Times wires
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Reds 7, Brewers 6
10 innings
MILWAUKEE — Drew Stubbs' homer to center, off a sinker from Sergio Mitre, lifted the Reds, who squandered leads of 4-0 and 6-4. The Reds got a season-high 15 hits a day after getting just two in a 3-2 loss.
Times staff, wires
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
figure skating
canadian sets record
MOSCOW — Canada's Patrick Chan scored a world-record 93.02 points Wednesday in the men's short program at the world championships, giving the two-time silver medalist a wide lead as he seeks his first title.
Japan's Nobunari Oda was almost a dozen points behind in second, and defending champion Daisuke Takahashi of Japan was another 1.6 back.
"I knew that if I skated really well I would get in the high 80s, but I didn't expect to get above 90," said Chan, whose previous best was 88.90. His score topped the 91.30 of Russia's Evgeni Plushenko at the 2010 European championships.
The three Americans were 11-13: Richard Dornbush (70.54), U.S. champion Ryan Bradley 12th (70.45) and Ross Miner (70.40).
more figure skating
Defending champions take the lead in pairs
Defending champions Pang Qing and Tong Jian led after the pairs short program at the world championships in Moscow with 74.00 points.
Germany's Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy, last year's runnersup, were second (72.98), and Russia's Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov, in their first year together, were third (70.35).
U.S. champions Caitlin Yankowskas and John Coughlin were eighth (58.76), and national runnersup Amanda Evora and Mark Ladwig, who train at the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex in Manatee County, were 11th (54.64).
ET CETERA
horses: Jockey Calvin Borel, winner of three of the last four Kentucky Derbys, including last year aboard Super Saver, will ride Twice the Appeal in this year's race May 7 at Churchill Downs. Borel nearly missed the race after Elite Alex failed to secure enough graded stakes earnings to earn a spot. He is trying to become the first jockey to win three consecutive Derbys. … Luis Garcia was given the mount on Tampa Bay Derby winner Watch Me Go for the Kentucky Derby on May 7 at Churchill Downs. Groom Lucy Pompell said the colt will work out Saturday or Sunday for trainer Kathleen O'Connell.
soccer: Lionel Messi scored two goals in the last 15 minutes to give Barcelona a 2-0 win at host Real Madrid in a European Champions League semifinal. Madrid was left with 10 players after Pepe was red-carded in the 61st minute. Its defense in Tuesday's return leg will be without suspended Pepe and Sergio Ramos, booked for a foul on Messi in the 53rd minute.
tennis: Novak Djokovic cruised to his 25th straight win this season, beating Adrian Ungur 6-2, 6-3 in his claycourt opener in the second round of the Serbia Open at Belgrade. … Two-time French Open finalist Robin Soderling won his first claycourt match of the season, beating Jeremy Chardy 6-1, 6-7 (4-7), 6-1 in the second round at the Estoril Open in Portugal.
Don Jensen, Times correspondent; Times wires
Times wires
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Dodgers 5, Marlins 4
10 innings
MIAMI — Andre Ethier extended his hitting streak to 24 games with a fourth-inning single then homered in the 10th for the Dodgers, who avoided a three-game sweep. The homer came off Brian Sanches, who had allowed just one hit over 132/3 scoreless innings (eight appearances).
By Bryan Burns, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
FC Tampa Bay has proven to be one of NASL's most difficult teams to score on, allowing a league-best two goals through three games. Now the challenge for coach Ricky Hill is to find ways to increase scoring opportunities and make better use of a limited number of chances. Tampa Bay has scored only one goal, tied for last in the NASL.
"Definitely not creating as much as I'd like to see," Hill said. "Definitely a little careless and reckless at times in the final third."
Tampa Bay altered its lineup Saturday at Montreal, starting Mike Ambersley and Warren Ukah at forward, sliding Pascal Millien into the midfield and using Aaron King as a substitute.
On Wednesday, Hill wasn't ready to name his starters at forward for Saturday's home match against Atlanta but said he would likely go with two, maybe three, players up top.
King, who started at forward the first two games, suffered what Hill called "a knock on his knee" in practice before the Montreal game, perhaps explaining his absence from the starting 11. He has practiced fully this week and is available for Saturday.
Kickin' it with | D Omar Jarun
On your player bio, it lists Kuwait as your birthplace and says you're a member of the Palestinian national team. Talk a little about your background. I was born in Kuwait to a Palestinian father and American mother. I lived in Kuwait until I was 7. In 1991, we fled Kuwait because of the Gulf War. We got into the States with U.S. passports because of my mom. The first seven years of my life, I vaguely remember. I remember a little bit of the bombing and why we had to leave Kuwait.
How were you selected for the Palestinian national team? My grandfather, my dad's father, was born in Palestine. …They contacted me in 2007 about playing for them. I could play for the U.S. through my mom or for Palestine through my dad. …When they came to me, I figured it was a good way to give something back to the Middle East.
What's on your soccer bucket list? No. 1 thing is making the (German) Bundesliga first or second division. I just love the way they play, love the atmosphere. That country is my favorite. …Their level is top notch, and I feel like I could play in that league very well. I was close to getting into it, and it just didn't happen. No. 2, I just want to keep getting better for the Palestinian people. They don't have much hope, much to cheer for. Just try to give them some kind of happiness.
Out of the box
M Jeremy Christie, who continues to rehabilitate his left hip after offseason surgery to repair a labral tear, hopes to meet up with the New Zealand national team in Denver on June 1 when the All Whites take on Mexico in a friendly. On Wednesday, he said he felt like his rehab is progressing ahead of schedule, but wouldn't know for sure until national team trainers can examine him and report back to the surgeon in New Zealand who performed his hip operation during the offseason. Christie, 27, hopes a better-than-expected diagnosis from the national team doctors will let him ramp up his rehab routine and add some on-the-ball training. The club targets a late September return. Tampa Bay's regular-season finale is Sept. 24. The thought is Christie should be available for the postseason if the club qualifies.
A slightly different perspective
The team is offering new seating options, which it hopes will give fans a front-row experience much like sitting courtside at a basketball game. Season tickets are being sold for seats on the field, directly behind the field boards on the side opposite the team benches. Included with the $456 prorated season ticket price tag is in-seat wait service and a seasonlong parking pass. Field seat season tickets — the team is not currently selling the seats for single games — are available starting with the May 7 match vs. Carolina.
By Joe Smith and Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writers
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
PITTSBURGH — Brooks Orpik on Wednesday denied Tampa Bay coach Guy Boucher's claim the Pittsburgh defenseman tried to poke or gouge the eyes of Lightning C Steven Stamkos during Game 6 and called the statement "disappointing and childish."
"You try to play their skill guys hard as you can, try to make it miserable for them. But it's kind of a childish accusation, kind of a little wresting match on the ground with a couple headlocks," Orpik said.
Boucher has said the incident took place 5:26 into the third period during a multiplayer confrontation in front of the Penguins' net. No penalty was called related to Boucher's accusation, and though Lightning GM Steve Yzerman apparently spoke to the league about it, no discipline was applied.
"I don't know where the accusation came from," Orpik said. "That's (Boucher) probably just pulling attention away from (Ryan) Malone's hit (in Game 6 on Pascal Dupuis) or something else, or just trying to start something going into Game 7 (Wednesday)."
Stamkos seems to respect Orpik. "He's obviously a good defenseman in this league, and he plays a physical style, so come playoff time, why would you expect anything different?" Stamkos said. "He's a competitor, and he's going to do everything he can to get the advantage on you, so you've got to be disciplined and be willing to take some shots and sacrifice."
Veteran wing Simon Gagne said scrums come with the territory of being a star. "It's not going to be the last time somebody is going to try to go after him," Gagne said of Stamkos. "Especially after the whistle, when referees are there or a couple guys fall over each other, you might get a couple punches under that. You need to get used to that. It's part of the playoffs. You hope the referees see it, but if not, you've got to try to respond in another way, score goals and hurt them that way."
HIT SHOW: The Lightning was much more physical in the series than it was in the regular season. Tampa Bay averaged 32.1 hits in the first six games. It was 27th in the 30-team league during the regular season with an average 20.1. "I wouldn't say we were pacing in the regular season," said D Pavel Kubina, whose 22 hits entering Wednesday were a team best. "In the playoffs, everybody is more physical. Everything is on the line; every shot is important. That's why I think we are more physical."
THE LIMIT: Four of the eight first-round playoff series went seven games. Players on both teams believe parity is a reason.
"Some teams are fairly equal in the way they play," Penguins LW Chris Kunitz said. "A lot of teams have good players, and everyone is competing hard."
Penguins C Michael Rupp said he is surprised there were so many Game 7s but has been most impressed with the comebacks, the Blackhawks from 3-0 to force a seventh game with the Canucks and the Lightning from 3-1. "Nothing is worse as a fan if you're seeing a 4-0 sweep," Rupp said.
ODDS AND ENDS: C Vinny Lecavalier entered Wednesday with two goals, four assists in a five-game points streak. … Scratches were defensemen Matt Smaby and Randy Jones; forwards Dana Tyrell (foot), Blair Jones and Mattias Ritola, and G Dustin Tokarski.
By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
TAMPA — Tampa Bay struggled in yet another home loss Saturday, losing 67-61 to Dallas. But Huey Whittaker certainly did his part.
Whittaker, a graduate of Spring Hill's Springstead High who starred at USF, was named the Arena League offensive player of the week after catching 15 passes for 193 yards and five touchdowns.
His 15 receptions were two shy of the franchise record set by fellow USF alum DeAndrew Rubin last season against Orlando. And the 193 receiving yards were fifth most.
"He's been big for us," coach Dave Ewart said. "That's the type of effort we need from him week in and week out."
Whittaker leads the Storm (2-4 overall and 0-3 at home) with 54 catches and 600 yards and is tied with Hank Edwards with 10 touchdowns.
Net Loss: Tampa Bay had trouble Saturday with kickoffs caroming off the net, allowing Dallas to recover two for touchdowns. It's a problem that has bitten the Storm earlier in the season as well, but it's hard to get better at something without practice.
Tampa Bay hasn't been able to practice at the St. Pete Times Forum while the Lightning is in the playoffs. And neither of the Storm's outdoor practice facilities have netting.
"It's hard to blame guys when they can't get in any work at (receiving balls off the net)," Ewart said.
Ewart said he didn't know if the Storm would practice at the Times Forum when the Lightning's playoff run ends.
Injuries: DL Richard Clebert, (sprained knee) who hasn't played since March 27, is doubtful for Saturday's game at Milwaukee. The status of QB Grant Gregory (ankle), DB Markihe Anderson (neck) and Terrence Royal (ankle) will be decided later this week.
Long Season: Although Tampa Bay has sputtered to a 2-4 start, Ewart said he has seen no quit in his team and expects it to turn things around.
"Those guys last week kept fighting until the final horn, and that was good to see," he said. "We still have 12 games left last I checked, and we plan on turning this thing around."
Times wires
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
LOS ANGELES — A California man said Wednesday that Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell made homophobic comments and sexual gestures and threatened to knock out his teeth with a bat before Saturday's game in San Francisco.
Justin Quinn, 33, of Fresno said he was in the stands during batting practice with his wife and 9-year-old twin daughters when he noticed McDowell heckling three men and making crude sexual gestures with his hips and a bat. Quinn, who was near the field, said he shouted, "Hey! There are kids out here!"
Quinn alleged McDowell replied that kids don't belong at a stadium, picked up a bat, walked up to Quinn and asked him, "How much are your teeth worth?"
"My kids are in panic mode. They're like grabbing onto me," Quinn said. "I'm talking to him, trying to calm him down, and the kids are screaming."
Some parents who were in the stands booed McDowell and came down to retrieve their children. Quinn said McDowell eventually walked away.
Quinn's lawyer, Gloria Allred, sent commissioner Bud Selig a letter asking for an investigation and "appropriate disciplinary action," which should include sensitivity training.
In a statement, Selig said he found the allegations "troubling." He added the Braves will investigate and report to him. In a separate statement, the Braves said they were "concerned" about the allegations and "this in no way represents the Braves organization and the conduct we expect of our employees." McDowell apologized as part of the statement.
Bat suit tossed: A New York judge threw out a suit against the Mets and MLB filed by a fan who was hit by a shattered bat. James Falzon, who sustained multiple facial fractures in 2007, alleged more should have been done to safeguard spectators from break-prone maple bats. The team and league argued fans are warned about the possibility of bats going into the stands by the public-address announcer and game tickets say fans assume risk for accidents incidental to the game.
Marlins: CF Chris Coghlan, an East Lake High grad, left in the eighth with a sore right shoulder but said he hopes to play Friday.
Mets: RHP Mike Pelfrey said he wants to make tonight's scheduled start despite losing 11 pounds while dealing with the flu. He threw a bullpen session and said he "felt fine." If Pelfrey doesn't go, Dillon Gee will start.
Nationals: Federal officials will meet with MLB after RHP Livan Hernandez's name surfaced in the trial of a convicted drug dealer. Prosecutors presented evidence at the trial, which ended Tuesday, that Puerto Rican drug dealer Angel Ayala Vazquez had a car repair shop registered in Hernandez's name. Hernandez declined comment. Also, RH reliever Chad Gaudin went on the DL with an inflamed right shoulder.
Phillies: RHP Roy Oswalt left the team for his home state of Mississippi, where tornadoes have caused deaths and widespread damage, to be with his wife and daughter. The team said they were safe and there wasn't any significant damage to his home. It added Oswalt hopes to be back for his next start on Tuesday. Also, C Carlos Ruiz left in the first with lower back tightness. His status is undetermined.
Rangers: RHP Darren O'Day, last season's primary setup man, went on the 60-day DL and is out indefinitely with a partially torn labrum in his left hip.
Yankees: The team is sending letters to season-ticket holders informing them it accidentally distributed personal information. An employee sent an e-mail to several hundred season-ticket holders and mistakenly attached an internal spreadsheet that contained names, addresses, phone numbers, fax numbers and e-mail addresses for about 17,000 holders of partial and full ticket plans. It said no other personal or financial information, such as social security numbers, credit card data or banking records, was included.
Rockies-Cubs: The game was postponed by rain and will be made up June 27.
By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
PITTSBURGH — Lightning center Nate Thompson said there's more desperation than thinking involved with blocking a shot, and "you'll block it with any part of your body."
Coach Guy Boucher says Thompson, 26, takes that mentality to another level.
"He'll stop the puck with his teeth if he has to," Boucher quipped. "We called him 'Textbook' all year long because if you ask (him) something, you'll get exactly that and more. I think his willingness to pay the price is second to none. The guys who are looking at him play, either from the bench or when we look at video, it's clear that he's an inspiration in this type of game."
Thompson's all-in attitude in buying into Boucher's system and representing how the organization wants its players to play earned the grinding forward the nickname "Nate Boucher."
It's also the reason the Lightning signed Thompson to a two-year, $1.8 million extension in January.
And, make no mistake, Tampa Bay wouldn't have made it to Wednesday's Game 7 had it not been for the play of role players like Thompson, whose skills on the penalty kill and grit in tough areas of the ice pack more punch than points.
"He's a guy that goes unnoticed a lot from the media standpoint and attention-wise, but he does all the little things right," center Steven Stamkos said. "In a series, you need those guys; he's a big faceoff guy, he's willing to block shots, he's unbelievable on the penalty kill. He gets momentum on your side, he chips the puck in and goes and gets it."
Thompson can score, too — he had 10 goals and 15 assists this season, as well as a goal in Game 2 against Pittsburgh. But for forwards like Thompson, Dominic Moore, Adam Hall and Sean Bergenheim, they take pride in a lot more. Besides helping tasked with stopping the other team's top lines, Thompson entered Wednesday second on the team with 21 hits in the series.
"I wanted to have a solid all-around game," Thompson said. I don't dictate my play on points or goals, it's just doing the little things. If the points and goals come, it's a bonus. Every guy has to play their role. That's my role."
Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com.
By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
PITTSBURGH — The crafty, misdirection play by Lightning center Dominic Moore, which includes a no-look pass to linemate Sean Bergenheim from behind the Penguins net, might have looked like impressive improvisation.
But it's actually a set play that the two, as well as the rest of the Lightning team, practiced in preparation for the first-round playoff series with the Penguins.
And after the play worked to perfection for the second consecutive game — this time, leading to Bergenheim's winner in the second period of Wednesday's Game 7 — the wing said he wasn't surprised it worked again.
"I think that maybe it wouldn't work the third time,' Bergenheim said, smiling. "I'm not too surprised, it's a good play."
The play began with a ferocious forecheck, something the third line of Moore, Bergenheim and Steve Downie did all game.
"They had a good shift in our end," Penguins defenseman Craig Adams said. "And we started running around a little bit."
Moore said he had a great opportunity right before, with defenseman Mattias Ohlund setting him up in the slot. Moore's shot was blocked, but he got to the puck and protected it as he skated form the right circle around the net.
The key, Bergenheim says, is that Moore goes so far toward the other side of the net that the goaltender, in this case Marc-Andre Fleury, has to turn his attention that way, as do opposing defensemen. Adams and forward Arron Asham were focused on Moore, and not Bergenheim, who was trailing behind him.
"I thought I held the short side post long enough," Adams said. "I held it for a second, then saw he was going behind the net. Obviously I didn't hold it long enough."
And Fleury, who was spectacular with 22 saves, couldn't stop what he couldn't see. He said the play was difficult to read.
"(Moore) is coming in with a lot of speed behind the net," Fleury said. "I'm looking to get over to the right post there, cover the bottom of the net. He passed it back, and I just lost it."
Moore said he and Bergenheim play so much, and well, together that they can read each other well. "It's something where he knows when he goes behind the net, I'm going to be there."
And like he did for Monday's goal on the same play, Bergenheim finished for his third goal of the series.
"They made a nice play, give them credit," Asham said. "That won them the game."
Times wires
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Yankees 3, White Sox 1
NEW YORK — Robinson Cano's three-run homer backed Bartolo Colon, who went eight innings for his second straight win (his first wins since 2009 after missing 2010 due to injuries). Colon, 37, the 2005 Cy Young winner who signed a minor-league deal, hit 94-95 mph on the stadium radar gun. He threw 65 of 99 pitches for strikes and pitched more than seven innings for the first time since Sept. 22, 2007, while with the Angels. Mariano Rivera got the save after blowing his previous two chances. Mark Buehrle fell to 1-8 against the Yankees.
Times wires
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
MIAMI — Not easy. But over.
For the first time since 2006, the Heat has won a playoff series — and, finally, can start thinking in earnest about another showdown with the Celtics.
Dwyane Wade had 26 points and Chris Bosh added 22 points and 11 rebounds as Miami advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals by topping Philadelphia 97-91 Wednesday night, ousting the 76ers in five games.
Mario Chalmers scored 20 off the bench and LeBron James had 16 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists for Miami. Joel Anthony hit two free throws with 16.8 seconds left for the Heat, who will face Boston starting Sunday afternoon in Miami.
It's the first series win for the Heat since the 2006 NBA Finals.
"We're going to be ready," Wade said. "Philly got us ready."
Andre Iguodala and Elton Brand each had 22 points for Philadelphia.
And like four of the other five games in this series, it wasn't easy for the Heat, as a double-digit lead was cut to one in the final minute.
Philadelphia had a chance to tie with 1:10 left, but Evan Turner's baseline jumper bounced off the rim and James grabbed his 10th rebound.
Wade made a 3-pointer with 8:34 left, pumped his fist on his way up the sideline, and Miami was up 81-71. He crossed Iguodala over twice for baskets later in the quarter, each of those giving the Heat eight-point leads.
Philly wouldn't go away. The Sixers got within two on three occasions and — helped by a technical foul assessed by Steve Javie against Wade with 51 seconds left, cut Miami's lead to one point at 90-89 and again at 92-91.
Anthony made two free throws with 16.8 seconds left, restoring the three-point edge. Iguodala missed on Philadelphia's next possession, and Miami finally escaped.
James created a bit of a pregame stir by quoting rapper Jay-Z (who is a part-owner of the Nets). Asked after the morning shootaround about the need to finish Philadelphia to allow time to finally start preparing for Boston, James said the Heat were focusing on, "just finishing our breakfast," a lyric Jay-Z used.
Sixers coach Doug Collins shrugged it off as "an analogy." But some Sixers seemed to take offense — Lou Williams was giving teammates various breakfast-item nicknames before the game, saying some were fruit salad, others flapjacks.
After the game, Collins acknowledged being emotional in the locker room. "I've enjoyed the ride all year," said Collins, who insisted he plans to return if the Sixers want him.
Heat 97, 76ers 91
PHILADELPHIA (91): Iguodala 10-14 2-4 22, Brand 10-17 2-2 22, Hawes 2-7 0-0 4, Holiday 3-9 4-5 10, Meeks 4-8 2-2 12, Turner 2-10 0-0 4, Young 6-8 1-3 13, Williams 2-8 0-1 4, Battie 0-2 0-0 0. Totals 39-83 11-17 91.
MIAMI (97): James 5-13 4-5 16, Bosh 7-16 8-10 22, Ilgauskas 0-1 0-0 0, Bibby 0-1 0-0 0, Wade 10-25 5-6 26, Anthony 0-0 4-4 4, Chalmers 7-14 0-0 20, Jones 3-7 0-0 9, House 0-3 0-0 0, Howard 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 32-80 21-25 97.
Philadelphia 23 19 25 24— 91
Miami 27 18 27 25— 97
3-Point Goals—Philadelphia 2-10 (Meeks 2-6, Holiday 0-1, Williams 0-1, Iguodala 0-2), Miami 12-30 (Chalmers 6-12, Jones 3-6, James 2-5, Wade 1-5, House 0-1, Bosh 0-1). Fouled Out—Brand. Rebounds—Philadelphia 50 (Turner, Iguodala 10), Miami 52 (Bosh, Wade 11). Assists—Philadelphia 20 (Holiday 8), Miami 17 (James 8). Total Fouls—Philadelphia 18, Miami 12. Technicals—Philadelphia defensive three second, Bosh, Miami Coach Spoelstra, Wade. A—19,896 (19,600).
Report: Magic going to keep coach, GM
Coach Stan Van Gundy and general manager Otis Smith both will return next season, the Orlando Sentinel reported. Magic CEO Bob Vander Weide told the paper that he and owner Rich DeVos' family feel comfortable and confident in Van Gundy and Smith regardless of whether Orlando wins its first-round series against Atlanta. Smith and Van Gundy received contract extensions last summer through the 2012-13 season.
LATE TUESDAY: Lakers star Kpbe Bryant scored 19 points on a sprained left ankle to lead host Los Angeles past the Hornets 106-90 in Game 5 for a 3-2 series lead.
WARRIORS OUST SMART: The Warriors parted ways with coach Keith Smart, choosing not to renew his one-year contract after a 36-46 season.
WNBA: Reigning MVP Lauren Jackson of Seattle will skip the first half of the 2012 season to focus on training with the Australian national team in preparation for the London Olympics.
Times wires
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
SAN ANTONIO — Gary Neal caught an inbounds pass with 1.7 seconds left and forced overtime with a 3-point heave as time expired, and the Spurs staved off elimination by stunning the Grizzlies 110-103 on Wednesday.
Neal's straightaway 3-pointer, from about 27 feet away, was the second of two remarkable San Antonio baskets in the final 2.2 seconds of regulation. Manu Ginobili, who scored 33, hit the other with a long corner jumper while falling out of bounds to keep top-seeded San Antonio alive. Ginobili's shot came after he grabbed the ball on a botched, up-for-grabs inbounds pass
The eighth-seeded Grizzlies lead the best-of-seven series 3-2 and will host the Spurs on Friday.
Zach Randolph led Memphis with 26 points and 11 rebounds.
Was Neal's 3-pointer the biggest shot the rookie has ever hit?
"Yeah," Neal said. "By far."
Heat ousts 76ers
MIAMI — For the first time since 2006, the Heat won a playoff series and, finally, can start thinking about another showdown with the Celtics.
Dwyane Wade had 26 points and Chris Bosh added 22 points and 11 rebounds as Miami advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals by topping Philadelphia 97-91, ousting the 76ers in five games.
Mario Chalmers scored 20 off the bench and LeBron James had 16 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists for Miami. Joel Anthony hit two free throws with 16.8 seconds left for the Heat, who will face Boston starting at 3:30 p.m. Sunday in Miami.
It's the first series win for the Heat since the 2006 NBA Finals.
"We're going to be ready," Wade said. "Philly got us ready."
"You can't take it for granted, winning a series in the playoffs. Now we move on to a series that everybody will be excited about," Heat coach Eric Spoelstra said.
Andre Iguodala and Elton Brand each had 22 points for Philadelphia.
The Heat's double-digit lead was cut to one in the final minute. Philadelphia had a chance to tie with 1:10 left, but Evan Turner missed a baseline jumper and James grabbed his 10th rebound.
Spurs 110, Grizzlies 103, OT
MEMPHIS (103): Young 7-12 3-3 18, Randolph 10-17 6-7 26, Gasol 5-14 1-1 11, Conley 9-20 2-2 20, Allen 2-6 3-4 7, Arthur 2-7 0-0 4, Battier 2-5 1-2 6, Mayo 3-4 2-2 9, Vasquez 1-2 0-2 2, Haddadi 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 41-87 18-23 103.
SAN ANTONIO (110): Jefferson 2-7 1-1 6, Duncan 5-13 3-4 13, McDyess 2-6 0-0 4, Parker 9-20 6-9 24, Ginobili 10-18 9-10 33, Hill 3-7 6-6 12, Bonner 2-6 0-0 5, Neal 3-5 0-0 7, Splitter 3-3 0-2 6. Totals 39-85 25-32 110.
Memphis 14 28 26 29 6— 103
San Antonio 20 30 15 32 13— 110
3-Point Goals—Memphis 3-10 (Mayo 1-1, Young 1-2, Battier 1-4, Allen 0-1, Conley 0-2), San Antonio 7-22 (Ginobili 4-9, Neal 1-2, Jefferson 1-4, Bonner 1-4, Hill 0-1, Parker 0-2). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—Memphis 55 (Gasol 17), San Antonio 49 (Duncan 12). Assists—Memphis 19 (Randolph 6), San Antonio 23 (Parker 9). Total Fouls—Memphis 28, San Antonio 18. Technicals—San Antonio defensive three second. A—18,581 (18,797).
Heat 97, 76ers 91
PHILADELPHIA (91): Iguodala 10-14 2-4 22, Brand 10-17 2-2 22, Hawes 2-7 0-0 4, Holiday 3-9 4-5 10, Meeks 4-8 2-2 12, Turner 2-10 0-0 4, Young 6-8 1-3 13, Williams 2-8 0-1 4, Battie 0-2 0-0 0. Totals 39-83 11-17 91.
MIAMI (97): James 5-13 4-5 16, Bosh 7-16 8-10 22, Ilgauskas 0-1 0-0 0, Bibby 0-1 0-0 0, Wade 10-25 5-6 26, Anthony 0-0 4-4 4, Chalmers 7-14 0-0 20, Jones 3-7 0-0 9, House 0-3 0-0 0, Howard 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 32-80 21-25 97.
Philadelphia 23 19 25 24— 91
Miami 27 18 27 25— 97
3-Point Goals—Philadelphia 2-10 (Meeks 2-6, Holiday 0-1, Williams 0-1, Iguodala 0-2), Miami 12-30 (Chalmers 6-12, Jones 3-6, James 2-5, Wade 1-5, House 0-1, Bosh 0-1). Fouled Out—Brand. Rebounds—Philadelphia 50 (Turner, Iguodala 10), Miami 52 (Bosh, Wade 11). Assists—Philadelphia 20 (Holiday 8), Miami 17 (James 8). Total Fouls—Philadelphia 18, Miami 12. Technicals—Philadelphia defensive three second, Bosh, Miami Coach Spoelstra, Wade. A—19,896 (19,600).
Report: Magic going to keep coach, GM
Coach Stan Van Gundy and general manager Otis Smith both will return next season, the Orlando Sentinel reported. Magic CEO Bob Vander Weide told the paper that he and owner Rich DeVos' family feel comfortable and confident in Van Gundy and Smith regardless of whether Orlando wins its first-round series against Atlanta. Smith and Van Gundy received contract extensions last summer through the 2012-13 season.
LATE TUESDAY: Lakers star Kpbe Bryant scored 19 points on a sprained left ankle to lead host Los Angeles past the Hornets 106-90 in Game 5 for a 3-2 series lead.
WARRIORS OUST SMART: The Warriors parted ways with coach Keith Smart, choosing not to renew his one-year contract after a 36-46 season.
WNBA: Reigning MVP Lauren Jackson of Seattle will skip the first half of the 2012 season to focus on training with the Australian national team in preparation for the London Olympics.
Times wires
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Indians 7, Royals 2
CLEVELAND — Orlando Cabrera hit a three-run double in the first to lift the Indians to their ninth consecutive home win. Cleveland's Josh Tomlin gave up solo homers to Jeff Francoeur and Mike Aviles in the second, but he has gone at least five innings in each of his first 17 appearances in the majors, a club record. Kansas City's Alex Gordon was hitless, ending his hitting streak at 19 games.
Times wires
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
MINNEAPOLIS — The federal judge who lifted the NFL lockout dealt another blow to the league late Wednesday, denying its request to put her ruling on hold and guaranteeing more limbo for the $9 billion business.
U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson wrote that the NFL "has not met its burden for a stay pending appeal, expedited or otherwise." She dismissed the NFL's argument that it is facing irreparable harm because of her decision Monday to end the lockout.
"In short, the world of 'chaos' the NFL claims it has been thrust into — essentially the 'free-market' system this nation otherwise willfully operates under — is not compelled by this court's order," Nelson wrote.
The judge acknowledged that her decision will be appealed to the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis, and the NFL has promised that step. There was no immediate word from the league after Nelson's decision.
The ruling means the league has no rules in place, shelved since the collective bargaining agreement ended March 11.
Bronco stabbed: Defensive end Jason Hunter was stabbed in his left shoulder and taken to a hospital in Detroit for treatment. His agent said the wound wasn't life-threatening, just stitches.
Haynesworth case: Albert Haynesworth allegedly slid his credit card into the bra of a waitress and touched her breast, according to court papers filed in Washington offering the Redskins defensive lineman a plea deal. Haynesworth's lawyer said Haynesworth would not take the deal and would fight the misdemeanor sexual abuse charge.
Madden cover: Browns running back Peyton Hillis received 66 percent of the fan vote and will grace the cover of the Madden NFL '12 video game, beating Eagles QB Michael Vick.
Times wires
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Pirates 2, Giants 0
PITTSBURGH — James McDonald pitched six innings for the Pirates to lower his ERA from 10.13 to 7.66. Joel Hanrahan recorded his seventh save in seven chances, getting Miguel Tejada to ground into a game-ending double play with runners on first and second. The Giants wasted a strong outing by Madison Bumgarner, who lowered his ERA from 7.79 to 6.17. They have lost five of six while scoring 14 runs and hitting .188.
Times wires
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
DETROIT — Erik Bedard earned his first win in almost two years while Justin Smoak homered and drove in a career-high five to help the Mariners rout the Tigers 10-1 on Wednesday.
Seattle acquired Bedard in February 2008 from Baltimore for five players. But entering this year, the lefty had won just 11 games for it while missing significant time, including all of last season, with shoulder problems.
After his last win, on June 7, 2009, he went 0-1 with three no-decisions before he was shut down. In his first four starts this year, he went 0-4 with a 7.71 ERA.
Bedard allowed a run in the first on Miguel Cabrera's double, but that was it. He struck out Austin Jackson with men on second and third to end the fifth.
Smoak has homered in consecutive games after missing a week for the death of his father. It was Smoak's fourth home run of the year and second from the left side of the plate. The switch-hitter entered the game 5-of-27 (.185) hitting left-handed.
Times wires
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Athletics 2, Angels 1
10 innings
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Cliff Pennington opened the 10th with a triple off the glove of diving leftfielder Vernon Wells to help Oakland avoid a three-game sweep. One out later, Conor Jackson drove him in on a groundout, a high chopper to short. Ex-Angels closer Brian Fuentes returned to Anaheim and gave up the tying run in the ninth after an error by third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff.
Times wires
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Orioles 5, Red Sox 4
BALTIMORE — Vladimir Guerrero's eighth-inning single lifted the Orioles to their second straight win over the Red Sox. The rally came an inning after Boston tied it on Kevin Youkilis' three-run homer. It began with singles by Nick Markakis and Derrick Lee, who advanced on a passed ball. Markakis was thrown out after another pitch eluded Jason Varitek, but Guerrero bounced a single up the middle.
By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
TAMPA — USF went into Wednesday's softball doubleheader with Notre Dame owning a share of the Big East lead, but 14 innings and one hit later, the Bulls had been dominated in 1-0 and 5-0 losses before an announced crowd of 517.
Notre Dame freshman Laura Winter threw a no-hitter in the first game, retiring the final 19 batters in order to outduel Bulls freshman Sara Nevins of Pinellas Park. Nevins took a no-hitter into the fifth and finished with a three-hitter, but saw her scoreless streak end at 46 innings after outfielders Gina Kafalas and Kelly McCarver, collided and dropped what would have been a third out.
In the second game, Brittany O'Donnell held USF without a hit until the sixth, when shortstop Janine Richardson singled up the middle. Nevins pitched the first three innings, but her throwing error brought in two runs to extend the Irish lead to 4-0.
"We waited for ourselves to make mistakes," USF coach Ken Eriksen said. "You've got to swing the bat in our league against good pitching."
USF (32-18, 12-3) ends the regular season with three games at first-place DePaul next weekend.
Fiesta fixes: Chris Madel, the attorney who conducted an internal investigation into political and financial improprieties at the Fiesta Bowl, said the committee that operates the game is closely following his recommendations to change its operations. "I can say the Fiesta Bowl approach … is a textbook example of how best to position your organization in the good graces of the federal and state government," Madel said. A BCS task force is not expected to announce until May whether the bowl game will remain in the title rotation. "The Fiesta Bowl people were forthright," said BCS executive director Bill Hancock, who heard highlights of a presentation made to a task force. "It was a very good exchange."
BYU accepts bowl invite: Brigham Young accepted an invitation to play in the Dec. 30 Armed Forces Bowl if the Cougars qualify in their first season as a football independent, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported. The Cougars, who are leaving the Mountain West, were extended a provisional invite earlier in the day.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
Times wires
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Mets 6, Nationals 3
WASHINGTON — Daniel Murphy tied it with a pinch-hit homer in the eighth and sealed the Mets' sixth consecutive victory with a two-run double in the ninth. Pedro Beato earned his first career win despite giving up Wilson Ramos' sacrifice fly in the eighth that put Washington ahead.
