soon as possible. “I understand there’s a lot of work that needs to be put in,” Paulus said. “But I can’t tell you how excited I am about this.”

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

www.sportingnews.com

NFL

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

31

Jets ‘have no excuses’ despite questionable skill players FLORHAM PARK, N.J.—The quarterback battle between Mark Sanchez and Kellen Clemens is not the only offensive question facing the New York Jets. The Jets lack a proven big-play receiver. Their two best running backs, Thomas Jones and Leon Washington, are both skipping voluntary offseason workouts, unhappy with their contracts. And the Jets’ best pass-catching tight end, Dustin Keller, must improve his blocking to become an everydown player. So, why was Jets coach Clifton Brown Rex Ryan smiling ThursPRO FOOTBALL day after practice? Well, it’s only May and he’s an optimist. He also is a defensive-minded coach who thinks the ’09 Jets defense will be nasty. “With every team, you have your strengths and your weaknesses,” Ryan said. “People can focus on, ‘You don’t have this.’ I can put it right back on you. We’ve got a better defense than you have. We have an offensive line that’s probably better than yours. “We have no excuses.” Expect the Jets to follow the Ravens’ blueprint from last season, when Ryan was their defensive coordinator. The Ravens played superb defense, ran the ball effectively and did not ask rookie quarterback Joe Flacco to carry the offense. That should be the Jets’ modus operandi in ’09, whether Sanchez or Clemens wins the QB job. But here is a closer look at the Jets’ concerns with the skill positions:

Quarterback Sanchez is a rookie, and Clemens has started just eight NFL games. If both struggle, the Jets will regret not signing an experienced quarterback. While Sanchez was in California on Thursday preparing for his graduation

Both Jones and Washington are crucial parts of the offense. Jones led the AFC in rushing last season (1,312 yards), and Washington was a Pro Bowl kick returner who also is dangerous lining up in the backfield as a runner or receiver. Jones has been linked to trade rumors, but Ryan says he is confident both Jones and Washington will remain Jets. The Jets drafted running back Shonn Greene, and second-year back Danny Woodhead shows promise. Still, Ryan wants Jones and Washington back in the fold. “When we play our first game (Sept. 13) against Houston, I believe both will be with us,” Ryan said.

Wide receiver The Jets have last season’s leading receiver back in Jerricho Cotchery (71 catches, 858 yards). But Laveranues Coles was almost as productive (70 catches, 850 yards), and he signed with the Bengals as a free agent. No other Jets wideout had more than 400 yards, and if receivers like Brad Smith, Chansi Stuckey and David Clowney do not step up, the passing game is sure to suffer. “I think it’s motivating every last one of us,” Clowney said. “We’re not big-name guys who pop out at you on the screen. I have to prove a lot—prove that I can start, prove I can beat any defensive back they put on me. But collectively, we all have something to prove.” BILL KOSTROUN / AP

The Jets are expecting big things eventually from rookie QB Mark Sanchez (6). But, according to SN’s Clifton Brown, there’s more problems for them to worry about now.

Tight end

from USC, Clemens was at practice sounding confident and relaxed. He wants to prove the Jets can win the AFC East with him at quarterback. “I’m competing every day, whether it’s against Erik Ainge, Mark, Tom Brady, Chad Pennington, Trent Edwards, myself,” Clemens said. Ryan continues to insist the QB competition is wide open, despite the Jets

The Jets signed Bubba Franks this week, but Keller (48 catches, 535 yards) had a strong rookie season catching passes. Keller’s next step is to improve his blocking, because Ryan wants the Jets to be a physical running team. “I’m working on it,” Keller said. “I think I can be a good blocker.” The real test for Keller will come during training camp, when the Jets put on pads. [email protected]

expending considerable capital to trade up and draft Sanchez with the No. 5-overall pick. “He’s a first-round pick, he’s going to be making a lot of money,” Ryan said of Sanchez. “You can read into it any way you want. But at the end of the day, the best guy is going to be playing quarterback for us on opening day. If that’s Kellen, then great. If it’s Sanchez, then great. But one of them is

going to have to win the job.”

Running back Skipping these voluntary workouts has not put Jones or Washington in Ryan’s doghouse—yet. That could change if they skip the mandatory June minicamp. “I’m not the smartest guy, but I think you should be here when it’s mandatory,” Ryan said.

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

NFL

www.sportingnews.com

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

32

Scouts’ views

QB rankings: Brees encroaching on the Manning-Brady debate Many factors go into grading a quarterback, and every scout places different levels of emphasis on different aspects of the game. Scouts also must consider things that can’t be measured: Leadership, the quarterback’s role within a system and performance under pressure. All this makes for uncertainty and goes a long way towards explaining why it is so hard to find agreement on players at the NFL’s marquee position. RealScouts, Sporting News Today’s team of former NFL scouts, rank their top 20 quarterbacks for ’09:

6.

Peyton Manning, Colts. Critics point to the postseason loss to San Diego, but Manning is the reigning MVP and threw for more than 4,000 yards for the ninth time in 11 NFL seasons. And he did it all while recovering from knee surgery and adjusting to life without the real Marvin Harrison.

12.

Kurt Warner, Cardinals. It looks as though all the pieces will be back in ’09, and as long as he stays healthy—he does turn 38 in June—another 4,000-yard, 30-touchdown season is within reach.

Tom Brady, Patriots. Before his knee turned the wrong way in Week 1, Brady was on his way to becoming perhaps the best QB in league history. He is practicing with a knee brace and again ready to battle Manning for the No. 1 spot.

9.

3.

4.

7.

8.

2.

Carson Palmer, Bengals. Palmer has received the all-clear on

11.

Donovan McNabb, Eagles. Contrary to those who think McNabb is on the decline, he set a personal career high in passing yards last year, and the 23 touchdowns were his most since 2004. The line has been upgraded significantly, and potential impact players have been added at the skill positions.

1.

Drew Brees, Saints. Last season, Brees became the first QB since Dan Marino in ’84 to pass for more than 5,000 yards. And he did it with RB Reggie Bush, TE Jeremy Shockey and WR Marques Colston—his top three weapons—missing a combined 15 games.

Philip Rivers, Chargers. In ’08, he set career highs in completion percentage, yards per attempt and touchdowns and cleared the 4,000-yard plateau for the first time in his career. With LaDainian Tomlinson seemingly in decline, San Diego could lean more heavily on the passing game.

DARRON CUMMINGS / AP

In 11 years in the NFL, Peyton Manning has thrown for more than 4,000 yards in nine of them. his elbow, but it remains to be seen what kind of arm strength the man nicknamed “Jugs” will show in ’09. An improved line and talk of a balanced attack won’t put the weight of the season on Palmer’s arm.

5.

Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers. The Steelers were battered by injuries and inconsistent line play for much of ’08, so Big Ben didn’t have his best statistical season. But he saved his best for the biggest games, didn’t he?

Eli Manning, Giants. Giants fans will be irked that Eli isn’t ranked higher, but Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer are gone. Elite quarterbacks can carry teams, but Manning failed last year after Burress and Brandon Jacobs got hurt.

10.

Tony Romo, Cowboys. The Cowboys’ plan to run more speaks to their quality running backs and the lack of depth at wide receiver. It also raises a flag with regard to the coaches’ confidence in Romo after an up-and-down ’08.

Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks. He turns 34 in September and has a history of back and leg problems. His receiving corps, even with T.J. Houshmandzadeh, lacks an explosive weapon. Still, Hasselbeck has proven capable of raising the play of those around him, so we hold out hope for ’09. Jay Cutler, Bears. Cutler has a big arm and a knack for making big plays, and the Bears should have an improved offensive line and a strong running game. The big question: Who’s he going to throw to?

13.

Matt Ryan, Falcons. He has a strong running game, and the addition of All-Pro TE Tony Gonzalez will make him more effective in the short passing game. Ryan should continue to move up this list.

protected by an elite defense and the AFC’s No. 1 running game. The coaches gave Flacco conservative game plans to limit his mistakes, yet he still threw 12 interceptions.

17.

Matt Schaub, Texans. With a growing arsenal of weapons led by WR Andre Johnson and TE Owen Daniels and consistency in the coaching staff with offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and line coach Alex Gibbs, Schaub could skyrocket up this list if able to stay healthy.

18.

14.

19.

15.

20.

Aaron Rodgers, Packers. Rodgers was among the top passers in his first year as a starter, throwing for 4,038 yards, 28 touchdowns and just 13 interceptions while playing much of the season after separating his shoulder. Jake Delhomme, Panthers. He got his team to the postseason but then turned the ball over six times in its only playoff game. He is in decline, for sure, but has a strong line and a great running game.

16.

Joe Flacco, Ravens. Flacco has a big arm and certainly proved himself as a rookie, but he was

Jason Campbell, Redskins.

Redskins officials tried to trade for Cutler and trade up to draft Mark Sanchez, so they obviously don’t believe in Campbell. He can be successful, however, in a system that takes advantage of his strong arm and athleticism.

Chad Pennington, Dolphins. He made a run at NFL MVP honors last year by bringing the 1-15 Dolphins to the playoffs. That said, he has played only a full 16-game schedule three times in nine NFL seasons, and it is only a matter of time before heir-apparent Chad Henne gets a shot. Matt Cassel, Chiefs. Cassel wildly exceeded expectations after Brady got hurt, but a good portion of his success can be attributed to the system. He will not be lining up behind the Patriots’ line or be throwing to Randy Moss and Wes Welker anymore. — RealScouts analyze NFL and college players, coaches and teams exclusively for Sporting News.

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

www.sportingnews.com

NFL

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

33

INSIDE DISH

Colts coaches Moore, Mudd retire; Bills’ Lynch appeals suspension Coach Tony Dungy and WR Marvin Harrison won’t be the only icons missing from the ’09 Colts. Longtime line coach Howard Mudd and offensive coordinator Tom Moore turned in their retirement papers Thursday, owner Jim Irsay told The Indianapolis Star. Mudd, 67, and Moore, 70, have made no public statements, but it has been reported that they’re retiring in part because of a recent change in the NFL’s pension plan. Moore coached in the NFL for 32 years and five teams; Mudd was an NFL assistant with six teams for 35 years. They follow Dungy, who retired Jan. 12, and Harrison, who was released Feb. 24, in leaving the team. “It will be a tough blow,” Dungy told the Star. “But everybody will be ready for it. The next person steps up. The foundation is there. I’m sure that’s how Howard and Tom view it, that they’ve left a foundation that won’t be followed exactly, but the plan is there and it’ll roll.” According to the Star, assistant head coach/wide receivers coach Clyde Christensen could replace Moore as offensive coordinator and assistant line coach Pete Metzelaars could take over for Mudd. Both Mudd and Moore have been instrumental in the Colts’ elite offense since being hired in 1998, developing elite players such as QB Peyton Manning, WRs Harrison and Reggie Wayne, TE Dallas Clark and RB Edgerrin James. “Sure, it helps to have had a quarterback like No. 18, but those guys are two really, really good coaches,”

DAVID J. PHILLIP / AP

Tom Moore was an NFL assistant for 32 years, and had been offensive coordinator for the Colts since 1998.

former coach Jim Mora, who hired both Mudd and Moore, told the Star. “It’s been a luxury for the Colts to have those guys for as long as they’ve had them.” Bills RB Marshawn Lynch has appealed his three-game suspension, the NFL confirmed Thursday. Lynch was suspended last month for violating the personal conduct policy after he pleaded guilty in March to a misdemeanor gun charge in Los Angeles. He was sentenced to 80 hours of community service and three years’ probation. The charge was a result of the player’s arrest on Feb. 11, when police in Culver City, Calif., searched a parked car Lynch was in and found a 9mm semiautomatic

handgun inside a backpack in the trunk. Police also found four marijuana cigarettes in the car, but no drug charges were filed. It was Lynch’s second run-in with the law following a hit-and run-accident in Buffalo last May. Attorneys for Vikings DTs Kevin Williams and Pat Williams, who face a four-game suspension, say NFL officials knew a supplement called StarCaps contained a banned diuretic back in 2006 and did not notify players or the FDA. In addition, the attorneys said, new evidence shows a hot line for players to get information on such issues gave out false information about the supplement, telling players it was not banned.

Attorneys for the NFL disputed that Thursday in U.S. District Court, saying hot line operators warned players against taking any supplements. The Williamses, along with three Saints, tested positive for the diuretic bumetanide last year and were each given four-game suspensions for violating the NFL’s antidoping policy. Bumetanide has been found in StarCaps, though it is not on the label. It is banned because it can be used as a masking agent for steroids. The Williamses sued the NFL for monetary damages. The NFL Players Association also sued to overturn the suspensions of the Williamses and of Saints players Charles Grant, Will Smith and Deuce McAllister. U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson will take the arguments under advisement and decide whether the cases will go forward.

rusher, and he had only five sacks in nine games last year. According to the Boston Herald, Patriots coach Bill Belichick is planning that at least one of his four candidates—Pierre Woods, Shawn Crable, Vince Redd and Tully Banta-Cain—will provide a threat opposite Thomas. The Ravens are moving Le’Ron McClain, who rushed for 902 yards and 10 touchdowns last year, back to fullback. He switched to running back last year after injuries to Willis McGahee and Ray Rice. “With the success I had last year at halfback, I’m leaning more towards tailback,” McClain said via the team’s website. “But you know me, I’m going to play my role and do whatever I can to help the team. I know they’ve got a plan for us and it involves the whole 11. ... I’m going to do my best to get Ray and Willis more yards.”

The Jaguars waived special teams player Chad Nkang on Thursday. He played two seasons and appeared in 23 games. Nkang began last season on the PUP list because of a wrist injury.

The NFL has agreed to let the player formerly known as Chad Johnson wear his new name on the back of his jersey this season. There’s one catch for the receiver: It’s not exactly how he wanted it. Instead of Ocho Cinco, he’ll be Ochocinco.

Despite Eagles coach Andy Reid’s assessment that disgruntled Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin is demanding $10 million a year if traded, agent Drew Rosenhaus says that’s not the case. Boldin, unhappy with his contract, has asked to be traded and the Cardinals have been shopping him in the offseason. Reid, when questioned about the possibility of acquiring Boldin, said the team would have to yield multiple high-round draft picks “and then you’re going to pay the guy $10 million.” Said Rosenhaus in a rebuttal via his Twitter page: “Reports that Anquan Boldin is seeking a contract worth $10 million per (year)

Buffalo—June 9-11 Cincinnati—June 18-20 Cleveland—May 19-21 (voluntary); May 26-28 (voluntary); June 11-13 Dallas—June 16-18 Denver—June 12-14 Detroit—June 23-25 (voluntary) Green Bay—June 23-25 Houston—June 15-17 Indianapolis—June 5-7 Kansas City—June 5-7 Miami—June 12-14 Minnesota—May 29-31 New England—June 10-12 New Orleans—June 5-7 N.Y. Giants—June 16-18 N.Y. Jets—June 9-11 St. Louis—June 5-7 San Francisco—June 5-7 Seattle—June 10-12 Tampa Bay—June 16-18 Note: Teams are allowed to have rookie minicamps separate from the full-squad minicamp, and teams with first-year head coaches are allowed to add up to two voluntary minicamps.

With Jason Taylor going back to Miami and Julius Peppers apparently stuck in Carolina, the Patriots are left with only internal candidates to juice up their sometimes anemic pass rush. The team traded away LB Mike Vrabel to Kansas City and then didn’t use any of its 12 draft picks on a pass rusher. That leaves LB Adalius Thomas as the Patriots’ only proven pass

are inaccurate. We recently made a proposal to the Cards for less.” MLB Barrett Ruud is skipping the skipping the Bucs’ voluntary workouts, but he says he’s not in a contract dispute or injured. Simply, he’s holding the line because the workouts are voluntary. Ruud, a ’05 second-round pick entering the final year of his contract, told the St. Petersburg Times that “everything’s fine.”

Minicamp schedule A listing of upcoming NFL minicamps (all include rookies and veterans unless otherwise noted):

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

College Basketball

www.sportingnews.com

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

34

Q&A with … Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan

‘You don’t turn your country down’ The United States has won seven of the past eight basketball gold medals at the World University Games, making it the one international competition this country continues to dominate. Upholding that record will be the challenge for U.S. head coach Bo Ryan, who’ll lead the team of college stars to Serbia for the competition July 2-12. Ryan was an assistant to Lon Kruger in the 1995 World University Games, assisting on a team that featured Ray Allen, Tim Duncan and Allen Iverson. Ryan, 61, has coached Wisconsin to three Big Ten regular season championships and led the Badgers to the NCAA Tournament in each of his eight seasons. He spoke with Sporting News Today college basketball writer Mike DeCourcy about the USA Basketball assignment:

Q: A:

What led you to accept the job as head coach? I might be a little corny, but it’s USA Basketball. When they ask you to take a post like this, you don’t decline.

Q: A:

What challenges do you think you’ll face? Very quickly you realize the task. You realize how USA Basketball—it’s not that they hate us, it’s just they know we’ve been the dominant country and everybody wants a piece of you.

Q:

Is there anything you hope to draw from the experience in terms of how you coach? What do I hope to get out of it? A chance in the summer

A:

to try a few things. I haven’t been involved in USA Basketball since 1995. I’ll see what the rest of the world’s doing. When you’re coaching your university team, you’re with these guys how many days, how many hours. To get a different group for a few weeks? That’s not all bad.

Q:

The swing offense you run at Wisconsin will be foreign to most of the players who make the team, if not all of them. Can you introduce it in the short time you’ll have to prepare? We can’t just roll the ball out and turn them loose. You can’t win with the level of competition that’s out there without an offensive scheme and defensive scheme. The swing is a motion attack with x-number of reads. If you have two or three reads in a short period of time, it’s still pretty effective. You don’t get many easy baskets in the Big Ten because everybody gets back, two or three guys to defend transition. In international competition, we can get some off defense, some in transition. I think we can get the reads in there. We’ve put it in during summer basketball camps, and some teams run it better than others. I think we’ll be OK. There’ll be enough of a variety of inside scorers, slashers and 3-point shooters.

A:

Q: A:

How much do you know about the competition you’ll face? They can shoot from 30 feet like it’s a layup. So many of these international teams have such good 3-point shooters. You extend your defense. You’ve got to shut that down. If you don’t, you’ll get kicked.

Q: A:

Any idea who you want on your team? They keep the coach out of the process of inviting players. Actually, it means I don’t get all the phone calls from other coaches.

Q: A:

What will the tryout process be like? We’ll go to Colorado Springs for the training camp. We’ll work them out. The under-19 team will be there, also. Like it was in 1995—one of the best matchups was Allen Iverson vs. Stephon Marbury. Steph was on the junior team, and Iverson was practicing to make the World University Games team. We had some good scrimmages. It was good stuff. There’ll be enough action out there to be able to make some good judgments about who’ll make the team. The first eight, nine, 10 will be easy. What about the last two, the alternates?

Q:

The competition takes place during the first

NAM Y. HUH / AP

Wisconsin’s Bo Ryan was a USA Basketball assistant for the World University Games in 1995, but he’ll be the head coach of this year’s squad. part of the July recruiting period. Are you concerned about what happens with Wisconsin’s recruiting while you’re gone?

A:

Our associate head coach, Greg Gard—he’s good. He’s so well-respected. He’ll do fine. (Assistant coaches) Howard Moore and Gary Close—those guys will be fine.

Somebody said, ‘Bo you’re as old as dirt, so they all know about you.’ It’s a sacrifice to some extent, but you don’t turn your country down. And it’s an honor.

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

College Basketball

www.sportingnews.com

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

35

INSIDE DISH

Irish coach says NBA intrigued by Harangody Notre Dame coach Mike Brey said NBA scouts are “really intrigued” by Irish big man Luke Harangody, who is one of the 55 players invited to the NBA’s pre-draft camp in Chicago, according to the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette. Harangody declared himself eligible for the draft, but did not hire an agent so he can return to school if desired. “They’ve got to see him in person, see him sweat against other guys to really get a feel for him,” Brey told the newspaper. “There’s a lot of intrigue because they’ve all watched him and really respect him as a player, how hard he plays, the numbers he puts up, the intensity and competitiveness on a nightly basis is all highly respected by the NBA people. “Now, they want to see physically what is he really. How big is he really? What is his athletic ability really? Can he step out and make a shot? Can he put it on the floor a little bit? Can he move his feet laterally from a defensive standpoint? Does he rebound above the rim? That’s all the things they want to see up close and personal.” Harangody, the 2007-08 Big East Player of the Year, averaged 23.3 points and 11.8 rebounds a game last season.

Rodney Guillory, to a meeting with Floyd at a Beverly Hills cafe on Valentine’s Day 2007, and that Guillory emerged with an envelope stuffed with $100 bills. “I don’t think they’ve expressed any indication that they don’t believe him,” Salerno said, referring to NCAA investigators. “And for what it’s worth, I think the U.S. government, through the Justice Department, believes him too.”

JOE RAYMOND / AP

Luke Harangody hasn’t hired an agent and could still return for his senior season. In the case of Southern California coach Tim Floyd’s recruitment of O.J. Mayo, it might come down to he said vs. he said. Louis Johnson, a former associate of Mayo’s, has told federal and NCAA investigators that Floyd gave $1,000 in cash to a man who helped steer the star player to the Trojans, according to Johnson’s attorney, Anthony V. Salerno.

“That’s really the whole thing: Who do you believe?” Salerno told The Associated Press. “Tim Floyd had a motive to pay O.J. Mayo to get there. Louis really doesn’t have any motives. He doesn’t have an ax to grind against Tim Floyd.” Salerno said he thinks investigators believe Johnson’s story. Johnson has told them that he accompanied Mayo’s handler,

Iowa State coach Greg McDermott said G Lucca Staiger will return next season, the Des Moines Register reported. Staiger had recently told McDermott that he was mulling over whether to remain with the Cyclones or pursue opportunities in his native Germany. Staiger called McDermott on Thursday to say he’ll return next fall. Staiger will play with junior and national teams in Germany this summer. Staiger, who will be a junior next year, averaged 8.2 points and shot 38.5 percent from 3-point range last season for the Cyclones. Southern Indiana will forfeit its entire 2008-09 season after two players were declared ineligible and an internal investigation found five alleged NCAA violations by the program.

The Division II school will submit its findings to the NCAA by the end of the week and will return more than $9,000 it received for participation in the NCAA Tournament. The Screaming Eagles finished with a 27-7 record and reached the second round of the D-II tournament, losing 81-59 to eventual champion Findlay. The school said it would submit five alleged violations to the NCAA concerning “irregularities” in the program. McDonnell said three alleged violations involved extra benefits involving transportation, including two for plane tickets for a player to get to and from campus; one involved homework provided for a player; and one involved improper communication with a prospective player who did make the team. School officials said there was nothing in the investigation to implicate former coach Rick Herdes but he had taken responsibility for the irregularities. Herdes resigned a week ago after the investigation was revealed. Two assistant coaches were placed on administrative leave. New Orleans G Darrian McKinstry has lost his scholarship and will not be returning to the Privateers. School officials said McKinstry had

CAN’T GET YOUR MIND OFF THE GAME?

35"3#2)"%4/$!9!.$3!6%
/.%9%!2*534s   sWWWSPORTINGNEWSCOM

been dismissed and would be leaving school. McKinstry, a junior who transferred from Fullerton (Calif.) Junior College, averaged 10 points last season but was suspended three times for a total of six games for violating team rules. Campbell officials cited geography on Thursday as the main reason for leaving the Atlantic Sun Conference to return to the Big South. The new partnership also allows the Baptist school to play few, if any, games on Sundays—an issue that led Campbell to leave the league in 1994. Campbell will make the move to the Big South for the 2011-12 school year. The school’s new football program, which began play last fall, will remain in the non-scholarship Pioneer League. Campbell was a charter member of the Big South in 1983, but left the league 11 years later for what is now the Atlantic Sun after public disputes on several issues, including Sunday play. The shift to the league that stretches into Tennessee and Florida greatly increased travel and left Campbell with few regional rivalries. The Big South’s 10 other schools are located in Virginia and the Carolinas.

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

www.sportingnews.com

Lacrosse

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

36

Eight players to watch in NCAA quarterfinals BY CHRISTIAN SWEZEY InsideLacrosse.com

The NCAA quarterfinals begin Saturday at noon on ESPN2 with Maryland facing Syracuse at Hofstra. Here are eight players who will play key roles in determining which teams advance to Foxborough for Championship Weekend.

John Glynn, Cornell, M, Sr. His dominance on face-offs in a 10-7 victory over Princeton in the first meeting gave Cornell an estimated 80-20 possession advantage. In the fourth quarter, Glynn and Max Seibald won the first three face-offs and Princeton coach Bill Tierney says his team had the ball on offense for less than 45 seconds. Glynn finished 13-for-18 on faceoffs and added 11 groundballs. In Cornell’s first-round victory over Hofstra, referees altered how they normally watch face-offs after rumors that a Big Red player was grabbing the ball with his hand to gain an illegal advantage. The Big Red won eight crucial face-offs in the second half as Glynn and Pierce Derkac played well on the wings.

Mark Kovler, Princeton, M, Sr. Kovler went 3-for-6 shooting in the first meeting, though he scored on all three shots he put on net against fifth-year senior goalie Jake Myers. He comes off a career-high five goals against UMass and, if possession is closer to 50-50 than in the first meeting, he may like his chances against Cornell’s banged-

up defense.

Games to watch

Bryn Holmes, Maryland, M, Junior Holmes combined with Dean Hart in face-guarding Notre Dame leading goal-scorer Ryan Hoff in the first round, holding Hoff to no shots. The challenge this week is much different. Syracuse is far more athletic than was Notre Dame. Junior Cody Jamieson moved into the third attack spot in the first round against Siena and scored three goals. If Maryland starts in man-toman, sophomore Max Schmidt likely will guard Kenny Nims (25 goals, 39 assists). Face-guarding sophomore Stephen Keogh (44 goals on 79 shots, 55.7 percent) might be an option too—which is where Holmes may fit in again. Holmes also needs to win face-offs and provide more than a little toughness against Syracuse’s blue-collar players.

NCAA quarterfinals Saturday at Hofstra Maryland vs. No. 2 Syracuse, noon, ESPN2 No. 4 Princeton vs. No. 5 Cornell, 2:30 p.m., ESPNU

Sunday at Navy No. 1 Virginia vs. No. 8 Johns Hopkins, noon, ESPNU No. 3 Duke vs. No. 6 North Carolina, 2:30 p.m., ESPNU

Mike Manley, Duke, D, Soph. Manley is one of two candidates, along with junior Parker McKee, to defend North Carolina sophomore Billy Bitter. It’s a tall order—Bitter enters with 69 points, the thirdhighest total in school history. His 46 goals are second-most in a single season. And with Shane Walterhoefer doing well on face-offs, UNC is guaranteed to have a lot of possessions.

John Galloway, Syracuse, G, Soph. He’s 5-0 in the NCAA playoffs and made 13 saves in the first round against Siena. Maryland will test him. Sophomore Travis Reed (16 goals) is creative around the goal. Sophomore Grant Catalino (23 goals) has moved to midfield to give him the entire cage at which to shoot, i.e. to shoot from the middle of the field. His move from attack comes with an caveat—he has to be off the field immediately on a quick change of possession. If there’s a quick shotsave scenario, or a quick turnover, Catalino heads straight for the box

John Glynn, right, hopes to lead Cornell to a quarterfinal victory in a rematch against Ivy league rival Princeton. and Syracuse may be able to run on Maryland with a good outlet from Galloway.

Adam Ghitelman, Virginia, G, Soph. By the time Sunday rolls around, Ghitelman will have seen eight shots in live action in 22 days. The Cavaliers lost in the ACC Tournament semifinals on April 24. They were idle the following week. And in the first round against

Villanova, Ghitelman faced eight shots in 39 minutes. Ghitelman certainly will be fresh, but Johns Hopkins is the country’s best-shooting team (33 percent). Ghitelman will need to hit the ground running.

Kyle Wharton, Johns Hopkins, A, Soph. Virginia’s comeback victory in the regular-season meeting came after it put a shortstick on Wharton and face-

GREG WALL / AP

guarded him in the fourth quarter. Doing so on Sunday would leave four longsticks for midfielders Brian Christopher (28 goals) and Michael Kimmel (18 goals, 23 assists) and attackmen Chris Boland (28 goals, 18 assists) and Steven Boyle (21 goals, 17 assists). The question is whether Wharton can dodge and make Virginia pay for leaving a shortstick on him.

Jimmy Dunster, North Carolina, M, Fr. Dunster moved into the starting midfield early in the year and has 11 goals and seven assists. With standout middie Ben Hunt (17 goals, 12 assists) questionable with a shoulder injury, Dunster and junior Sean Burke (7 goals, 18 assists) will be under pressure to break down Duke’s shortstick d-middies, who are not considered a team strength. — For live coverage all weekend, go to InsideLacrosse.com.

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

Horse Racing

www.sportingnews.com

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

134TH PREAKNESS Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET, NBC (Post time, 6 p.m.)

NOTEBOOK

Pioneerof the Nile out to avenge Derby defeat Preakness odds The field for Saturday’s 134th Preakness Stakes: HORSE 1. Big Drama 2. Mine That Bird 3. Musket Man 4. Luv Gov 5. Friesan Fire 6. Terrain 7. Papa Clem 8. General Quarters 9. Pioneerof the Nile 10. Flying Private 11. Take the Points 12. Tone It Down 13. Rachel Alexandra

TRAINER David Fawkes Chip Woolley, Jr. Derek Ryan D. Wayne Larry Jones Albert Stall, Jr. Gary Stute Tom McCarthy Bob Baffert D. Wayne Lukas Todd Pletcher William Komlo Steve Asmussen

JOCKEY John Velazquez Mike Smith Eibar Coa Lukas Jamie Theriot Gabriel Saez Jeremy Rose Rafael Bejarano Julien Leparoux Garrett Gomez Alan Garcia Edgar Prado Kent Desormeaux Calvin Borel

ODDS 10-1 6-1 8-1 50-1 6-1 30-1 12-1 20-1 5-1 50-1 30-1 50-1 8-5

Weights: Rachel Alexandra 121 pounds, others 126. Distance: 1 3-16 miles. Purse: $1.1 million. First place: $710,000. Second place: $220,000. Third place: $110,000. Fourth place: $55,000. Post time: 6 p.m. EDT.

BALTIMORE—Bob Baffert oozed confidence in Pioneerof the Nile leading to the Kentucky Derby. The colt was in front coming down the stretch, and for a few moments the Hall of Fame trainer thought he had his fourth Derby victory. “It just took the air out of us,” Baffert recalled Thursday. As was the case with most of the 150,000 people at Churchill Downs that day. Calvin Borel and 50-1 shot Mine That Bird blew by Pioneerof the Nile to win by 6¾ lengths in the second-biggest upset in Derby history. Now Baffert and his colt are back for a rematch in Saturday’s

Preakness. Not only will they have to contend with the Derby winner, but Borel has switched horses and will ride stellar filly Rachel Alexandra, the 8-5 morning line favorite who brings a five-race winning streak into the 1 3-16-mile race at Pimlico. “I would’ve taken a shot at the Derby with her. She’s just a tremendous athlete,” Baffert said. “She’s a good filly and these classics are huge. There’s not a lot of money to run for fillies. She fits with these boys, so I don’t blame them for taking a shot.” Baffert did the same thing with Excellent Meeting in 1999, but she was pulled up as a precaution and

37

ROB CARR / AP

Pioneerof the Nile is the 5-1 second choice in the 13-horse Preakness field. didn’t finish the race. He expects a better result for Rachel Alexandra, who will break from the No. 13 post on the far outside under Borel. “He’ll have her right in contention immediately,” Baffert said. “She’ll probably be sitting second or third and just cruising.” Pioneerof the Nile is the 5-1 second

choice in the 13-horse field and drew the No. 9 post. Garrett Gomez and the colt figure to be stalking the pace from an outside position. “The questions that weren’t answered in the Derby we’re going to find out in the Preakness,” said Baffert, back in the race for the first time in six years. — The Associated Press

New shooters add fresh element New shooters are always an intriguing angle in the Preakness Stakes, those horses who skip the Kentucky Derby to aim for the middle jewel of the Triple Crown. The sensational filly Rachel Alexandra, the 8-5 early favorite, is the most prominent newcomer in Saturday’s race at Pimlico. After winning the Kentucky Oaks by a stunning 20¼ lengths, she will take on the boys for the first time. Until the decision was made last week to run Rachel Alexandra, Big Drama loomed as the most promising new shooter. The colt trained by David Fawkes has a nose for the winner’s circle. After finishing third in his debut last July at Calder in Florida, Big Drama reeled off five straight wins, including the $750,000 Delta Jackpot on Dec. 5 in Louisiana. He missed most of the 3-yearold prep races this spring with a bone bruise, returning for the Swale Stakes at Gulfstream Park on March 28. True to form, Big Drama again finished first—only to be disqualified to second for a bumping incident in the stretch. Big Drama had more than enough graded stakes earnings to qualify for the Derby but owner Harold Queen and Fawkes decided to wait. “We just kind of felt it wasn’t the right thing to do,” Fawkes said. After watching Mine That Bird win the Derby at 50-1 odds, Fawkes was ready to turn Big Drama into a Preakness contender. “When they crossed the wire, I was already on the phone to Mr. Queen and said, ‘I think we need

to go to the Preakness,’” Fawkes said. Big Drama is 10-1 on the morning line with John Velazquez aboard for the first time, replacing Eibar Coa, who retained the mount on third-place Derby finisher Musket Man. Like Rachel Alexandra, Big Drama usually races on the lead or very close to the pace. Fawkes will remove his blinkers for the Preakness, a tactic that often helps horses relax and settle during the early stages of a race.

Rachel walks Rachel Alexandra had a very quiet day Thursday, walking under the barn enclosure the morning after she was shipped to Pimlico from Kentucky. “The main thing is just keeping her happy,” said Scott Blasi, assistant to trainer Steve Asmussen. “We’ll take her over to the paddock and that will be her exercise today. She’ll gallop (today).” Paddock schooling is standard procedure, with an added twist for the Preakness, when the horses are saddled on the turf course in front of the grandstand. “It’s just for her to relax and be comfortable where she’s at,” Blasi said. “It’s something we always do with our horses. She’s shipped before and run. We don’t want her to be nervous or unaware of where she is.”

Looking wet The forecast for Preakness Day calls for scattered thunderstorms with a high of 80 degrees. — The Associated Press

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

Golf

www.sportingnews.com

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

Leaderboard

Goydos starts strong, holds share of lead SAN ANTONIO—Paul Goydos made eight birdies before his final drive sailed into a fairway bunker, blemishing what was almost an unmatched start in the Texas Open. “I mean, you can’t have everything good happen for every moment of your life,” Goydos said. Goydos, who publicly opened up this month about the death of his ex-wife in January and raising his two teenage daughters, shot a 7-under 63 on Thursday at La Cantera Golf Club for a share of the first-round lead with Justin Leonard. It’s the first time since 1999 that Goydos has opened a tournament with at least a share of the lead. Teeing off early in the morning, the 44-year-old Goydos had the lead for most of the day until Leonard birdied three of his last four holes in the afternoon. Leonard is pursuing a record fourth Texas Open championship, and hasn’t been tied for first this early at La Cantera since his first win in 2000. “When you tee off and you’re seven shots back, I felt the need that I’ve got to make birdies because I don’t want to have this huge deficit after one round,” Leonard said. “I was able to get off to a great start. From then, being able to stay patient and give myself opportunities, I did a good job of that today.” Goydos shot a 29 on the front nine, a stroke shy of a personal tour best through nine holes. Leonard’s 63 was his best round

Texas Open Site: San Antonio Schedule: Today-Sunday Course: La Cantera Golf Club, Resort Course (7,153 yards, par 70) Purse: $6.1 million. Winner’s share: $1,098,000 TV (all times ET): Golf Channel (Today, 3-6 p.m., 8:30-11:30 p.m.) and CBS (SaturdaySunday, 3-6 p.m.).

in 11 tournaments here. Jeff Maggert, Marc Leishman and Ted Purdy opened with 64s, and Englishmen Brian Davis and Greg Owen shot 65s. Major winners David Duval, Lee Janzen and Corey Pavin were three strokes back. Duval’s 66 was his best round since January 2007. Zach Johnson, trying to defend his tournament championship from October, shot a 68 in the first Texas Open to tee off in the spring since 1969. Goydos surged ahead with six birdies before the turn, including a 60-yard pitch on No. 8 that set up a 3-foot putt. The last time Goydos held at least a share of a first-round lead was the U.S. Open a decade ago. Goydos stepped away from the tour earlier this year after his exwife, Wendy, died unexpectedly. She had battled a drug addiction stemming from a bout with migraines. He had kept private about Wendy and the girls, then gave

ERIC GAY / AP

Paul Goydos shares the first-round lead at the Texas Open, the first time he’s done that since 1999. his first interview for the May edition of Golf Digest. Others interviews have followed, and Goydos said he made “a conscious decision” to tell the story. “We’re all going to go through difficult times,” Goydos said. “I’ve been on tour for 17 years. I’m sure there’s plenty of other people who’ve been on tour for 17 years who have had difficult times.”

Anthony Kim opened with a 69 after a dismal start and finish to his round. The 23-year-old Texan bogeyed two of his first three holes, them muffed his second shot from the rough on No. 18 before two-putting for a double bogey. The Texas Open is the PGA Tour’s third-oldest tournament, but had long been relegated to the tour’s far less attractive fall

calendar. The switch to May now makes it the first leg of a new Texas Swing, with stops at the Byron Nelson Championship and Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial still ahead. The tournament is the final one at La Cantera before moving to a new, Greg Norman-designed TPC course nearby in San Antonio next year. — The Associated Press

Thursday at La Cantera Golf Club, Resort Course, San Antonio Purse: $6.1 million Yardage: 6,881; Par: 70 (35-35) First Round Paul Goydos Justin Leonard Jeff Maggert Marc Leishman Ted Purdy Brian Davis Greg Owen Lee Janzen David Duval Stephen Ames Corey Pavin Willie Wood J.J. Henry Mathias Gronberg Fredrik Jacobson Dean Wilson Bob Estes Tim Clark John Mallinger Scott Verplank Mark Wilson Shaun Micheel Bill Haas Matt Jones Matt Weibring Wil Collins James Driscoll Gary Woodland Harrison Frazar Kent Jones Kevin Stadler Tim Herron Charlie Wi James Nitties Grant Waite Notah Begay III Derek Fathauer Scott Sterling Marco Dawson Patrick Sheehan Chad Campbell Zach Johnson Garrett Willis Briny Baird Matt Bettencourt Tag Ridings Jay Williamson Rocco Mediate Anthony Kim Rich Beem Tim Wilkinson Greg Chalmers Ryan Palmer Mark Hensby Frank Lickliter II Aron Price Martin Piller Scott McCarron Jesper Parnevik Steve Allan Chez Reavie Greg Kraft Trevor Dodds Nick O’Hern Nathan Green Jason Gore Jay Delsing Bryce Molder Kris Blanks Peter Tomasulo Vaughn Taylor Bart Bryant Charles Warren Charley Hoffman

29-34—63 32-31—63 34-30—64 32-32—64 33-31—64 32-33—65 34-31—65 32-34—66 31-35—66 32-34—66 34-32—66 34-32—66 34-32—66 34-32—66 36-30—66 34-33—67 33-34—67 33-34—67 34-33—67 34-33—67 34-33—67 34-33—67 38-29—67 35-32—67 34-33—67 34-33—67 34-33—67 33-34—67 35-32—67 36-31—67 34-33—67 32-36—68 33-35—68 36-32—68 33-35—68 35-33—68 34-34—68 33-35—68 33-35—68 35-33—68 38-30—68 34-34—68 33-35—68 34-34—68 33-35—68 35-34—69 35-34—69 36-33—69 33-36—69 36-33—69 35-34—69 34-35—69 35-34—69 36-33—69 35-34—69 36-33—69 34-35—69 35-35—70 36-34—70 36-34—70 33-37—70 34-36—70 35-35—70 36-34—70 34-36—70 38-32—70 33-37—70 35-35—70 36-34—70 35-35—70 35-35—70 35-35—70 33-37—70 34-36—70

-7 -7 -6 -6 -6 -5 -5 -4 -4 -4 -4 -4 -4 -4 -4 -3 -3 -3 -3 -3 -3 -3 -3 -3 -3 -3 -3 -3 -3 -3 -3 -2 -2 -2 -2 -2 -2 -2 -2 -2 -2 -2 -2 -2 -2 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E

Bob Burns Paul Stankowski Brandt Jobe Todd Fischer Guy Boros Robin Freeman Jimmy Walker Colt Knost Casey Wittenberg Jonathan Kaye Stephen Leaney John Huston Richard S. Johnson Glen Day Mark Brooks Ricky Barnes Tommy Gainey Heath Slocum J.P. Hayes Carlos Franco Daniel Chopra Dicky Pride Lance Ten Broeck Bob Heintz Scott Gutschewski David Ogrin Jim Gallagher, Jr. David Peoples Phil Tataurangi Troy Kelly James Oh Tadd Fujikawa Troy Matteson Nicholas Thompson Eric Axley J.L. Lewis Brian Bateman Chris DiMarco Chris Riley Billy Andrade Steve Pate Tom Byrum Tyler Aldridge Chris Stroud Brian Vranesh Jarrod Lyle Matthew Loving Neal Lancaster Omar Uresti Alex Cejka Roland Thatcher Rick Price Stephen Dartnall Joe Durant Brad Adamonis Mike Heinen Spencer Levin Robert Gates Bill Lunde Tim Thelen Cameron Beckman D.J. Trahan Brendon de Jonge Matthew Borchert Chris Baryla Dustin Johnson Darron Stiles Ted Schulz David Mathis Jim McGovern Brent Geiberger D.A. Points Brendon Todd Jason Day Joe Ogilvie Robert Gamez Kenny Knox Aaron Watkins Nolan Henke Kirk Triplett Leif Olson Jose Coceres

38

35-35—70 35-35—70 37-33—70 35-35—70 34-36—70 34-36—70 33-37—70 35-35—70 33-37—70 36-35—71 36-35—71 34-37—71 38-33—71 35-36—71 36-35—71 34-37—71 35-36—71 33-38—71 35-36—71 38-33—71 35-36—71 35-36—71 36-35—71 36-35—71 35-36—71 34-38—72 35-37—72 34-38—72 36-36—72 37-35—72 38-34—72 37-35—72 36-36—72 38-34—72 36-36—72 38-34—72 34-38—72 37-35—72 36-36—72 34-38—72 36-36—72 37-35—72 37-35—72 35-37—72 37-35—72 39-33—72 36-36—72 35-38—73 36-37—73 38-35—73 36-37—73 36-37—73 37-36—73 36-37—73 36-37—73 37-36—73 38-35—73 35-38—73 37-36—73 38-35—73 36-38—74 35-39—74 37-37—74 35-39—74 35-39—74 38-36—74 35-39—74 38-36—74 39-36—75 40-35—75 36-39—75 38-37—75 39-36—75 35-41—76 37-39—76 40-36—76 40-38—78 40-38—78 41-38—79 36-43—79 43-36—79 40-40—80

E E E E E E E E E +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +2 +3 +3 +3 +3 +3 +3 +3 +3 +3 +3 +3 +3 +3 +4 +4 +4 +4 +4 +4 +4 +4 +5 +5 +5 +5 +5 +6 +6 +6 +8 +8 +9 +9 +9 +10

SPORTING NEWS TODAY

www.sportingnews.com

Tennis

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

39

Birthday boy Murray leads quarterfinal march MADRID—Defending champion Andy Murray, top-ranked Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer advanced to the quarterfinals of the Madrid Open on Thursday. Andy Roddick advanced after Nikolay Davydenko withdrew with a leg injury. Roddick will next face Federer, who defeated James Blake 6-2, 6-4. Murray stopped Tommy Robredo 7-5, 6-1, and Nadal moved up after Philipp Kohlschreiber also withdrew with a leg injury. Third-seeded Novak Djokovic defeated Andreas Seppi 6-4, 6-4. He will play wild-card Ivan Ljubicic, who rallied for a 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 win over 2008 finalist Gilles Simon. The last time the Federer and Blake met at the Beijing Olympics, Blake ended the Swiss star’s hopes of capturing his first Olympic singles medal. “We haven’t played since the Olympics and I was pleased with the way it went today, especially with him playing so well recently,” Federer said. The second-seeded Federer is looking forward to playing the sixth-seeded Roddick on a different surface. “I’ve played Andy so many times, it’s time we played each other on clay,” Federer said. Nadal will play Fernando Verdasco, who rallied from a break down in both sets to beat Juan Monaco 7-5, 6-2. In the women’s draw, top-ranked Dinara Safina overcame a mid-match dip, defeating Lucie Safarova 6-0, 4-6, 6-3 to advance to the quarterfinals. Murray failed to convert seven break points before finally getting the decisive break to go up 6-5, and held serve to take the first set. Murray, who turns 22 today, began hitting long, accurate baseline shots and well-timed passes to dominate in the second. “I noticed that at this altitude the

Madrid Open Thursday At Caja Magica, Madrid Purse: Men, $5.04 million (WT1000); Women, $4.5 million (Premier) Surface: Clay-Outdoor Singles Men, Third Round Andy Murray (4), Britain, def. Tommy Robredo (16), Spain, 7-5, 6-1. Roger Federer (2), Switzerland, def. James Blake (14), United States, 6-2, 6-4. Juan Martin del Potro (5), Argentina, def. Stanislas Wawrinka (11), Switzerland, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. Rafael Nadal (1), Spain, def. Philipp Kohlschreiber, Germany, walkover. Andy Roddick (6), United States, def. Nikolay Davydenko (10), Russia, walkover. Novak Djokovic (3), Serbia, def. Andreas Seppi, Italy, 6-4, 6-4. Ivan Ljubicic, Croatia, def. Gilles Simon (8), France, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3. Fernando Verdasco (7), Spain, def. Juan Monaco, Argentina, 7-5, 6-2. Women, Third Round Alona Bondarenko, Ukraine, def. Anna Chakvetadze, Russia, 6-0, 2-6, 6-3. Jelena Jankovic (4), Serbia, def. Elena Vesnina, Russia, 6-2, 6-2. Agnes Szavay, Hungary, def. Victoria Azarenka (7), Belarus, 4-6, 6-2, 6-2. Dinara Safina (1), Russia, def. Lucie Safarova, Czech Repubic, 6-0, 4-6, 6-3. Caroline Wozniacki (9), Denmark, def. Alisa Kleybanova, Russia, 6-2, 6-2. Doubles Men, Second Round Daniel Nestor, Canada, and Nenad Zimonjic (2), Serbia, def. Marc Lopez and Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo, Spain, 6-3, 6-7 (7), 10-6 tiebreak. Novak Djokovic and Dusan Vemic, Serbia, def. Marcelo Melo and Andre Sa (8), Brazil, 6-2, 7-6 (9). Bruno Soares, Brazil, and Kevin Ullyett (5), Zimbabwe, def. Ashley Fisher, Australia, and Travis Parrott, United States, 7-5, 4-6, 12-10 tiebreak.

ANDRES KUDACKI / AP

Caroline Wozniacki was one of five women’s players to advance to the quarterfinals of the Madrid Open. ball tends to fly faster, and because the court is sprayed with water regularly, the balls also tend to pick up weight,” Murray said. “I strung my rackets more tightly to compensate and was happy to be able to control the ball in the wind.” In other women’s matches, Agnes Szavay rallied to beat Victoria Azarenka

4-6, 6-2, 6-2, and will face Amelie Mauresmo in the quarterfinals. Alona Bondarenko defeated Anna Chakvetadze 6-0, 2-6, 6-3, and Caroline Wozniacki beat Alisa Kleybanova 6-2, 6-2. Kleybanova defeated third-ranked Venus Williams on Tuesday. — The Associated Press

Quarterfinals Juan Martin del Potro, Argentina, and Mardy Fish, United States, def. Stephen Huss, Australia, and Ross Hutchins, Britain, 6-7 (9), 6-2, 10-4 tiebreak. Women, Quarterfinals Samantha Stosur and Rennae Stubbs (4), Australia, def. Daniela Hantuchova, Slovakia, and Ai Sugiyama (7), Japan, 7-5, 6-4. Cara Black, Zimbabwe, and Liezel Huber (1), United States, def. Nuria Llagostera Vives and Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez (5), 6-4, 6-4. Kveta Peschke, Czech Republic, and Lisa Raymond (3), United States, def. Hsieh Su-wei, Taiwan, and Janette Husarova, Slovakia, 6-3, 6-0. Chuang Chia-jung, Taiwan, and Sania Mirza, India, def. Victoria Azarenka, Belarus, and Elena Vesnina, Russia, 2-0, retired.

Brothers Doug and Ryan Stewart are revolutionizing the world of sports talk radio with one of the country's most talked about and highly-acclaimed radio shows, 2 Live Stews! Hear a different game as these two former athletes bring a fresh approach to sports radio with high-energy interviews with the hottest athletes and celebrities and interesting topics that bring something new to the “old school” sports talk format.

WEEKDAYS 1–4PM 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

Back Page

www.sportingnews.com

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

40

IN BRIEF TRANSACTIONS

Phelps to get back in competitive pool CHARLOTTE—Michael Phelps can’t wait to find out how he’ll swim. After winning eight gold medals in Beijing, Phelps returns to the pool today for his first competition since the Olympics. His ninemonth layoff was marked by a three-month suspension for a photo showing him with a marijuana pipe. “With the positive and the negative things, there’s a lot more attention being brought to the sport,” Phelps said at a news conference shortly after touching down in North Carolina. “That’s something this sport needs and something it deserves.” Phelps will swim two of the five individual events he won in Beijing, with particular attention being paid to the 100-meter freestyle and 100 backstroke. He has the ninth-fastest time ever in the 100 free, and only three swimmers have gone faster in the 100 back—world record holder Ryosuke Irie of Japan and fellow Americans Ryan Lochte and Aaron Peirsol.

Cycling MAYRHOFEN IM ZILLERTAL, AUSTRIA—Levi Leipheimer’s chance of winning the Giro d’Italia keeps getting better. Lance Armstrong keeps losing time. Leipheimer finished in the main pack in Thursday’s sixth stage, with the race crossing into Austria. The Montana rider remained fourth overall, 43 seconds behind leader Danilo Di Luca of Italy. “I’m happy with how it’s gone so far,” Leipheimer said. “We saw some people who fell away (Wednesday) and some people who were strong, so the picture is more clear now and I’m still in that picture.” For the third consecutive stage, Armstrong was dropped from the lead group.

round Thursday was the lowest on tour this year, and it left three-time defending champion Lorena Ochoa nine shots out of the lead at the Upper Montclair Country Club. Suzann Pettersen of Norway was three shots behind Alfredsson and a shot ahead of Ji Young Oh of South Korea.

Sports wagering NEWARK, DEL.—Delaware becomes the only state east of the Mississippi River to allow betting on sports after Gov. Jack Markell signed the bill into law Thursday. Officials say they expect to have sports betting running in three months and table games such as poker and blackjack in play in no more than six months. — The Associated Press

GERRY BROOME / AP

Michael Phelps, right, returns to the pool today for his first competition since the Olympics. This time, the seven-time Tour de France winner was undone by a steep downhill run. Armstrong lost 1:15 and dropped from 22nd to 25th overall, 4:13 behind Di Luca. The Texan returned this season after 3½ years of retirement and broke his collarbone in March. “I can’t expect to be too strong right now,” he said. “It’s been a complicated preparation. I have to be realistic and just ride my rhythm.”

Justice Shirley Werner Kornreich of the Supreme Court of the State of New York upheld an order that Alinghi meet the Americans in the best-of-three match in February. The lawyers haven’t entirely made way for the skippers and their crews, however. Kornreich strongly urged the bickering syndicates to go to mediation to finalize the dates and other issues surrounding what could be the most spectacular racing in America’s Cup history.

Sailing

Golf

A New York judge ordered America’s Cup champion Alinghi of Switzerland on Thursday to face bitter American rival BMW Oracle Racing in a rare one-on-one showdown in fast monster boats.

CLIFTON, N.J.—Helen Alfredsson of Sweden shot a career-best, 10-under 62 and took a two-stroke lead over Brittany Lincicome after the opening round of the LPGA Sybase Classic. Alfredsson’s

Major League Soccer EASTERN CONFERENCE W D.C. 3 Toronto FC 3 Chicago 2 Kansas City 3 New England 2 New York 2 Columbus 1 WESTERN CONFERENCE W Chivas USA 7 Seattle 4 Colorado 3 Houston 3 Real Salt Lake 3 Los Angeles 1 San Jose 1 FC Dallas 1

L 1 2 0 4 2 5 2

T 5 4 6 2 3 2 5

Pts 14 13 12 11 9 8 8

GF 15 13 14 12 6 9 11

GA 13 13 11 12 12 11 14

L 1 2 2 2 4 1 5 6

T 1 2 2 2 1 6 2 1

Pts 22 14 11 11 10 9 5 4

GF 12 11 10 7 14 10 8 7

GA 3 5 8 5 11 10 16 15

NOTE: Three points for victory, one point for tie. Saturday’s Games New England at Toronto, 4 p.m.

Chicago at Toronto FC, 4 p.m. Colorado at New England, 7:30 p.m. Houston at New York, 7:30 p.m. Seattle FC at FC Dallas, 8:30 p.m. Kansas City at Real Salt Lake, 9 p.m. D.C. United at Chivas USA, 11 p.m.

Real Salt Lake at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m. Chivas USA at Kansas City, 8:30 p.m. Los Angeles at FC Dallas, 8:30 p.m. San Jose at Houston, 8:30 p.m. Seattle at Colorado, 9:30 p.m.

Sunday’s Game

Sunday, May 24

Columbus at Los Angeles, 3 p.m.

Chicago at New York, 3 p.m.

Saturday, May 23

BASEBALL MLB: Reduced the two-game suspension of Chicago OF Milton Bradley to one game for arguing balls and strikes and making contact with umpire Larry Vanover in a game on April 16. American League BALTIMORE ORIOLES: Recalled OF Nolan Reimold from Norfolk (IL). CLEVELAND INDIANS: Agreed to terms with RHP Luis Vizcaino on a oneyear contract. Optioned LHP Jeremy Sowers to Columbus (IL). Assigned RHP Vinnie Chulk outright to Columbus. DETROIT TIGERS: Placed LHP Nate Robertson on the 15-day DL, retroactive to May 6. Purchased the contract of LHP Luke French from Toledo (IL). National League HOUSTON ASTROS: Placed RHP Geoff Geary on the 15-day DL. Recalled RHP Jeff Fulchino from Round Rock (PCL). LOS ANGELES DODGERS: Purchased the contract of the LHP Eric Milton from Albuquerque (PCL). Optioned RHP James McDonald to Albuquerque. MILWAUKEE BREWERS: Activated C Mike Rivera from the 15-day DL. Optioned C Carlos Corporan to Nashville (PCL). American Association LINCOLN SALTDOGS: Signed RHP Khalid Afify. SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CAPTAINS: Signed INF Andres Rodriguez. ST. PAUL SAINTS: Signed RHP Kerry Ligtenberg. Can-Am League NEW HAMPSHIRE AMERICAN DEFENDERS: Signed INF Chris Weakley and RHP Lucas Ledbetter. SUSSEX SKYHAWKS: Signed RHP Carter Clements. United League SAN ANGELO COLTS: Signed RHP Chace Vacek. BASKETBALL NBA Development League DAKOTA WIZARDS: Fired general manager Tom Wagganer. FOOTBALL National Football League JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: Waived DB Chad Nkang and RB Mike McLendon. Canadian Football League EDMONTON ESKIMOS: Signed DB Elliott Richardson and LB Greg Whelan. WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS: Acquired OL Kelly Bates from British Columbia for future considerations. HOCKEY National Hockey League WASHINGTON CAPITALS: Signed C Anton Gustafsson. American Hockey League BRIDGEPORT SOUND TIGERS: Signed D Mark Wotton and D Jon Gleed to one-year contracts. COLLEGE BIG TEN CONFERNCE: Announced the retirement of coordinator of men’s basketball officiating Rich Falk, effective at the end of the 2009-10 season. CAMPBELL: Announced it will join Big South Conference for the 2011-12 academic year. CONCORDIA-AUSTIN: Named Tommy Boggs baseball coach. NEBRASKA-OMAHA: Named Mike Kemp associate athletic director. PENNSYLVANIA: Named Bernadette Laukaitis and Kara Cassidy women’s assistant basketball coaches. SAN DIEGO STATE: Agreed to terms with Jeff Schemmel, athletic director, on a three-year contract extension through 2013. UNC GREENSBORO: Named Rod Wyatt interim athletic director.