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STANLEY CUP FINALS S

San Diego QB Philip Rivers

Detroit 3, Pittsburgh 1

The Pro Bowler dishes on his battles with Jay Cutler, his family life, and his rep as one of the NFL’s most notorious trash-talkers. Page 23

Draft prospect Hasheem Thabeet The former UConn star—and possible top-3 pick later this month—admits his offense is a work in progress, but his defensive play? Not a problem. Page 5

Scoreboard NHL Stanley Cup finals Detroit 3, Pittsburgh 1 (Detroit leads series 2-0)

Baseball American League Cleveland 5, N.Y. Yankees 4 Boston 8, Toronto 2 Detroit 3, Baltimore 0 Minnesota 3, Tampa Bay 2 Chicago White Sox 7, Kansas City 4 Oakland 5, Texas 4 L.A. Angels 9, Seattle 8 National League N.Y. Mets 3, Florida 2 Houston 2, Pittsburgh 1 Philadelphia 4, Washington 2 Milwaukee 5, Cincinnati 2 San Francisco 5, St. Louis 3 San Diego 5, Colorado 2 Atlanta 9, Arizona 3 L.A. Dodgers 8, Chicago Cubs 2

NBA DRAFT > 5

MONDAY JUNE 1, 2009

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME VOLUME 1 ISSUE 314 FRANK GUNN / AP

Chris Osgood had another strong game in net for Detroit, making 32 saves.

BASEBALL: THE WEEK AHEAD

Ready or not Between them, the Tigers, Rangers and Reds have made one playoff appearance this decade. That total could double—at least—in 2009. As the season slips into June, the Tigers lead the A.L. Central by four games, the Rangers are 5 ½ games ahead in the A.L. West and the Reds Stan McNeal are crowding the BASEBALL Brewers and Cardinals in the N.L. Central. This week, all three clubs face challenges from bona fide contenders that will go a long way in determining if they’re indeed ready to shed their perennial also-ran status.

TIGERS Ahead: Playoff regulars Boston and the L.A. Angels visit Comerica Park. Update: After breaking camp with a staff full of pitching

June brings litmus tests for three surprising contenders Update: Everyone outside of Texas figured the Rangers were keeping first place warm for the injury-depleted Angels. Well, as the Angels have gained their health, the Rangers have strengthened their lead. Their pitching is holding up and they still lead the majors in homers.

REDS

GAIL BURTON / AP

Curtis Granderson, right, Jeff Larish and the A.L. Central-leading Tigers have a tough draw this week. questions, the Tigers have come together. They are second in A.L. ERA and lead the majors in bounceback seasons, thanks to Justin Verlander, Fernando Rodney, Joel Zumaya and Dontrelle Willis. Rick Porcello, a 20-year-old lefty, has emerged as an A.L. Rookie of the Year favorite. “They’re playing like everyone

expected them to play last year,” Royals CF Coco Crisp said. “Expectations were high last year and it didn’t happen. With a little pressure off, they’re playing better.”

RANGERS Ahead: A trip to New York and Boston will provide some sort of statement.

Ahead: After being swept at Milwaukee, series still await at St. Louis and home against Chicago. Update: For a change, the Reds are relying on pitching—their 4.07 ERA is sixth best in N.L.—and power. They will have to count even more on pitching because their best hitter, Joey Votto, just went on the disabled list for “stress-related” issues. “We knew their pitching would be improved,” Brewers G.M. Doug Melvin said. “And they would be one of the teams in this race. It’s going to be close all summer.” [email protected]

Pens in 2-0 hole DETROIT—It has been only two rounds since the Pittsburgh Penguins rallied from a two-game deficit to beat Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals—so it can happen. But only one team in history has lost two road games to open the Stanley Cup finals and gone on to win the championship. Here’s GAME 3 Detroit at what it will take Pittsburgh for Pittsburgh, a Tuesday 3-1 loser to Detroit 8 p.m. ET in Game 2 Sunday, TV: Versus to become the second: 1. Scoring from Sid: Thanks in large part to the strong defensive play of Red Wings forward Henrik Zetterberg, Sidney Crosby doesn’t have a point. “It’s frustrating, but that’s playoff hockey,” he said. 2. Solve Chris Osgood: The Detroit goalie is making a case for the Conn Smythe Trophy with his timely saves, including another huge glove stop on Evgeni Malkin. 3. Match Detroit’s depth: Justin Abdelkader has more goals than Crosby and Malkin combined. Pittsburgh needs an answer for the surprising rookie.

— Craig Custance Rivalry heats up, Page 6

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

Yankees at Indians 7 p.m., ESPN Joba Chamberlain isn’t performing as well as a starter as he did as a reliever, but G.M. Brian Cashman seems resolute in sticking with Chamberlain in a starting role. Chamberlain carries a respectable 3.97 ERA into tonight’s contest, but it’s his 1.57 WHIP that is unsightly. The Indians’ offense will give Chamberlain a tough test, but it’s their pitching that the Yankees will feast on. Jeremy Sowers’ 7.71 ERA shouldn’t provide much resistance.

TENNIS

French Open Noon, ESPN2 Roger Federer and Andy Roddick are on pace to face each other in the quarterfinals, which means all they have to do is beat their respective opponents today. Roddick has the tougher road to reach the quarters, as he’ll face 11th-seeded Gael Monfils, while Federer will face unseeded Tommy Haas, who has never reached the round of eight. On the women’s side, No. 2 seed Serena Williams and No. 5 seed Jelena Jankovic also are vying for a spot in their quarterfinals.

NASCAR

This Week in NASCAR

— Compiled by Roger Kuznia

2

OFF THE FIELD

Delay of game in Cubs’ sale Are the Chicago Cubs worth $900 million? That’s the question that has reportedly bogged down negotiations between the Tribune Co. and Wilmette, Ill., investment banker Tom Ricketts, whose planned purchase of baseball’s lovable losers was expected to be final by now. The Chicago Tribune reports that a dispute over the value of the Cubs’ broadcasting contracts is stalling the Tribune Co.’s attempt to sell the team to Ricketts and his family. Tribune Co. controls WGN-TV, WGN radio and Comcast SportsNet Chicago, all of which broadcast Cubs games. The exposure has generated millions of ticket sales at Wrigley Field and significantly increased the value of a team Tribune Co. bought for $20.5 million in 1981. But the Tribune says the Ricketts family disputes the value of those broadcast contracts and is asking for concessions or a reduction in the sale price of $40 million to $50 million. “If the Ricketts deal doesn’t get done, I am sure there’ll be other ones,” Tribune Co. chairman Sam Zell told Bloomberg Television.

8 p.m., Speed If you want to know what Pocono Raceway looks like, go to your closet and get a hanger. Pocono has its share of detractors among drivers (many want races there shortened from 500 miles to 400), but the fact remains it is one of NASCAR’s most unique and difficult tracks to run on. Steve Byrnes and the gang will give us the flavor and history of the track, and also recap all that happened at Dover on Sunday.

MONDAY, JUNE 01, 2009

GUIDE COLLEGE SOFTBALL

8 p.m. ESPN2 — World Series, finals, game 1, teams TBA, at Oklahoma City MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

7 p.m. ESPN — N.Y. Yankees at Cleveland

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Tom Ricketts’ plan to purchase Wrigley Field and the Chicago Cubs has hit a snag over the team’s broadcast deals. Retired players angry with the NFL Players Association over disability and pension benefits say the executive director of the union may be ahead of himself in seeking their support during upcoming contract talks with the league. An informal group of players lashed out Sunday at comments made by DeMaurice Smith, who said Saturday that if there is a lockout by owners in 2011 retired player benefits would be reduced by 80 percent while it lasts. Several players meeting in Las Vegas about their clashes with the union said their benefits are protected by law—lockout or not.

TENNIS

Noon ESPN2 — French Open, round of 16, at Paris

Gossip site RadarOnline.com landed the first at-home photos of Michael Vick, who

is serving the remaining 60 days of a prison sentence under house arrest in Hampton, Va. The site this weekend posted a video and six photos it says show the suspended Falcons quarterback with children from his non-profit foundation.

Ted Williams’ fishing license and personal notes on local fishing holes were swiped during an auction preview in New Hampshire. Auctioneer John Pappas told the New Hampshire Sunday News the stolen items could have fetched $1,000 or more at Saturday’s auction. The 1970 license for “Theodore Williams” was in a small holder attached to a fishing cap, and the notes were tucked inside. — Compiled by staff with wire reports

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ON NEWSSTANDS NOW

A Division I head basketball coach at 31? If anyone can do it, it’s Memphis’ Josh Pastner, Sporting News college hoops expert Mike DeCourcy explains in the new magazine.

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My Profile

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Ara Parseghian 95-17-4 as Notre Dame football coach (What you won’t find on Facebook … even if you are approved as a friend) Born: May 21, 1923, in Akron, Ohio Status: Married Alma mater: Miami (Ohio) What’s on TV: Network news: A.M.—Today Show, P.M.—CBS. Sports—football, basketball, baseball golf. I prefer mystery movies. Movies that make you think. I liked Columbo. What’s in my iPod: ’40s music, Sinatra, some classical. When in Florida—Marco Island—we listen to FM 101.1. Terrific music. What I drive: 8-year-old parchment Lexus 430 Favorite flicks: Patton, Elmer Gantry, The Godfather and several others What I’m reading: Jim Dent’s new book. Covers my first year at Notre Dame, 1964. Magazine subscriptions: Newsweek, TIME, Golf Digest, Golf Magazine Bookmarks: BlueandGold.com, South Bend Tribune, Chicago Tribune Superstitions: Very few. When coaching, if we were on a win streak it was a good idea to wear the same outfit. Worst habit: Lack of patience First job: Golf caddy, age 14 or 15, Loyal Oak CC in Akron. Made 75 cents for 18 holes. As time moved forward, it went to 85 cents and we hoped for a 15-cent tip to make $1 for 4 hours. The golf course was about 4 miles from my house. Hitch-hiked to and from. Talent I’d most like to have: To be a gifted musical instrument player. The piano. Favorite meal: Seafood—Escargot, stone crabs, lobster, virtually all seafood. Also, Armenian food—father Armenian, mother French Favorite city to visit: San Francisco—great food Favorite team as a kid: Cleveland Indians

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Favorite values in others: Honesty, integrity, loyalty Favorite physical attribute about myself: I am alive!! And least … Eyesight. Would still like to have sharp vision. Dream date: At 86, I don’t have one!! My greatest love: Sports after wife My heroes: Everyone who was a part of WWII. I served in the Navy just short of 3 years. My motto: It’s not the first mistake you make; it’s the one you repeat. — Jeff D’Alessio

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Next Gen

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RECRUITING DISH

Gators, Razorbacks sought him first, but WR considering others Last fall, Kadron Boone had two scholarship offers. One was from nearby Florida, which went on to win the national title, and the other from Arkansas. At the time, Boone told Sporting News Today the Gators were a clear favorite and that he was happy with his two bigtime choices. While the Gators are still clearly a contender for Boone, a 6-1, 190-pound receiver from Trinity Catholic (Ocala, Fla.), other schools have made an impression on him. “Louisville is the latest to offer,” Boone told SN Today. “Right now, some other schools have been stepping up the recruiting, like Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Notre Dame. There have been other schools coming up. I’m not going to rest on the recruiting process. “Right now, I’m just trying to narrow the schools down so I can make a decision. I’ll do it after I take all my visits. After I take all five, I’ll be ready.” Boone, who is a member of the Sporting News Top 100 for the class of 2010, also reports scholarship offers from Clemson, Kansas, Miami, Oregon and Tennessee, just to name a few. He said the attention from coaches has been especially satisfying, considering he missed his sophomore year because of a torn ACL. He also said being in the SN100—he is ranked No. 62 overall—is an honor. “When you first see it, it’s amazing, especially after tearing my ACL,” Boone said. “It shows that all the hard work and dedication really pay off. You also have to not be satisfied; you have to try to be No. 1.” Boone recovered from his knee injury to post impressive numbers as a junior. He caught 57 passes for 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns. “I’ve gotten better at down blocking and my footwork, and I’ve picked up my speed,” Boone said. “(Trinity) Coach (John) Brantley said he has never seen anybody come back from an ACL tear like this and do some of the things I’m doing. He’s told me to keep up the good work.” Guyer (Denton, Texas) OT Cole Underwood has committed to Stanford, the Denton Record-Chronicle

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COURTESY OF KADRON BOONE

Trinity Catholic (Ocala, Fla.) WR Kadron Boone is rated as one of the top 100 in the nation, and has a lengthy list of major college offers. reported. He also reported scholarship offers from Nebraska, Illinois, Kansas, TCU, Vanderbilt, Wake Forest and Mississippi State, among others. “It was really a tough decision,” Underwood told the newspaper. “I am a business-like man and want to be a businessman in the future. This is a chance to play football and take advantage of the educational opportunities. “I will get to play football and be around some of the most unique minds in the world.” Underwood (6-3, 260) played tight end as a junior and caught three passes for 25 yards, but he will be a full-time offensive tackle as a senior—likely the position he’ll play in college. Some schools had been looking at him as a defensive tackle, too. — Brian McLaughlin

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Next Gen: NBA Draft

MONDAY, JUNE 01, 2009

5

Q&A with … C Hasheem Thabeet

Thabeet’s offense needs work, but ‘I can always play defense’ He won’t be the No. 1 pick, but at 7-2½, center Hasheem Thabeet is the tallest player in this year’s NBA draft and, thus, figures to go either second or third. He readily admits that he has much to learn on the offensive end—though, he explains, that’s only because he is more of a natural soccer player. Sporting News Today’s Sean Deveney caught up with Thabeet for further explanation.

Q:

You’re on the verge of being one of the top picks in the draft. Could you have imagined that when you got over here? When I came in, my goal was just to get an education and then go home and get a good job. But I started playing basketball seriously, and I started learning the game and I found out I love doing it.

want to go wherever I get picked.

Q: A:

What have you been working on to get ready for the draft? I have been working on my offense. That is all I do. A lot of times nowadays when I go to work out, I don’t work on my defense at all. I go and I shoot jump shots and things like that.

A:

Q: A:

Q:

Q: A:

Coming out of the Big East, which was such a tough conference this year, has that helped you as you approach the NBA draft process? I think so. … After the season, I got a chance to work out with some pros, and I could see the strength that those guys had. But I was getting that every day in the Big East. It was really tough. I have played basketball, coming in, only six years. So, it made me grow up fast with it, the skill level and strength I need.

A:

Q: A:

You met with some representatives from Memphis out in L.A. last week. How did that go? It went pretty well. I met with them, they got to know me a little bit, they asked me about myself, about where I thought I would get picked.

Q: A:

Do you have a team in mind that you want to go to? I don’t have a preference. It is a great opportunity for me. I just

So you feel your defense is already NBA-ready? Definitely. I can always play defense. No one taught me how to play defense, I just have always known how to do it. You come in thinking defense all the way. I think that, maybe my offense needs to improve, but I think that if I am not going to go to your end and score, then you are not going to come to my end and score. That helps me a lot more playing defense, to be motivated.

Q: A:

How far along is your offense at this point? It is getting better. The thing people don’t understand, I had to make a transition from soccer to basketball, from just kicking it and you’re not allowed to touch it, to now, you’re allowed to touch it but you’re not allowed to kick it. That takes time to get used to. I am just trying to get as many repetitions as I can to get better.

Q: A:

As long as you don’t get confused and start kicking the ball in a basketball game. Sometimes during practice, I will kick the ball and coach will stop the practice and say, “No, this is basketball, Hasheem. This is not soccer.”

Q: A:

What position did you play in soccer? I grew up playing soccer, so I would play all different positions. I have played every position in soccer. Throw me anywhere, I will play. I played goalie when I was young.

Q: A:

Have you kept in touch with (former Husky) Rudy Gay? I talk to Rudy a lot. We don’t really talk about basketball; we talk about a lot of things. But, he has told me that, in the NBA, you can’t just stand near the basket and block everything that comes near you, or they will call you for the 3-second rule. That is one thing I will have to make an adjustment on. I have been working on that.

Q: A:

You were in Nashville in April, for a benefit concert. How did that come about? It was a charity event for a choir group from Africa that was trying to raise money for back in Africa, so that they can build schools and stuff. It was the African Children’s Choir. They invited me.

Q: A:

A lot of country music, I understand. Yes, and I am not a real fan of country. But it was a benefit, so it was good.

Q: A:

You were one of the speakers?

I was, I had a speech. I was surprised—I was in Nashville, and I did not think that anyone in Nashville would know who I am. I came out, and I had a speech I had prepared and memorized. But with the ovation I got, it was amazing. The ovation was so loud, I got confused and forgot my speech. I had to do the impromptu version.

CHRIS CARLSON / AP

Connecticut center Hasheem Thabeet is expected to be taken among the top three in the NBA draft.

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MONDAY, JUNE 01, 2009

6

NOTEBOOK STANLEY CUP FINALS S

GAME 2: DETROIT 3

PITTSBURGH 1

Temperatures rise as Wings take 2-0 lead DETROIT—The final seconds were ticking away in Detroit’s 3-1 Game 2 win over Pittsburgh and the Red Wings had a meaningless two-man advantage, thanks to penalties against Evgeni Malkin and Max Talbot. The Red Wings easily could have run out the clock, passing the puck back and forth as time expired. But instead they shot it, one last chance at another goal on Marc-Andre Fleury. They wanted to score. Kind of like a quarterback who takes one more Craig Custance HOCKEY shot at the end zone instead of taking a knee against a heated rival. That’s what this has become. The Penguins and Red Wings, two teams that rarely play in the regular season and are only squaring off for the second time in the playoffs, are forming quite a rivalry. “They obviously don’t like us, we don’t like them,” Pittsburgh forward Pascal Dupuis said. “It’s playoff time right now, so 20 seconds left in the game, what happened, happened.” What happened? With 19 seconds remaining, two of the biggest stars in the series, Henrik Zetterberg and Malkin, exchanged punches after Zetterberg took exception to the Penguins—mostly Talbot—whacking at goalie Chris Osgood. Zetterberg ducked a big swing from Malkin and ended up on top of the Russian, although it’s hard to say anyone won the fight between two players who seldom drop their gloves. Zetterberg guessed it was the first time he has ever received a five-minute major for fighting.

FRANK GUNN / AP

Two games’ worth of chippiness culminated in a late fight between Evgeni Malkin,top, and Henrik Zetterberg. Detroit’s big rookie, Jonathan Ericsson, one of the few Red Wings who actually does fight, liked what he saw from Zetterberg.

“Z’s a strong man from Sweden and took care of him,” Ericsson said, smiling. Zetterberg wasn’t gloating about the fight, and seemed more embarrassed than

anything. Malkin didn’t address the media. “I think in the playoffs and finals like this, there is a lot of emotions, a lot of feelings,” Zetterberg said. “When you get scrums, that’s the way it is. It should be a lot of feelings and nothing more than that.” But it is. From the heated exchange between Sidney Crosby and Kirk Maltby in Game 1, to Johan Franzen shoving Chris Kunitz into the Red Wings bench, the bad blood between these two teams is becoming increasingly public. The Red Wings seldom engage in postwhistle shoving and impressed the Blackhawks with their discipline. Chicago tried everything to fluster them, but never could. “They’re one of those rare teams that do everything right all the time,” Chicago defenseman Brent Seabrook said. But the Penguins are bringing out an edginess in the Red Wings. When guys like Zetterberg start throwing punches, it’s hard to ignore. Part of it is frustration, at least from the Penguins’ side. They struggle to beat Osgood and when they do, they hit the post. But what do the Red Wings have to be frustrated about? As Crosby pointed out, Malkin wasn’t fighting himself. “Z threw punches too,” Crosby said. It’s a mix of frustration and bad blood. Factor in the talent level of both teams and, if Pittsburgh ever finds a way to score, this could be a fascinating series. And the Penguins certainly still think it’s a series. “They were strong at home,” Crosby said. “Now we have to do our job.” [email protected]

Babcock: I misspoke about ‘classy’ Crosby Before saying a word about the game, Detroit coach Mike Babcock felt the need to clarify an earlier statement. At a press conference before Sunday’s Game 2, Babcock said Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby went “head hunting” in Saturday’s game. Crosby said it was the first time he had been referred to as a head-hunter by an opposing coach and the comment added more spice to an already contentious rivalry. Babcock tried to clarify the comment Sunday night, saying he meant to highlight the head-to-head matchup of Crosby and Detroit forward Henrik Zetterberg. “I misspoke or I didn’t speak well, because to me speaking unfairly about Sidney Crosby would be wrong,” Babcock said. “But I wanted to clear that up because that sure wasn’t my intent at all. And it’s an unfair comment on a classy player who plays hard.”

From surgery to star Detroit defenseman Jonathan Ericsson scored the Red Wings’ first goal of Game 2 with his second-period slapshot. The goal came less than a week after his appendix was removed in a surprising surgery that forced him to miss the clinching game of the Western Conference finals. Surprisingly, he hasn’t missed a game against Pittsburgh and Babcock said he hasn’t changed the way he has used him since his return. “No, I just play him,” Babcock said. Ericsson said after Sunday night’s game that he is being aided by pain-killing shots. “I don’t feel much right now actually,” Ericsson said. “It feels better and better as it goes on.” Ericsson played 16:48 on Sunday and finished plus-1. — Craig Custance

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STANLEY CUP FINALS S

GAME 2: DETROIT 3

PITTSBURGH 1

Two nights, two wins for ‘exhausted’ Wings DETROIT—The Red Wings found a perfect way to move halfway to a repeat—beat the Pittsburgh Penguins back-to-back. So much for Detroit being old, beaten down and needing a break. The Red Wings topped the Penguins 3-1 in Game 2 of the finals Sunday night and are two wins from holding onto the Stanley Cup. Just as they did last year in winning the title for the 11th time and fourth in 11 seasons, the Red Wings took the first two games from the Penguins at home. This year posed a new challenge, sweeping a pair on consecutive nights three days after finishing the Western Conference finals. “It’s hurt us. Don’t kid yourself,” Detroit coach Mike Babcock said. “I thought we were exhausted out there. It’s amazing what will does for you. “We found a way to win two games, but we haven’t been as good as we’re capable of being.” Rookie defenseman Jonathan Ericsson, who watched the Western Conference finale Wednesday night in the dressing room hours after having his appendix removed, scored the tying goal for Detroit in the second period. He missed one game and returned to the lineup Saturday. “Just a couple years ago, it took people a month to recover,” the 25-year-old Ericsson said. “It took me three days.” Valtteri Filppula added the goahead tally 6:08 later, and Justin

7

MONDAY, JUNE 01, 2009

Abdelkader scored his second of the series in the third. The Red Wings left the ice in front of their cheering, towel-waving fans and headed for Pittsburgh with another commanding lead. Game 3 is Tuesday night, and the odds favor the Red Wings’ quest to become the NHL’s first repeat champion since they did it in 1997 and ‘98. Teams that win Games 1 and 2 at home have captured the Cup 31 of 32 times. Frustration boiled over for Pittsburgh with 18.2 seconds left, when Max Talbot stuck his stick in goalie Chris Osgood’s midsection after he made his 31st save. That led to a fight between Evgeni Malkin and Red Wings forward Henrik Zetterberg that left both players’ jerseys on the ice. Malkin was subject to a one-game suspension for being assessed in the final 5 minutes, but that punishment was quickly rescinded by league disciplinarian Colin Campbell. “None of the criteria in this rule applied,” Campbell said in a statement. “Suspensions are applied under this rule when a team attempts to send a message in the last five minutes by having a player instigate a fight. A suspension could also be applied when a player seeks retribution for a prior incident. Neither was the case here.” The Penguins, who dropped the opener 3-1 on Saturday night, played better in this two-game set compared to a year ago when the finals were new to them.

Malkin had a strong first period and staked Pittsburgh to an early 1-0 lead. It just wasn’t enough as Detroit—especially Zetterberg— bottled up captain Sidney Crosby and kept him pointless for the second straight night. “In each of the first two games we have been able to play in the offensive zone for periods of time,” Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said. “We’ve been able to get shots, been able to outshoot a good Detroit team, but they’ve been able to get the timely goals. “As a result they’ve got two wins.” Crosby sent a perfect feed from behind the net to Bill Guerin, whose bid to tie it in the second was foiled when the puck struck the inside of the left post. Crosby was denied by the left post at the other end, less than 2 minutes into the third, a nogoal confirmed by video replay. Crosby let out a disgusted spit from the bench as the announcement was made. Just over a minute later, Abdelkader sealed the win with his second NHL goal and second in two nights. Not bad for a rookie who hails from Michigan. Abdelkader stayed with the bounding puck while guarded by Rob Scuderi and took a whack at it—sending a shot fluttering past Marc-Andre Fleury’s glove 2:47 into the third. Osgood outplayed Fleury again in earning his 73rd NHL playoff victory, eighth on the career list. Ericsson tied it 1-1 at 4:21 of the

Series glance (Best-of-7), All times ET (Detroit leads series 2-0) May 30: Detroit 3,Pittsburgh 1 Sunday: Detroit 3,Pittsburgh 1 Tuesday: Detroit at Pittsburgh, 8 p.m., Versus Thursday: Detroit at Pittsburgh, 8 p.m., Versus Saturday: Pittsburgh at Detroit, 8 p.m., if necessary, NBC Tuesday, June 9: Detroit at Pittsburgh, 8 p.m., if necessary, NBC Friday, June 12: Pittsburgh at Detroit, 8 p.m., if necessary, NBC

Pittsburgh Detroit

1 0

0 2

0 1

— —

1 3

First Period: 1, Pittsburgh, Malkin 13 (Letang, Guerin), 16:50 (pp). Penalties: Kronwall, Det (cross-checking), 16:08. Second Period: 2, Detroit, Ericsson 3 (Hudler, Helm), 4:21. 3, Detroit, Filppula 2 (Holmstrom, Hossa), 10:29. Penalties: Malkin, Pit (interference), 8:15. Third Period: 4, Detroit, Abdelkader 2 (Holmstrom, Hossa), 2:47. Penalties: Talbot, Pit (slashing), 19:41; Malkin, Pit, minor-majormisconduct (instigator, fighting), 19:41; Zetterberg, Det, major (fighting), 19:41. Shots on Goal: Pittsburgh 11-9-12: 32. Detroit 7-16-3: 26. Power-play opportunities: Pittsburgh 1 of 1; Detroit 0 of 2. Goalies: Pittsburgh, Fleury 12-7-0 (26 shots-23 saves). Detroit, Osgood 14-4-0 (32-31). A: 20,066 (20,066). T: 2:27. Referees: Bill McCreary, Marc Joannette. Linesmen: Jean Morin, Steve Miller. FRANK GUNN / AP

Dan Cleary and the Red Wings scored three goals on 26 shots in Sunday’s Game 2 win. second after Darren Helm won a faceoff in the Pittsburgh end. Just 14 seconds after Malkin left the penalty box, Filppula backhanded in a rebound of Marian Hossa’s shot—with Tomas Holmstrom in front—with 9:31 remaining. After shutting out the Penguins by a combined 7-0 score in the first two games of last year’s finals, the nicked-up Red Wings bent but

didn’t break. And they did it again without injured forwards Pavel Datsyuk, their leading scorer in the regular season, and four-time champion Kris Draper. The Penguins needed nearly 7 minutes before Kris Letang recorded the team’s first shot, but Pittsburgh finished the period with a flourish—outshooting the Red Wings 9-0 to close the frame.

They took advantage when Niklas Kronwall was sent off for crosschecking Talbot, the only penalty called in the first. Malkin, the NHL’s regular-season scoring champion—and playoff leader with 30 points—let go a drive that was batted in the air by defenseman Brad Stuart and past Osgood with 3:10 left in the period. — The Associated Press

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GAME 2: DETROIT 3

CARLOS OSORIO / AP

Sidney Crosby and the Penguins are hitting goal posts with regularity. It’s an all-too-familiar scenario for the Penguins, who never recovered from their 2-0 deficit last year and lost to Detroit in six games. Evgeni Malkin has a goal and an assist, but the Penguins aren’t finding the open ice they did in earlier series. The left and right post? They’re

8

INSIDE DISH

PITTSBURGH 1

Goal scoring: Abdelkader two, Crosby zero DETROIT—A frustrated Sidney Crosby took a whack at Kirk Maltby’s skate near the end of Game 1, tired of what he called the nonstop chirping by the Red Wings forward. So far, it might be Crosby’s best shot of the Stanley Cup finals. Blanketed by Henrik Zetterberg whenever he steps on the ice, Crosby has gone from best player in the playoffs to a concern because of his lack of offense. He’s not playing badly—he’s just not playing like Sidney Crosby. The Penguins’ 3-1 loss Sunday night put them down 2-0 for the second straight year, and Crosby’s inability to duplicate his previous dominating play—14 goals and 14 assists in 17 games through the first three rounds—is a reason why. “There’s tons of explanations, but the fact is you get quick chances and either you put them in or you don’t, and that’s the difference,” Crosby said. Crosby has no points in two frustrating games, though it’s hardly for lack of effort. He nearly broke through early in the third period when, with Pittsburgh down 2-1, he rang a shot off the left post and nearly stuffed the rebound past Chris Osgood. About a minute later, Justin Abdelkader, a rookie who had never scored an NHL goal before the finals, scored to give the Red Wings a 3-1 lead. Who could have guessed Abdelkader would have two goals and Crosby none?

MONDAY, JUNE 01, 2009

finding those regularly. “Instead of hitting the post, we have to hit the net,” defenseman Hal Gill said. The Penguins trailed Washington 2-0 in the Eastern Conference semifinals and eventually won the series in seven. — The Associated Press

Nieuwendyk replaces Hull-Jackson G.M. duo in Dallas The Dallas Stars, after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2002, announced Sunday that co-general managers Brett Hull and Les Jackson will be replaced by former Stars forward Joe Nieuwendyk. The surprising change, which was reported before Game 2 of the Stanley Cup finals, was made by team owner Tom Hicks, who called Nieuwendyk a rising front-office star who has made an impact as special assistant to the general manager in Toronto. “These moves are all about helping this club take the proverbial next step,” Hicks said in a statement. “Joe is a leader and has been a winner in everything he has done. He is ready for this opportunity and has a bright future as an NHL general manager. We want that future to be with the Dallas Stars.” Nieuwendyk and Hull were teammates on Stars teams that won the Stanley Cup in 1999 and returned to the finals in 2000. Nieuwendyk won the Conn Smythe Trophy as postseason MVP in ’99, but it was Hull who scored the Cup-winning goal. Nieuwendyk played seven years with the Stars and posted career totals of 564 goals, 562 assists and 1,126 points over 20 seasons. He also appeared in 158 career playoff games, recording 116 points and 66 goals. He helped three different teams in three different decades win Stanley Cups: Calgary in 1989, Dallas, and New Jersey in 2003. “I am ready for this opportunity,” said Nieuwendyk, who retired from playing in 2006. “The Dallas Stars have built a winning tradition over

DANIEL HULSHIZER / AP

Joe Nieuwendyk won three Stanley Cups with three different teams, including Dallas in 1999. the years and I want to help continue that legacy.” Hull and Jackson had spent a season and a half as front-office partners. The Stars reached the Western Conference finals months after they took over in 2007-08, but didn’t make the playoffs this past season. Injuries were a big problem, but there also were serious dressingroom issues that can be traced to the most memorable move of the HullJackson era: the signing of Sean Avery. Both will remain with the Stars in front-office roles that “focus on their respective strengths,” according to a news release. Hull will serve as executive vice president and alternate governor; Jackson will return to his longtime role as director of scouting and player development. “Brett and Les have done a great

job as co-general managers, but after analyzing the situation, it is in the team’s best interest to return them to roles that fit their respective strengths,” Hicks said. “Brett will assist the club in several business areas and serve as an adviser to me and (team president) Jeff Cogen, while Les will go back to what he does best—overseeing our scouting department.” The Associated Press reports that the Edmonton Oilers have signed centre Milan Kytnar to a threeyear entry level contract. Kytnar, 20, was Edmonton’s fifth pick (127th overall) in the 2007 draft and joins the team after two seasons in the WHL. The 6-foot, 180-pound Slovakian scored 27 goals for the Saskatoon Blades this season.

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9

NBA FINALS

Nuggets return top five scorers, expectations rising Although the Nuggets are disappointed their season is over, there’s every reason to start looking forward to next year. Denver’s top five scorers return, and its three unrestricted free agents—PF Chris Andersen, SG Dahntay Jones and PG Anthony Carter—all are practically begging to come back. Plus, the Nuggets will have PG Chauncey Billups at the start of training camp—it was his acquisition from Detroit in November that marked Denver’s metamorphosis from afterthought to contender. Billups said the key will be for a playoff-inexperienced team to learn from just falling short of The Finals. “These guys have been through a lot in just one season, grew up a lot,” Billups told The Associated Press. “That’s when you start to turn the corner and get better, when you see what did and didn’t work and you get better from it.”

Denver Post. “There are other things that go along with it. About 10 years ago, you got a definite thing toward refereeing the defense instead of refereeing the game.”

Lakers coach Phil Jackson, who was fined $25,000 last week for criticizing officials during the Nuggets series, says he thinks two officials would be better than three on the court. “Some of the things I’ve talked about in the past is the placement of the two-referee system is perhaps better than three referees because of the angles the two referees have on the court,” Jackson told The

The Lakers will have a tough decision this offseason in regards to SF Trevor Ariza, who will be an unrestricted free agent. Ariza has played well during the playoffs—well enough that he likely will be in line for a big pay raise this summer, perhaps pricing himself out of L.A. The Lakers obtained Ariza in a trade last season, and general manager Mitch Kupchak recently

The Chicago Tribune described the amount of campaigning G Stephen Curry has done to be drafted by the Knicks as “almost comical,” and at the NBA’s predraft combine, Curry was even asked if he was worried about alienating other teams. (His response was no.) During the combine, Curry reiterated his desire to play in New York. “I’ve seen them play and I know the whole (Mike) D’Antoni system,” Curry said. “I’ve played in the open court running up and down my whole life. I think I’m best in transition making decisions and getting my shots. I think they know that already. I keep telling them. Hopefully, they’ll buy into it.”

admitted to the Los Angeles Daily News he didn’t think Ariza would develop this quickly.

Finals (Best-of-7) All times, ET Thursday,: Orlando at L.A. Lakers, 9 p.m., ABC Sunday, June 7: Orlando at L.A. Lakers, 8 p.m., ABC Tuesday, June 9: L.A. Lakers at Orlando, 9 p.m., ABC Thursday, June 11: L.A. Lakers at Orlando, 9 p.m., ABC Sunday, June 14: L.A. Lakers at Orlando 8 p.m., if necessary, ABC Tuesday, June 16: Orlando at L.A. Lakers, 9 p.m., if necessary, ABC Thursday, June 18: Orlando at L.A. Lakers, 9 p.m., if necessary, ABC

Bucks coach Scott Skiles sent team trainer Marc Boff to C Andrew Bogut’s offseason home in Australia to oversee the initial stages of his return to on-court exercises. And Skiles hopes Bogut—who’s coming off a back injury—will return to Milwaukee for more supervised work this summer. That, Skiles says, would make a strong statement to the rest of the team about Bogut’s desire to lead. “All we can do is impress upon him the importance of what he is to the franchise, and there’s responsibility that goes along with that,” Skiles told The Associated Press. “I’m totally comfortable that Andrew’s the type of guy that is going to continue to understand that.” With the news last week that the Cavs had reached a deal with a Chinese ownership group, fans in China wasted little time in dreaming for a superstar pairing of C Yao Ming and SF LeBron James. According to Reuters, Chinese chat rooms have been buzzing, with one person writing on Sina.com, “It’s very clear that the Cavaliers’ next step is to buy Yao Ming. And then to win the league championship, and then to build a Cavaliers’ dynasty!”

Betting line FAVORITE ..........LINE ........................ UNDERDOG at L.A. Lakers............... 6(206)............................. Orlando

Odds to win series L.A. Lakers..............-250 Orlando ..........................+210

NBA Calendar June 15 — NBA draft early entry entrant withdrawal deadline (5 p.m. ET). June 25 — NBA draft.

MARK J. TERRILL / AP

PG Chauncey Billups (7), who got the lion’s share of credit for the Nuggets’ improvement, felt his team ‘grew up a lot.’

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MONDAY, JUNE 01, 2009

NBA FINALS

Magic happy, but not satisfied with silver ORLANDO—Pick a moment. All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson going out with a shoulder tear in February. Dwight Howard calling out coach Stan Van Gundy for not getting the ball enough, or losing on four lastsecond shots in the playoffs. The Orlando Magic have survived it all to reach the NBA Finals. “We’ve been through everything you could possibly go through in the playoffs in one season,” Van Gundy said. The Magic knocked off the defending champion Boston Celtics after falling behind in the series 3-2. They eliminated LeBron James and the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers, and now Orlando is back in the finals for the first time since 1995. Game 1 is Thursday night at Los Angeles. But the Magic aren’t satisfied. “You can look at everybody in the locker room’s eyes as well as coach and tell that we are happy about getting to the finals, but we are not tremendously happy enough yet,” forward Rashard Lewis said. “We like winning that silver basketball, but I think the gold basketball will be a little better than that silver one.” Orlando’s only other finals appearance ended swiftly, getting swept by the Houston Rockets. After Shaquille O’Neal bolted for Los Angeles in the summer of ’96, the franchise collapsed. The Magic hit bottom in the 2003-04 season, with coach Doc Rivers getting fired and star Tracy McGrady demanding a trade.

They were 21-61 that season. The No. 1 pick brought them another Superman. Howard has talked about winning a title since he was drafted out of high school. The 23-yearold has quickly honed his skills, and his rare combination of size and speed has helped the Magic rise again. “I think we started to bring back some magic in Orlando,” Howard said. “I felt that we were a laughingstock around the league. Everybody played the Magic, they thought about Disney World. So I just wanted to change that.” Consider it done. Howard had 40 points and 14 rebounds in a Game 6 win Saturday night to power the Magic to a 4-2 series win over Cleveland. Nelson went down in early February, and only a trade-deadline deal to get Rafer Alston from Houston kept them as contenders. Then came the playoffs, which has provided the ultimate heartbreak and satisfaction. Andre Iguodala and Thaddeus Young each hit shots in the final moments to give Philadelphia wins in the first round series against the Magic. But they survived. They lost on a Glen Davis’ shot as time expired in Game 4 of their second round series against Boston. And after the Magic blew a fourth-quarter lead in a devastating Game 5 meltdown, Howard publicly challenged Van Gundy for not getting him the ball enough. But they survived. Then came the league MVP.

Orlando Magic AVG

3-Pnt.

Player

G

MIN

FGM-FGA

PCT

Howard

18

38.3

140-225

.622

Lewis

19

40.7

126-274

Turkoglu

19

38.3

96-234

Alston

18

32.9

FGM-FGA FTM-FTA

Magic C Dwight Howard, dunking, had 40 points and 14 rebounds in the Game 6 win. James averaged more than 38 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in the conference finals, including a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to win Game 2 and a triple-double to steal Game 5. But again the Magic survived. Now comes the Lakers. The Magic are 2-0 this season against Los Angeles, but the wins against the Lakers this

season were helped in large part by Nelson, who was their leading scorer in both. Though rumblings of Nelson suiting up for the Finals are already heating up again, a Magic spokesman said Sunday that Nelson’s rehabilitation is ahead of schedule but that his status remains uncertain. — The Associated Press

PTS

AVG

HIGH

390

21.7

40

80-103

.777

368

19.4

29

71-84

.845

288

15.2

29

25-34

.735

228

12.7

26

110-170

.460

36-92

.410

25-67

85-222

.383

33-94

Pietrus

19

25.1

65-134

.485

33-84

36-51

.706

199

10.5

17

Lee

16

28.9

55-122

.451

10-33

20-22

.909

140

8.8

24

Redick

12

21.8

23-63

.365

16-41

12-13

.923

74

6.2

15

Lue

1

3.9

2-2

1.000

1-1

0-0

.000

5

5.0

5

Johnson

19

14.7

32-85

.376

9-30

9-18

.500

82

4.3

13

Gortat

19

11.4

27-37

.730

0-0

8-12

.667

62

3.3

11

Battie

16

5.8

16-34

.471

0-0

3-5

.600

35

2.2

8

Richardson

1

2.4

0-1

.000

0-0

0-0

.000

0

0.0

0

Foyle

2

1.9

0-1

.000

0-0

0-0

.000

0

0.0

0

TEAM

19

241.3

667-1434

.465

163-444 374-512 .730 1871

98.5

117

OPPONENTS

19

241.3 660-1473

.448

112-346 348-457 .761 1780

93.7

114

Player

OFF

DEF

TOT

AVG.

Howard

81

196

277

15.4

Lewis

20

95

115

6.1

Turkoglu

8

78

86

4.5

97

Alston

2

43

45

2.5

79

Pietrus

17

35

52

2.7

12

0.6

Lee

4

28

32

2.0

26

1.6

Redick

1

16

17

1.4

23

1.9

REBOUNDS

GARY W. GREEN / AP

PCT .647

0-2

ASSISTS AST

AVG.

PF

DQ

32

1.8

82

4

50

2.6

35

0

5.1

61

0

4.4

43

0

61

0

29 22

STL

TO

BLK

12

47

40

21

40

13

14

51

2

29

32

4

15

19

12

0

16

17

3

1

7

5

1

Lue

0

0

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0

0

0

0

Johnson

7

19

26

1.4

39

2.1

28

0

11

12

0

Gortat

16

47

63

3.3

3

0.2

34

0

7

8

10

Battie

6

10

16

1.0

0

0.0

7

0

0

1

1

Richardson

0

0

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0

0

1

0

0

1

0

Foyle

0

1

1

0.5

0

0.0

1

0

TEAM

162

568

730

38.4

361

19.0

403

5

132 243 86

OPPONENTS * Rookie

160

575

735

38.7

378

19.9

461

6

125 257 66

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11

MONDAY, JUNE 01, 2009

NBA FINALS

Lakers ‘hungry and focused’ after last year’s embarrassment LOS ANGELES—It’s going to be Orlando, not Boston, in the NBA finals. Even though the opponent is different, the Los Angeles Lakers are still consumed with redeeming themselves after last year’s abject failure. Their humiliating 131-92 dismissal by the Celtics in Game 6 last year still stings. “We know what it feels like to lose and we just want to come out there and amend that,” coach Phil Jackson said Sunday. A year ago, Pau Gasol had never played in the NBA finals, so he was excited just to be there. Not this time. “The team right now is hungry and focused,” he said. “This year we have a mission. It’s like, ‘OK, we’re in the finals, now let’s go to work.’ It’s a big difference.” Another difference is that the Lakers have home-court advantage this year. Games 1 and 2 are Thursday and next Sunday at Staples Center before the bestof-7 series moves to Orlando for up to three games. “It’s nice to have home-court advantage, but it’s still not something to rely on in this kind of a series,” Jackson said. “Orlando is one of the better road teams in the league the last two years.” No doubt Jackson will remind his team that both Houston and Denver won at Staples in the past two rounds, costing the Lakers home-court advantage. “That’s something you don’t want to do in the finals with this kind of 2-3-2 setup,” he said. “It’s just about trying to get a leg up

right off the bat so you have advantage.” After taking Saturday off, the Lakers reconvened Sunday for a video session. Except for Gasol and Derek Fisher, Kobe Bryant and the other starters departed without speaking to the media. Having played 13 games in 26 days to reach the finals, the Lakers are taking advantage of the six-day break before making one last push at a 16th NBA championship. “We got really banged up in these last two series,” Jackson said. “There are a number of guys that physically could use the days off.” They include Lamar Odom (sore back), Trevor Ariza (sore hip and groin) and Luke Walton (ankle). “We’ve been in situations where we had days of rest and then we were a little sluggish at the beginning of a series,” Gasol said. “Now there’s no slacking, no slipping or nothing. We’re ready to start and we’re ready to play.” Bryant admitted during the Western Conference finals that he’s not sleeping much. He’s been sending text messages to Gasol in the wee hours and getting responses. “We exchanged a couple of text messages making sure we’re on the same page,” Gasol said. “It just brings us together.” The Lakers’ immediate problem is how to contain Dwight Howard. He averaged 21.5 points and 16 rebounds when the Magic

Los Angeles Lakers AVG

3-Pnt.

Player

G

MIN

FGM-FGA

PCT

Bryant

18

40.0

184-395

.466

Gasol

18

39.9

124-216

Odom

18

31.4

82-158

Ariza

18

29.7

Fisher

17

Bynum

FGM-FGA FTM-FTA

Lakers F Pau Gasol has averaged 18.2 points and 11.3 rebounds in the playoffs. swept them in two regular-season games. “I don’t think there have been many players like him because of his physical gifts and attributes,” Gasol said. “You have to be really focused on him, don’t let him get any deep catches and don’t let him get going or confident.” Howard does most of the damage inside, while Rashard Lewis,

Hedo Turkoglu, Mickael Pietrus and Rafer Alston are threats from 3-point range. “It’s to your advantage not to double against this team,” Jackson said. “They’re going to threaten you with that (outside shooting), but really it’s their inside game that you have to be concerned about.” — The Associated Presss

PTS

AVG

HIGH

.895

533

29.6

41

28-81

137-153

.574

0-0

79-113

.699

327

18.2

30

.519

14-27

38-64

.594

216

12.0

26

72-129

.558

30-60

31-54

.574

205

11.4

21

26.8

42-118

.356

12-51

25-30

.833

121

7.1

13

18

17.0

46-94

.489

0-0

22-34

.647

114

6.3

14

Brown

18

14.5

36-81

.444

12-25

19-24

.792

103

5.7

14

Farmar

15

13.5

27-68

.397

11-31

12-17

.706

77

5.1

13

Vujacic

18

12.7

24-85

.282

16-48

5-6

.833

69

3.8

9

Walton

16

16.0

24-65

.369

5-15

8-12

.667

61

3.8

10

Powell

12

5.2

9-22

.409

0-0

6-6

1.000

24

2.0

10

Mbenga

4

2.4

1-5

.200

0-0

0-0

.000

2

0.5

2

TEAM

18

240.0 671-1436

.467

128-338 382-513 .745 1852 102.9

119

OPPONENTS

18

240.0

.429

114-364 391-513 .762 1733

120

Player

OFF

DEF

TOT

AVG.

AST

AVG.

PF

DQ

STL

TO

BLK

Bryant

16

79

95

5.3

89

4.9

46

0

31

43

14

Gasol

58

145

203

11.3

47

2.6

54

1

15

39

36

Odom

54

117

171

9.5

38

2.1

54

1

11

30

26

Ariza

13

54

67

3.7

46

2.6

57

0

27

33

9

Fisher

4

26

30

1.8

40

2.4

45

0

15

21

1

Bynum

23

42

65

3.6

7

0.4

56

0

6

16

18

Brown

7

17

24

1.3

13

0.7

26

0

10

10

2

614-1431

REBOUNDS

DAVID ZALUBOWSKI / AP

PCT

96.3

ASSISTS

Farmar

3

19

22

1.5

31

2.1

12

0

7

15

3

Vujacic

7

23

30

1.7

10

0.6

31

0

10

9

4

Walton

13

29

42

2.6

40

2.5

32

1

13

18

3

Powell

5

8

13

1.1

3

0.3

6

0

0

2

1

Mbenga

0

2

2

0.5

0

0.0

0

0

0

1

1

TEAM

203

561

764

42.4

364

20.2

419

3

145

246 118

OPPONENTS

215

535

750

41.7

363

20.2

422

4

147

260

69

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INSIDE DISH

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said Sunday that LP Francisco Liriano will remain in the rotation, at least for the time being. Liriano is 2-7 and has not lasted more than four innings in his last three starts. “I’m definitely not ready to send Frankie to the minor leagues and I’m not ready to send him to the bullpen right now,” Gardenhire told The Associated Press after watching Liriano and the Twins lose to the Rays Saturday night. “We’ll just see how it all goes. I’d love to see Frankie just get going in the rotation.” Liriano told reporters he doesn’t always know what pitch to throw with men on base. To which

12

THE LAUNCHING PAD

Struggling Indians put Sizemore on D.L. The Cleveland Indians, already struggling in last place in the A.L. Central, have placed star CF Grady Sizemore on the 15-day disabled list and sat leading hitter Victor Martinez Sunday with a bruised left knee. Sizemore has struggled at the plate all season and recently was used at DH because of the elbow inflammation that finally forced him to the D.L. He hit his team-high ninth home run against the Yankees Saturday night, but his overall average is .223. Martinez, who is hitting a teambest .350 with seven home runs, fouled a ball off his knee Saturday night in the first inning. He tried to continue, but could not run more than a few feet after grounding to second to complete the at-bat. X-rays were negative. Sizemore was replaced on the roster Chris Gimenez, who was called up from Class AAA Columbus.

MONDAY, JUNE 01, 2009

What to expect in the major leagues today

caliber of pitcher making his start.” Peavy is 5-5 with a 3.67 ERA. He turned the ankle running the bases against the Cubs on May 22. The Associated Press reports the Reds will activate RP Edinson Volquez from the disabled list and start him today in the opener of a four-game series against the Cardinals. Volquez (4-2, 4.25 ERA) will make his ninth start of the season. He left a May 16 game against the Padres with mild spasms in his back and went on the D.L. six days later. TONY DEJAK / AP

Grady Sizemore’s inflamed elbow forced him to DH, then landed him on the disabled list. Gardenhire replied: “When you got a catcher like Joe Mauer that knows what’s going on, you trust him. If it’s not going well for you, just trust him.” Rangers OF Josh Hamilton sat out Sunday’s game against the Athletics with an abdominal pain and will undergo an MRI today to determine if he needs to go back on the disabled list. “I don’t want to,” Hamilton told MLB.com. “I don’t like those two letters (D.L.), but if it’s necessary, it’s necessary. If it’s not, we’ll work through it and see where it goes from there.” Hamilton said he has been playing at about 75 percent, but that declines below 50 when he tries to run. He was used as a DH Saturday night. Royals C John Buck remained hospitalized Sunday with a lower

back problem that struck without warning while he was preparing to bat in Saturday’s game against the White Sox. “It grabbed him so hard, they said he went down to his knees,” manager Trey Hillman said. “He did go to the hospital and he’s still there. ... He was in some pain.” Buck was placed on the 15-day disabled list and catcher Brayan Pena was recalled from Class AAA Omaha. Hillman said he had no idea how long Buck might remain in the hospital or whether he might require surgery. Padres RP Jake Peavy will make his scheduled start Tuesday despite being bothered by tendinitis in his right ankle. Padres manager Bud Black said the ankle has improved and Peavy “feels confident it’s not going to affect him.” Black added that “it’s always great to have that

According to the St. Louis PostDispatch, RP Kyle Lohse will miss his second straight start Tuesday when the Cardinals face the Reds. Lohse, who was hit by a pitch in a May 23 game against the Royals, has battled what he describes as “a burning cramp” in his arm every time he exerts himself. “It’s become frustrating because it’s not getting better,” Lohse told the newspaper. The St. Petersburg Times reports that Rays RP Troy Percival might not be retiring after all. Manager Joe Maddon told the newspaper he met with the veteran closer, who told him he’s going back to California and work to get his arm healthy enough to return. If successful, Percival, 39, could potentially work his way back onto the roster. “He’s going to continue to work on trying to get the feeling back in his arm, right shoulder down through the bicep area to his elbow,” Maddon told the paper. “We’re just on hold.”

LENNY IGNELZI / AP

Starter Hiroki Kuroda hasn’t pitched for Los Angeles since opening day.

Back in Dodger blue The first-place Dodgers will get a key teammate—no, not that one— back tonight against the Diamondbacks. Righthander Hiroki Kuroda, who hasn’t pitched for Los Angeles since opening day, is set to return from his oblique injury. Kuroda had a 5.19 ERA in two minor league rehab starts, and he was only 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA in four starts against Arizona last season. However, the Dodgers have won four of the fives games, including the past four, between these two teams this season. To keep that streak alive, L.A. will need more production from its infield. First baseman James Loney, second baseman Orlando Hudson, shortstop Rafael Furcal, third baseman Casey Blake and catcher Russell Martin have combined for a .216 batting average (19-for-88) against the D-backs this season.

Out with the Oswalt? In addition to the speculation that Astros manager Cecil Cooper’s days are numbered, there is growing sentiment that the same is true for ace Roy Oswalt in Houston. A recent Chicago Tribune report indicated Oswalt, who has a no-trade clause, is at odds with Cooper and might be willing to accept a deal to a contender. In the meantime, Oswalt will try (again) for his second win of the season tonight against a Colorado team that has seen its fair share of speculation and change in recent days.

On the road again Still under .500 at home, the Phillies head West for the start of a 10-game road trip. Philadelphia is a major league-best 16-6 away from Citizens Bank Park heading into tonight’s game at San Diego. Meanwhile, the Padres have won their past 10 games at Petco Park. Back in April, the Padres took two of three in Philadelphia, despite Phillies second baseman Chase Utley homering three times and droving in six runs.

— Chris Bahr

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Fantasy Focus

MONDAY, JUNE 01, 2009

LEAGUE LEADERS Batting Average

Waiver-wire pickups A.L.

Player Bartlett MiCabrera ISuzuki VMartinez AdJones Morneau Two tied

Player Beltran Tejada Pence Pujols FSanchez DWright Two tied

.373 .355 .354 .350 .344 .342 .333

A.L.

Team New York Houston Houston St. Louis Pittsburgh New York

.352 .350 .341 .339 .333 .333 .332

Player CPena Teixeira Bay NCruz Morneau Four tied

N.L.

Team Tampa Bay New York Boston Texas Minnesota

DENIS POROY / AP

Chicago Cubs SP Randy Wells

Kelly Shoppach, C, Indians. With Victor Martinez nursing a knee injury, Shoppach could get extra at-bats this week. He did well last season in place of Martinez, so there’s a nice track record here. Randy Wells, SP, Cubs. He’s 0-2, but his peripherals (1.80 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 8.3 K/9) make him worth a shot. Plus, he gets two starts this week (at ATL, at CIN). Randy Choate, RP, Rays. You never know who’s going to get the saves in Joe Maddon’s bullpen-by-committee, but Choate has nailed down the last two for Tampa Bay. Aaron Rowand, OF, Giants. Rowand is hitting .363 in his new leadoff role, and he can plug a gap if you’re short outfielders at the moment. — George Winkler

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

Player BRoberts Scutaro Crawford Damon AdJones Morneau Pedroia

Player Pujols Ibanez Zimmerman Hudson AdGonzalez ASoriano Two tied

43 43 40 40 40 40 39

A.L.

Team St. Louis Philadelphia Washington Los Angeles San Diego Chicago

42 40 39 38 37 36 35

Player Crawford Ellsbury Figgins Abreu BUpton Bartlett Two tied

Player Longoria Bay Morneau Teixeira TorHunter CPena Markakis

Player Fielder Ibanez Dunn Pujols AdGonzalez Howard Hawpe

55 49 47 44 42 41 40

A.L.

Team Milwaukee Philadelphia Washington St. Louis San Diego Philadelphia Colorado

48 46 42 42 40 40 39

Player Palmer Greinke Halladay Slowey Buehrle Penny Pettitte

Player AHill Crawford VMartinez ISuzuki Morneau Four tied

77 69 69 68 67 65

5-0 8-1 8-1 7-1 6-1 5-1 5-1

Player Longoria MYoung Byrd Callaspo Lowell Three tied

Player Hudson Tejada Zimmerman FSanchez Beltran Ibanez Three tied

A.L.

Team Los Angeles Houston Washington Pittsburgh New York Philadelphia

70 69 66 65 62 62 60

20 19 18 17 17 16

Team Los Angeles San Francisco Washington New York Florida New York San Francisco

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

1.000 .857 .833 .800 .800 .800 .800

Player Verlander Greinke Lester FHernandez Halladay Garza Beckett

N.L.

Team Detroit Kansas City Boston Seattle Toronto Tampa Bay Boston

Player Tejada FSanchez Hudson Kotchman HaRamirez Three tied

Player JVazquez JSantana Peavy Lincecum Billingsley Haren Gallardo

90 88 74 72 68 66 59

A.L.

Team Houston Pittsburgh Los Angeles Atlanta Florida

20 18 16 16 16 15

Player Fuentes Papelbon Jenks FFrancisco MaRivera Rodney Sherrill

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

86 86 84 84 76 71 65

N.L.

Team Los Angeles Boston Chicago Texas New York Detroit Baltimore

13 13 12 11 10 10 10

Player Bell FrRodriguez Cordero Hoffman Four tied

East New York Boston Toronto Tampa Bay Baltimore

W 29 29 29 25 23

L 21 22 24 28 28

Pct .580 .569 .547 .472 .451

GB WCGB L10 — — 6-4 ½ — 4-6 1½ 1 2-8 5½ 5 4-6 6½ 6 7-3

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

Home 14-9 17-6 18-7 13-11 16-13

Away 15-12 12-16 11-17 12-17 7-15

Central Detroit Chicago Minnesota Kansas City Cleveland

W 28 24 25 23 22

L 21 25 27 27 30

Pct .571 .490 .481 .460 .423

GB WCGB L10 — — 5-5 4 4 7-3 4½ 4½ 6-4 5½ 5½ 2-8 7½ 7½ 6-4

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

Home 15-7 12-10 19-11 15-15 12-13

Away 13-14 12-15 6-16 8-12 10-17

West Texas Los Angeles Seattle Oakland

W 30 25 24 19

L 20 24 27 29

Pct .600 .510 .471 .396

GB WCGB L10 — — 7-3 4½ 3 5-5 6½ 5 5-5 10 8½ 4-6

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

Home 18-9 14-12 12-12 11-13

Away 12-11 11-12 12-15 8-16

National League Standings East Philadelphia New York Atlanta Florida Washington

W 28 28 25 23 13

L 20 21 25 28 36

Pct GB WCGB L10 .583 — — 7-3 .571 ½ ½ 7-3 .500 4 4 5-5 .451 6½ 6½ 4-6 .265 15½ 15½ 2-8

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

Home 12-14 17-9 11-12 9-14 7-16

Away 16-6 11-12 14-13 14-14 6-20

Central Milwaukee St. Louis Cincinnati Chicago Pittsburgh Houston

W 30 29 26 25 22 20

L 20 21 23 24 28 28

Pct .600 .580 .531 .510 .440 .417

GB WCGB L10 — — 5-5 1 — 6-4 3½ 2½ 5-5 4½ 3½ 4-6 8 7 3-7 9 8 2-8

Str W-3 L-1 L-3 L-1 L-1 W-1

Home 16-9 17-9 13-12 16-10 12-11 9-15

Away 14-11 12-12 13-11 9-14 10-17 11-13

West W Los Angeles 35 San Francisco 25 San Diego 25 Arizona 22 Colorado 20 z-first game was a win

L 17 24 25 29 29

Pct GB WCGB L10 .673 — — 6-4 .510 8½ 3½ 6-4 .500 9 4 7-3 .431 12½ 7½ 5-5 .408 13½ 8½ 5-5

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

Home 18-5 18-9 17-6 12-19 9-14

Away 17-12 7-15 8-19 10-10 11-15

Pitching Matchups Today’s Games (All times Eastern)

Saves

N.L.

Team Tampa Bay Texas Texas Kansas City Boston

Player Broxton Cain Martis Pelfrey JoJohnson LiHernandez Lincecum

1.000 .889 .889 .875 .857 .833 .833

Doubles A.L.

16 12 12 12 11 11 11

Strikeouts N.L.

Team Toronto Tampa Bay Cleveland Seattle Minnesota

Team Houston Los Angeles Cincinnati New York San Francisco Colorado New York

N.L.

Team Los Angeles Kansas City Toronto Minnesota Chicago Boston New York

HIts A.L.

Player Bourn Kemp Taveras DWright Burriss Fowler JosReyes

30 21 20 15 15 14 11

Pitching (5 decisions) N.L.

Team Tampa Bay Boston Minnesota New York Los Angeles Tampa Bay Baltimore

20 17 16 16 14 14 13

N.L.

Team Tampa Bay Boston Los Angeles Los Angeles Tampa Bay Tampa Bay

RBIs A.L.

Team San Diego Philadelphia Washington St. Louis Cincinnati Philadelphia Arizona

Stolen Bases N.L.

Team Baltimore Toronto Tampa Bay New York Baltimore Minnesota Boston

Player AdGonzalez Ibanez Dunn Pujols Bruce Howard Reynolds

17 16 15 14 14 13

Runs A.L.

American League Standings

Home Runs

N.L.

Team Tampa Bay Detroit Seattle Cleveland Baltimore Minnesota

13

Team San Diego New York Cincinnati Milwaukee

15 14 13 13 12

American League N.Y. Yankees (Chamberlain 2-1) at Cleveland (Sowers 1-2), 7:05 p.m. Oakland (Cahill 2-5) at Chicago White Sox (B.Colon 3-4), 8:11 p.m. Baltimore (R.Hill 1-0) at Seattle (Washburn 3-3), 10:10 p.m.

The Line NYY -150 at Cle +140 at ChW -125 Oak +115 at Sea -115 Bal +105

National League The Line N.Y. Mets (Li.Hernandez 4-1) at Pittsburgh (Snell 1-6), 7:05 p.m. NYM -115 at Pit +105 Milwaukee (Suppan 3-4) at Florida (A.Miller 1-2), 7:10 p.m. at Fla -115 Mil +105 Colorado (Cook 3-2) at Houston (Oswalt 1-2), 8:05 p.m. at Hou -130 Col +120 Cincinnati (Volquez 4-2) at St. Louis (Wellemeyer 5-4), 8:15 p.m. at StL -125 Cin +115 Philadelphia (Blanton 3-3) at San Diego (Correia 1-3), 10:05 p.m. at SD -170 Phi +160 Arizona (Buckner 1-1) at L.A. Dodgers (Kuroda 1-0), 10:10 p.m. at LAD -165 Ari +155 National League Tuesday’s Games N.Y. Mets at Pittsburgh, 7:05 p.m. American League San Francisco at Washington, 7:05 p.m. Boston at Detroit, 7:05 p.m. Chicago Cubs at Atlanta, 7:10 p.m. Texas at N.Y. Yankees, 7:05 p.m. Milwaukee at Florida, 7:10 p.m. L.A. Angels at Toronto, 7:07 p.m. Colorado at Houston, 8:05 p.m. Kansas City at Tampa Bay, 7:08 p.m. Cincinnati at St. Louis, 8:15 p.m. Cleveland at Minnesota, 8:10 p.m. Philadelphia at San Diego, 10:05 p.m. Oakland at Chicago White Sox, 8:11 p.m. Arizona at L.A. Dodgers, 10:10 p.m. Baltimore at Seattle, 10:10 p.m.

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Attendance report

Streaks

Through May 31

AMERICAN LEAGUE HOME GAMES DATES

Baltimore Boston Chicago White Sox Cleveland Detroit Kansas City L.A. Angels Minnesota N.Y. Yankees Oakland Seattle Tampa Bay Texas Toronto AL Totals

TOTAL

ROAD GAMES AVG DATES

29 650,503 23 869,461 22 561,637 25 561,338 22 613,589 30 672,393 26 1,051,033 30 779,624 23 1,026,625 24 428,879 24 653,625 24 583,783 27 705,366 25 585,144

22,431 37,803 25,529 22,454 27,890 22,413 40,424 25,987 44,636 17,870 27,234 24,324 26,125 23,406

354 9,743,000

27,523

22 28 27 27 27 20 23 22 27 24 27 29 23 28

TOTAL

AVG

607,753 27,625 883,835 31,566 650,339 24,087 766,983 28,407 777,488 28,796 573,216 28,661 691,654 30,072 628,741 28,579 898,711 33,286 626,065 26,086 723,551 26,798 698,215 24,076 572,378 24,886 643,425 22,979

354 9,742,354

27,521

NATIONAL LEAGUE HOME GAMES

ROAD GAMES

DATES

TOTAL

31 23 26 25 23 23 24 23 25 26 26 23 23 27 26 24

833,320 551,184 1,027,754 550,783 634,059 412,786 719,279 1,014,063 934,730 1,014,435 1,130,426 388,334 597,758 922,521 1,050,968 483,872

26,881 23,965 39,529 22,031 27,568 17,947 29,970 44,090 37,389 39,017 43,478 16,884 25,989 34,167 40,422 20,161

NL Totals

398 12,266,272

30,820

398 12,266,918

30,821

MLB Totals

752 22,009,272

29,268

752 22,009,272

29,268

Arizona Atlanta Chicago Cubs Cincinnati Colorado Florida Houston L.A. Dodgers Milwaukee N.Y. Mets Philadelphia Pittsburgh San Diego San Francisco St. Louis Washington

AVG DATES

20 27 23 24 26 28 25 29 25 23 22 27 27 22 24 26

TOTAL

AVG

510,210 815,578 876,570 660,801 719,779 853,298 596,628 941,998 777,416 790,195 684,433 838,369 931,603 722,488 658,518 889,034

25,511 30,207 38,112 27,533 27,684 30,475 23,865 32,483 31,097 34,356 31,111 31,051 34,504 32,840 27,438 34,194

Disabled List

Through May 31

Through May 28

AMERICAN LEAGUE

NATIONAL LEAGUE

BATTING

BATTING

Longest current batting streak ... 24, Suzuki, Sea, May 6 to May 31. Longest batting streak, season ... 24, Suzuki, Sea, May 6 to May 31 (current).

Longest current batting streak ... 14, Tejada, Hou, May 16 to May 31. Longest batting streak, season ... 30, Zimmerman, Was, April 8 to May 12.

PITCHING

PITCHING

Longest current winning streak ... 6, Verlander, Det, April 27 to May 30; Greinke, KC, April 8 to May 4. Longest current losing streak ... 5, Contreras, CWS, April 10 to May 8. Longest winning streak, season ... 6, Verlander, Det, April 27 to May 30 (current); Greinke, KC, April 8 to May 4 (current). Longest losing streak, season ... 5, Contreras, CWS, April 10 to May 8 (current).

Longest current winning streak ... 4, Condrey, Phi, April 8 to May 24; Lowe, Atl, April 25 to May 11; Harden, ChC, April 21 to May 12; Meredith, SD, April 9 to May 7; W. Rodriguez, Hou, April 28 to May 20; Pineiro, StL, April 10 to April 27; Pelfrey, NYM, April 8 to May 7; Cain, SF, May 7 to May 29. Longest current losing streak ... 6, De La Rosa, Col, April 11 to May 31. Longest winning streak, season ... 5, Broxton, LAD, April 15 to May 23; Billingsley, LAD, April 8 to May 3. Longest losing streak, season ... 6, De La Rosa, Col, April 11 to May 31 (current).

TEAM Longest current winning streak ... 3, CHW, May 29 to May 31. Longest current home-win streak ... 1, BOS, May 24 to May 24; CLE, May 31 to May 31; LAA, May 31 to May 31; SEA, May 24 to May 24. Longest current road-win streak ... 3, CHW, May 29 to May 31; TEX, May 22 to May 24. Longest current losing streak ... 4, K-C, May 27 to May 31. Longest current home-loss streak ... 4, K-C, May 27 to May 31. Longest current road-loss streak ... 9, TOR, May 19 to May 27. Longest winning streak, season ... 11, BOS, April 15 to April 27. Longest home-win streak, season ... 9, BOS, April 17 to April 26. Longest road-win streak, season ... 6, SEA, April 9 to April 25. Longest losing streak, season ... 9, TOR, May 19 to May 27. Longest home-loss streak, season ... 5, NYY, May 2 to May 7. Longest road-loss streak, season ... 9, MIN, May 5 to May 20; TOR, May 19 to May 27.

MONDAY, JUNE 01, 2009

TEAM Longest current winning streak ... 3, MIL, May 29 to May 31; PHL, May 29 to May 31. Longest current home-win streak ... 10, S-D, May 7 to May 24. Longest current road-win streak ... 2, COL, May 23 to May 24. Longest current losing streak ... 6, WAS, May 25 to May 31. Longest current home-loss streak ... 4, HOU, May 21 to May 24. Longest current road-loss streak ... 6, CHC, May 19 to May 24; CIN, May 15 to May 31; WAS, May 25 to May 31. Longest winning streak, season ... 10, S-D, May 15 to May 25. Longest home-win streak, season ... 13, LAD, April 13 to May 6. Longest road-win streak, season ... 6, FLA, April 14 to April 19. Longest losing streak, season ... 8, CHC, May 17 to May 25; PIT, May 3 to May 10. Longest home-loss streak, season ... 7, WAS, May 15 to May 20. Longest road-loss streak, season ... 11, S-D, April 29 to May 14.

AMERICAN LEAGUE Baltimore OF Luis Montanez, May 23 RHP Dennis Sarfate, May 2 RHP Alfredo Simon, April 15 RHP Koji Uehara, May 24 Boston RHP Miguel Gonzalez-x, March 27 OF Mark Kotsay, March 27 SS Jed Lowrie, April 12 RHP John Smoltz, March 27 Chicago None Cleveland 1B Travis Hafner, April 29 LHP Aaron Laffey, May 23 LHP Scott Lewis-x, April 11 RHP Anthony Reyes-x, May 23 RHP Joe Smith, April 29 RHP Jake Westbrook-x, March 26 Detroit RHP Jeremy Bonderman, March 30 SS Carlos Guillen, May 5 OF Marcus Thames, April 19 C Matt Treanor-x, April 24

Seattle RHP Roy Corcoran, April 29 LHP Ryan Feierabend-x, March 15 LHP Cesar Jimenez-x, March 29 C Kenji Johjima, May 26 RHP Shawn Kelly, May 6 LHP Ryan Rowland-Smith, April 11 RHP Carlos Silva, May 7 Tampa Bay SS Jason Bartlett, May 25 RHP Chad Bradford, March 27 OF Pat Burrell, May 11 INF Akinori Iwamura-x, May 25 LHP Scott Kazmir, May 21 RHP Troy Percival, May 22 CF Fernando Perez-x, March 27 C Shawn Riggans, April 10 LHP Brian Shouse, May 25 Texas RHP Joaquin Benoit-x, April 5 RHP William Eyre, April 23 RHP Eric Hurley-x, April 5 RHP Dustin Nippert-x, March 27 RHP Vincente Padilla, May 17 Toronto C Michael Barrett, April 18 RHP Jesse Litsch, April 14 RHP Shaun Marcum, March 27 RHP Dustin McGowan, March 27 RHP Robert Ray, May 22 NATIONAL LEAGUE Arizona 1B Tony Clark, May 5 RHP Tom Gordon, May 4 1B Conor Jackson, May 12 RHP Yusmeiro Petit, May 9 RHP Brandon Webb, April 7

Los Angeles RHP Kelvim Escobar-x, April 4 RHP Shane Loux, May 17 RHP Dustin Moseley, April 18 C Robert Shields, May 27

Atlanta RHP Buddy Carlyle, May 26 LHP Tom Glavine, April 2 RHP Tim Hudson-x, Feb. 24 SS Omar Infante, May 21 LHP Jo-Jo Reyes, May 21

New York RHP Brian Bruney, May 20 LHP Damaso Marte, April 26 C Jose Molina, May 8 OF Xavier Nady, April 15 C Jorge Posada, May 5 SS Bryan Ransom-x, April 25 Oakland 3B Eric Chavez-x, April 25 RHP Joey Devine-x, April 4 RHP Justin Duchscherer-x, March 27 2B Mark Ellis-x, April 29 SS Nomar Garciaparra, May 24 RHP Dan Giese, May 16

Florida SS Alfredo Amezaga, May 17 LHP Renyel Pinto, May 23 RHP Scott Proctor-x March 27 RHP Anibal Sanchez, May 8 RHP Henricus Vandenhurk-x, March 29 Houston 3B Aaron Boone-x March 27 RHP Doug Brocail, May 4 RHP Geoff Geary, May 14 RHP Jose Valverde, April 27 Los Angeles LHP Hong-Chih Kuo, April 30 RHP Hiroki Kuroda, April 7 1B Doug Mienkiewicz-x, April 17 OF Xanvier Paul, May 21 RHP Jason Schmidt, March 30 RHP Claudio Vargas-x, April 6 Milwaukee RHP David Riske, April 10 2B Rickie Weeks, May 18 New York OF Ryan Church, May 23 INF Alex Cora, May 18 1B Carlos Delgado, May 11 LHP Oliver Perez, May 3 SS Jose Reyes, May 21 C Brian Schneider, April 16 LHP Billy Wagner, March 27 Philadelphia None

Kansas City SS Mike Aviles, May 24 3B Alex Gordon, April 16 SS Tony Pena, May 3 RHP Joakim Soria, May 8 RHP Robinson Tejeda, May 21 RHP Doug Waechter, April 18

Minnesota RHP Boof Bonser, March 27 RHP Pat Neshek-x, Feb. 21 LHP Glen Perkins, May 19

14

Chicago RHP Chad Fox, May 10 INF-OF Ryan Freel, May 28 RHP Rich Harden, May 18 2B Aaron Miles, May 26 3B Aramis Ramirez, May 9 Cincinnati 3B Edwin Encarnacion, April 28 RHP Edinson Volquez, May 17 Colorado INF Jeff Baker-x, April 27 RHP Taylor Buchholz-x, March 27 RHP Matt Daley, May 18 LHP Jeffrey Francis-x, March 27 C Chris Iannetta, May 24 LHP Franklin Morales, April 22 RHP Ryan Speier, April 19

Pittsburgh C Ryan Doumit, April 20 LHP Phil Dumatrait-x, March 27 RHP Craig Hansen, April 20 RHP Tyler Yates, May 16 St. Louis LHP Jaime Garcia, March 27 3B Troy Glaus, March 27 San Diego RHP Mike Adams-x, April 1 RHP Cha Seung Baek-x, March 30 SS Everth Cabrera-x, April 20 OF Cliff Floyd, April 5 RHP Shawn Hill, April 26 2B Luis Rodriguez, May 14 RHP Mark Worrell-x, April 1 San Francisco LHP Noah Lowry-x, March 26 RHP Joseph Martinez-x, April 10 RHPSergio Romo, March 26 Washington CF Roger Bernadina-x, April 19 LHP Matt Chico-x, March 27 OF Elijah Dukes, May 18 C Jesus Flores, May 10 LHP Scott Olsen, May 17 1B Dmitri Young, April 1 RHP Terrell Young, March 27 (x-60-day; all others are 15-day)

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MONDAY, JUNE 01, 2009

15

NATIONAL LEAGUE L.A. Dodgers 8, Chicago Cubs 2

Five-run first lifts Dodgers

Dodgers 8, Cubs 2 Los Angeles AB Pierre lf 6 Furcal ss 5 Hudson 2b 5 Martin c 3 Loney 1b 5 Kemp cf 4 Loretta 3b 4 Hoffmann rf 4 Milton p 2 Belisario p 0 c-Ausmus ph 0 Troncoso p 0 e-Ethier ph 1 Broxton p 0 Totals 39

R 1 1 1 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8

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

BI 0 0 1 0 2 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 7

BB 0 0 0 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4

SO 3 0 0 0 1 2 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 10

Avg. .374 .245 .332 .272 .289 .306 .321 .200 .000 .000 .344 .000 .256 ---

Chicago AB R H BI BB SO A.Soriano lf 4 0 1 0 1 2 Theriot ss 4 1 2 0 0 0 Bradley rf 4 1 1 0 0 1 D.Lee 1b 3 0 1 0 0 0 Re.Johnson cf 4 0 3 2 0 0 Soto c 4 0 1 0 0 1 Scales 2b 2 0 0 0 0 0 Waddell p 0 0 0 0 0 0 b-Hoffpauir ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 Patton p 0 0 0 0 0 0 Marmol p 0 0 0 0 0 0 d-Fukudome ph 1 0 0 0 0 1 Gregg p 0 0 0 0 0 0 Fontenot 3b-2b 4 0 0 0 0 0 Marshall p 1 0 0 0 0 1 Ascanio p 0 0 0 0 0 0 a-J.Fox ph-3b 3 0 0 0 0 3 Totals 35 2 9 2 1 9

Avg. .246 .293 .224 .248 .295 .216 .239 --.281 ----.309 --.224 .231 .000 .429

Los Angeles 501 020 000 — Chicago 000 002 000 —

NAM Y. HUH / AP

Dodgers C Russell Martin, right, tagged out Cubs CF Reed Johnson at home plate in the second inning. CHICAGO—Eric Milton pitched into the sixth inning for his second straight win, and the Los Angeles Dodgers backed him with a five-run first while beating the Chicago Cubs 8-2 Sunday night to salvage a four-game split. Matt Kemp hit his sixth homer and finished with two hits. Rafael Furcal, Russell Martin, Mark Loretta and James Loney each added two apiece as the Dodgers banged out 12 in all, and Los Angeles finished a 5-2 trip with an easy win after getting pounded 7-0 and shut out for the first time the previous day.

Milton (2-0) took a shutout into the sixth and left with one out after the Cubs scored twice. He allowed six hits while earning back-to-back wins after going nearly three years without one. The Dodgers continued to roll even though Manny Ramirez is serving a 50-game suspension for violating baseball’s drug policy. Los Angeles went 20-9 in May, posting its highest win total for the month since going 21-7 in 1962, and this one got out of hand early. —The Associated Press

8 12 0 2 9 2

a-struck out for Ascanio in the 5th. b-flied out for Waddell in the 6th. c-was hit by a pitch for Belisario in the 8th. d-struck out for Marmol in the 8th. e-grounded into a fielder’s choice for Troncoso in the 9th. E: Marmol (2), Soto (2). LOB: Los Angeles 11, Chicago 8. 2B: Loney (11), Loretta (3), A.Soriano (11), Re.Johnson 2 (3). HR: Kemp (6), off Marshall. RBIs: Hudson (31), Loney 2 (38), Kemp (30), Loretta 2 (10), Hoffmann (7), Re.Johnson 2 (14). SB: Martin (7), Kemp (12). SF: Hoffmann. Runners left in scoring position: Los Angeles 6 (Milton, Hoffmann 2, Loney 2, Pierre); Chicago 4 (Hoffpauir 2, Theriot, Fukudome). DP: Los Angeles 1 (Hoffmann, Hoffmann, Martin). Los Angeles Milton W, 2-0 Belisario Troncoso Broxton Chicago Marshall L, 3-4 Ascanio Waddell Patton Marmol Gregg

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

H 6 1 2 0 H 8 1 1 1 0 1

R ER BB SO 2 2 1 4 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 R ER BB SO 8 7 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 1

NP ERA 86 3.14 37 2.30 15 1.89 12 1.44 NP ERA 72 4.73 12 3.52 14 0.00 18 6.46 22 3.13 23 4.64

Inherited runners-scored: Belisario 2-0, Ascanio 1-1. HBP: by Milton (D.Lee), by Marmol (Ausmus), by Marshall (Milton). WP: Troncoso. Umpires: Home, Rob Drake; First, Mark Wegner; Second, Tim Timmons; Third, Jeff Kellogg. T: 3:05. A: 40,091 (41,210).

Q&A with ... Dodgers SP Chad Billingsley

‘We’re a team that knows how to win’ At age 24 and in only his second full season in the rotation, Billingsley has become the Dodgers’ ace. He recently appeared on Sporting News Radio to discuss his early accomplishments, the rotation’s young arms and the Dodgers’ success without suspended outfielder Manny Ramirez.

Q: A:

You’re ranked 42nd on Sporting News’ Top 50 players list. It has to be pretty cool to be on the list, right? Oh, absolutely. Just starting my fourth season, it’s kind of amazing everything that’s happened in this short time. It’s a great honor just to be recognized with all the great players we have in this league right now.

Q: A:

How do you use last year to make adjustments for his year? Every time you go out there, you learn something. As a pitcher, you’ve got to adjust from pitch to pitch and at-bat to at-bat. You may get a guy out one way, but the next at-bat he might be looking for that pitch. You’re constantly learning and the game’s evolving. You’ve always got to find that edge to get you over the top a little bit.

Q: A:

You broke your ankle in the offseason. Did you start to wonder, What the heck did I do wrong? Absolutely. They always say bad things happen in threes. It’s kind of a freak accident. Luckily, there were no ligament tears or anything like that. It was just a spiral fracture and break. So I was kind of happy about that, but still a broken ankle. At four weeks I started walking on it, and at five weeks I started jogging on it a little bit. Luckily, it happened fairly early in the offseason so I didn’t have any setbacks going into spring training. I didn’t really do any ground running on it until the end of January. I was a little bit behind in that, but I got off the mound about six or seven times before camp started. I didn’t come in behind at spring training, so I was able to join the team at full strength and ready to go.

GUS RUELAS / AP

At the age of 24, Chad Billingsley has developed into the Dodgers’ ace.

Q: A:

How does this team feel about itself right now? As you can see, with Manny or without Manny, we’re a team that knows how to win. Guys have stepped up greatly like Juan Pierre. He stepped in, he’s batting (near .400), driving in some runs, stealing some bases. And Casey Blake, I don’t know that there’s any better eight-hole hitter out there. ... We’re playing good overall ball. We’re winning the close games and beating the teams we need to beat. We’re playing with a lot of confidence right now.

Q: A:

Can you and Clayton Kershaw form one of the best starting tandems in baseball? He’s still just 21 years old. He’s still learning. He’s going out there and competing every time he steps out on the mound. He’s definitely got a bright future ahead of him if he can figure this game out. He reminds me a lot of myself—always seems like he had to throw the ball by the guy. He’s starting to learn it’s not about velocity; it’s about changing speeds and location and mixing your pitches very well. He’s showing some signs of learning that. If he can get that down, he can be one heck of a pitcher for many years to come.

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Baseball

16

MONDAY, JUNE 01, 2009

NATIONAL LEAGUE Philadelphia 4, Washington 2

N.Y. Mets 3, Florida 2

Moyer’s milestone lifts Phillies to 6th straight win

Ailing Mets finish May 19-9

H. RUMPH JR / AP

Philadelphia’s Shane Victorino, left, barely beats the tag of Nationals C Josh Bard in the first inning. Victorino scored on Chase Utley’s double. PHILADELPHIA—Jamie Moyer reached a rare mark for a pitcher, becoming the 44th to win 250 games. The veteran Phillies left-hander would have been juast as happy if it was his first. Moyer went six strong innings to lead the Phillies to their third straight victory, 4-2 over the bumbling Washington Nationals on Sunday. The 46-year-old Moyer is only the 11th left-hander to join the exclusive 250-win list. And despite his teammates’ postgame champagne toast, Moyer’s words lacked the excitement one might expect after such a rare achievement. “It’s not about the personal things, I’m more excited about us winning,” Moyer said. “I really haven’t thought about

(winning 250). It takes so much effort to prepare and play. I was taught to play the game as a team, not as an individual. When you play 20-some years, some of these things can happen.” Moyer is pitching his 23rd season for his seventh club. It was his sixth try at 250 after going winless in his last five outings. “I really wasn’t concerned about how many attempts, I was concerned about creating consistency with myself,” he said. Moyer (4-5) had one his best starts of the season Sunday, striking out four and walking none while registering a season-low hits allowed. It was Moyer’s first win since April 26. And while he was reluctant to laud his milestone, others praised a pitcher who

has reached 250 wins with a fastball in the low 80s. “It’s impressive how much he’s persevered in this game,” Nationals manager Manny Acta said. “He’s been written off several times. It’s remarkable and he sets a great example. I’m happy for him.” Said Phillies manager Charlie Manuel, “A guy like Jamie and the type of pitcher he is, what he’s had to earn and his ups and downs, it says a lot about the individual. For a guy with his ability, how he goes about it, how he gets it done, you don’t see many guys like that.” Brad Lidge pitched a scoreless ninth to record his 12th save. The Phillies have won seven straight against Washington. — The Associated Press

Phillies 4, Nationals 2 Washington AB R A.Hernandez 2b 4 0 Hanrahan p 0 0 N.Johnson 1b 3 0 Zimmerman 3b 4 0 Dunn rf 4 0 Willingham lf 4 2 Kearns cf 4 0 J.Bard c 4 0 Alb.Gonzalez ss 3 0 Lannan p 2 0 Bergmann p 0 0 Beimel p 0 0 b-W.Harris ph-2b 1 0 Totals 33 2

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

BI 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

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

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

Avg. .273 --.331 .319 .270 .252 .226 .174 .278 .100 .000 --.264

Philadelphia Rollins ss Victorino cf Utley 2b Howard 1b Ibanez lf Werth rf Feliz 3b Coste c 1-Ruiz pr-c Moyer p a-Dobbs ph Condrey p Madson p c-Stairs ph Lidge p Totals

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

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

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

SO 1 0 1 2 2 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 10

Avg. .226 .293 .294 .266 .332 .253 .302 .254 .304 .077 .132 ----.281 ---

Wash Phil

AB 5 3 3 3 4 3 4 2 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 31

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

000 100 100 — 110 100 10x —

2 5 0 4 7 1

a-struck out for Moyer in the 6th. b-singled for Beimel in the 8th. c-struck out for Madson in the 8th. 1-ran for Coste in the 8th. E: Moyer (1). LOB: Washington 5, Philadelphia 9. 2B: Utley (8). 3B: Howard (2), Ibanez (2). HR: Willingham (8), off Moyer; Willingham (9), off Condrey; Coste (2), off Lannan. RBIs: Willingham 2 (12), Utley (33), Howard (40), Feliz (27), Coste (7). SB: Utley (5). Runners left in scoring position: Washington 1 (Dunn); Philadelphia 5 (Ibanez 3, Moyer, Rollins). Washington Lannan L, 2-5 Bergmann Beimel Hanrahan Philadelphia Moyer W, 4-5 Condrey H, 5 Madson H, 12 Lidge S, 12-16

IP 5 1 1 1 IP 6 1 1 1

H 4 0 1 2 H 3 1 1 0

R ER BB SO NP ERA 3 3 4 7 106 4.21 0 0 1 1 16 3.97 1 1 1 0 21 4.87 0 0 0 2 15 5.40 R ER BB SO NP ERA 1 1 0 4 102 6.75 1 1 0 1 14 2.20 0 0 1 1 15 2.49 0 0 0 1 17 7.71

Umpires: Home, Dana DeMuth; First, Doug Eddings; Second, Hunter Wendelstedt; Third, Brian Knight. T: 2:32. A: 45,239 (43,647).

NEW YORK—The worse the New York Mets feel, the better they seem to play. John Maine shut down Florida again before becoming the latest Mets player sidelined by sickness or injury, and New York held off the Marlins 3-2 on Sunday to cap a hectic month marked by gritty success. “Our pitching has really stepped up for us,” manager Jerry Manuel said. David Wright made a diving grab to start a rally-killing double play, and the depleted Mets completed a 5-1 homestand to finish 19-9 in May. After taking two of three from Florida, they have won 11 of the past 14 games at their new home, Citi Field. Bobby Parnell escaped an eighth-inning jam and Francisco Rodriguez struck out three in a hitless ninth for his 14th save in 14 chances. Missing injured regulars Jose Reyes, Carlos Delgado and Ryan Church, New York got RBI doubles from Omir Santos, Fernando Martinez and Angel Pagan—who left in the fourth with discomfort in his right groin. Pagan started in center field for All-Star Carlos Beltran, who sat out with a stomach virus. Maine (5-3) apparently caught the bug, too, and lost his lunch during the game. Feeling ill, he was lifted after six shutout innings and 82 pitches. — The Associated Press

Mets 3, Marlins 2 Florida AB Coghlan lf 4 Bonifacio 3b 3 Ha.Ramirez ss 4 Cantu 1b 4 Hermida rf 4 Uggla 2b 4 Jo.Baker c 3 C.Ross cf 3 Volstad p 2 b-Gload ph 0 Calero p 0 c-R.Paulino ph 1 Totals 32

SO 2 0 0 1 2 1 1 0 2 0 0 1 10

Avg. .212 .250 .330 .266 .264 .208 .262 .254 .045 .270 --.239

New York AB R H BI BB SO Pagan cf 2 0 1 1 0 0 Reed cf 2 0 0 0 0 0 L.Castillo 2b 3 0 1 0 1 0 D.Wright 3b 4 0 1 0 0 1 Sheffield lf 4 1 1 0 0 2 Dan.Murphy 1b 2 0 0 0 0 0 F.Martinez rf 3 1 1 1 0 0 Santos c 3 0 1 1 0 0 W.Valdez ss 2 1 1 0 1 0 Maine p 1 0 0 0 0 1 Feliciano p 0 0 0 0 0 0 a-Tatis ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 Putz p 0 0 0 0 0 0 Parnell p 0 0 0 0 0 0 Fr.Rodriguez p 0 0 0 0 0 0 Totals 27 3 7 3 2 4

Avg. .333 .275 .294 .333 .292 .250 .188 .275 .286 .211 --.258 -------

Florida New York

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

H 1 1 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 6

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

BB 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 4

000 000 020 — 001 000 20x —

2 6 0 3 7 0

a-grounded into a double play for Feliciano in the 7th. b-walked for Volstad in the 8th. c-struck out for Calero in the 9th. LOB: Florida 7, New York 4. 2B: Ha.Ramirez (16), Uggla (9), Pagan (3), L.Castillo (4), F.Martinez (2), Santos (5). RBIs: Bonifacio (12), Ha.Ramirez (23), Pagan (3), F.Martinez (3), Santos (18). SB: D.Wright (12). S: Dan.Murphy, Maine. Runners left in scoring position: Florida 4 (Jo.Baker, Hermida 2, Cantu); New York 4 (L.Castillo, D.Wright, Tatis, Sheffield). GIDP: D.Wright, Tatis. DP: Florida 2 (Ha.Ramirez, Uggla, Cantu), (Ha. Ramirez, Uggla, Cantu); New York 1 (D.Wright, Dan. Murphy). Florida IP Volstad L, 4-4 7 Calero 1 New York IP Maine W, 5-3 6 Feliciano H, 8 1 Putz H, 10 1⁄3 Parnell H, 10 2⁄3 Fr.Rodriguez S, 14-14 1

H 6 1 H 3 0 2 1 0

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

NP ERA 94 3.71 19 2.16 NP ERA 82 3.75 13 2.25 17 3.81 7 2.11 17 0.73

Inherited runners-scored: Parnell 2-1. Umpires: Home, Tim Welke; First, Jim Reynolds; Second, Angel Hernandez; Third, Bill Welke. T: 2:33. A: 40,482 (41,800).

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17

MONDAY, JUNE 01, 2009

NATIONAL LEAGUE Milwaukee 5, Cincinnati 2

San Francisco 5, St. Louis 3

Brewers’ bats awaken in 3-game sweep

Giants’ bullpen comes through in rubber game

MILWAUKEE—The Milwaukee Brewers regained some of their swagger with a three-game sweep of the Cincinnati Reds. Earlier this month, the Brewers had a season-high seven-game winning streak followed by a stretch where they lost six of eight, including two straight to the St. Louis Cardinals in the three-game series that started this just concluded homestand. Then, came the Reds, winners of four straight and five of their last six. The Brewers took it from Cincinnati with a 5-2 win on Sunday as Mike Cameron homered and Yovani Gallardo won his fifth game. “Cincinnati had been playing very well,” Brewers manager Ken Macha said. “Sometimes you go through streaks where you don’t get the hit when you need it. At 4-2, it winds up becoming a very good home stand. It was a nice rebound after losing five out of six.” The Brewers won 3-2 on Friday night, then pounded out 16 hits in Saturday’s 9-5 victory as Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun and Cameron all homered. It was the first sweep of the Reds in a threegame series at Miller Park since July 3-5, 2006. Despite all that, the Reds’ Brandon Phillips still insisted that Cincinnati was the superior team. “I feel like we’re a better team than the Brewers,” he said. “But today, they executed better than we did. They did the little things. We didn’t do the little things the last two games. That’s why they won the game.” However, he added that Milwaukee did everything right, and the Reds didn’t. “Good teams do little things to win,” he said. “We got to do small things. Get them over, get them in and they

Brewers 5, Reds 2 Cincinnati AB Dickerson cf 4 Hairston Jr. 3b 4 Bruce rf 5 B.Phillips 2b 4 L.Nix lf 3 a-Gomes ph-lf 1 R.Hernandez 1b 3 Ale.Gonzalez ss 4 Hanigan c 4 Owings p 3 Masset p 0 b-A.Rosales ph 1 Weathers p 0 Totals 36

JIM PRISCHING / AP

Mike Cameron, right, homered in his second straight game for the Brewers. executed. That’s why they are in first place.” The Brewers came in sharing first place in the N.L. Central with the Cardinals. It wasn’t quite the gem Gallardo (5-2) threw on Monday against St. Louis when the right-hander had a no-hitter going into the sixth and finished allowing two hits in eight shutout innings, but he was good enough against Cincinnati. “After the first couple of innings, I think my command wasn’t where it was last time,” he said. “You just got to fight yourself. You’ve got to battle through it.” He did just that as he lasted 5 1/3 innings, hit a batter, threw a wild pitch

and, except for Brandon Phillips’ solo homer, allowed seven harmless hits. Gallardo struck out nine and worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the second. Gallardo had plenty of early run support when the Brewers touched Reds starter Micah Ownings (3-4) for two runs in the first, one in the second and two more in the third. “We got on the board early with Yo on the mound, so that made it much easier to really focus on getting the victory instead of trying to figure out how to score some runs,” Cameron said. In the first, J.J. Hardy walked, took third on Ryan Braun’s hit-and-run single and scored on Cameron’s single. — The Associated Press

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

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

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

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

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

Avg. .239 .262 .229 .280 .264 .375 .286 .224 .323 .300 --.247 ---

Milwaukee AB R H BI BB SO Counsell 2b 4 0 1 0 0 0 Hardy ss 2 1 0 1 1 0 Braun lf 4 1 1 0 0 2 Fielder 1b 3 1 0 0 1 2 M.Cameron cf 4 1 2 3 0 1 Gamel 3b 3 0 2 1 0 1 Stetter p 0 0 0 0 0 0 DiFelice p 0 0 0 0 0 0 c-Catalanotto ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 Hoffman p 0 0 0 0 0 0 Hart rf 4 0 1 0 0 0 Kendall c 2 1 1 0 1 0 Gallardo p 1 0 0 0 0 1 Hall 3b 1 0 0 0 0 1 Totals 29 5 8 5 3 8

Avg. .324 .236 .316 .273 .284 .214 ----.250 --.256 .207 .182 .222

Cincinnati 001 010 000 — Milwaukee 212 000 00x —

2 7 0 5 8 3

a-struck out for L.Nix in the 7th. b-fouled out for Masset in the 8th. c-flied out for DiFelice in the 8th. E: M.Cameron (1), Fielder (2), DiFelice (1). LOB: Cincinnati 11, Milwaukee 5. 2B: Ale.Gonzalez (7), Hanigan (2), Kendall (6). HR: B.Phillips (9), off Gallardo; M.Cameron (11), off Owings. RBIs: Bruce (30), B.Phillips (36), Hardy (24), M.Cameron 3 (27), Gamel (6). S: Gallardo. SF: Hardy. Runners left in scoring position: Cincinnati 7 (Owings 2, R.Hernandez 2, Hairston Jr. 2, B.Phillips); Milwaukee 4 (Hart 2, Gallardo, Counsell). GIDP: Kendall. DP: Cincinnati 1 (Hairston Jr., B.Phillips, R.Hernandez). Cincinnati Owings L, 3-6 Masset Weathers Milwaukee Gallardo W, 5-2 Stetter H, 9 DiFelice H, 6 Hoffman S, 13-13

IP 5 2⁄3 1 1⁄3 1 IP 5 1⁄3 1 1 2⁄3 1

H 8 0 0 H 7 0 0 0

R ER BB SO NP ERA 5 5 3 5 103 5.10 0 0 0 2 18 1.06 0 0 0 1 9 2.55 R ER BB SO NP ERA 2 1 2 9 97 3.18 0 0 0 1 16 3.94 0 0 0 1 21 1.16 0 0 1 3 23 0.00

Inherited runners-scored: Masset 1-0, Stetter 2-0, DiFelice 1-0. HBP: by Gallardo (B.Phillips). WP: Gallardo, Hoffman. Umpires: Home, Jim Wolf; First, Brian O’Nora; Second, Fieldin Culbreth; Third, Gary Cederstrom. T: 3:03. A: 44,594 (41,900).

SAN FRANCISCO—The Giants’ dependable bullpen is a big reason San Francisco has been winning the close games lately. Rich Aurilia hit his first home run of the season to give San Francisco the lead in the seventh, Aaron Rowand doubled and scored twice and the Giants took the rubber game from the St. Louis Cardinals 5-3 on Sunday. The victory gave the team a winning month of May at 15-14 and a 5-1 homestand. Merkin Valdez (2-0) pitched 1 2/3 innings with a 1-2-3 seventh for the win as San Francisco improved to 6-1 in rubber games and 5-0 at home in those contests. The Giants are 8-1 in home series this season. Brandon Medders struck out Albert Pujols to end the sixth, Jeremy Affeldt struck out Joe Thurston with runners on first and second to end the eighth and Brian Wilson finished for his 12th save in 15 chances. “Today, they saved us,” manager Bruce Bochy said of his relievers. “We played good baseball this homestand coming off a tough trip. It’s big for this ballclub to bounce back.” Pujols doubled, singled twice and scored a run after hitting two home runs in Saturday night’s 6-2 victory and was 7-for-11 in the series. — The Associated Press

Giants 5, Cardinals 3 St. Louis AB R Br.Ryan ss 5 2 Thurston 2b-3b 2 0 Pujols 1b 4 1 Ludwick rf 3 0 Stavinoha lf 4 0 Y.Molina c 4 0 Barden 3b 2 0 a-Duncan ph 1 0 Rasmus cf 1 0 Wainwright p 3 0 c-Ankiel ph 1 0 D.Reyes p 0 0 C.Perez p 0 0 Schumaker cf-2b 3 0 Totals 33 3

H 3 0 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8

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

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

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

Avg. .280 .240 .339 .256 .256 .273 .239 .261 .229 .161 .231 ----.307

San Francisco AB R H BI BB SO Avg. Rowand cf 4 2 2 0 0 1 .283 Torres cf 0 0 0 0 0 0 .250 Renteria ss 3 0 1 1 1 1 .247 Winn rf 3 0 0 1 0 0 .275 Sandoval 1b 4 1 2 1 0 0 .308 F.Lewis lf 3 0 2 0 1 0 .276 Uribe 3b 2 0 1 0 0 0 .304 Medders p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --b-Schierholtz ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .241 M.Valdez p 0 0 0 0 0 0 --Affeldt p 0 0 0 0 0 0 1.000 d-B.Molina ph-c 0 0 0 1 0 0 .254 Whiteside c 4 0 1 0 0 0 .286 B.Wilson p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 Burriss 2b 3 0 1 0 0 1 .271 J.Sanchez p 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 Aurilia 3b 2 2 2 1 0 0 .200 Totals 29 5 12 5 2 3 St. Louis 001 020 000 — 3 8 0 San Francisco 100 020 11x — 5 12 0 a-struck out for Barden in the 5th. b-grounded out for Medders in the 6th. c-flied out for Wainwright in the 8th. d-hit a sacrifice fly for Affeldt in the 8th. LOB: St. Louis 12, San Francisco 5. 2B: Br.Ryan (6), Pujols (9), Stavinoha (4), Rowand (15), Sandoval (14). HR: Aurilia (1), off Wainwright. RBIs: Ludwick (27), Stavinoha 2 (10), Renteria (23), Winn (20), Sandoval (20), B.Molina (32), Aurilia (11). CS: F.Lewis (3). S: Thurston, J.Sanchez. SF: Ludwick, Winn, B.Molina. Runners left in scoring position: St. Louis 7 (Ludwick, Wainwright 3, Y.Molina 2, Thurston); San Francisco 2 (Winn, Burriss). DP: St. Louis 3 (Barden, Thurston, Pujols), (Thurston, Pujols), (Br.Ryan, Pujols). St. Louis IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Wainwright L, 5-3 7 10 4 4 2 3 101 3.38 D.Reyes 0 2 1 1 0 0 7 3.86 C.Perez 1 0 0 0 0 0 6 2.30 San Francisco IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA J.Sanchez 4 1⁄3 6 3 3 3 2 83 4.75 Medders 1 2⁄3 0 0 0 2 3 31 2.78 M.Valdez W, 2-0 1 2⁄3 1 0 0 1 0 27 2.76 Affeldt H, 11 1⁄3 0 0 0 0 1 6 1.96 B.Wilson S, 12-15 1 1 0 0 0 1 13 4.07 D.Reyes pitched to 2 batters in the 8th. Inherited runners-scored: C.Perez 2-1, Medders 2-0, Affeldt 2-0. IBB: off Medders (Y.Molina), off J.Sanchez (Pujols). HBP: by J.Sanchez (Thurston). WP: J.Sanchez. PB: Whiteside. Umpires: Home, Mike Reilly; First, Chuck Meriwether; Second, Laz Diaz; Third, Eric Cooper. T: 2:52. A: 41,440 (41,915).

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18

MONDAY, JUNE 01, 2009

NATIONAL LEAGUE Atlanta 9, Arizona 3

Rookie gets good advice at right time PHOENIX—After watching Atlanta starter Kris Medlen walk the first batter he faced, Chipper Jones decided to offer the rookie some friendly advice. “He told me I had to get ahead of hitters and it clicked,” Medlen said. “I have to go throw strikes.” Medlen retired 14 of the next 15 batters he faced en route to his first career victory, 9-3 over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday. “I got the sense his first couple starts that he was pitching away from contact,” Jones said. “He’s got to get ahead in the count and use his entire repertoire to be effective.” Medlen allowed one run on four hits over six innings and struck out eight. “That got him going, getting out of the first inning like that,” said Braves manager Bobby Cox. “He threw nothing but strikes after that. He hit his target real well and changed speeds really well.” Jones also helped the rookie at the plate, homering and driving in four runs in spite of the painful bunions on his right foot. Asked how he’s feeling, Jones said, “A lot like I do every do now every day. I can go out there and hit left-handed. Right-handed is more of a problem. I was able to get some good wood on some balls today.” Garrett Anderson hit his first Atlanta home run, and Kelly Johnson and Yunel Escobar each had three doubles for the Braves, who won for the second time on their seven-game road trip. The Braves wasted little time against Diamondbacks starter Max Scherzer (2-4), scoring two runs on the game’s first seven pitches. Johnson doubled down the left-field line on the second and Escobar doubled

PAUL CONNORS / AP

Atlanta’s Chipper Jones provided leadership with his bat and his early-game pep talk. to the left-field wall on the first pitch he saw for a 1-0 lead. Jones followed with a single to center, scoring Escobar to make it 2-0. “They set the table and we tried to clear it,” Jones said. Escobar doubled again leading off the third, and Jones homered into the leftfield stands to extend Atlanta’s lead to 4-0 in the fourth. Jones added an RBI single in the fourth, and Anderson hit a threerun homer to put the Braves ahead 8-0. “We were looking at an uphill battle from the get-go,” said Diamondbacks manager A.J. Hinch “They didn’t miss any mistakes.” Anderson’s home run was his first since Sept. 20 against Texas as a member of the Los Angeles Angels.

Scherzer surrendered a career-high eight runs on 10 hits in a career-worst 3 2-3 innings, with three walks, four strikeouts and a hit batter. “They had a really good approach and came out swinging,” Scherzer said. “They hit my mistakes. I just didn’t have it today. Some days you just don’t have it and the big thing for me is to come back the next time.” Arizona ended Medlen’s shutout bid in the sixth when Chris Snyder doubled down the left-field line and scored on Geradro Parra’s double into the left-field corner. Chris Young added an RBI single in the seventh off Jeff Bennett and Mark Reynolds had a run-scoring single to right against Manny Acosta in the eighth. — The Associated Press

San Diego 5, Colorado 2

Braves 9, Diamondbacks 3 Atlanta AB R H BI K.Johnson 2b 6 3 3 0 Escobar ss 5 2 3 2 C.Jones 3b 4 2 3 4 c-Di.Hernandezph-3b 1 0 0 0 McCann c 1 1 0 0 G.Anderson lf 5 1 2 3 Kotchman 1b 2 0 0 0 1-Prado pr-1b 1 0 1 0 M.Diaz rf 5 0 2 0 Schafer cf 5 0 0 0 Medlen p 3 0 0 0 b-Norton ph 1 0 1 0 Bennett p 0 0 0 0 Acosta p 0 0 0 0 d-Kawakami ph 1 0 0 0 Moylan p 0 0 0 0 Totals 40 9 15 9

BB SO Avg. 0 1 .256 0 1 .299 0 1 .316 0 1 .167 4 0 .318 0 1 .266 0 0 .277 1 0 .247 0 0 .284 0 2 .204 0 2 .000 0 0 .129 0 0 .000 0 0 --0 1 .176 0 0 .000 5 10

Arizona AB F.Lopez 2b 2 Zavada p 0 Montero c 2 Ojeda 3b 4 G.Parra rf 4 Reynolds 1b 4 S.Drew ss 4 Byrnes lf 4 C.Young cf 4 Snyder c 3 Schlereth p 0 Rauch p 0 e-Whitesell ph 1 Scherzer p 1 Vasquez p 0 a-R.Roberts ph-2b 3 Totals 36

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

Atlanta Arizona

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

H 0 0 1 1 2 2 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 10

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

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

202 410 000 — 000 001 110 —

Avg. .314 --.225 .260 .319 .268 .211 .214 .178 .240 ----.107 .278 --.367 9 15 0 3 10 0

a-flied out for Vasquez in the 6th. b-doubled for Medlen in the 7th. c-struck out for C.Jones in the 8th. d-struck out for Acosta in the 9th. e-grounded out for Rauch in the 9th. 1-ran for Kotchman in the 4th. LOB: Atlanta 10, Arizona 7. 2B: K.Johnson 3 (12), Escobar 3 (13), Norton (2), G.Parra (3), Snyder (6). HR: C.Jones (5), off Scherzer; G.Anderson (1), off Scherzer. RBIs: Escobar 2 (26), C.Jones 4 (21), G.Anderson 3 (15), G.Parra (16), Reynolds (30), C.Young (12). CS: F.Lopez (2). Runners left in scoring position: Atlanta 7 (Kotchman, K.Johnson, Schafer 2, McCann, Escobar, M.Diaz); Arizona 3 (Reynolds 2, Byrnes). DP: Atlanta 1 (McCann, McCann, Escobar); Arizona 2 (Reynolds, S.Drew, Scherzer), (S.Drew, F.Lopez, Reynolds). Atlanta Medlen W, 1-2 Bennett Acosta Moylan Arizona Scherzer L, 2-4 Vasquez Zavada Schlereth Rauch

IP 6 1 1 1 IP 3 2⁄3 2 1⁄3 1 1 1

H 4 2 3 1 H 10 3 1 1 0

R ER BB SO 1 1 1 9 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 R ER BB SO 8 8 3 4 1 1 1 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1

NP ERA 91 6.28 12 2.70 23 1.93 9 5.09 NP ERA 86 4.47 31 6.11 15 0.00 24 0.00 8 5.96

Inherited runners-scored: Vasquez 1-0. HBP: by Scherzer (Kotchman). PB: Snyder. Umpires: Home, Angel Campos; First, Phil Cuzzi; Second, Tom Hallion; Third, Jerry Crawford. T: 2:56. A: 30,020 (48,652).

Gonzalez rips homer No. 20 DENVER—Adrian Gonzalez may be on a torrid home run pace, but even he isn’t that impressed with his totals. “I’ll see where the numbers are at the end of the year because May means nothing,” he said. Gonzalez hit his major-league leading 20th home run, Chad Gaudin struck out a season-high nine and San Diego beat Colorado 5-2 on Sunday. Brad Hawpe and Yorvit Torrealba had two hits each for Colorado, which lost for the first time under interim manager Jim Tracy, who replaced the fired Clint Hurdle on Friday. Gonzalez’s 20 home runs by June 1 are the most in franchise history. The previous record was 17 by Greg Vaughn in 1998 and Nate Colbert in 1970. “What he does at the plate is very impressive. It doesn’t surprise me,” San Diego manager Bud Black said. “I’ve seen it too often.” Scott Hairston also homered and Heath Bell recorded his 15th save in 16 chances for the Padres, who salvaged the final game of the three-game series. Gonzalez and Hairston backed up a strong pitching performance from their starter. Gaudin (2-3) ran into trouble in the fifth. He allowed consecutive one-out singles to Troy Tulowitzki and Torrealba, but pinchhitter Seth Smith looked at strike three and Tulowitzki was caught stealing to end the inning. — The Associated Press

Padres 5, Rockies 2 San Diego AB Gwynn rf-cf 4 Eckstein 2b 5 Hairston cf 4 Mujica p 0 Bell p 0 Ad.Gonzalez 1b 4 Kouzmanoff 3b 5 Headley lf 4 H.Blanco c 3 Jo.Wilson ss 4 Gaudin p 3 G.Burke p 0 c-Giles ph-rf 1 Totals 37

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

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

BI 0 0 1 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 5

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

SO Avg. 1 .320 1 .246 0 .326 0 1.000 0 --1 .287 1 .228 3 .236 0 .172 0 .209 0 .077 0 --0 .192 7

Colorado Fowler cf Barmes 2b Helton 1b Atkins 3b Hawpe rf Stewart lf Tulowitzki ss Torrealba c De La Rosa p a-S.Smith ph Grilli p b-Murton ph Jo.Peralta p Totals

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

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

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

BB 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

SO 1 1 1 2 1 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 10

San Diego Colorado

AB 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 4 1 1 0 1 0 33

003 010 100 — 000 000 200 —

Avg. .258 .255 .314 .194 .348 .182 .226 .241 .063 .256 .000 .263 --5 12 1 2 8 0

a-struck out for De La Rosa in the 5th. b-lined out for Grilli in the 7th. c-grounded out for G.Burke in the 8th. E: Hairston (1). LOB: San Diego 11, Colorado 6. 2B: Eckstein (11), Kouzmanoff (8), Jo.Wilson (3). HR: Ad.Gonzalez (20), off De La Rosa; Hairston (7), off Grilli. RBIs: Hairston (22), Ad.Gonzalez 3 (40), Kouzmanoff (20), Tulowitzki (16), Torrealba (7). SB: Hairston (6). CS: Ad.Gonzalez (1), Tulowitzki (4). SF: Tulowitzki. Runners left in scoring position: San Diego 4 (Gaudin, Eckstein 2, Jo.Wilson); Colorado 2 (Torrealba, Fowler). DP: San Diego 2 (H.Blanco, H.Blanco, Kouzmanoff), (Jo.Wilson, Eckstein, Ad.Gonzalez). San Diego IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA Gaudin W, 2-3 6 1⁄3 7 2 1 0 9 92 4.76 G.Burke H, 4 2⁄3 0 0 0 0 0 5 1.35 Mujica H, 6 1 1 0 0 0 0 18 2.49 Bell S, 15-16 1 0 0 0 0 1 15 1.27 Colorado IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA De La Rosa L, 0-6 5 6 4 4 3 5 84 5.43 Grilli 2 5 1 1 2 1 45 5.89 Jo.Peralta 2 1 0 0 1 1 24 3.18 Inherited runners-scored: G.Burke 2-0. HBP: by Gaudin (Stewart). Umpires: Home, Chris Guccione; First, Todd Tichenor; Second, Jerry Layne; Third, Tony Randazzo. T: 2:49. A: 30,223 (50,449).

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MONDAY, JUNE 01, 2009

AMERICAN LEAGUE

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Cleveland 5, N.Y. Yankees 4

Houston 2, Pittsburgh 1

Peralta’s three hits include game-winner in ninth

Hampton mystifies Pirates again

CLEVELAND—Jhonny Peralta took an easy approach and lined a hard gamewinning hit. Cleveland’s third baseman drove in three runs with three hits, including a one-out RBI single in the ninth inning as the Indians defeated the New York Yankees 5-4 Sunday. “The only thing I thought is we really need a hit to win, so don’t try too hard,” Peralta said. “I figured they would pitch inside. That’s where it was, so I just swung.” Peralta pulled the 3-1 offering from David Robertson past diving third baseman Alex Rodriguez on the backhand side to score Trevor Crowe from second base. Mark Teixeira extended his seasonhigh hitting streak to 13 games and had four RBIs for New York. He hit a tworun homer, his 16th, in the sixth off former Yankees right-hander Carl Pavano. His two-run double off Matt Herges in the eighth tied it at 4. “He’s been hot his whole career, not just now,” Pavano said of Teixeira, who is hitting .400 with 20 RBIs during his streak. New York played its 17th straight errorless game, tying the major league record set by Boston in June 2006, but lost for only the fourth time in 18 games. Kerry Wood (2-2) got Jorge Posada to bounce into an inning-ending double play with runners on first and third in the top of the ninth. Yankees manager Joe Girardi gave Brett Gardner at first base the steal sign with Posada up, but the rookie didn’t go. “It has been addressed,” Girardi said. Phil Coke (1-3) came on in the bottom

PITTSBURGH—If only Mike Hampton could face the Pittsburgh Pirates in every start, he might regain the form that allowed him to be one of the National League’s best pitchers a decade ago. Hampton continued his mastery over Pittsburgh, allowing only one run in seven innings in Houston’s 2-1 win on Sunday. He became only the second pitcher to win eight in a row against the Pirates since 1954, improving to 12-3 lifetime against Pittsburgh. Only the Braves’ Tom Glavine has had a streak that long against the Pirates in the past 55 years. “I’ve played for so many teams and faced so many different lineups,” Hampton said. “It’d been so long since I faced them (prior to his previous start against Pittsburgh in April) and the lineup turned over and there’s a lot of new guys. I don’t think there’s anything to it other than I was fortunate enough today to make quality pitches and the defense played great behind me.” Miguel Tejada and Humberto Quintero each went 2-for-4 with an RBI for the Astros, who took two of three from Pittsburgh after entering the series on a seven-game losing streak. Nate McLouth homered for the Pirates, who have lost four of five. Tejada extended his hitting streak to 14 games.” — The Associated Press

Indians 5, Yankees 4 New York AB R Jeter ss 4 1 Damon lf 4 2 Teixeira 1b 4 1 A.Rodriguez 3b 4 0 Cano 2b 4 0 H.Matsui dh 3 0 1-R.Pena pr-dh 0 0 Swisher rf 3 0 Gardner cf 4 0 Cervelli c 2 0 a-Posada ph-c 2 0 Totals 34 4

H 2 2 2 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 10

BI 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4

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

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

Avg. .306 .301 .281 .260 .314 .263 .246 .229 .270 .286 .310

Cleveland A.Cabrera ss B.Francisco lf Jh.Peralta 3b Choo rf DeRosa dh Garko 1b Shoppach c Valbuena 2b Crowe cf Totals

H 2 2 3 0 0 0 0 1 1 9

BI 0 0 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 5

BB 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 4

SO 1 1 0 0 1 1 4 1 0 9

Avg. .318 .275 .269 .296 .266 .256 .211 .188 .184

New York Cleveland TONY DEJAK / AP

Indians 3B Jhonny Peralta knocked in the game-winning run with this single in the ninth inning. half and walked Crowe, who was bunted to second by Asdrubal Cabrera. Robertson replaced Coke and walked Ben Francisco before yielding Peralta’s hit. “The walks hurt us,” Girardi said. “That’s the bottom line. Walks aren’t something you can’t afford in that situation. “They got the hit. We didn’t.” After Cabrera twice bunted foul, manager Eric Wedge gave him the green light to swing away. “I saw Wedge take off the bunt sign and saw what Asdrubal was doing and thought, ‘Good luck to you,’ ” Peralta said. Cabrera said he wasn’t worried about bunting foul for a third strike. “I feel comfortable bunting, that’s my game,” the shortstop said. “I wanted to

move the runner and stay out of the double play.” Pavano pitched well for 7 1/3 innings, leaving with a 4-2 lead as he sought his sixth win in seven starts in May. “They are a tough team,” Pavano said. “We played great, let it slip away, but came back. We got a win, so I’m happy.” The right-hander signed a four-year, $40 million contract with New York in 2005, but spent much of his time on the disabled list. In only 26 starts, he was 9-8 with a 5.00 ERA. He got off to a rocky start in Cleveland after signing a one-year, free-agent contract in January. He was 0-3 with a 9.50 ERA in four April starts before becoming one of the Indians’ few bright spots in May. — The Associated Press

AB 4 3 4 2 2 3 4 4 3 29

R 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 5

000 002 020 — 003 010 001 —

4 10 0 5 9 1

One out when winning run scored. a-struck out for Cervelli in the 8th. 1-ran for H.Matsui in the 9th. E: A.Cabrera (3). LOB: New York 5, Cleveland 9. 2B: Jeter (12), Damon (12), Teixeira (12), A.Cabrera (13), Crowe (2). HR: Teixeira (16), off Pavano. RBIs: Teixeira 4 (44), Jh.Peralta 3 (21), Choo (31), DeRosa (33). SB: B.Francisco (9). CS: Cano (2), Valbuena (1). S: Swisher, A.Cabrera, Garko. SF: Choo, DeRosa. Runners left in scoring position: New York 3 (A.Rodriguez, Cano, Posada); Cleveland 4 (Garko 2, Choo, Valbuena). DP: Cleveland 2 (A.Cabrera, Garko), (Valbuena, A.Cabrera, Garko). New York Hughes Wang Coke L, 1-3 D.Robertson Cleveland Pavano R.Perez R.Betancourt Herges BS, 1-1 K.Wood W, 2-2

IP 5 3 1⁄3 0 IP 7 1⁄3 0 0 2⁄3 1

H 5 3 0 1 H 7 1 0 1 1

R ER BB SO 4 4 1 6 0 0 1 3 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 R ER BB SO 3 3 0 4 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

NP ERA 95 5.45 42 16.07 11 4.79 10 2.45 NP ERA 89 5.29 2 14.66 3 3.71 13 1.13 17 6.00

R.Perez pitched to 1 batter in the 8th. D.Robertson pitched to 2 batters in the 9th. Inherited runnersscored: D.Robertson 1-1, R.Perez 1-0, R.Betancourt 2-0, Herges 2-2. HBP: by Hughes (Jh.Peralta, Choo). Umpires: Home, Jeff Nelson; First, Mark Carlson; Second, Tim Tschida; Third, Bob Davidson. T: 3:21. A: 29,405 (45,199).

Astros 2, Pirates 1 Houston AB Maysonet 2b 4 Tejada ss 4 Pence rf 4 Ca.Lee lf 3 Sampson p 0 Hawkins p 0 Berkman 1b 3 Michaels cf-lf 4 Keppinger 3b 4 Quintero c 4 Hampton p 3 Bourn cf 1 Totals 34

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

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

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

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

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

Avg. .450 .350 .341 .308 .000 --.230 .179 .293 .258 .368 .287

Pittsburgh AB R H BI BB SO McLouth cf 4 1 2 1 0 0 An.LaRoche 3b 4 0 0 0 0 1 F.Sanchez 2b 3 0 1 0 1 0 1-Morgan pr 0 0 0 0 0 0 Monroe lf 3 0 0 0 0 0 b-Delw.Young ph 1 0 0 0 0 1 Ad.LaRoche 1b 3 0 1 0 0 1 R.Diaz c 3 0 0 0 0 0 Moss rf 3 0 0 0 0 2 Ja.Wilson ss 3 0 0 0 0 0 Maholm p 2 0 0 0 0 1 J.Chavez p 0 0 0 0 0 0 a-Hinske ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 Meek p 0 0 0 0 0 0 S.Burnett p 0 0 0 0 0 0 Totals 30 1 4 1 1 6

Avg. .256 .299 .333 .275 .235 .286 .231 .311 .262 .246 .095 --.278 --.000

Houston 010 000 100 — Pittsburgh 100 000 000 —

2 8 0 1 4 1

a-grounded out for J.Chavez in the 8th. b-struck out for Monroe in the 9th. 1-ran for F.Sanchez in the 9th. E: An.LaRoche (6). LOB: Houston 7, Pittsburgh 3. 2B: Tejada (20). HR: McLouth (9), off Hampton. RBIs: Tejada (29), Quintero (4), McLouth (32). Runners left in scoring position: Houston 5 (Ca.Lee, Hampton, Berkman 2, Pence). DP: Houston 1 (Keppinger, Maysonet, Berkman); Pittsburgh 2 (Ja.Wilson, F.Sanchez, Ad.LaRoche), (Ja.Wilson, F.Sanchez, Ad.LaRoche). Houston Hampton W, 3-4 Sampson H, 6 Hawkins S, 6-8 Pittsburgh Maholm L, 3-2 J.Chavez Meek S.Burnett

IP 7 1 1 IP 7 1 2⁄3 1⁄3

H 3 0 1 H 8 0 0 0

R ER BB SO NP ERA 1 1 1 3 90 5.07 0 0 0 1 9 2.10 0 0 0 2 13 2.61 R ER BB SO NP ERA 2 1 2 4 108 3.82 0 0 0 0 8 2.86 0 0 0 0 10 2.60 0 0 0 1 6 3.27

WP: Maholm. PB: R.Diaz. Umpires: Home, John Hirschbeck; First, Wally Bell; Second, Marty Foster; Third, Marvin Hudson. T: 2:26. A: 19,566 (38,362).

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MONDAY, JUNE 01, 2009

AMERICAN LEAGUE Boston 8, Toronto 2

Minnesota 3, Tampa Bay 2

Lester, new-look offense work for Red Sox

Twins pick up rare road win

TORONTO—A new-look lineup gave the Boston Red Sox offense a much-needed spark. The way Jon Lester pitched, it was more than enough. Kevin Youkilis homered twice, Dustin Pedroia hit a three-run shot and Lester struck out a career-high 12 as the Red Sox beat the Toronto Blue Jays 8-2 on Sunday. “It started with Lester,” Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. “He was powerful.” Lester (4-5) allowed one run, three hits and three walks in six innings, lowering his ERA to 5.65. His 12 strikeouts were the most by a Red Sox pitcher this season and the most by a Boston left-hander since Bruce Hurst struck out 14 against Oakland on May 5, 1987. “He could have beat anybody with the stuff he had today,” Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston said. Lester, who threw 115 pitches, said his only regret was not being able to go deeper in the game. “I had a pretty good feel for my curveball today and threw a lot of change-ups,” Lester said. “That’s big with this team. You’ve just got to keep a good mix and you can’t let them look for one area or sit on a fastball. When I did get behind, I was able to have enough soft stuff in the mix where they couldn’t just gear up for a fastball.” Justin Masterson pitched two innings and Ramon Ramirez finished it off in the ninth. Jason Bay also homered for the Red Sox, who tweaked their lineup to shake themselves out of a recent offensive slump. Nine of Boston’s 11 hits were for extrabases. Batting leadoff for the first time this season, Pedroia homered off the left-field foul screen in the fourth inning, his second.

Red Sox 8, Blue Jays 2 Boston AB R H Pedroia 2b 4 1 1 J.Drew rf 4 0 1 Youkilis 1b 4 3 2 Bay lf 3 1 2 Lowell 3b 5 0 2 D.Ortiz dh 5 1 1 Varitek c 2 1 0 Ellsbury cf 3 0 1 N.Green ss 4 1 1 Totals 34 8 11

SO 0 2 1 1 3 1 0 0 1 9

Avg. .326 .248 .366 .288 .308 .185 .239 .299 .298

Toronto AB R H BI BB SO Scutaro ss 4 1 2 0 0 1 Jo.McDonald ss 1 0 0 0 0 0 A.Hill 2b 3 0 0 0 1 1 Rios rf 3 1 1 1 1 1 V.Wells cf 3 0 0 1 0 0 Inglett cf 0 0 0 0 0 0 Lind dh 4 0 1 0 0 3 Rolen 3b 3 0 1 0 1 1 Millar 1b 4 0 0 0 0 2 Barajas c 4 0 0 0 0 2 Bautista lf 2 0 0 0 2 2 Totals 31 2 5 2 5 13

Avg. .305 .211 .333 .276 .266 .100 .288 .303 .267 .285 .269

Boston Toronto

BI 3 1 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 8

BB 0 0 1 2 0 0 3 1 1 8

100 310 030 — 100 000 010 —

8 11 0 2 5 0

LOB: Boston 10, Toronto 8. 2B: Bay (13), Lowell 2 (17), D.Ortiz (13), N.Green (10). HR: Youkilis (8), off Romero; Pedroia (2), off Romero; Youkilis (9), off Wolfe; Bay (15), off Wolfe; Rios (6), off Masterson. RBIs: Pedroia 3 (20), J.Drew (23), Youkilis 2 (31), Bay (49), Lowell (35), Rios (25), V.Wells (25). SB: Scutaro (5), Rios (4). CS: N.Green (3). S: Pedroia, Ellsbury. SF: J.Drew, V.Wells. Runners left in scoring position: Boston 5 (Lowell 2, N.Green 2, Ellsbury); Toronto 2 (Lind, Bautista).

DARREN CALABRESE / AP

Boston P Jon Lester had the Blue Jays’ bats in a tailspin all day as he registered a career-high 12 strikeouts. Pedroia was bumped up and outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury dropped to eighth as Francona tried to boost the offense after watching his team score just 13 runs in its previous five games. “We need to have our on base guys (up high) for the guys in the middle of the order,” Francona said. “It’s important.” The moves paid off as every Boston starter except Jason Varitek had at least

one hit, helping the Red Sox score more than three runs for just the second time in seven games and improve to 3-4 on their current 10-game trip. “We scored early and then we added on,” Francona said. “That’s always a good way to play. We haven’t done that very much lately but it was a very good day today.” — The Associated Press

Boston Lester W, 4-5 Masterson R.Ramirez Toronto Romero L, 2-2 Richmond Camp B.J.Ryan Wolfe

IP H 6 3 2 2 1 0 IP H 4 6 2 1 1⁄3 1 2⁄3 0 2 3

R 1 1 0 R 5 0 0 0 3

ER 1 1 0 ER 5 0 0 0 3

BB 3 1 1 BB 5 1 0 1 1

SO 12 1 0 SO 5 1 1 0 2

NP 115 39 15 NP 91 27 17 10 33

ERA 5.65 4.25 1.38 ERA 4.15 3.50 5.29 8.74 7.56

Romero pitched to 2 batters in the 5th. Inherited runners-scored: Richmond 2-1, B.J.Ryan 1-0. IBB: off B.J.Ryan (Varitek), off Richmond (Ellsbury). WP: Lester, Romero. Umpires: Home, Andy Fletcher; First, Scott Barry; Second, Ted Barrett; Third, Tim McClelland. T: 3:08. A: 30,496 (49,539).

ST. PETERSBURG, FLA.—Brendan Harris homered, Nick Blackburn pitched well, Denard Span made a highlight-reel defensive play, and reliever Jose Mijares made a difficult catch before falling face-first on the mound. The Minnesota Twins needed all of that—and more—to get a rare road victory Sunday, with Justin Morneau and Carlos Gomez also prividing timely hitting to beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 on Sunday. “A much-needed win for our baseball team,” manager Ron Gardenhire said after the Twins avoided a weekend sweep and improved to just 6-16 away from the Metrodome. “A few good things happened there.” Blackburn (5-2) pitched six strong innings, allowing two runs and seven hits, and the Twins scored all their runs off Matt Garza (4-4) to beat their former teammate and end a three-game losing streak. Span, who began the game in left field, climbed the wall in right to rob Tampa Bay’s Gabe Gross of an extra-base hit with the Rays threatening to break the game open after taking a 2-0 lead in the fifth. Mijares helped the Twins through a jam in the eighth by keeping track of Carlos Pena’s pop fly that deflected off one of the catwalks supporting the roof at Tropicana Field before the portly six-foot, 231-pound pitcher caught the ball and wound up on his stomach. — The Associated Press

Twins 3, Rays 2 Minnesota AB Span lf-rf 4 A.Casilla 2b 5 Morneau 1b 4 Kubel dh 3 Cuddyer rf 1 Delm.Young lf 3 B.Harris ss 4 Buscher 3b 4 Redmond c 4 Gomez cf 4 Totals 36

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

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

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

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

SO 0 1 2 2 1 2 0 1 0 1 10

Avg. .299 .161 .342 .317 .276 .239 .274 .188 .267 .220

Tampa Bay AB R H BI BB SO Zobrist 2b-ss 4 0 1 0 1 1 Crawford lf 3 0 0 0 1 2 Longoria dh 3 0 0 0 1 0 C.Pena 1b 4 1 1 1 0 0 W.Aybar 3b-2b 4 0 0 0 0 1 Joyce cf 3 1 2 1 0 0 b-B.Upton ph-cf 1 0 1 0 0 0 Gross rf 3 0 0 0 0 0 c-Kapler ph-rf 1 0 0 0 0 0 Navarro c 4 0 1 0 0 1 Brignac ss 2 0 2 0 0 0 a-Dillon ph-3b 2 0 0 0 0 1 Totals 34 2 8 2 3 6

Avg. .304 .324 .327 .231 .263 .231 .204 .247 .178 .212 .250 .200

Minnesota 010 001 100 — Tampa Bay 000 110 000 —

3 8 0 2 8 1

a-struck out for Brignac in the 7th. b-singled for Joyce in the 8th. c-grounded out for Gross in the 8th. E: Zobrist (1). LOB: Minnesota 8, Tampa Bay 8. 2B: Brignac (2). HR: B.Harris (3), off Garza; C.Pena (17), off Blackburn; Joyce (2), off Blackburn. RBIs: Morneau (47), B.Harris (10), Gomez (3), C.Pena (41), Joyce (2). Runners left in scoring position: Minnesota 5 (Redmond, Delm. Young, A.Casilla 3); Tampa Bay 3 (Longoria 2, Kapler). Minnesota Blackburn W, 5-2 Henn H, 1 Guerrier H, 8 Mijares H, 6 Nathan S, 9-11 Tampa Bay Garza L, 4-4 J.Nelson Isringhausen Howell

IP 6 1⁄3 2⁄3 1 1 IP 7 2⁄3 2⁄3 2⁄3

H 7 0 0 1 0 H 7 0 1 0

R ER BB SO NP 2 2 1 1 98 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 2 2 24 0 0 0 1 16 0 0 0 2 11 R ER BB SO NP 3 3 1 6104 0 0 0 1 9 0 0 0 1 21 0 0 1 2 12

ERA 3.50 3.60 3.60 2.16 2.33 ERA 3.67 6.23 3.18 2.45

Guerrier pitched to 1 batter in the 8th. Inherited runners-scored: Mijares 1-0, Howell 2-0. Umpires: Home, James Hoye; First, Mike DiMuro; Second, Dale Scott; Third, Jerry Meals. T: 3:09. A: 26,579 (36,973).

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MONDAY, JUNE 01, 2009

AMERICAN LEAGUE Chicago White Sox 7, Kansas City 4

Detroit 3, Baltimore 0

‘Zack’s human:’ Greinke can’t hold lead for KC

Jackson shows his new stuff

KANSAS CITY—With a 4-1 lead and Zack Greinke on the mound, the Kansas City Royals felt relaxed and confident. Next time, they’ll know better. Chris Getz completed a Chicago comeback with a tiebreaking two-run single off Juan Cruz in the ninth inning Sunday, and the White Sox rallied for a 7-4 victory and their first three-game sweep in Kansas City since 2005. “As soon as you start thinking you’ve got the game in hand, things change,” said Royals center fielder Willie Bloomquist. “Zack’s human. He’s not going to throw a shutout every time. We’ve got to continue to get him runs and keep piling on when we get a lead.” Greinke, going for his major leagueleading ninth win, went seven innings and gave up eight hits in what would be a decent outing for most major league pitchers but was easily his worst. “When you’re down 3-1 with Greinke pitching, most teams would say, ‘We’ve already won the series, let’s pack it in and go to Chicago,’” said manager Ozzie Guillen. “But we didn’t. We battled. That’s what we’ve been doing lately.” Scott Podsednik singled, double and tripled and scored two runs and A.J. Pierzynski was 2-for-3 against Greinke, whose record stayed at 8-1 while he gave up four runs, three earned, and struck out seven. His ERA crept up from 0.84 to 1.10. “Podsednik—if I could get him out, it would be a lot better,” said Greinke, who had trouble with his usually reliable slider. “He always does that to me.” Pierzynski was 3-for-4 for the day and got the ninth inning rally started with a single off John Bale (0-1). “I’ve thrown him everything,” said

BALTIMORE—Aubrey Huff remembers Edwin Jackson in 2006 when both played for Tampa Bay. After Jackson pitched eight innings of two-hit ball to lead the Detroit Tigers over the Baltimore Orioles 3-0 Sunday, Huff determined the righthander bears very little resemblance to his teammate of two years ago. “He wasn’t even close to that. He definitely has developed probably some of the nastiest stuff in the big leagues this year,” said Huff, who went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts. “When he was in Tampa, he wasn’t going over 94 (mph). Now he has got 98 with a hard slider and a changeup. I don’t know where that came from.” Jackson (5-3) permitted only three baserunners and faced only two batters over the minimum. Nick Markakis hit a fourth-inning single; Robert Andino walked in the sixth and was caught stealing; and Ty Wigginton hit a leadoff double in the eighth. Jackson, who struck out seven, came within an inning of his second career complete game. He was pulled by manager Jim Leyland after throwing 101 pitches. “A little bit of a tough spot in the eighth inning, he had to work a little harder,” Leyland said. “That’s why I took him out.” — The Associated Press

White Sox 7, Royals 4 Chicago AB R Podsednik lf 5 2 Al.Ramirez ss 5 0 Dye rf 4 0 Thome dh 4 1 Konerko 1b 4 0 Pierzynski c 4 2 Wise cf 3 0 a-Bri.Andersonph-cf 0 1 Fields 3b 3 0 Getz 2b 4 1 J.Nix 2b 0 0 Totals 36 7

H BI 3 1 0 0 1 1 2 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 2 0 0 11 7

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

Avg. .297 .253 .277 .256 .309 .299 .192 .275 .244 .248 .205

Kansas City AB R H BI BB SO Bloomquist 2b 4 0 0 0 1 1 Maier cf 5 0 1 1 0 2 Butler 1b 5 0 2 0 0 1 Jacobs dh 4 1 1 0 1 1 J.Guillen rf 5 0 1 0 0 1 Teahen 3b 4 1 1 0 0 2 Olivo c 4 1 2 1 0 1 DeJesus lf 3 1 1 2 1 0 Lu.Hernandez ss 3 0 1 0 0 1 Totals 37 4 10 4 3 10

Avg. .284 .280 .291 .248 .269 .285 .239 .236 .217

Chicago 100 210 003 — Kansas City 031 000 000 —

ED ZURGA / AP

Brian Anderson, right, scored one of Chicago’s three ninth-inning runs. Greinke. “He’s hit everything. You get two strikes and he fights off good pitches. I used to think he was just a bloop hit guy. He’s a little better than that.” Bale came in with one out in the ninth and gave up Pierzynski’s single just inches fair into left, and walked Brian Anderson. After Cruz walked Josh Fields, Getz singled into right. He scored on Podsednik’s single. Matt Thornton (2-1) pitched 1 2/3 innings of hitless relief for the win and Bobby Jenks worked the ninth for his 12th save in 13 chances as KC lost for the 16th time in 21 games. “Anytime you face a pitcher like Greinke, you know it’s going to be a really good battle,” said Thornton. “Our offense did a good job top to bottom. He’s

a great pitcher and to score four runs on him is huge for us.” Chicago starter John Danks had allowed only one earned run in 16 consecutive innings in Kansas City until Mark Teahen and Olivo singled and David DeJesus hit a two-run double in the second. DeJesus scored when shortstop Alexei Ramirez got turned around and appeared to lose Mitch Maier’s pop RBI double in the sun. Miguel Olivo’s RBI single put Greinke on top 4-1 in the third. Josh Fields made it 4-3 with a two-run single in the fourth and then Podsednik doubled in the fifth and tied it 4-all when Jermaine Dye dropped an RBI single in front of DeJesus in left. —The Associated Press

7 11 1 4 10 0

a-walked for Wise in the 9th. E: Danks (1). LOB: Chicago 4, Kansas City 10. 2B: Podsednik (4), Pierzynski (6), Maier (3), Butler (15), Jacobs (9), DeJesus (9). 3B: Podsednik (2). RBIs: Podsednik (8), Dye (34), Thome (29), Fields 2 (20), Getz 2 (10), Maier (6), Olivo (15), DeJesus 2 (20). S: Lu.Hernandez. Runners left in scoring position: Chicago 1 (Al.Ramirez); Kansas City 7 (J.Guillen 2, Butler, Jacobs, Maier, DeJesus 2). GIDP: Thome. DP: Kansas City 1 (Bloomquist, Lu.Hernandez, Butler). Chicago Danks Dotel Thornton W, 2-1 Jenks S, 12-13 Kansas City Greinke J.Wright Bale L, 0-1 J.Cruz

IP 5 1⁄3 1 1 2⁄3 1 IP 7 1 1⁄3 0 2⁄3

H 9 1 0 0 H 8 0 1 2

R ER BB SO NP ERA 4 4 2 5 100 4.80 0 0 1 3 22 1.04 0 0 0 2 19 1.80 0 0 0 0 11 3.00 R ER BB SO NP ERA 4 3 0 7 114 1.10 0 0 0 2 17 3.51 2 2 1 0 9 8.10 1 1 1 0 24 3.97

Bale pitched to 2 batters in the 9th. Inherited runners-scored: Dotel 1-0, Thornton 2-0, J.Cruz 2-2. WP: Thornton, Bale, J.Cruz. PB: Olivo. Umpires: Home, Paul Nauert; First, Paul Schrieber; Second, Ed Rapuano; Third, Chad Fairchild. T: 3:13. A: 19,855 (38,177).

Tigers 3, Orioles 0 Detroit AB Thomas rf 5 Santiago 2b 5 Ordonez dh 3 Granderson cf 4 Larish 1b 3 Inge 3b 3 J.Anderson lf 4 Laird c 3 Everett ss 3 Totals 33

R 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 3

H 1 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 1 6

BI 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 3

BB 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 4

SO 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 3

Avg. .282 .308 .280 .258 .250 .269 .277 .225 .284

Baltimore B.Roberts 2b Ad.Jones cf Markakis rf A.Huff 1b Wigginton 3b Scott lf Wieters dh Zaun c Andino ss a-C.Izturis ph Totals

R 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

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

BI 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

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

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

Avg. .300 .344 .298 .268 .226 .325 .182 .203 .256 .261

Detroit Baltimore

AB 4 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 28

000 100 011 — 000 000 000 —

3 6 0 0 2 0

a-struck out for Andino in the 9th. LOB: Detroit 8, Baltimore 3. 2B: Thomas (5), Larish (2), Wigginton (8). HR: Granderson (13), off Berken. RBIs: Thomas (13), Granderson (30), Larish (7). CS: Andino (1). Runners left in scoring position: Detroit 4 (Santiago 2, Laird, Inge); Baltimore 2 (Zaun, Markakis). Detroit E.Jackson W, 5-3 Rodney S, 10-10 Baltimore Berken L, 1-1 Baez Hendrickson

IP 8 1 IP 7 1 1

H 2 0 H 4 1 1

R ER BB SO NP ERA 0 0 1 7 101 2.30 0 0 1 1 17 3.00 R ER BB SO NP ERA 1 1 2 2 102 2.25 1 1 1 1 22 3.77 1 1 1 0 12 5.66

HBP: by Berken (Inge). Umpires: Home, Sam Holbrook; First, Adrian Johnson; Second, Larry Vanover; Third, Dan Iassogna. T: 2:21. A: 32,233 (48,290).

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22

MONDAY, JUNE 01, 2009

AMERICAN LEAGUE L.A. Angels 9, Seattle 8

Oakland 5, Texas 4

Angels’ rally complete with three-run ninth

Kennedy gets best of Francisco

Angels 9, Mariners 8 Seattle AB R I.Suzuki rf 5 2 Y.Betancourt ss 3 1 Beltre 3b 5 1 Griffey Jr. dh 3 1 Branyan 1b 2 1 Jo.Lopez 2b 4 1 Quiroz c 4 0 En.Chavez lf 5 1 F.Gutierrez cf 5 0 Totals 36 8

H 4 1 2 1 1 3 1 2 0 15

BI 1 0 1 1 0 1 2 2 0 8

BB 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 4

SO 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 3

Avg. .354 .256 .232 .208 .323 .230 .250 .289 .258

Los Angeles AB R H BI BB SO Figgins 3b 4 3 2 0 1 0 Abreu rf 5 1 2 2 0 1 Guerrero dh 4 0 2 2 0 1 1-Matthews Jr. pr 0 1 0 0 0 0 Tor.Hunter cf 4 1 1 2 1 1 J.Rivera lf 4 0 2 1 1 0 Quinlan 1b 2 0 0 0 0 1 a-K.Morales ph-1b 3 0 1 1 0 0 Napoli c 4 1 1 1 0 1 Kendrick 2b 3 0 0 0 0 0 b-M.Izturis ph 0 1 0 0 1 0 E.Aybar ss 3 1 0 0 0 1 Totals 36 9 11 9 4 6

Avg. .296 .295 .246 .269 .313 .310 .231 .280 .274 .225 .260 .279

Seattle 213 002 000 — Los Angeles 000 014 103 —

MARK J. TERRILL / AP

Gary Matthews Jr., right, gets ready to jump into the arms of teammate Mike Napoli after scoring the winning run in the ninth inning for the Angels. ANAHEIM—The Angels haven’t had a comeback win like this in nearly 13 years, and David Aardsma’s first blown save of the season enabled them to get it done. Kendry Morales capped a three-run ninth inning with a bases-loaded single, and Los Angeles overcame a seven-run deficit against an overworked Seattle Mariners bullpen to pull out a wild 9-8 victory on Sunday. “We had some great at-bats in the ninth, and it paid off with the win,” manager Mike Scioscia said. “The bullpen got outs that kept us in the game, and we didn’t quit.” Aardsma, who had converted all eight save chances and hadn’t allowed a run in

his previous 14 1/3 innings, failed to protect an 8-6 lead for starter Garrett Olson. “I knew from the first pitch I threw,” Aardsma said. “I gave it everything I had, but I couldn’t put enough pitches in the strike zone. And by the time I did, I hadn’t earned any close calls. I can live with hits—but the walks? I didn’t give us a chance.” It was the Angels’ biggest comeback in a victory since July 15, 1996, at Texas under manager Marcel Lachemann —the third time during that season that the Rangers lost after leading by seven runs. On that occasion, the Halos turned a 7-0 deficit into a 10-7 conquest with a six-run seventh keyed by Garret Anderson’s go-ahead

two-run single and capped by pinch-hitter Orlando Palmeiro’s two-run double. This time, they waited until they were down to their last out to take the lead. Juan Rivera drew a bases-loaded walk that forced in the tying run. Morales, who entered the game as a pinch-hitter in the sixth, ended it with a single to left on a 2-2 pitch. It was the first time the Angels won a game they trailed after eight innings in 19 attempts this season. “When I knew they were going to walk Torii, I kept thinking about the pitch I was going to get and what to look for,” Morales said through a translator. “I was just patient and waited for my pitch.” — The Associated Press

8 15 0 9 11 0

Two outs when winning run scored. a-popped out for Quinlan in the 6th. b-walked for Kendrick in the 9th. 1-ran for Guerrero in the 9th. LOB: Seattle 10, Los Angeles 7. 2B: I.Suzuki 2 (8), Y.Betancourt (6), Griffey Jr. (5), Branyan (13), Jo.Lopez (8), Guerrero 2 (2), J.Rivera (7). HR: En.Chavez (2), off E.Santana; I.Suzuki (5), off E.Santana; Napoli (7), off Olson;Tor. Hunter (12), off Olson. RBIs: I.Suzuki (16), Beltre (21), Griffey Jr. (14), Jo.Lopez (26), Quiroz 2 (2), En.Chavez 2 (13), Abreu 2 (21), Guerrero 2 (5),Tor.Hunter 2 (42), J.Rivera (19), K.Morales (30), Napoli (19). SB: Beltre (6), En.Chavez (8), Figgins (20). S: Y.Betancourt 2, Quiroz. SF: Griffey Jr., Guerrero. Runners left in scoring position: Seattle 6 (Quiroz 2, F.Gutierrez 3, En.Chavez); Los Angeles 3 (Tor.Hunter, Napoli, Guerrero). GIDP:Y.Betancourt. DP: Los Angeles 1 (Kendrick, Quinlan). Seattle Olson Batista H, 5 White H, 4 AardsmaL,1-2BS,1-9 Los Angeles E.Santana R.Rodriguez Bulger J.Speier W, 1-1

IP H 5 1⁄3 5 1 1⁄3 3 1 1⁄3 1 2⁄3 2 IP H 5 1⁄3 10 2⁄3 2 2 2 1 1

R ER BB SO 5 5 0 3 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 3 3 4 0 R ER BB SO 8 8 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1

NP ERA 65 4.68 28 3.76 24 1.75 33 2.13 NP ERA 97 9.50 7 7.36 23 4.87 18 5.31

R.Rodriguez pitched to 1 batter in the 7th. Inherited runners-scored: White 1-0, R.Rodriguez 1-1, Bulger 1-0. IBB: off Aardsma (Tor.Hunter), off E.Santana (Jo. Lopez). HBP: by Olson (E.Aybar), by E.Santana (Branyan). WP: White. Umpires: Home, Bill Miller; First, Bill Hohn; Second, Bruce Dreckman; Third, Paul Emmel. T: 2:56. A: 38,632 (45,257).

ARLINGTON, TEXAS—Adam Kennedy knew his long-ball opportunities would be limited against Texas Rangers closer Frank Francisco. With a fastball in the mid-to-high 90s and an effective off-speed pitch, Francisco hadn’t allowed a run all season. Kennedy won the battle, breaking a 4-all tie with a oneout homer in the ninth for his third career multi-homer game, and the Oakland Athletics ended a four-game skid with a 5-4 victory over the A.L. Westleading Rangers on Sunday. Kennedy ripped a 1-0 fastball off Francisco (1-1) into the right field seats, ending a streak of 28 appearances without having yielded an earned run. Francisco had 17 2/3 scoreless innings in his first 17 games this season, the most in the majors without giving up a run. “Off a closer, you’re not going to get a whole lot of chances or a whole lot of good pitches to hit,” Kennedy said. “When you get one, you want to put a good swing on it.” Francisco didn’t show up in the clubhouse for an extended period after the game. When he finally arrived, he said he wasn’t upset or ducking reporters but was just going through his usual post-game routine. “It was a fastball in the middle of the plate,” Francisco said of the homer to Kennedy. — The Associated Press

Athletics 5, Rangers 4 Oakland AB R H O.Cabrera ss 4 1 1 Kennedy 2b 5 3 3 Cust dh 5 0 1 Holliday lf 4 0 2 Giambi 1b 4 1 1 Crosby 1b 0 0 0 K.Suzuki c 4 0 1 R.Sweeney cf 4 0 1 Cunningham rf 3 0 0 Hannahan 3b 4 0 0 Totals 37 5 10

SO 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 1 1 3 9

Avg. .236 .390 .252 .270 .220 .204 .285 .250 .050 .194

Texas AB R H BI BB SO Kinsler 2b 5 0 1 0 0 1 M.Young 3b 5 1 2 0 0 1 An.Jones dh 4 0 1 0 0 3 N.Cruz rf 2 1 0 0 2 1 Blalock 1b 4 1 2 1 0 0 C.Davis 1b 0 0 0 0 0 0 Byrd cf 4 1 2 1 0 0 Dav.Murphy lf 3 0 0 0 1 1 Saltalamacchia c 4 0 1 2 0 1 Andrus ss 3 0 0 0 0 2 a-Hamilton ph 1 0 1 0 0 0 1-Vizquel pr 0 0 0 0 0 0 Totals 35 4 10 4 3 10

Avg. .279 .333 .282 .296 .258 .194 .304 .226 .255 .283 .240 .333

Oakland Texas

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

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

100 001 201 — 000 000 220 —

5 10 0 4 10 2

a-singled for Andrus in the 9th. 1-ran for Hamilton in the 9th. E: Blalock (1), Kinsler (4). LOB: Oakland 8, Texas 7. 2B: O.Cabrera (6), An.Jones (9), Byrd (18), Saltalamacchia (7). HR: Kennedy (3), off Millwood; Giambi (6), off Millwood; Kennedy (4), off F.Francisco. RBIs: Kennedy 2 (15), Cust (26), Giambi (23), Blalock (28), Byrd (24), Saltalamacchia 2 (23). SB: Holliday (4). CS: Dav.Murphy (3). Runners left in scoring position: Oakland 5 (Giambi, Kennedy 2, O.Cabrera, K.Suzuki); Texas 4 (Blalock, N.Cruz, Kinsler, Saltalamacchia). GIDP: Giambi, K.Suzuki, Kinsler. DP: Oakland 1 (Kennedy, O.Cabrera, Crosby); Texas 2 (Kinsler, Andrus, Blalock), (M.Young, Kinsler, Blalock). Oakland Braden Breslow H, 4 Wuertz H, 5 A.BaileyW,4-0BS,3-5 Texas Millwood Holland F.Francisco L, 1-1

IP 6 1⁄3 1 12⁄3 IP 6 2 1

H 5 1 1 3 H 5 4 1

R ER BB SO NP ERA 2 2 2 6 82 3.63 0 0 0 0 8 5.03 2 2 1 3 25 2.59 0 0 0 1 18 2.23 R ER BB SO NP ERA 2 2 2 5 116 3.23 2 2 0 3 34 5.96 1 1 0 1 16 0.48

Braden pitched to 2 batters in the 7th. Inherited runners-scored: Breslow 2-2, Wuertz 1-0, A.Bailey 2-2. HBP: by Millwood (Holliday). Balk: Holland. Umpires: Home, Gerry Davis; First, Brian Gorman; Second, C.B. Bucknor; Third, Mike Everitt. T: 2:57. A: 22,952 (49,170).

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Q&A with … Chargers QB Philip Rivers

Rivers plans to tone down taunting, even though he keeps it ‘clean’ replaced by you? All four guys have continued to improve and have good careers. The one thing I really appreciated was the relationship with Drew here my first two years, what I learned from him about pushing myself and competing. He’s meant a lot to this organization. Eli and Ben have a handful of Super Bowls and obviously have played great, and here in San Diego we’ve won a lot of football games.

What does Philip Rivers’ in-game yapping at opposing players and fans alike really say about him? What does it mean to him that he outlasted Jay Cutler in the AFC West? And can he own a division for an extended period of time like some of his heroes—Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady— have done in their careers? Rivers, 27, discussed those matters, as well as his devout Catholic faith and unique family life, in a wide-ranging Sporting News Conversation with Steve Greenberg. Some excerpts and outtakes from the magazine interview that is on newsstands now:

A:

Q: A:

Q:

You say you’re going to tone down talking to opposing fans. Why would you do that? It seems like fun for both sides. It is fun. There hasn’t been profanity on either side; it hasn’t been vulgar. In Indianapolis (in a January ’08 playoff game), every completion Peyton (Manning) threw: “That’s how a real quarterback does it!” And then we scored and I said, “Yeah, what now?” But the reasons for toning it down are, 1) so it’s not a distraction for any of us, and then 2) it wasn’t explained on the SportsCenter reel like I’ve explained it to you. People watched it and said, “This guy’s out of his mind.” Not that I always worry about the perception, but I’m not going to win that battle by saying I’m just having a good time.

A:

Q:

Cameras caught you gesturing to Jay Cutler during a win against the Broncos a couple of seasons ago. It sure looked like you were taunting him. Did you go too far? There are obviously two sides to every story. They’re a division rival, our guys got a big defensive stop, they’d been going at it all day with Jay, and I was kind of congratulating Matt Wilhelm and Shaun Phillips. I had a little smirk on my

A:

JAY DROWNS / SN

Chargers QB Philip Rivers enjoys sparring with opposing fans and players, but because of the way it comes across on television, ‘maybe it wasn’t the best thing.’ face, had a little, “Atta baby, nice play!” with my eyes directed toward Jay. Is it something I regret? No, because it was clean. But I understand some of the feedback and the perception it created. Maybe it wasn’t the best thing. But I can repeat everything that was said and how it went. If it doesn’t get caught on TV, I don’t think either one of us would have ever thought about it.

Q:

How great was it for this team to hang in there last season and win the division the way you did, especially after that nutty call in Denver in Week 2? It was unreal. I was talking to my wife about last season, the 4-8

A:

(start) and how we came back. She said, “Isn’t it funny how you just remember how it ended?” It’s hard to put yourself back to how hard it really was and how rough and sick we felt coming in here at 4-8 and going to Wednesday practice. It was rough ... and it was super-rewarding—and a lot of people deserve a lot of credit. Norv (Turner) did a heck of a job. To stand in front of the team and it looks like it’s slipping away from you, it’s not easy. What do you say? “Hang in there, we’re almost there, keep playing hard.” But he did that; he never flinched.

Q:

Here’s an impossible question. If you were on a team with Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger, who

would start? That is pretty impossible. I imagine you’d get three “I woulds” if you asked all three guys that question. I think I’d have to say I would.

A:

Q: A:

Who’s the best player from your 2004 draft class? I think, right now, it’s Larry Fitzgerald. The things he does and how consistent he is and what he can do in one play, one catch, to change the game, is really unmatched.

Q:

It’s pretty neat, isn’t it, how things have really worked out for you, Manning and Roethlisberger but also for Drew Brees, who was

What was it like to play high school ball for your father (Steve) in Athens, Ala.? Some of the greatest memories that I’ve ever had. It was awesome. Ever since I was old enough to think about it, I couldn’t wait to play for him. It was something both of us couldn’t wait for. And then it just flies by. I’ll never forget both of us literally crying our eyes out after the last game we were together. We sat there and had a big hug. God, it was over. It was the end of it. I remember that like yesterday.

Q:

You publicly supported Prop 4, a California ballot initiative that would have required parental notification before abortions could be performed on minors. Did you also get involved with Prop 8, which eliminated same-sex couples’ right to marry in the state? On Prop 8, I did not, but I have the stance that you would imagine. As for Prop 4, just having young daughters, I felt strongly enough about it to try to help out. Another thing I feel strongly about is chastity. You ask why I got married so young—it was important to Tiff and I to remain pure until we got married. That was certainly some motivation right there to get married young. (Laughs.)

A:

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24

Scouts’ views

Return specialist rankings: Nobody’s more dangerous than Bush Perhaps no aspect of the NFL game will see a greater change in 2009 than the return game. With the elimination of wedge blocking, kickoff coverage units will be able to get downfield more easily and put greater pressure on returners. The ability to make the first tackler miss and get upfield quickly will be even more critical to success in the field-position battle. RealScouts, SN Today’s team of former NFL scouts, rank their top 15 return specialists for ’09:

1.

Reggie Bush, Saints. Though

some critics harp on Bush’s inability to become a feature back, he is one of the most explosive allpurpose players in the game. In 2008, he scored three touchdowns on punt returns and a third of his punt returns went for 20 yards or more. He may be unmatched as a returner who can score on any given play.

2.

Josh Cribbs, Browns. Cribbs is

a versatile, athletic player and a special teams ace. He didn’t have his best year in ’08, but he has turned in 1,000-plus yards on kickoff returns in each of his four seasons and has six return TDs in that span. He has mended fences in Cleveland after threatening to sit out offseason activities over a contract dispute.

3.

Darren

Sproles,

Chargers.

Every indication coming out of Chargers camp is that LaDainian Tomlinson will carry the running load this year, which means Sproles will be able to focus on his return duties. Even with more work on

offense last season, Sproles averaged 26.0 yards on kickoffs and a career-high 11.3 on punts. The Chargers’ franchise player, Sproles will look to earn a big contract with his play this year.

4.

He has sure hands and sees the field extremely well, allowing him to find running lanes.

Devin Hester, Bears. Hester

Danieal

Manning,

6.

Clifton Smith, Buccaneers.

Smith made the Pro Bowl as a rookie returner last season, finishing in the top 10 in the in kickoffand punt-return average. He’s a small, quick back who shows great first-step explosion and excellent change-of-direction skills. When he gets in the open field, it’s over.

7.

Leodis McKelvin, Bills. As a

rookie, McKelvin found his niche in the return game, averaging 28.2 yards on kick returns. Seven went for 40 yards or more, and he

13.

Johnnie Lee Higgins, Raiders.

14.

Roscoe Parrish, Bills. One

Higgins returned three punts for touchdowns in 2008, showing good open-field running ability and a dangerous burst when he gets into open space. He also is a capable kick returner, though Justin Miller is a little more explosive in that role for Oakland.

Bears.

Though there was some talk of Manning taking over as the starting free safety, word is he will remain in his role as the nickel back and kickoff returner. His 29.7 kickreturn average was highest in the league among players with at least 20 returns last season, and nine of his 36 returns went for 40 yards or more.

Leon Washington, Jets.

Washington will likely have a bigger role in the Jets’ offense this year but should still have a big role in the return game. He shows excellent burst and speed in the open field, the strength to break tackles and the ability to make the first tackler miss. He had four kick-return TDs over the past two years.

had a down year as a return specialist in 2008—he averaged 6.2 yards per punt return and lost his kick-return job to Danieal Manning—but that’s largely because he was focused on developing his skills as a receiver. Look for him to return to form on punt returns, where he was among the best in the history of the game in 2007.

5.

12.

EVAN VUCCI / AP

The Saints’ Reggie Bush might not be a feature back, but he’s emerged as the NFL’s top returner after taking three punts back for TDs in 2008. had a 98-yard touchdown. McKelvin is expected to start at cornerback this year, but the Bills will keep him in the return mix.

8.

Chris Carr, Ravens. For now,

he’s expected to handle punt returns in his first year with the Ravens, but he could become the main kickoff returner, too. He is elusive and gets north-south quickly, but he doesn’t have the topend speed to be a breakaway threat. Still, he ranked in the top five in kickoff returns last season and

averaged more 10 yards per punt return.

9.

Jerious Norwood, Falcons. The

Falcons again are talking about giving Norwood a bigger role on offense, but it’s hard to envision a scenario in which they would remove him off kick returns. He has excellent vision, has a nice burst when he finds open space and can cut on a dime.

10.

Ellis Hobbs, Eagles. With the Patriots last year,

Hobbs ranked second in the league with a 28.5 kick-return average and produced seven 40-plus yard returns. He should have a good shot at claiming the kick-return job in Philadelphia, especially if Quintin Demps wins one of the starting safety jobs.

11.

Allen Rossum, 49ers. Ros-

sum, 33, is still an elite return man. He’s coming off a career year in which he averaged almost 27 yards per kick return and just under 15 yards on punt returns.

of the league’s most dynamic punt returners, he has at least one TD in each of the past three seasons. Extremely quick and instinctive, Parrish sees running lanes very well and can make multiple defenders miss in the open field.

15.

Eddie Royal, Broncos. With Josh McDaniels now in Denver, think of Royal as Wes Welker. The Broncos will work hard to find ways to get the ball in his hands and let him run. He’s elusive, has deceptive speed and has a knack for making the big play. —RealScouts analyze NFL and college players, coaches and teams exclusively for Sporting News Today.

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MONDAY, JUNE 01, 2009

25

INSIDE DISH

Palmer softens stance on Johnson; Rams to be put up for sale Carson Palmer has been critical of Chad Johnson’s absence from offseason workouts, but that doesn’t mean he wants him out. Palmer recently acknowledged how key Johnson is to the Bengals’offense—a unit that won’t have free-agent departee T.J. . Houshmandzadeh In an interview on Fox Sports Radio, Palmer said, “He’s a damn good receiver— that’s obvious, everybody knows that. I never once said anything about not wanting him here and not needing him. He’s a Pro Bowl receiver. He’s put up a ton of yards. He’s extremely dangerous to cover. We would love him when he comes here, but he’s not here right now.” With Johnson working out in Los Angeles, Palmer is trying to build a rapport with free-agent pickup Laveranues Coles, Chris Henry and second-year players Andre Caldwell and Jerome Simpson, The Cincinnati Enquirer reported. “I don’t think (Palmer’s) had the chance to really let loose like he can,” RB Cedric Benson told the Enquirer. “We have a lot of young receivers who haven’t had much of any experience at all. They’re trying to find their way in this game. In a way, he has to work through that, too. He’s been very patient and let those guys work it out.” The Rams will soon be put up for sale, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Owner Chip Rosenbloom has retained Goldman Sachs, the prominent investment banking firm, to advance the sale, the newspaper said. A local buyer hasn’t emerged, so it’s possible the Rams could be purchased by outof-town interests and eventually moved. If the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission doesn’t meet certain criteria in the team’s lease at the Edward Jones Dome, the Rams can opt out of the agreement

The development of QB Joe Flacco should help. The Ravens were cautious with Flacco in his rookie season, especially in the red zone early in the season. The team will lean more on Flacco to make plays in 2009. Another key will be developing the offensive line, which has two new starters in rookie RT Michael Oher and veteran C Matt Birk. It’s unrealistic to think the Falcons will get as much impact from their 2009 draft picks as they received from their 2008 class, which featured Rookie of the Year Matt Ryan. But after watching firstround pick Peria Jerry in OTAs, G.M. Thomas Dimitroff thinks the defensive tackle will make an immediate impact in the line rotation. “We are very impressed with his work ethic and ability to help ramp up the energy level along the defensive line,” Dimitroff told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “He’s got his ears pinned back, and he’s ready to play some football. I like his focus and energy.”

AL BEHRMAN / AP

Cincinnati QB Carson Palmer, right, knows it’s important to have WR Chad Johnson at offseason workouts. following the 2014 season, the Post-Dispatch reported. The Rams could have interest in Michael Vick, according to nationalfootballpost.com. The report said the Rams have been performing their “due diligence” on Vick and could actively pursue him if and when he is reinstated. Vick might make sense for the Rams because of Marc Bulger’s slide the past two years and because Vick’s speed and athleticism could be highlighted playing in a dome on artificial surface, the report said.

The uncertain ownership situation could complicate any interest in Vick, however. A new owner may be opposed to pursuing him. The Baltimore Sun reported the Ravens have two priorities for the offense heading into training camp: improve their red zone scoring and third-down efficiency. Last season, the Ravens were ranked 25th in scoring inside the 20-yard line and 15th in converting third-down plays. “We’ve got to get more explosive,” offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said.

Bucs SS Sabby Piscitelli started five of the team’s final eight games last season in place of injured Jermaine Phillips, giving coaches the confidence to move Phillips to linebacker and make Piscitelli the starter. Piscitelli, heading into his third season, has misread plays and missed some tackles but has shown great improvement. The scheme of new coordinator Jim Bates’ is “not dramatically different ... but I think (it) definitely allows myself and Tanard (Jackson) to be more aggressive,” Piscitelli told the St. Petersburg Times. “I think this is a playmaking scheme. I think we’re going to have a lot more interceptions. I think that’s true for the whole secondary. “They expect the safeties to be the two best athletes on the field, I think. We can

really go out there and make a lot of plays.” In the competition for the Panthers’ No. 2 quarterback job, Josh McCown is ahead of Matt Moore, The Charlotte Observer reported. “The preseason will be real important to both of them,” coach John Fox said. Packers DL Justin Harrell, who has had injury problems and fallen well short of expectations in his first two seasons, understands this could be a make-or-break year for him. “It’s huge,” he told the Green Bay Press-Gazette. “This is one of the biggest years of my life.” Harrell, a 2007 first-round pick, has battled weight issues this offseason while making the transition from tackle to end in the team’s 3-4 scheme, the Press-Gazette reported. He had been close to his target playing weight of 305 before ballooning to more than 320 in May after spending a week at home. He attributed the gain to “a little bit too much barbecue.” Retired football players angry with the NFL Players Association over disability and pension benefits say the executive director of the union may be ahead of himself in seeking their support during upcoming contract talks with the league. An informal group of football players lashed out Sunday at comments made by NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith, who said Saturday that if there is a lockout by owners in 2011 retired player benefits would be reduced by 80 percent while it lasts. Several players meeting in Las Vegas about their clashes with the union said their benefits are protected by law—lockout or not. Retired player Marvin Cobb says Smith must work through problems with retired players before they will support him and the union.

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Remaining free agents A quick look at the remaining NFL free agents by position (R-restricted free agent, F-franchise tagged player): OFFENSE Quarterbacks—Brooks Bollinger, Dallas; Ken Dorsey, Cleveland; Gus Frerotte, Minnesota; Charlie Frye, Seattle; Drew Henson, Detroit; Quinn Gray, Kansas City; Trent Green, St. Louis; Rex Grossman, Chicago; Brad Johnson, Dallas; J.P. Losman, Buffalo; Jamie Martin, San Francisco; Craig Nall, Houston; Marques Tuiasosopo, Oakland; Anthony Wright, NY Giants. Running backs—J.J. Arrington, Denver; Darian Barnes, New Orleans; Tatum Bell, Denver; Jon Bradley, Detroit; Brian Calhoun, Detroit; Jesse Chatman, NY Jets; P.J. Daniels, Baltimore; Reuben Droughns, NY Giants; Warrick Dunn, Tampa Bay; DeShaun Foster, San Francisco; Samkon Gado, St. Louis; Nick Goings, Carolina; Ahman Green, Houston; Andre Hall, Denver; Kay-Jay Harris, NY Giants; Maurice Hicks, Minnesota; Edgerrin James, Arizona; Rudi Johnson, Detroit; Deuce McAllister, New Orleans; Travis Minor, St. Louis; Chris Perry, Cincinnati; Andrew Pinnock, Denver; Michael Pittman, Denver; P.J. Pope, Denver; Cecil Sapp, Houston; Aaron Stecker, New Orleans; Selvin Young, Denver. Wide receivers—Drew Bennett, St. Louis; Marty Booker, Chicago; Drew Carter, Oakland; Jason Carter; Carolina; Keary Colbert, Detroit; Jayson Foster, Denver; D.J. Hackett, Carolina; Dante Hall, St. Louis; Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis; Ike Hilliard, Tampa Bay; Darrell Jackson, Denver; Nate Jackson, Denver; Matt Jones, Jacksonville; Joe Jurevicius, Cleveland; Ashley Lelie, Oakland; Brandon Lloyd, Chicago; Dane Looker, St. Louis; Marcus Maxwell, Baltimore; Anthony Mix, Tampa Bay; Ben Obomanu (R), Seattle; Tab Perry, Miami; Jerry Porter, Jacksonville; Kevin Robinson, Kansas City; Koren Robinson, Seattle; Edell Shepherd, Denver; Travis Taylor, Detroit; Amani Toomer, NY Giants; Kelley Washington, New England; Todd Watkins (R), Oakland; Harry Williams, Houston; Reggie Williams, Jacksonville; Wallace Wright (R), NY Jets. Tight ends—Courtney Anderson, Houston; Adam Bergen, Denver; Mark Bruener, Houston; Owen Daniels (R), Houston; Nate Lawrie, Cincinnati; Michael Merritt, Kansas City; Chad Mustard, Denver; Rob Myers, NY Jets; Jeff Robinson, Seattle; Derek Schouman (R), Buffalo; Stephen Spach (R), Arizona; Daniel Wilcox, Baltimore; Kris Wilson, San Diego. Offensive tackles—Tyson Clabo (R), Atlanta; Anthony Davis, St. Louis; Jon Dunn, Detroit; Wayne Gandy, Atlanta; Kwame Harris, Oakland; Jon Jansen, Washington; Jonas Jennings, San Francisco; Levi Jones, Cincinnati; Kyle Link, NY Jets; James Marten (R), Oakland; Fred Miller, Chicago; Rob Petitti, St. Louis; Jon Runyan, Philadelphia; Charles Spencer, Jacksonville; Barry Stokes, New England; Mark Tauscher, Green Bay; Mark Wilson (R), Oakland. Guards—Lennie Friedman, Cleveland; Pete Kendall, Washington; Matt Lentz, Detroit; Terrence Metcalf, Chicago; Edwin Mulitalo, Detroit; Chris Naeole, Jacksonville; Grey Ruegamer, NY Giants; Kendall Simmons, Pittsburgh; Rob Sims (R), Seattle; Jason Whittle, Buffalo. Centers—Brennen Carvalho, Green Bay; Jean-Philippe Darche, Kansas City; Melvin Fowler, Buffalo; Matt Lehr, New Orleans; Andy McCollum, Detroit; Jeremy Newberry, San Diego; Scott Peters, Arizona; Cory Withrow, St. Louis.

DEFENSE Defensive ends—Kevin Carter, Tampa Bay; Earl Cochran, Houston; Sean Conover, NY Jets; Nick Eason, Pittsburgh; Kalimba Edwards, Oakland; Ebenezer Ekuban, Denver; John Engelberger, Denver; Simon Fraser, Atlanta; Roderick Green, San Francisco; Brian Johnston, Kansas City; Travis LaBoy, Arizona; Jayme Mitchell, Minnesota; Jerome McDougle, NY Giants; Julius Peppers (F), Carolina; Josh Savage, New Orleans; Anthony Weaver, Houston; James Wyche, Jacksonville. Defensive tackles—Kenderick Allen, Minnesota; Gary Gibson, Carolina; La’Roi Glover, St. Louis; Vonnie Holliday, Miami; Antwan Lake, New Orleans; Langston Moore, Detroit; Kindal Moorehead, Atlanta; Dewayne Robertson, Denver; Orpheus Roye, Pittsburgh; Hollis Thomas, New Orleans; Josh Thomas, Indianapolis; John Thornton, Cincinnati; Casey Tyler, Dallas; Darwin Walker, Carolina; Ellis Wyms, Minnesota; Brian Young, New Orleans; Jeff Zgonina, Houston. Linebackers—Rufus Alexander, Indianapolis; Jason Babin, Kansas City; Rocky Boiman, Kansas City; Derrick Brooks, Tampa Bay; Khary Campbell, Washington; Anthony Cannon, Detroit; Dan Cody, Baltimore; Rosevelt Colvin, New England; Donte’ Curry, Carolina; Donnie Edwards, Kansas City; Keith Ellison (R), Buffalo; Troy Evans, New Orleans; Gilbert Gardner, Chicago; Curtis Gatewood, Kansas City; Morlon Greenwood, Houston; Marques Harris, San Diego; Napoleon Harris, Minnesota; Abdul Hodge (R), Cincinnati; Mike Humpal, Pittsburgh; Brad Kassell, NY Jets; Jason Kyle, Carolina; Teddy Lehman, Buffalo; Wesly Mallard, Seattle; Jim Maxwell, Cincinnati; Willie McGinest, Cleveland; Marques Murrell (R), NY Jets; Ryan Nece, Detroit; Shantee Orr, Cleveland; Antwan Peek, Cleveland; Carlos Polk, Dallas; Junior Seau, New England; Matt Sinclair, Washington; Gary Stills, St. Louis; Terrell Suggs (F), Baltimore; Dontarrious Thomas, Minnesota; Marcus Washington, Washington; Nate Webster, Denver. Cornerbacks—David Barrett, NY Jets; Fakhir Brown, St. Louis; Terry Cousin, Cleveland; Jason Craft, St. Louis; Travis Fisher, Detroit; Reynaldo Hill, Tennessee; William James, Jacksonville; Michael Lehan, New Orleans; Sam Madison, NY Giants; Ricky Manning Jr., St. Louis; Derrick Martin (R), Baltimore; Chris McAlister, Baltimore; Mike McKenzie, New Orleans; R.W. McQuarters, NY Giants; Deltha O’Neal, New England; Dunta Robinson (F), Houston; Lewis Sanders, New England; Duane Starks, Jacksonville; Brandon Sumrall, NY Giants; DeJuan Tribble, San Diego; Jason Webster, New England; Jimmy Williams, Houston; Stanley Wilson, Detroit. Safeties—Oshiomogho Atogwe (F), St. Louis; Michael Boulware, Minnesota; Mike Brown, Chicago; Oliver Celestin, Kansas City; Corey Chavous, St. Louis; Will Demps, Houston; Mike Doss, Cincinnati; Hiram Eugene, Oakland; Mike Green, Washington; Rodney Harrison, New England; Terrence Holt, New Orleans; Dexter Jackson, Cincinnati; Sammy Knight, NY Giants; Marquand Manuel, Denver; Marlon McCree, Denver; Lawyer Milloy, Atlanta; Chad Nkang, Jacksonville; Pierson Prioleau, Jacksonville; Chris Reis (R), New Orleans; Dwight Smith, Detroit; Jimmy Williams, San Francisco; Cameron Worrell, Chicago. SPECIAL TEAMS Kickers—John Carney, NY Giants; Matt Stover, Baltimore. Punters—Mitch Berger, Pittsburgh; Mike Dragosavich, Indianapolis; Sam Koch (R), Baltimore; Kyle Larson, Cincinnati; Ryan Plackemeier, Cincinnati.

NFL

MONDAY, JUNE 01, 2009

26

Harvin provides limitless options for Vikings EDEN PRAIRIE, MINN.—When the Vikings made Percy Harvin their first-round draft pick last month, coach Brad Childress immediately asked his offensive coordinator about his plans. Childress wanted to know how Darrell Bevell would use Harvin, the versatile wide receiver from Florida who will be counted on this season for his ability to catch, run and return kicks. “As soon as we called his name out, he turned to me and said, ‘Where’s the list?’ Bevell recalled. “So he wanted it immediately.” Bevell, speaking Saturday between Minnesota’s minicamp practices, said there are 20 or 30 plays in the scheme designed specifically for the fleet-footed Harvin, who was selected 22nd overall. Between 10 and 15 of those, Bevell said, were added to the playbook in the past month. “We’re up there trying to diagram everything we can,” Bevell said. “We’re looking at things we can do. We’re looking at things other teams have done and trying to get the ball to our playmakers.” That includes the single-wing formation, which Miami successfully used last year. It starts with a direct snap to a running back and can feature motion in the backfield, fakes and other types of tricks. The Dolphins call their version the “Wildcat,” but whatever the name the concept has caught on around the league. Harvin took some of those direct snaps during a series of plays the Vikings tested Saturday without a defense on the other side. Running back Chester Taylor and wide

JIM MONE / AP

Minnesota has already implemented 20 or 30 plays designed for rookie WR Percy Harvin. receiver Darius Reynaud are also being evaluated in that role. “They just want me to learn multiple positions,” Harvin said. “We don’t know quite where I’m going

to play right now. I’m just learning kind of a little bit of everything. I’m just working hard and whatever they need me to play, that’s what I’ll do.”

Harvin scored in every game for the Gators last year and averaged 9.55 yards per rush in his three years at Florida. He’s 5-11, shorter than the standard NFL size for receivers, but he makes up for that with exceptional quickness and elusiveness. Harvin caught plenty of deep balls in practices this weekend, but his best value to the Vikings might ultimately be the way he can keep defenses from focusing solely on All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson by diversifying an offense that has clearly been on the conservative side under Childress. “Percy is a special athlete. Not only is he a good receiver, but he’s got a little bit of that tailback in him,” quarterback Sage Rosenfels said. “There is a lot of things that we can do with him, maybe get some mismatches.” Florida used Harvin frequently for direct snaps. “That is a lot of my versatility,” he said. Peterson, for his part, is excited. “There’s a couple of new plays we’re throwing in there to see how it works out,” he said. “Some of them are looking pretty nice.” Harvin’s speed looks pretty good to Peterson, too. “I know that guy is exhausted, because I’m exhausted for him—all the running around he’s doing,” Peterson said. “He’s a tremendous athlete, and he has a lot of ability.” Like any rookie, though, he has much to learn. “He is very athletic, but in terms of mentally he has struggled a little bit,” Bevell said. “It’s not something that we didn’t expect, because we have really put a lot on his plate.” —The Associated Press

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NASCAR

Johnson rallies for win at Dover REID SPENCER [email protected]

DOVER, DEL.—It’s tough to keep a good man down—and when you have the combination of a great car and an excellent driver, it’s downright impossible, as Jimmie Johnson proved in Sunday’s Autism Speaks 400 at Dover International Speedway. Restarting eighth on Lap 374 of 400, after NASCAR called the 10th caution of the race for David Stremme’s hard crash on the frontsretch, Johnson atoned for a slow pit stop and charged through the field to run down Greg Biffle and Tony Stewart and win his fourth Sprint Cup race at Dover, his second of the 2009 season and the 42nd of his career. Johnson, who led 298 laps, cleared Stewart for the lead through Turns 3 and 4 on Lap 398 and pulled away to finish .861 seconds ahead of the No. 14 Stewart-Haas Chevrolet. Having taken two tires to Johnson’s four during the final pit stops for each team, Stewart repeatedly ran high through the corners to try to block Johnson’s line. But Johnson finally found room to the outside through Turns 1 and 2 and completed the winning pass through the final two corners. Biffle finished third, followed by Matt Kenseth and Kurt Busch. Kasey Kahne, Carl Edwards, Ryan Newman, Casey Mears and Mark Martin completed the top 10. In his first race at Hendrick Motorsports with a crew chief other than Tony Eury Jr., Dale Earnhardt Jr. faded to 12th after a cracking the top five earlier in the race.

ALAN MARLER / AP

Jimmie Johnson led 298 laps and beat Tony Stewart down the stretch to win Sunday’s race. “Fortunately, I had such a good car that I could run around the top,” said Johnson, who climbed one position to third in the series standings. “My hat’s off to Tony Stewart. That was one heck of a race. I had to drive so far over my head to get by him. I’m just very proud of what we did out there on the racetrack today. “I wasn’t going to give up. I had no idea what was going to happen, but I knew I had a great racecar. I knew there were some laps left, and it was just time to go—and I got it done. To have to run that hard to pass that many good cars to get the lead, that’s

a challenge. I really had to suck it up and get going. I thought I was going to pound the wall a couple of times on the top. I cooked it off in there too fast and slid right up to the crumbs, and I’m like, ‘Please stay, please.’ And it stuck, and I made it back around.” Stewart, who took the series points lead from 26th-place finisher Jeff Gordon, used his consummate skill to try to keep Johnson behind him. “We had an opportunity,” said Stewart, who became the first owner/driver to lead the points standings since Alan Kulwicki in

1992. “We got to the lead there and got by Biffle and just couldn’t hold off Jimmie. He was like a freight train coming. I mean, I was surprised I could hold him off as long as I did, but I was pretty happy that we were able to do it for that long. “I mean, when you’re the fastest car and you’re coming as fast as he was, it was just a matter of getting the opening that he needed, and we did everything we could to take his line away from him as often as we could, but just couldn’t do it long enough.” Earnhardt’s strong run started to erode after Denny Hamlin smacked the wall on Lap 231 to bring out the fifth caution of the afternoon. With a quick pit stop, Earnhardt came out third for a restart on Lap 237, but his No. 88 Chevrolet developed a tight handling condition and began to fade. Despite adjustments under the sixth caution (called because of debris on Lap 276), the condition worsened after a restart on Lap 281, and Earnhardt brought the car back to pit road five laps later, after a wreck on the backstretch involving Paul Menard and Robby Gordon put the race under caution for a seventh time. The pit stop dropped Earnhardt to 15th for a restart on Lap 291, but changes to the car sent the handling from tight to loose, and Earnhardt wasn’t a contender for the win after that. Nevertheless, he gained one position in the standings to 18th, 215 points out of 12th place, the last position eligible for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. —Reid Spencer writes for the Sporting News NASCAR Wire Service

27

MONDAY, JUNE 01, 2009

Autism Speaks 400 results FINISH START 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

8 31 5 14 19 2 13 11 17 28

CAR DRIVER

MAKE

48 14 16 17 2 9 99 39 7 5

Chevrolet Chevrolet Ford Ford Dodge Dodge Ford Chevrolet Chevrolet Chevrolet

Jimmie Johnson Tony Stewart Greg Biffle Matt Kenseth Kurt Busch Kasey Kahne Carl Edwards Ryan Newman Casey Mears Mark Martin

POINTS 195 175 170 165 155 150 151 142 138 139

NASCAR Sprint Cup standings (through Sunday’s race) RK. +/- DRIVER POINTS BEHIND STARTS POLES WINS T-5 1 1 Tony Stewart 1,853 0 13 0 0 6 2 -1 Jeff Gordon 1,807 -46 13 0 1 6 3 1 Jimmie Johnson 1,789 -64 13 0 2 6 4 -1 Kurt Busch 1,762 -91 13 0 1 4 5 2 Ryan Newman 1,680 -173 13 1 0 4 6 -- Kyle Busch 1,634 -219 13 1 3 4 7 -2 Denny Hamlin 1,630 -223 13 0 0 2 8 1 Matt Kenseth 1,625 -228 13 1 2 4 9 1 Greg Biffle 1,618 -235 13 0 0 4 10 -2 Jeff Burton 1,587 -266 13 0 0 2 11 -- Carl Edwards 1,582 -271 13 0 0 2 12 -- Mark Martin 1,567 -286 13 3 2 3 13 -- David Reutimann 1,536 -317 13 2 1 2 14 1 Kasey Kahne 1,501 -352 13 0 0 1 15 -1 Juan Pablo Montoya 1,475 -378 13 1 0 0 16 1 Clint Bowyer 1,449 -404 13 0 0 3 17 -1 Brian Vickers 1,436 -417 13 2 0 2 18 1 Dale Earnhardt Jr. 1,352 -501 13 0 0 1 19 -1 Martin Truex Jr. 1,338 -515 13 1 0 0 20 -- Marcos Ambrose 1,319 -534 13 0 0 1 21 1 Casey Mears 1,306 -547 13 0 0 0 22 -1 Jamie McMurray 1,289 -564 13 0 0 0 23 2 Joey Logano 1,263 -590 13 0 0 0 24 -1 Kevin Harvick 1,261 -592 13 0 0 2 25 -1 Reed Sorenson 1,259 -594 13 0 0 0 —Bold line indicates Chase cutoff

MORE COVERAGE from sportingnews.com Results: sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=555297 Standings: sportingnews.com/nascar/standings

T-10 9 8 8 7 7 5 4 6 7 5 6 7 3 4 4 4 5 3 3 2 2 3 3 2 1

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MONDAY, JUNE 01, 2009

28

Newman strong again, moves up to fifth in standings

ROB CARR / AP

Dale Earnhardt (88) was battling drivers like Mark Martin near the front of the field.

Earnhardt enjoys Dover until handling fades

DOVER, DEL.—A sign of how good Ryan Newman has been lately: His eighth-place finish in Sunday’s Autism Speaks 400 was his worst in the past five races. Newman’s streak of four consecutive top-five finishes came to an end at Dover, but he still moved up two spots to fifth in the Sprint Cup standings. Newman struggled with the handling of his No. 39 Chevrolet, but he and crew chief Tony Gibson did their best to get the car better. “We were a top-10 car, and that was it,” Gibson said. “We could never really hit on anything that really worked for Ryan. We danced with air pressures, wedge and trackbar adjustments but never hit on anything. … We keep on pounding away, pounding away and pounding away. We have to stay strong as a team, and if we do that we can pre-

vail on a day like today. “It’s pretty good when you can say you’re ticked off because you finished eighth. We have to get better, and we want to win races quickly.” Newman was running 10th when the yellow flag waved with 37 laps to go. Gibson called for right-side tires only, and Newman restarted third. Though he couldn’t hang on for a top five, he didn’t complain about his seventh top 10 of the year—he had eight all of last year. “I drove a little harder than I wanted to at the end on two tires,” Newman said. “I had to drive it so hard to get everything out of it. Typically with these cars the more you finesse them the better they are. But there was no finessing today. When everything is not clicking and you can still finish eighth—not a bad day overall.” — SceneDaily.com

HAROLD HINSON FOR SN

Ryan Newman and crew chief Tony Gibson have been firing on all cylinders lately.

BY REID SPENCER [email protected]

DOVER, DEL.—For the first time in a long time, Dale Earnhardt Jr. really seemed to be enjoying himself on the racetrack. “Bad ass!” Earnhardt crowed Sunday after passing Matt Kenseth for the fifth position just past the midpoint of the Autism Speaks 400 at Dover International Speedway. With Brian Whitesell and Lance McGrew on the pit box (having replaced longtime crew chief Tony Eury Jr.), Earnhardt sped to the front of the field and ran as high as third before his handling deteriorated in the final third of the race. Nevertheless, his 12th-place finish was a marked improvement over his past three Sprint Cup results of 27th, 27th and 40th. His average finish for all 13 races is 20.6. “I’m happier,” said Earnhardt, who spent a stressful three days answering questions about the crew chief change. “I would like to have run better than 12th. We had the car really good there for most of the race. We got it a little too loose, then got real tight trying to fix it. “Track position was real important, and we didn’t have it at the end of the race. We had good communication and we made the car a little better, (and) by lap 200, I was pretty happy and pleased. We need to keep doing that.”

INSIDE DISH

Gordon limps home 26th Jeff Gordon finished off a difficult weekend with a disappointing 26thplace finish in Sunday’s Autism Speaks 400 at Dover. Gordon crashed during qualifying on Friday and had to start from the rear of the field Sunday. Gordon, who has fought back pain this season, said the impact of the crash made for a little more soreness during Sunday’s race. But he didn’t blame that or anyone else for finishing outside the top 10 for the second consecutive race. “It was a frustrating weekend,” he said. “We got ourselves behind on

Friday when I hit the wall. You know, it was a battle from there. I thought when the green flag dropped we would be pretty good. We were driving forward. All it takes is one adjustment to get yourself off, and that’s what happened today. “We made one adjustment to make the car better and we went backwards and got down two laps and our day was done from that point on.” Gordon lost ground early when he had made a green-flag pit stop, then the caution fell, and Gordon had to battle back from that as well. “That certainly messed us up,” he

said. “You can’t predict when those things are going to happen. You make a call. That wasn’t the deciding factor. That got us one lap down, but we got ourselves another lap down. We could have come back from that, gotten on the lead lap and had a decent day out of it.”

Kasey Kahne posted a solid sixthplace finish Sunday as the No. 9 team used the new Dodge engine for the first time. Kahne also improved to 14th in the points standings after back-to-back top-10 finishes for the second time this year. “The new motor had plenty of power, which made the car fun to drive,” Kahne said. “We were good on pit stops, and the car handled well. For our Dodge team, it was a really good day. We’ve made some really big

gains the last few weeks.”

Casey Mears finished ninth for his second top 10 in four weeks—both since team owner Richard Childress swapped Mears’ No. 07 team with Kevin Harvick’s No. 29 team. Mears has struggled all season, his first with Richard Childress Racing, with a best finish of 15th in the first nine races (before the switch). He finished 36th in last week’s Coca-Cola 600. “We all struggled at Charlotte last week, so it was good to come to Dover this week and run like we did,” Mears said. “The (team) didn’t panic after Charlotte. They knew Dover was a different racetrack, and they hung on to their game plan and it really worked for us.” — SceneDaily.com

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College Football

MONDAY, JUNE 01, 2009

29

Q&A with ... Washington coach Steve Sarkisian

‘People here are starving to win again’ guy. That’s No. 1. Everything else looks good, maybe a little better than I thought. We’re deeper at receiver than I anticipated. We’re a good six deep. We have good tight ends. We have a nice amount of tailbacks, and we’ve got Chris Polk, who could be special. The key for us is we need an offensive line that can function. We have guys there who have played a lot of football. The focus in the spring was to get their weight down. They lost a bunch of weight, and it’s a more athletic group than in the past.

Steve Sarkisian left the comfort and consistency of an assistant coaching spot at juggernaut USC for the head coaching gig at Washington, which has gone winless since mid November 2007. He took a few minutes from Year 1 of his reconstruction effort with the Huskies to chat with Sporting News Today’s Dave Curtis:

Q: A:

So, are you guys going to win a game this season? I hope so. No, I haven’t tried to put a ceiling on what we can be. I don’t want to say we have to be this or that or finish here or win this many. The whole thing with the spring, when we looked at practices 13, 14 and 15, we were way better than in practices one, two and three. How good are we? I don’t really know. But I know the kids are willing, and the coaches are teaching well. We have some key things in place.

Q: A:

Q:

Like quarterback, I assume. There’s been interest around the country on Jake Locker fitting into your scheme. How would you describe the work you’ve done with him? The first half of the spring, so much of it was teaching just a style of play. This is how we want our quarterback to play. By the second half, it was just great. The ones on both sides of the ball, they just kept getting better and better. For Jake, the last seven practices were among the best football I’ve seen him play.

A:

Q: A:

What’s been the focus with Jake? One of the biggest issues was, there’s no secret the guy’s a great athlete. He could start for our defense if he wanted to. But we’re trying to show

STEPHEN BRASHEAR / AP

Washington coach Steve Sarkisian, left, felt QB Jake Locker (10) showed a lot of progress in the spring. him this thing is a marathon, not a sprint. We need him to start 13 games this year, not four or five. And so he has to understand when to use his legs, but when to get those easy completions to allow the other guys to play. From the first day we met, the message has been how important accuracy is for him, and film study, so that he can know when the opportunities to run are going to come. We still want him to be a huge weapon with his feet.

and his ball placement, I think he noticed that guys in practice started making bigger plays for him because of where he put the ball. They could catch and run instead of having to twist around to make the catch. He’s taken velocity off the ball. He’s more comfortable throwing in the pocket with guys around him. And, working with coach (Doug) Nussmeier, we’ve really hammered home the footwork side of the game.

Q: A:

Q: A:

How’s he taking to the changes? Well, his completion percentage just kept going up. His accuracy

What does the rest of the offense look like? Any time you start on offense, you have to have the trigger

What’s the buzz about Washington football in the Seattle area right now? People here are starving to win again. That’s the big thing I’ve noticed. They’ve experienced a national championship, Rose Bowls, Orange Bowl victories, wins at home and on the road against the best teams in America. The lull the program has hit, all it has done to people is fuel the fire. They view this time and this era as a chance to get back to what Washington football has been.

Q:

What about your relationship with Pete Carroll? You face USC in September. What’s that like for you? It’s been good. We were together in Arizona for the Pac-10 meetings, and he’s continued to be a very good mentor. You know, there are some things I use judgment of what I ask about, and he uses judgment on what he gives me. At the end of the day, he wants to see us succeed up here. Except when we play them.

A:

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College Football / College Basketball COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Top 100 countdown Sporting News Today is counting down its Top 100 college football teams for 2009, featuring one team each day leading into the season opener Thursday, Sept. 3. Go to SportingNews.com for the previous teams.

95 DAVID CRENSHAW /AP

TE Cody Slate is a weapon for the Herd, but he needs someone to throw him the ball.

MARSHALL 2008 record: 4-8 overall, 3-5 C-USA Coach: Mark Snyder Outlook: Marshall has faded into irrelevancy since leaving the MAC for Conference USA in 2005. If the Thundering Herd find a capable QB—they aren’t lacking candidates with Mark Cann, Brian Anderson, Press Taylor and Jake Laudenslayer in the mix—they could post their first winning record since joining C-USA. The starter will be equipped with a weapon in TE Cody Slate, although talented and aptly-named RB Darius Marshall was suspended last month. — Derek Samson

30

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

INSIDE DISH

INSIDE DISH

Vols’ Crompton reveals he kept death threats quiet Tennessee senior QB Jonathan Crompton says he received death threats last season but never told anyone in the athletic department. He also didn’t tell his parents at first. “I did have death threats,” Crompton told the Knoxville News Sentinel. “I really didn’t talk about it that much. “You don’t say, ‘Poor me.’ ” Crompton started the first four games last season before losing the job after Tennessee fell to 1-3. He played in eight games and was 86-for-167 for 889 yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions. He said he received threats in e-mails and on his cell phone after his number was posted on the Internet. Crompton said his parents became aware of the situation after a package they ordered had messages about him written on the shipping box. “It was tough, I’m not going to lie,” Crompton told the newspaper. “When you’re faced with adversity, your true character comes out—as a person, as a student, as a Christian.” Crompton graduated in May and is pursing his master’s degree. He is the front-runner to win the job this fall, though coach Lane Kiffin has said there will be an open competition in preseason camp.

MONDAY, JUNE 01, 2009

MARK HUMPHREY / AP W

A 1-3 start in 2008 caused problems for Vols QB Jonathan Crompton. Colorado WR Josh Smith, one of the team’s top playmakers, and TE Ryan Wallace are transferring. Coach Dan Hawkins said Smith asked for his release so he can pursue a music major not offered at Colorado, the Boulder Daily Camera reported. Wallace, who was redshirted last season, hopes to transfer to a school closer to home in Bowling Green, Ky. Smith set school records with 1,568 return yards and 50 kickoff returns, including one for a touchdown, last season as a sophomore. He also had 387 yards receiving. Two schools that offer the music major Smith is interested in are Arizona State and USC, according to the newspaper. Smith played high school football at Moorpark, Calif.

Arkansas sophomore DT Lavunce Askew was suspended from the team by coach Bobby Petrino after being arrested Saturday night in connection with the theft of a laptop. Preliminary police reports show that Askew admitted to stealing a laptop and handed it over to a Fayetteville police officer, according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. He played in eight games last season, starting the finale against LSU, and had five tackles.

Georgia announced that sophomore FS John Knox is transferring to Georgia Military College for “academic considerations.” He had eight tackles in 12 games last season and was

Iowa WR Shane Prater told the Omaha World-Herald he is leaving the school for Iowa Western Community College because he didn’t meet minimum academic requirements during his freshmen year.

listed as the backup free safety at the end of spring practice.

Player who left Arkansas says he, others cheated Former Arkansas G Patrick Beverley said in a recent interview that he and some Razorbacks teammates had class papers written for them. Beverley, who was ruled ineligible by the school last August and then left to play professionally in the Ukraine, gave the interview to DraftExpress.com. It was posted on YouTube last Tuesday. It is the first time Beverley admitted to cheating and the first time he accused teammates, the Arkansas DemocratGazette reported. “There was some things that happened with me and my team,” Beverley said in the video. “Someone from Arkansas was doing papers, was doing me and some of my teammates’ papers. Basically, instead of ratting my team out, I just said it was just me. I was forced to have a year of ineligibility.” Arkansas didn’t give a reason when it announced Beverley was ineligible. The Democrat-Gazette requested and received a response from the school on Saturday regarding Beverley’s comments. “The university conducted a full and thorough review of the matter and took swift action based on all aspects of

its findings. While Patrick Beverley is no longer a student-athlete at the University of Arkansas, the university still may not discuss details regarding his departure from the men’s basketball program due to student privacy laws.” North Carolina G/F Will Graves , who was suspended for most of last season, is taking classes and working out during the first summer session, a sign that he likely will be reinstated and play in 200910, The News & Observer reported. Clemson doesn’t have another proven long-range shooter to make up for the loss of Terrence Oglesby, whose decision to play overseas surprised everyone in the program. So who fills the hole at shooting guard next season? It likely will be a combination of players, most of them stronger on the defensive end. “We obviously lose his shooting, but at the same time, we can be longer and perhaps better defensively,” coach Oliver Purnell told reporters in a conference call. “Sometimes when you’re forced to do things differently, you can end up being better.”

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Golf

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MONDAY, JUNE 01, 2009

31

Stricker wins on Clark’s collapse

DONNA MCWILLIAM / AP

Steve Stricker pulled on the Colonial’s traditional plaid jacket after winning on the second playoff hole. He is now the No. 8 player in the world.

Leaderboard Sunday At Colonial Country Club Fort Worth, Texas Purse: $6.2 million Yardage: 7,204 Par: 70

Final (x-won on second playoff hole FedEx Cup points in parentheses) x-Steve Stricker (500), $1,116,000 63-63-69-68—263 Steve Marino (245), $545,600 66-67-62-68—263 Tim Clark (245), $545,600 63-64-66-70—263 Jason Day (135), $297,600 65-65-65-69—264 Paul Casey (110), $248,000 66-67-66-66—265 Woody Austin (95), $215,450 63-68-67-68—266 Vijay Singh (95), $215,450 64-64-69-69—266 Ian Poulter (85), $192,200 66-69-65-68—268 Jim Furyk (73), $161,200 68-69-67-65—269 Kevin Sutherland (73), $161,200 66-67-68-68—269 Kevin Na (73), $161,200 66-68-66-69—269 Zach Johnson (73), $161,200 69-67-64-69—269 Charlie Wi (56), $112,840 67-70-66-67—270

Tom Lehman (56), $112,840 Jeff Overton (56), $112,840 Luke Donald (56), $112,840 Justin Leonard (56), $112,840 Corey Pavin (52), $83,700 John Senden (52), $83,700 Ted Purdy (52), $83,700 Sean O’Hair (52), $83,700 J.J. Henry (47), $59,520 Stewart Cink (47), $59,520 Nick O’Hern (47), $59,520 Mark Wilson (47), $59,520 Jason Bohn (47), $59,520 Brian Gay (41), $42,160 Hunter Mahan (41), $42,160 James Driscoll (41), $42,160 David Toms (41), $42,160 Stephen Ames (41), $42,160 Matt Kuchar (41), $42,160 Harrison Frazar (41), $42,160 Rory Sabbatini (34), $30,646 Justin Rose (34), $30,646 Brian Davis (34), $30,646

68-69-66-67—270 69-67-65-69—270 68-65-67-70—270 66-68-64-72—270 71-69-66-65—271 68-67-67-69—271 69-65-66-71—271 65-64-70-72—271 71-68-67-66—272 71-66-68-67—272 69-69-66-68—272 67-71-66-68—272 69-65-68-70—272 68-71-70-64—273 69-67-68-69—273 69-64-70-70—273 67-72-65-69—273 68-68-67-70—273 70-68-65-70—273 67-69-66-71—273 71-69-69-65—274 69-69-70-66—274 69-68-70-67—274

Scott Verplank (34), $30,646 Kenny Perry (34), $30,646 Ryan Palmer (34), $30,646 Tim Herron (34), $30,646 George McNeill (28), $22,940 Brandt Jobe (28), $22,940 Bob Estes (28), $22,940 Kevin Streelman (28), $22,940 Lucas Glover (28), $22,940 Michael Bradley (22), $16,337 Ben Crane (22), $16,337 Danny Lee (0), $16,337 Chris DiMarco (22), $16,337 Matt Bettencourt (22), $16,337 Bart Bryant (22), $16,337 Charley Hoffman (22), $16,337 Fredrik Jacobson (22), $16,337 Heath Slocum (15), $14,136 Dudley Hart (15), $14,136 Tom Pernice, Jr. (15), $14,136 James Nitties (15), $14,136 Anthony Kim (15), $14,136 Bo Van Pelt (10), $13,516

70-68-68-68—274 64-72-68-70—274 69-63-70-72—274 71-65-66-72—274 68-70-68-69—275 71-69-66-69—275 71-66-68-70—275 68-70-66-71—275 70-65-66-74—275 70-67-73-66—276 71-68-70-67—276 69-67-71-69—276 69-71-67-69—276 69-70-68-69—276 70-68-67-71—276 73-67-65-71—276 68-70-66-72—276 69-71-68-69—277 74-66-68-69—277 69-67-70-71—277 67-68-70-72—277 69-68-68-72—277 71-69-69-69—278

FORT WORTH, TEXAS—Steve Stricker blew a final-round lead right after he took it and gave away another stroke by missing a short par putt down the stretch. Stricker stayed at it, though. A chip-in birdie on 17 helped him get in a three-man playoff. Then, lucky to be playing a second extra hole, he put his approach just 3 feet from the cup and knocked it right in to win the Crowne Plaza Invitational. Admirable as it may be, the real story Sunday was how Tim Clark blew this tournament. Trying to shed his title as the guy who’d won the most money on the PGA Tour without winning an event, Clark wasted a two-shot lead with five holes left. He left short a 9-foot putt that would’ve won it on the final hole, then pulled a 7-footer that would’ve ended the playoff on the first hole. The final kick in the gut came when his approach on the second extra hole hit the pin and rolled more than 20 feet from the cup. “I can’t take anything positive Greg Owen (10), $13,516 Rocco Mediate (10), $13,516 Jason Dufner (10), $13,516 Geoff Ogilvy (10), $13,516 Mike Weir (6), $12,958 Adam Scott (6), $12,958 Carl Pettersson (6), $12,958 Tommy Armour III (6), $12,958 Richard S. Johnson (2), $12,524 Derek Fathauer (2), $12,524 Rod Pampling (2), $12,524 Ryuji Imada (1), $12,152 Chez Reavie (1), $12,152 John Rollins (1), $12,152 John Merrick (1), $11,904 Failed to qualify for final round Ken Duke (1), $11,780 Mark Brooks (1), $11,594 Aron Price (1), $11,594 Joe Ogilvie (1), $11,408 Mark Calcavecchia (1), $11,284

68-69-69-72—278 67-70-69-72—278 69-71-65-73—278 70-67-67-74—278 69-67-72-71—279 68-71-69-71—279 71-68-69-71—279 67-72-68-72—279 71-69-70-70—280 68-69-70-73—280 73-66-67-74—280 69-68-73-71—281 72-68-70-71—281 70-67-71-73—281 71-68-71-75—285 71-69-71—211 71-69-72—212 67-72-73—212 67-73-73—213 68-72-74—214

from today,” the 33-year-old South African said. “I have a lot of work to do when it comes to closing out golf tournaments.” Stricker’s victory was pure relief, as evidence by his fist pump and choked-up interviews afterward. It’s not that he questioned his ability to close out tournaments, he was just ready to win after finishing second, third, fourth, sixth and seventh this year. Now he has five career wins— and the No. 8 spot in the world ranking. “I feel fortunate,” Stricker said, wearing the plaid jacket given to all winners at the Colonial Country Club. “I’ve been on the other end a couple times this year where you feel going to win and end up losing. This feels very good.” Stricker, who earned $1,116,000, led after two rounds with a 36-hole tournament record of 126. He moved back ahead with birdies on Nos. 5 and 6 on Sunday, then followed with consecutive bogeys. When he missed a 4-footer on No. 16, Stricker seemed out of contention. His chances looked even worse when he was in fluffy grass behind the 17th green. Then his chip rolled in. “You need breaks to win, that’s why winning is so special, so hard to do,” he said. Steve Marino was the third player in the playoff. He narrowly missed a long birdie putt on the first extra hole, then pretty much took himself out of contention with a wild tee shot on the second extra hole. Colonial would’ve been a sweet place for his debut win considering his mom grew up a few blocks away and was in the gallery with a group of her

childhood friends. “Obviously it’s disappointing,” Marino said. “But I’m playing well right now and I’m excited about playing golf and feel good about my game.” Stricker and Marino shot 68s to match Clark (70) at 17-under 263. Jason Day, a 21-year-old Australian who recently became a Colonial member, shot 69 and finished fourth at 264. He shot 65 in the other three rounds, but started with a bogey and wound up a stroke out of the playoff. Another stroke back was Paul Casey, coming off a prestigious win in Europe that vaulted him to No. 3 in the world ranking. He opened the final round with three straight birdies but couldn’t build on it much. Woody Austin (68) and Vijay Singh (69) tied for sixth at 14 under. Clark’s foibles on the 18th hole— in regulation, then in the playoffs— sent the playoff to No. 17, a hole Stricker already had birdied three times in four rounds. His fourth birdie there was the charm. “This is what my whole career has been about up. I’ve had to pull myself up when something hasn’t gone my way,” Stricker said. “You have to let it roll off your back.” Maybe one day, Clark can. Not now. Not after being tied for the tournament record with five holes to play. Not after being the tournament’s most accurate driver to that point and then knocking two tee shots into trouble. Clark’s second-place finish was the seventh of his career. — The Associated Press

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Tennis

MONDAY, JUNE 01, 2009

32

FRENCH OPEN

Glance PARIS—A look at the French Open on Sunday: Weather: Sunny. High of 73 degrees. Attendance: 31,283. Men’s winners: No. 3 Andy Murray, No. 10 Nikolay Davydenko, No. 12 Fernando Gonzalez, No. 23 Robin Soderling. Men’s losers: No. 1 Rafael Nadal, No. 8 Fernando Verdasco, No. 13 Marin Cilic, No. 30 Victor Hanescu. Women’s winners: No. 1 Dinara Safina, No. 9 Victoria Azarenka, No. 20 Dominika Cibulkova, Maria Sharapova. Women’s losers: Defending champion Ana Ivanovic, No. 25 Li Na, No. 29 Agnes Szavay, Aravane Rezai. Stat of the day: 31-1—Nadal’s career French Open record, after his first loss at the Grand Slam tournament he’s won four times. Soderling beat him 6-2, 6-7 (2), 6-4, 7-6 (2). Quote of the day: “I need to learn, and you learn more when you lose than when you win.” — Nadal On court today: No. 2 Roger Federer vs. Tommy Haas, No. 5 Juan Martin del Potro vs. No. 9 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, No. 6 Andy Roddick vs. No. 11 Gael Monfils, No. 16 Tommy Robredo vs. No. 29 Philipp Kohlschreiber; No. 2 Serena Williams vs. No. 24 Aleksandra Wozniak, No. 5 Jelena Jankovic vs. Sorana Cirstea, No. 7 Svetlana Kuznetsova vs. No. 12 Agnieszka Radwanska, No. 30 Samantha Stosur vs. Virginie Razzano. Today’s forecast: Sunny in the morning, cloudy in the afternoon with a chance of rain. High of 77 degrees. Today’s TV: Tennis Channel, 5 a.m.-noon ET; ESPN2, noon-6:30 p.m. ET.

— The Associated Press

Swede stuns Nadal in one of biggest upsets ever PARIS—For 31 matches, Rafael Nadal ruled the red clay of Roland Garros, boasting an unbeaten record and an unbreakable will. For 31 matches, this was his surface, his tournament, his time. For 31 matches, dating to his debut on May 23, 2005, Nadal never truly was challenged, much less defeated, at the French Open, allowing him to win four consecutive titles and close in on becoming the first player in history with five in a row. Until Sunday. Until the fourth round of the 2009 French Open. Until Robin Soderling, a 24-year-old from Sweden with a bit of an attitude and 6-foot-3 worth of power, transformed Nadal’s career mark at Roland Garros from a best-ever 31-0 to 31-1 with 3½ hours of assertive, and sometimes spectacular, play. “Well, that’s the end of the road, and I have to accept it,” Nadal said. “I have to accept my defeat as I accepted my victories: with calm.” Simply put, Soderling’s 6-2, 6-7 (2), 6-4, 7-6 (2) victory over the No. 1-seeded Nadal rates as one of the biggest upsets in tennis history. Not sure? Set aside all of Nadal’s bona fides for a moment—the dominance on clay; the six Grand Slam titles, including at Wimbledon and Australian Open— and focus on this: The 23rd-seeded Soderling never had won so much as a third-round match at any major tournament before this one. “I kept telling myself, ‘This is just another match,’” Soderling said. Nadal won all three of their previous meetings, including a contentious match at Wimbledon in 2007, and a 6-1, 6-0 rout on clay at Rome in April. But this time, Nadal was a half-step

Nadal streaks come to an end 48—match winning streak in best of five set matches on clay 32—sets winning streak at Paris since losing second set in ‘07 final vs Federer 32—winning streak snapped vs. players ranked outside the Top 20 since taking over No. 1 last August 31—match winning streak at Roland Garros (all-time record) 10—match winning streak in Grand Slam tournaments comes to an end since SF loss at 08 US Open 5—had reached QF or better in past five GS tournaments since 4th Rd. exit at 07 US Open 4—titles streak, tying Bjorn Borg’s mark from 1978-81

CHRISTOPHE ENA / AP

Sweden’s Robin Soderling, above, ended Rafael Nadal’s four-year dominance at the French Open. slower than usual—he tumbled to the ground in the third set, smearing clay all over his pink shirt and charcoal shorts—and Soderling was lights-out good. Soderling finished with 61 winners, 28 more than Nadal, and won the point on 27 of 35 trips to the net. “One of those days,” Nadal said. “I had someone playing very well in front of me.” The stunning result rendered the rest of Sunday’s action around the grounds mere footnotes, from reigning French Open women’s champion Ana Ivanovic’s exit in a 6-2, 6-3 loss to No. 9 Victoria Azarenka of Belarus, to Maria Sharapova’s latest three-set

victory, to the Williams’ sisters loss in doubles. All that really mattered on this day was Nadal’s ouster. In the first round, he broke Bjorn Borg’s record of 28 straight French Open wins by a man. In the second, he eclipsed Chris Evert’s overall tournament record of 29. “Everybody’s in a state of shock, I would think,” said Mats Wilander, a three-time French Open champion who works with Soderling as Sweden’s Davis Cup captain. “At some point, Nadal was going to lose. But nobody expected it to happen today, and maybe not this year. Now it’s a matter of: There’s a tournament to be won.” The biggest beneficiary might be

Other drop shots: First time since 2005 he has lost two clay court matches in a season Only second time in past 13 GS tournaments he failed to reach quarters or better First time since July 2004 he lost back-to-back clay court tournaments in the same year Had a 6-1 record in Paris in tiebreaks before losing fourth set TB Soderling is the 13th different player to beat Nadal on clay in his career, the first Swede Nadal is 153-6 on clay since 2005

Source: ATPWorldTour.com

Roger Federer, the 13-time major champion whose resume is missing only a French Open title. Federer lost to Nadal in each of the past three finals at Roland Garros. “If one guy deserves it,” Nadal said, “that’s him.” — The Associated Press

Results

At Stade Roland Garros Paris Purse: $21.8 million (Grand Slam) Surface: Clay-Outdoor Singles Men Fourth Round Fernando Gonzalez (12), Chile, def. Victor Hanescu (30), Romania, 6-2, 6-4, 6-2. Andy Murray (3), Britain, def. Marin Cilic (13), Croatia, 7-5, 7-6 (4), 6-1. Robin Soderling (23), Sweden, def. Rafael Nadal (1), Spain, 6-2, 6-7 (2), 6-4, 7-6 (2). Nikolay Davydenko (10), Russia, def. Fernando Verdasco (8), Spain, 6-2, 6-2, 6-4. Women Fourth Round Dominika Cibulkova (20), Slovakia, def. Agnes Szavay (29), Hungary, 6-2, 6-4. Dinara Safina (1), Russia, def. Aravane Rezai, France, 6-1, 6-0. Victoria Azarenka (9), Belarus, def. Ana Ivanovic (8), Serbia, 6-2, 6-3. Maria Sharapova, Russia, def. Li Na (25), China, 6-4, 0-6, 6-4. Doubles Men Third Round Daniel Nestor, Canada, and Nenad Zimonjic (1), Serbia, def. Christopher Kas, Germany, and Rogier Wassen, Netherlands, 6-0, 6-3. Bob and Mike Bryan (2), United States, def. Rik de Voest, South Africa, and Ashley Fisher (14), Australia, 6-3, 6-4. Marc Lopez and Tommy Robredo, Spain, def. Michael Kohlmann and Alexander Waske, Germany, 6-3, 6-4. Jose Acasuso, Argentina, and Fernando Gonzalez, Chile, def. Mahesh Bhupathi, India, and Mark Knowles (4), Bahamas, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4. Women Third Round Agnieszka and Urszula Radwanska, Poland, def. Kveta Peschke, Czech Republic, and Lisa Raymond (2), United States, 6-2, 6-3. Yan Zi and Zheng Jie (16), China, def. Samantha Stosur and Rennae Stubbs (4), Australia, 6-4, 7-5. Bethanie Mattek-Sands, United States, and Nadia Petrova (10), Russia, def. Serena and Venus Williams (5), United States, 7-6 (4), 5-7, 7-6 (6). Mixed Second Round Nathalie Dechy, France, and Andy Ram, Israel, def. Elena Vesnina, Russia, and Daniel Nestor (6), Canada, 6-4, 4-6, 10-7 tiebreak. Alisa Kleybanova, Russia, and Bruno Soares, Brazil, def. Anastasia Rodionova, Russia, and Rik de Voest, South Africa, 6-4, 6-2. Ai Sugiyama, Japan, and Andre Sa (5), Brazil, def. Pauline Parmentier and Marc Gicquel, France, 6-2, 6-3.

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College Baseball

MONDAY, JUNE 01, 2009

NCAA REGIONAL ROUNDUP

which won two games Sunday to set up tonight’s regional final game against Southern Miss.

Gore’s grand slam lifts Heels to super regionals CHAPEL HILL, N.C.—Garrett Gore hadn’t shown much pop at the plate this season—until Sunday. Gore hit a grand slam to highlight a seven-run third inning and followed with another homer two innings later to help North Carolina beat Kansas 12-1 to win its NCAA regional. The slam was the first career postseason homer for Gore, who had three home runs this season and seven for his career before Sunday. Gore was a small part of a dominant performance for the Tar Heels (45-16), who had no trouble advancing to this week’s super regionals. North Carolina, the No. 4 national seed in pursuit of a fourth straight trip to the College World Series, got a strong effort on the mound from starter Adam Warren and key hits from Kyle Seager and Dustin Ackley to overwhelm the Jayhawks (39-24). The win improved the Tar Heels to 12-0 at home in NCAA regional play over the past four seasons. Kansas 5, Coastal Carolina 1 James Stanfield and David Narodowski came up with key hits in the seventh inning, helping Kansas eliminate the Chanticleers. Stanfield’s RBI groundout gave the Jayhawks (39-23) the lead, and Narodowski hit a two-run single that made it 4-1.

Gainesville (Fla.) Regional Florida 16, Miami 5 Preston Tucker and Matt den Dekker drove in three runs apiece and Florida used two big innings to beat rival Miami and advance to the super regionals.

Georgia Tech 8, Elon 4 Nine straight Georgia Tech batters reached safely in a seven-run second.

It marked the first time in 11 tries that the Gators (42-20) advanced in regional play when grouped with the four-time national champions. Tucker and Josh Adams homered for No. 8 national seed Florida.

Oxford (Miss.) Regional Western Kentucky 10, Mississippi 9 Wade Gaynor hit two home runs to key an eight-run rally and Jake Wells’ go-ahead homer in the ninth inning gave Western Kentucky a win over Mississippi and forced a deciding game in the regional. The Hilltoppers snapped the Rebels’ 11-game regional home winning streak and extended their school record for runs in a season to 536.

Miami 4, Jacksonville 0 David Gutierrez pitched a sevenhitter and Miami took advantage of three errors to eliminate Jacksonville.

Louisville (Ky.) Regional Vanderbilt 8, Louisville 4 Brian Harris, Steven Liddle and Andrew Giobbi each drove in two runs as Vanderbilt beat Louisville and forced a deciding game in the regional. Nick Christiani (6-6) limited the Big East Conference champions, who came in averaging 8.4 runs per game, to just three earned runs on seven hits. The third-seeded Commodores (37-26) will take on the top-seeded Cardinals (46-16) tonight. Vanderbilt 6, Middle Tennessee 0 Caleb Cotham threw a four-hitter, and Aaron Westlake and Jonathan White each homered to help eliminate Middle Tennessee. The Commodores avenged a firstgame loss to the Blue Raiders.

Greenville (N.C.) Regional East Carolina 8, South Carolina 6 Brandon Henderson hit a grand slam and East Carolina held on to beat South Carolina and force a winner-take-all regional championship game. Kyle Roller hit a three-run homer

33

Western Kentucky 11, Missouri 6 Chad Creger hit a three-run homer, and Wade Gaynor became the Hilltoppers’ first 20-20 player as they eliminated the Tigers.

Baton Rouge (La.) Regional PAUL ABELL / AP

Georgia Tech 2B Jason Garofalo, left, turns a double play that forced Southern Mississippi’s Kameron Brunty at second base. and Dustin Harrington also connected for the top-seeded Pirates (4518). They scored the first eight runs, then withstood the Gamecocks’ late rally to set up a rematch today. South Carolina (40-22) trailed 8-2 entering the ninth before Justin Dalles hit a two-run homer and pinch-hitter Brady Thomas’ basesloaded double brought home two more. East Carolina 16, Binghamton 9 Kyle Roller homered twice during an eight-run fifth inning to eliminate Binghamton. Trent Whitehead had three hits,

Drew Schieber homered and Roller finished with four hits and four RBIs for the Pirates, who trailed 7-2.

Clemson (S.C.) Regional Clemson 15, Oklahoma St. 1 Mike Freeman and Ben Paulsen homered as top-seeded Clemson routed Oklahoma State to force a deciding game today in the regional. The Tigers (43-20) scored 11 runs in the first three innings and cruised behind freshman lefthander Chris Dwyer (5-5), who struck out a career-high 13 and allowed six hits in 8 2/3 innings.

Clemson 10, Tennessee Tech 0 Freshman right-hander Scott Weismann threw eight sterling innings, and the Tigers pounded out 14 hits in the rout. Ben Paulsen and Chris Epps homered for the Tigers, who led 8-0 after four innings.

Atlanta Regional Georgia Tech 10, Southern Miss 3 Luke Murton became the 10th player in Georgia Tech history to hit 20 homers in a season. Murton, Jay Dantzler and Cole Leonida hit homers in the first two innings for Georgia Tech (38-18-1),

LSU 10, Minnesota 3 Louis Coleman pitched into the eighth inning, and LSU beat Minnesota to advance to the super regionals. Coleman (12-2) allowed one run on five hits while striking out eight for LSU (49-16). Blake Dean and Ryan Schimpf each had three hits and two RBIs as the Tigers raced out to a 7-0 lead in the top of the third against Minnesota (40-19). Minnesota 15, Baylor 12 Derek McCallum’s home run, three doubles and seven RBIs helped Minnesota survive its second elimination game. — The Associated Press Scores, more results, Page 34

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NCAA Division I regionals glance At Clark-LeClair Stadium Greenville, N.C. May 29 South Carolina 11, George Mason 3 East Carolina vs. Binghamton, ppd., rain May 30 East Carolina 11, Binghamton 7 Binghamton 11, George Mason 6, George Mason eliminated South Carolina 12, East Carolina 2 Sunday East Carolina 16, Binghamton 9, Binghamton eliminated East Carolina 8, South Carolina 6 Today South Carolina (40-22) vs. East Carolina (45-18), 6 p.m.

At Boshamer Stadium Chapel Hill, N.C. May 29 Coastal Carolina 11, Kansas 3 North Carolina 5, Dartmouth 2 May 30 Kansas 16, Dartmouth 0, Dartmouth eliminated North Carolina 14, Coastal Carolina 5 Sunday Kansas 5, Coastal Carolina 1, Coastal Carolina eliminated North Carolina 12, Kansas 1, North Carolina advances

At Doug Kingsmore Stadium Clemson, S.C. May 29 Oklahoma State 10, Alabama 6 Clemson 5, Tennessee Tech 4 May 30 Tennessee Tech 6, Alabama 2, Alabama eliminated Oklahoma State 3, Clemson 2 Sunday Clemson 10, Tennessee Tech 0, Tennessee Tech eliminated Clemson 15, Oklahoma State 1 Today Oklahoma State (34-23) vs. Clemson (43-20), 7 p.m.

At Russ Chandler Stadium Atlanta May 29 Southern Mississippi 17, Elon 15 Georgia Tech 9, Georgia State 3 May 30 Georgia State 4, Elon 3, Elon eliminated Southern Mississippi 10, Georgia Tech 7 Sunday Georgia Tech 8, Elon 4, Elon eliminated Georgia Tech 10, Southern Mississippi 3

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Today Southern Mississippi (37-24) vs. Georgia Tech (38-18-1), 7 p.m.

At McKethan Stadium Gainesville, Fla. May 29 Miami 9, Jacksonville 4 Florida 8, Bethune-Cookman 7 May 30 Jacksonville 8, Bethune-Cookman 7, Bethune-Cookman eliminated Florida 8, Miami 2 Sunday Miami 4, Jacksonville 0, Jacksonville eliminated Florida 16, Miami 5, Florida advances

At Dick Howser Stadium Tallahassee, Fla. May 29 Georgia 24, Ohio State 8 Florida State 16, Marist 4 May 30 Ohio State 6, Marist 4, Marist eliminated Florida State 8, Georgia 2 Sunday Ohio State 13, Georgia 6, Georgia eliminated Florida State 37, Ohio State 6, Florida St. advances

At Jim Patterson Stadium Louisville, Ky. May 29 Middle Tennessee 5, Vanderbilt 4 Louisville 8, Indiana 2 May 30 Vanderbilt 10, Indiana 0, Indiana eliminated Louisville 3, Middle Tennessee 2 Sunday Vanderbilt 6, Middle Tennessee 0, Middle Tenn. eliminated Vanderbilt 8, Louisville 4 Today Louisville (46-16) vs. Vanderbilt (37-26), 7 p.m.

At Oxford-University Stadium Oxford, Miss. May 29 Western Kentucky 11, Missouri 5 Mississippi 8, Monmouth, N.J. 1 May 30 Missouri 9, Monmouth, N.J. 0, Monmouth, N.J. eliminated Mississippi 7, Western Kentucky 4 Sunday Western Kentucky 11, Missouri 6, Missouri eliminated Western Kentucky 10, Mississippi 9 Today Mississippi (42-18) vs. Western Kentucky (42-19), 8 p.m.

Baton Rouge, La. May 29 LSU 10, Southern U. 2 Baylor 5, Minnesota 0 May 30 Minnesota 11, Southern U. 8, Southern U. eliminated LSU 3, Baylor 3, 10 innings Sunday Minnesota 15, Baylor 12, Baylor eliminated LSU 10, Minnesota 3, LSU advances

At L. Dale Mitchell Park Norman, Okla. May 29 Arkansas 10, Washington State 3 Oklahoma 5, Wichita State 4 May 30 Washington State 3, Wichita State 2, Wichita St. eliminated Arkansas 17, Oklahoma 6 Sunday Oklahoma 7, Washington State 2, Washington St. eliminated Arkansas 11, Oklahoma 0, Arkansas advances

At Reckling Park Houston May 29 Kansas State 16, Xavier 8 Rice 5, Sam Houston State 2 May 30 Xavier 9, Sam Houston State 6, Sam Houston eliminated Kansas State 7, Rice 6, 10 innings Sunday Rice 12, Xavier 5, Xavier eliminated Rice 8, Kansas State 0 Today Kansas State (43-17-1) vs. Rice (42-16), 7 p.m.

At Lupton Baseball Stadium Fort Worth, Texas May 29 Oregon State 9, Texas A&M 8 TCU 6, Wright State 3 May 30 Texas A&M 6, Wright State 4, 11 innings, Wright St. eliminated TCU 13, Oregon State 1 Sunday Oregon State 13, Texas A&M 5, Texas A&M eliminated TCU 5, Oregon State 4, TCU advances

At UFCU Disch-Falk Field Austin, Texas May 29 Boston College 8, Texas State 7 Texas 3, Army 1

May 30 Army 7, Texas State 4, Texas St. eliminated Texas 3, Boston College 2, 25 innings Sunday Army 4, Boston College 3, Boston College eliminated Texas 14, Army 10, Texas advances

At Packard Stadium Tempe, Ariz. May 29 Oral Roberts 13, Cal Poly 3 Arizona State 17, Kent State 6 May 30 Kent State 10, Cal Poly 9, Cal Poly eliminated Arizona State 4, Oral Roberts 1 Sunday Oral Roberts 15, Kent State 10, Kent St. eliminated Arizona State 8, Oral Roberts 3, Arizona State advances

At Anteater Ballpark Irvine, Calif. May 29 Virginia 5, San Diego State 1 UC Irvine 4, Fresno State 2 May 30 San Diego State 4, Fresno State 1, Fresno St. eliminated Virginia 5, UC Irvine 0 Sunday UC Irvine 14, San Diego State 3, San Diego State eliminated Virginia 4, UC Irvine 1, Virginia advances

At Goodwin Field Fullerton, Calif. May 29 Gonzaga 19, Georgia Southern 10 Cal State Fullerton 18, Utah 2 May 30 Utah 11, Georgia Southern 10, Georgia Southern eliminated Cal State Fullerton 7, Gonzaga 4 Sunday Utah 9, Gonzaga 7, Gonzaga eliminated Cal State Fullerton 16, Utah 3, Cal State Fullerton advances

34

NCAA REGIONAL ROUNDUP

All times ET, double elimination

At Alex Box Stadium

MONDAY, JUNE 01, 2009

Seminoles jump out 32-0, cruise TALLAHASSEE, FLA.—Stephen Cardullo set a tournament record with seven hits, including three of Florida State’s NCAA-record 15 doubles, as the Seminoles routed Ohio State 37-6 on Sunday and advanced to the super regionals. Florida State (45-16) set NCAA postseason records with 37 runs, 38 hits and 66 total bases, while Cardullo set the school mark for hits in an offensive performance the football team would’ve been proud of. Jason Stidham, the regional’s most outstanding player, hit a two-run double as the Seminoles scored eight times in the first and cruised past the pitching-depleted Buckeyes (42-19), who trailed 32-0 in the fifth. Ohio State 13, Georgia 6 Michael Stephens hit a pair of homers, including a three-run shot to highlight a six-run seventh, as Ohio State eliminated Georgia.

Austin (Texas) Regional Texas 14, Army 10 Preston Clark hit a game-winning grand slam in the bottom of the ninth inning as Texas rallied from a four-run deficit to stun Army and advance to the super regionals. Trailing 10-6, the Longhorns loaded the bases three times against Army (36-21) during the inning. The second time, Brandon Loy almost ended the game when he bounced a three-run double off the top of the left-field wall just inches away from going over for the win. A few batters later, Clark hit a walk-off grand slam. Army 4, Boston College 3 Boston College bowed out of the tournament hours after losing a 25-inning marathon to Texas, the longest game in NCAA history. Kevin McKague escaped a ninth-inning scare for his seventh save for Army, getting Mickey Wiswall to ground into a double-play with the bases loaded.

State (47-12) advanced to the super regionals for the third consecutive year. Oral Roberts 15, Kent State 10 Michael Notaro drove in three runs and hit one of Oral Roberts’ five homers, knocking Kent State from the NCAA tournament.

Fort Worth (Texas) Regional STEVE CANNON / AP

Florida State’s Jason Stidham, center right, earned the regional most outstanding player award at the Tallahassee Regional after sparking an eight-run first inning against Ohio State.

Norman (Okla.) Regional Arkansas 11, Oklahoma 0 Freshman Drew Smyly had a no-hitter broken up with one out in the ninth inning, and Andy Wilkins went 5-for-5 with two homers and five RBIs as Arkansas advanced. Smyly’s bid to throw the first NCAA tournament no-hitter in 18 years ended on an infield hit by Trey Sperring with one out in the ninth. Oklahoma 7, Washington State 2 Aaron Baker’s first career grand slam highlighted a five-run seventh inning, and Garrett Richards threw his first complete game.

Houston Regional

TCU 5, Oregon State 4 Jason Coats hit a game-winning RBI single in the ninth inning to give TCU a win over Oregon State and clinch a berth in the super regionals. Oregon St. 13, Texas A&M 5 Koa Kahalehoe went 5 for 5 with three RBIs, helping Oregon State knock Texas A&M from the NCAA tournament. Kahalehoe was hitting .227 coming into the game, but had four singles and a two-run double for the Beavers. Teammate Ryan Ortiz was 4 for 6 with a solo home run. Texas A&M (37-24) didn’t score until the sixth on a homer by Joe Patterson.

Fullerton (Calif.) Regional Cal State Fullerton 16, Utah 3 Cal State Fullerton pounded out 21 hits and Tyler Pill (11-3) pitched eight strong innings as the top-seeded Titans defeated Utah and advanced to the super regionals.

Rice 8, Kansas State 0 Freshman Taylor Wall threw a three-hitter as Rice (42-16) defeated Kansas State (43-17-1) and set up a deciding game tonight.

Utah 9, Gonzaga 7 Tyler Yagi had a career-high five hits and scored three runs to keep Utah alive.

Rice 12, Xavier 5 Jared Rogers struck out a career-high seven in his first complete game for Rice.

Irvine (Calif.) Regional

Tempe Regional

Virginia 4, UC Irvine 1 Virginia advanced to its first-ever super regional. The Cavaliers secured the win with two runs in the ninth after holding a 2-1 lead.

Arizona St. 8, Oral Roberts 3 Zack MacPhee’s two-run, go-ahead single in the sixth inning helped lead Arizona State over Oral Roberts. Jared McDonald added a two-run, inside-thepark home run in the eighth inning as Arizona

UC Irvine 14, San Diego State 3 Jeff Cusick had four hits, and Ben Orloff and Ronnie Shaeffer each drove in three runs as UC Irvine stayed alive — The Associated Press

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NHRA / Horse Racing

NHRA BELMONT STAKES Saturday 6:30 p.m. ET, ABC

TOPEKA, KAN.—Ron Capps raced to his third Funny Car victory of the season Sunday, beating No. 1 qualifier Ashley Force Hood in the O’Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka. Larry Dixon and Allen Johnson also won their divisions in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing series event. Capps had a 4.265-second run at 286.07 mph. “When they said we won, it was such a great feeling,” Capps said. “Ed McCulloch fought the conditions today and all weekend long. We dropped cylinders all weekend, and we got put in that lane that was considered not as good as the left lane, and we won two rounds in that right lane. “To have conditions with a 125-degree track temperature and have a two-lane dragstrip with both lanes getting wins was a phenomenal job by Heartland Park Topeka and the NHRA Safety Safari.” The win helped strengthen Capps’ lead over Del Worsham in the point standings. Larry Dixon raced to his second Top Fuel win of the season, beating Clay Millicam with a 3.971-second run at 301.74. The win pushed Dixon from sixth to fourth in the standings, 141 points behind first-place Tony Schumacher. In Pro Stock, Johnson won for the first time in almost three years, driving his Dodge Stratus to a holeshot win at 6.726 at 204.94 over Mike Edwards. — The Associated Press

The owners of Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird stopped by the gelding’s barn at Churchill Downs for a quick visit before heading to New York for Belmont Stakes week. Mark Allen and Dr. Leonard Blach also met with trainer Chip Woolley a day before Mine That Bird’s final workout in preparation for Saturday’s 1½-mile Belmont. “It looks like he has put on a little weight,” Allen said Sunday after seeing Mine That Bird for the first time since the gelding ran second in the Preakness Stakes on May 16. “For as hard as he has run and the shipping, I am real happy with the way he looks.” While the owners were New York-bound, Woolley leaves for the city Tuesday, with Mine That Bird scheduled to be shipped via plane— not trailer—on Wednesday. Mine That Bird, with regular exercise rider Charlie Figueroa up, galloped 1½ miles Sunday. “He was a little more into the bit today,” Woolley said. “That should set him up for his breeze tomorrow. He’ll work a half-mile and gallop an eighth past the wire with Calvin (Borel) on him.

Sunday At Heartland Park Topeka Topeka, Kan. Finals TOP FUEL: 1, Larry Dixon. 2, Clay Millican. 3, Spencer Massey. 4, Shawn Langdon. 5, Tony Schumacher. 6. Antron Brown. 7, Brandon Bernstein. 8, Cory McClenathan. 9, Terry Haddock. 10, Doug Kalitta. 11, Morgan Lucas. 12, Steven Chrisman. 13, Joe Hartley. 14, Scott Palmer. 15, Chris Karamesines. FUNNY CAR: 1, Ron Capps, Dodge Charger. 2, Ashley Force Hood. 3, Tim Wilkerson. 4, Jack Beckman. 5, Bob Tasca III. 6, John Force. 7, Tony Pedregon. 8, Del Worsham. 9, Matt Hagan. 10, Jeff Arend. 11. Cruz Pedregon. 12, Jack Wyatt. 13, Jerry Toliver. 14, Mike Neff. 15, Robert Hight. 16, Daniel Wilkerson. PRO STOCK: 1, Allen Johnson, Dodge Stratus. 2, Mike Edwards. 3, Greg Anderson. 4, Jeg Coughlin. 5, Greg Stanfield. 6, Rickie Jones. 7, Jason Line. 8, Warren Johnson. 9, Ron Krisher. 10, Rodger Brogdon. 11, Kurt Johnson. 12, Dave Northrop. 13, Larry Morgan. 14, Steve Spiess. 15, Ronnie Humphrey. 16, Johnny Gray. Finals Results Top Fuel—Larry Dixon, 3.971 seconds, 301.74 mph def. Clay Millican, 4.056 seconds, 293.41 mph. Funny Car—Ron Capps, Dodge Charger, 4.265, 286.07 def. Ashley Force Hood, Ford Mustang, 4.495, 238.26. Pro Stock—Allen Johnson, Dodge Stratus, 6.726, 204.94 def. Mike Edwards, Pontiac GXP, 6.718, 205.88. Top Alcohol Dragster—Jim Whiteley, 5.361, 265.74 def. Tom Conway, 5.369, 264.23. Top Alcohol Funny Car—Steve Harker, Chevy Monte Carlo, 5.656, 253.47 def. Sean O’Bannon, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, 5.724, 253.37. Competition Eliminator—Bruno Massel, Chevy Cobalt, 7.970, 126.33 def. David Rampy, Bantam Roadster, 7.471, 154.74. Super Stock—Gary Emmons, Pontiac Firebird, 10.163, 119.20 def. Lloyd Wofford, Plymouth Volare, 10.278, 126.80. Stock Eliminator—Adam Davis, Chevy Camaro, 11.448, 109.99 def. S.E. Buchanan, Plymouth Barracuda, 11.480, 112.51. Super Comp—Ryan Herem, Dragster, 8.887, 174.44 def. Bob Fuller, Dragster, 8.911, 178.19. Super Gas—Tommy Phillips, Chevy Corvette, 9.921, 142.55 def. Rick Cates, Corvette, 9.882, 159.82. Super Street—Tim Forshee, Pontiac Firebird, 10.969, 134.74 def. Brandon Kanan, Chevy Corvette, 14.446, 76.43. Point Standings TOP FUEL: 1, Tony Schumacher, 715. 2, Antron Brown, 672. 3, Brandon Bernstein, 649. 4, Larry Dixon, 574. 5, Cory McClenathan, 563. 6, (tie) Shawn Langdon, 522. Morgan Lucas, 522. 8, Spencer Massey, 447. 9, Doug Kalitta, 443. 10, Joe Hartley, 365. FUNNY CAR: 1, Ron Capps, 729. 2, Del Worsham, 610. 3, Ashley Force Hood, 603. 4, Tony Pedregon, 584. 5. Jack Beckman, 553. 6, Tim Wilkerson, 498. 7, Matt Hagan, 480. 8, Bob Tasca III, 460. 9, John Force, 453. 10, Cruz Pedregon, 420. PRO STOCK: 1, Jeg Coughlin, 789. 2, Jason Line, 716. 3, Mike Edwards, 714. 4, Greg Anderson, 650. 5. Allen Johnson, 552. 6, Greg Stanfield, 482. 7, Ron Krisher, 432. 8, Kurt Johnson, 423. 9, Rickie Jones, 388. 10, Warren Johnson, 330.

35

HORSE RACING

Capps outlasts Hood for third victory of season Summer Nationals results

MONDAY, JUNE 01, 2009

Mine That Bird owners gearing up for race

Workouts begin Peter Pan Stakes winner Charitable Man and Kentucky Derby also-ran Dunkirk posted final workouts Sunday before taking on Derby winner Mine That Bird in Saturday’s Belmont Stakes. Charitable Man covered a half

after winning two races and finishing second in the Florida Derby in his first three starts. “I feel he’s a top-quality horse, and has run well in three of his four races,” trainer Todd Pletcher said. “The Derby, to me, I have to put a line through that race. I felt he didn’t handle the surface at all in that race.”

Field of nine?

AP PHOTO

Mine That Bird will try to finish in the money again at Saturday’s Belmont Stakes. mile in 49.00 seconds under exercise rider Renzo Morales, not long after Dunkirk went the same distance in 49.57 under jockey John Velazquez. Mine That Bird may be the favorite, but Charitable Man and Dunkirk could be the top challengers. A son of 1999 Belmont winner Lemon Drop Kid, Charitable Man missed the Derby and the Preakness after finishing seventh in the Blue Grass Stakes on April

11. Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, who won the 2006 Belmont with Jazil, says Charitable Man is ready to win. “We feel we’ve got the horse to beat,” McLaughlin said Sunday. “Mine That Bird we have a lot of respect for, Dunkirk, and other horses, but I wouldn’t trade places with anyone.” Dunkirk, purchased for $3.7 million, is looking to rebound from an 11th-place Derby finish

A field of 10 3-year-olds is shaping up for the 141st running of the Belmont, although trainer Nick Zito has indicated that one of his three possible starts—Nowhere to Hide—may not make the race. The nine all-but-definites are Kentucky Derby winner and Preakness runner-up Mine The Bird, Flying Private (19th in the Derby, fourth in the Preakness); Derby runners Chocolate Candy (fifth); Summer Bird (sixth); Dunkirk (11th); and Mr. Hot Stuff; Preakness runner Luv Gov (eighth); and Brave Victory, Charitable Man and Miner’s Escape.

A little or a lot The largest Belmont field was 15 in 1983, when Caveat defeated Slew o’ Gold. Next were 14-horse fields in 1875 (Calvin beat Aristides) and in 1996 (Editor’s Note beat Skip Away). ... There’s never been a walkover, but there were five two-horse fields, in 1887, 1888, 1892, 1910 and 1920 (Man o’War). — The Associated Press

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MONDAY, JUNE 01, 2009

IN BRIEF

TRANSACTIONS

Twelve sites in Brazil to host 2014 World Cup SAO PAULO—Fans in the 12 Brazilian cities chosen to host 2014 World Cup matches erupted in joy after the announcement was made Sunday. Several thousand Brazilians gathered for FIFA’s announcement on the streets of the bidding cities, and fans cheered loudly when FIFA President Sepp Blatter named the winners. The host cities will be Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Cuiaba, Curitiba, Fortaleza, Manaus, Natal, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Sao Paulo. Two huge yellow jersey-shaped banners were displayed on the field at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, where the final is expected to take place. The stadium also hosted the final in 1950, the only other time football’s biggest showcase was played in Brazil. NASSAU, BAHAMAS—Soccer’s governing body said it has received confirmation from the World Anti-Doping Agency that its policies are compliant with worldwide codes, which essentially ends what was portrayed as a simmering dispute between the parties. FIFA president Sepp Blatter said Sunday that WADA sent confirmation “that our code, FIFA’s disciplinary code and FIFA’s anti-doping code, is totally in compliance with the WADA code”—albeit with one exception, he noted, regarding when suspended injured players can resume practicing with their various clubs. WADA’s requirement that athletes make their whereabouts known for testing each day of the year has been a thorny issue for FIFA, which contends that policy treats all players as doping suspects. FIFA has previously said players should be eligible to testing six days a week at their club’s training ground and freed of the obligation while on vacation. Also Sunday from FIFA’s executive committee meeting:

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hit an opposite-field drive over the fence in right field. Brianna Hesson, who had drawn the basesloaded walk in the first game, delivered a two-run single in the third to get Georgia within 5-3 but the Bulldogs couldn’t come up with their third comeback win of the World Series.

BASEBALL American League CLEVELAND INDIANS: Placed OF Grady Sizemore on the 15day DL. Recalled UT Chris Gimenez from Columbus (IL). KANSAS CITY ROYALS: Placed C John Buck on the 15-day DL. Recalled C Brayan Pena from Omaha (PCL). National League PITTSBURGH PIRATES: Placed LHP Donnie Veal on the 15-day DL, retroactive to May 30. HOCKEY National Hockey League DALLAS STARS: Fired co-general managers Brett Hull and Les Jackson. Named Joe Nieuwendyk general manager. EDMONTON OILERS: Signed C Milan Kytnar to a three-year contract.

IRL

AP PHOTO

Washington’s Amanda Fleischman, right, is tagged out by Georgia C Kristyn Sandberg, left, in Sunday’s first game. — Europa League games next season will be played with five officials, with two new ones stationed near each goal and assisting the referee. — FIFA ratified plans for the four “home nations”—England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland—to combine on a Great Britain team for the 2012 Olympics. Those soccer associations agreed on the deal last week, and means Britain will enter an Olympic soccer tournament for the first time in 52 years.

Softball OKLAHOMA CITY—Ali Gardiner hit the first walk-off grand slam in Women’s College World Series history, lifting top-seeded Florida into the championship round with a 6-5

victory over Alabama on Sunday night. Gardiner sent a 2-1 pitch from Alabama ace Kelsi Dunne (28-5) the opposite way, clearing the left-field fence as Whitney Larsen fell over the top as she tried to make a game-saving catch. It was her first hit in 16 at-bats. The Gators (63-3) won for the 29th straight time and will face third-seeded Washington in the best-of-three championship series beginning tonight. The Huskies beat Georgia 6-3 Sunday night to play for the championship for the first time since 1999. Danielle Lawrie, who walked in the deciding run in Georgia’s 9-8 victory over Washington earlier in the day, made the most of her first chance at redemption. Washington loaded the bases with nobody out in the first inning against Erin Arevalo (1-1), and Lawrie

WEST ALLIS, WIS.—Scott Dixon took advantage of the heavy Milwaukee Mile traffic to pass Ryan Briscoe and drive away to a victory Sunday at the Milwaukee Mile. The reigning IndyCar Series champion darted past Briscoe 25 laps from the end of the A.J. Foyt 225 and was not challenged the rest of the way, beating last year’s race winner by nearly half the front straightaway on the one-mile oval. “It was tough,” said Dixon, who also took the series points lead with his second victory of the season and the 18th of his career. Dario Franchitti was third. Graham Rahal finished fourth, followed by Danica Patrick, earning her fourth top-five finish in the last five races.

Golf WEST DES MOINES, IOWA—Mark McNulty won the Principal Charity Classic for his seventh Champions Tour victory, beating Fred Funk with a 30-foot birdie putt on the fourth hole of a playoff. The 55-year-old McNulty, from Zimbabwe, closed with a 5-under 66 to match Funk (66) and second-round leader Nick Price (68) at 10-under 203 on the Glen Oaks Country Club course. McNulty and Funk birdied the second extra hole to eliminate Price.

Cycling ROME—Denis Menchov won the 100th edition of the Giro d’Italia on Sunday despite falling in the final half mile.

Major League Soccer EASTERN CONFERENCE Chicago Kansas City D.C. Toronto FC Columbus New England New York WESTERN CONFERENCE

W 5 4 3 4 2 3 2

L 1 4 2 4 2 3 7

T 6 4 7 4 7 4 3

Pts 21 16 16 16 13 13 9

GF 20 16 18 16 15 10 12

GA 16 14 17 19 17 17 16

W L T Pts GF GA Chivas USA 7 2 3 24 17 9 Houston 5 2 3 18 14 7 Seattle 4 2 5 17 15 9 Colorado 4 2 4 16 16 13 Los Angeles 1 1 9 12 13 13 Real Salt Lake 3 6 2 11 15 15 FC Dallas 2 6 3 9 12 17 San Jose 2 7 2 8 12 22 NOTE: Three points for victory, one point for tie. May 30 Games Friday’s Game Colorado 3, New York 2 Houston at Chicago, 9 p.m. New England 2, D.C. United 1 Saturday’s Games Houston 3, Toronto FC 0 Los Angeles at Toronto FC, 3:30 p.m. Seattle FC 1, Columbus 1, tie Columbus at Kansas City, 8:30 p.m. Los Angeles 1, Kansas City 1, tie Colorado at Real Salt Lake, 10 p.m. San Jose 2, Real Salt Lake 1 Seattle FC at Chivas USA, 10:30 p.m. Sunday’s Games Sunday, June 7 FC Dallas 3, Chicago 0 San Jose at FC Dallas, 3 p.m. Thursday’s Game Chivas USA at New England, 6 p.m. Chivas USA at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m.

Menchov entered the final stage—an individual time trial—with a 20-second lead on Danilo Di Luca and was ahead of the Italian at the final checkpoint before he fell. Menchov finished the race with a 41-second advantage over Di Luca, while Franco Pellizotti was third overall, 1:59 back. Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong finished 12th overall, 15:59 behind Menchov. — The Associated Press