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Ethier's string hits 30 in loss

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Times wires
Friday, May 6, 2011

NEW YORK — Andre Ethier extended his hitting streak to 30 games, but Jason Pridie's three-run homer in the sixth carried the Mets past the Dodgers 6-3 on Friday.

Pridie, a 27-year-old with just four big-league at-bats before this year, homered off a bullpen roof in right-center against Hiroki Kuroda after an intentional walk to Ike Davis with the Mets trailing 3-2.

Ethier singled to center on a 3-and-0 pitch in the first inning, becoming the first major-leaguer with a 30-game hitting streak since Washington's Ryan Zimmerman from April 8 to May 12, 2009.

Ethier, 29, is one game shy of the Dodgers record, set by Willie Davis from Aug. 1 to Sept. 3, 1969.

"I'm not really thinking about it other than for the fact there's been a lot of support from the teammates, from fans at home," Ethier said of the streak. "I've even had fans on the road cheering me on. It's like: 'I want you to get a hit, but don't do too much.' "


Yankees 4, Rangers 1

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Times wires
Friday, May 6, 2011

Yankees 4, Rangers 1

ARLINGTON, Texas — Curtis Granderson homered twice into the upper deck, rookie Ivan Nova limited the Rangers to two singles while pitching into the eighth inning, and the Yankees ended their season-worst three-game skid. Granderson's 433-foot drive into the second level of seats above the Rangers' bullpen in right-center made it 2-0 in the first. He hit his AL-leading 10th homer in the seventh, a solo shot closer to the rightfield line but still in the upper deck.

Tampa Bay Rays: Evan Longoria's commercial; honorary bat girl

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Friday, May 6, 2011

Rays at Orioles

When/where: 1:05 today; Camden Yards, Baltimore

TV/radio: Ch. 13; 620-AM, 680-AM (Spanish)

Starting pitchers:

Rays

RH Jeremy Hellickson (2-2, 4.31) Orioles

RH Jeremy Guthrie (1-4, 3.00)

Watch for …

Rested righty: Hellickson's start was pushed back two days so David Price and James Shields could remain on normal rest. He knows about standing around. He did a lot of it during his last start, when the Rays put up 19 hits in a 15-3 win over the Twins. He went 61/3 innings, allowing three runs and seven hits.

Hard-luck bird: Since the start of 2010, Guthrie has a 3.70 ERA but is 12-18. The Orioles have scored just 15 runs in his six starts this season.

Key matchups

RAYS VS. GUTHRIE

Evan Longoria 4-for-23

Casey Kotchman 6-for-14 HR

B.J. Upton 10-for-33, HR

ORIOLES VS. HELLICKSON

Adam Jones 1-for-2

Nick Markakis 0-for-4

Luke Scott 2-for-4

On deck

Sunday: at Orioles, 1:35, Sun Sports. Rays — Wade Davis (3-2, 2.77); Orioles — Brad Bergesen (0-3, 4.88)

Monday: Off

Tuesday: at Indians, 7:05, Sun Sports. Rays — TBA; Indians — TBA

Rick Stroud, Times staff writer

Commercial of the day

Rays 3B Evan Longoria, right, has a prominent role in a Pepsi Max commercial that starts airing Monday. It's the second in the series playing off the movie Field of Dreams and also features former Rays manager Lou Piniella. Longoria emerges from the cornfield amid several Hall of Famers and heads to an empty Pepsi Max machine. He begins a rally drumbeat that ends with the Pepsi Max vendor arriving with refills.

Honor of the day

Shari Elliott of Bradenton will be the Rays' honorary bat girl as MLB raises awareness of breast cancer on Mother's Day. This is the third year MLB and its teams will honor fans who have been affected by breast cancer and demonstrated a commitment to fighting it. Because the Rays are in Baltimore on Sunday, Elliott will serve May 15, when the Rays host the Orioles.

Bruins sweep out Flyers

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Times wires
Friday, May 6, 2011

BOSTON — Milan Lucic scored twice, Johnny Boychuk got the go-ahead goal, and the Bruins stopped any chance of another historic comeback by the Flyers with a 5-1 win Friday night that completed a sweep of their Eastern Conference semifinal series.

The Bruins are in the conference final for the first time since 1992 — they were swept by the eventual Stanley Cup champion Penguins — and as the East's third seed will have home-ice advantage against the fifth-seeded Lightning.

In the semifinal round last year against Philadelphia, the Bruins became the third NHL team to lose a series after winning the first three games. Boston led 3-0 in Game 7 at home before the Flyers rallied for a 4-3 victory.

"I think we learned a lot from last year, that experience, and I think it made us a more determined hockey club," Lucic said. "We can definitely put everything behind us with what happened last year. So it's a real good feeling."

Lucic's first goal, at 12:02 of the first, was his first in 21 games. He knocked in a goal-mouth pass from Nathan Horton. Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, making his first start since Game 1 of this series to add another chapter to the Flyers' revolving-door goalie saga, had no chance.

Bobrovsky replaced Brian Boucher, who had been ineffective in the other losses.

"I'm not sure what went wrong," said Flyers captain Mike Richards, who had one goal in 11 playoff games. "(Boston) played extremely well."

Top Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger missed the last three games with an unspecified injury. "I don't want to use that as an excuse," coach Peter Laviolette said. "We have (other) good players in the lineup."

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First Period1, Boston, Lucic 1 (Horton, Krejci), 12:02 (pp). PenaltiesHnidy, Bos (slashing), 3:10; van Riemsdyk, Phi (hooking), 5:44; Versteeg, Phi (interference), 9:28; Marchand, Bos (diving), 9:28; Carcillo, Phi (cross-checking), 11:31; Giroux, Phi (tripping), 15:03; Hartnell, Phi (roughing), 19:52; Chara, Bos, double minor (roughing), 19:52.

Second Period2, Philadelphia, Versteeg 1 (Richards), 13:22. PenaltiesHartnell, Phi (charging), 11:39; Lucic, Bos (cross-checking), 11:39; Horton, Bos (holding), 13:54; Carcillo, Phi (cross-checking), 16:55; Briere, Phi (holding), 19:36.

Third Period3, Boston, Boychuk 2 (Ryder), 2:42. 4, Boston, Lucic 2 (Horton), 15:03. 5, Boston, Marchand 5 (Recchi, Peverley), 18:04 (en). 6, Boston, Paille 2 (Campbell, Thornton), 19:35 (en). PenaltiesNone. Shots on GoalPhiladelphia 6-7-10—23. Boston 13-7-7—27. Power-play opportunitiesPhiladelphia 0 of 3; Boston 1 of 5. GoaliesPhiladelphia, Bobrovsky 0-2-0 (25 shots-22 saves). Boston, Thomas 8-3-0 (23-22).

Late goal from Helm keeps Wings alive

DETROIT — The Red Wings figured out a way to be on the winning side of a one-goal game against the Sharks. For Detroit, it was about time.

Darren Helm scored with 1:27 left, lifting the Red Wings to an elimination-avoiding 4-3 win over San Jose in Game 4 of their West semifinal series.

"For us, it was an overtime game, a game we obviously had to win," Helm said.

The Sharks won the first three games by a goal. In the same round last year, they beat the Red Wings in four one-goal games.

"It's a great feeling just finishing on top and finally getting a win," said Nicklas Lidstrom, who scored twice in the first period as Detroit took a 3-0 lead that slipped away.

The Sharks take their 3-1 series lead back to San Jose for Game 5 Sunday night. Detroit is trying to become the fourth NHL team to win a series after trailing 3-0.

Detroit appeared to be on the way to a blowout in the first. "We didn't answer the bell as well as we could've," San Jose forward Joe Pavelski said.

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First Period1, Detroit, Bertuzzi 2 (Zetterberg, Cleary), 6:22. 2, Detroit, Lidstrom 3 (Cleary, Bertuzzi), 11:09. 3, Detroit, Lidstrom 4 (Zetterberg, Datsyuk), 18:01 (pp). 4, San Jose, Couture 3 (Clowe), 18:16. PenaltiesI.White, SJ (interference), 16:05.

Second Period5, San Jose, Boyle 2 (Wellwood, Clowe), 13:44. PenaltiesThornton, SJ (holding stick), 5:47; Mitchell, SJ (holding), 10:58; Heatley, SJ (tripping), 14:29.

Third Period6, San Jose, Heatley 3 (Clowe, Couture), 1:14. 7, Detroit, Helm 2 (Eaves, Rafalski), 18:33. PenaltiesBertuzzi, Det (high-sticking), 4:12; Abdelkader, Det (cross-checking), 11:35; Clowe, SJ, double minor (roughing), 20:00; Abdelkader, Det, double minor (roughing), 20:00. Shots on GoalSan Jose 12-6-10—28. Detroit 17-10-13—40. Power-play opportunitiesSan Jose 0 of 2; Detroit 1 of 4. GoaliesSan Jose, Niemi 6-3-0 (40 shots-36 saves). Detroit, Howard 5-3-0 (28-25).

coyotes: The Glendale City Council is scheduled to vote Tuesday on a plan to pay the NHL up to $25 million to buy more time to find a buyer for the league-owned team. If the plan is approved, Glendale would keep the Coyotes through 2011-12 at Jobing.com Arena.

Analysis of Tampa Bay Lightning-Boston Bruins East final matchup

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By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Friday, May 6, 2011

In the first round of the playoffs, the Lightning played a team with little skill but a whole lot of heart.

In the second round, it played a team full of skill but with little heart.

The next opponent for the Lightning will be the Bruins, a team with a pile of skill and loads of heart. And grit. And physicality. And leadership. And solid coaching. Just about all the ingredients that make up a Stanley Cup contender.

The Bruins completed a sweep of the Flyers on Friday night with a 5-1 win to set up an Eastern Conference final showdown with the Lightning. It's stunning the Lightning has made it this far. Few are surprised the Bruins have done so. Now that the teams will fight to reach the Stanley Cup final, how do they match up?

If history — recent and long term — is any indication, the Lightning could be in trouble. Boston has been a house of horrors for it over the years. Tampa Bay has played 35 games all time in Boston and won only four. It has lost 22 in regulation and three in overtime/shootouts. There have been six ties.

This regular season the Lightning lost both meetings in Boston, an 8-1 shellacking Dec. 2 and 2-1 March 3.

At home this season, the Lightning fared better, winning 3-1 Nov. 22 and losing 4-3 Dec. 28. The Bruins won the second game on a power-play goal with 19 seconds left after a controversial boarding call against Steven Stamkos.

Another thing to note: Lightning goalie Dwayne Roloson, who has been impressive in the playoffs, was acquired Jan. 1, when the teams had just one game left in their series, and he didn't play that final game. Mike Smith did.

The Bruins create matchup problems all over the ice for Tampa Bay. They were fifth in the regular season in goals scored and allowed the second-fewest number of goals.

Their statistical leaders —Patrice Bergeron, Milan Lucic, David Krejci, Nathan Horton, Brad Marchand — aren't marquee names, but they are talented, and the Bruins are deep. Lucic was the team's only 30-goal scorer, but the Bruins had 12 players score at least 10 goals. Much like the Lightning in these playoffs, the Bruins are getting contributions from everybody. Fifteen players have scored.

The real areas of concern for the Lightning are the Bruins' defense and physical play. Led by 6-foot-9 captain Zdeno Chara, the Bruins have one of the biggest (it averages 6-3, 215 pounds) and nastiest defensive corps in the NHL. Boston is the most physical team left in the playoffs and could inflict a few bumps and bruises on a smaller Lightning team, especially if the series goes six or seven games.

If Tampa Bay can get through Boston's rugged defense, it has to deal with one of the best goalies in hockey, Tim Thomas. Thomas, 37, is the favorite to win the Vezina Trophy, given to the NHL's top goalie. During the regular season, Thomas led the league in goals-against average (2.00) and save percentage (.938), and his numbers have stayed about the same in the postseason.

The Lightning is now playing with the big boys. It isn't facing a team like the Penguins, who were missing their two best players. It isn't facing a team like the Capitals, who still haven't figured out how to win in the postseason. The Bruins are a much bigger and tougher test, with emphasis on "bigger" and "tougher."

Brandon Guyer's homer leads Tampa Bay Rays past Baltimore Orioles 6-2

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Friday, May 6, 2011

BALTIMORE — Lindsay Murphy finished her shift as sports anchor at Fox 5 in Washington, D.C., at 6:20 p.m., hopped in her car and drove an hour to Camden Yards in Baltimore, where her husband, Rays leftfielder Brandon Guyer, was making his major-league debut.

Knowing she was late, Murphy listened anxiously on the radio while pulling into the stadium parking lot as her 25-year-old husband faced left-hander Zach Britton.

Oh, heck, let's just go to the highlights, Lindsay.

In his first major-league at-bat, Guyer blasted a 3-and-1 fastball 386 feet to left-center for a two-run homer that jump-started the Rays' 6-2 victory Friday.

James Shields did the rest, scattering three hits over 71/3 innings despite some delays for repairs on the rain-soaked infield. The only mistake by Shields, 3-0 with a 1.12 ERA over his past five starts, was Derrek Lee's homer in the sixth.

But the night belonged to Guyer, even if his wife missed the moment — sort of.

Lights didn't explode (although there were plenty of lightning bolts), and Guyer's wife wasn't in the first row blowing kisses as he joined Esteban Yan (June 4, 2000) as the only Rays to homer in their first major-league at-bat.

But as debuts go, it didn't lack cinematic flavor.

"My reaction was to scream and roll my window down and yell at people walking in the stadium," Murphy said. "I'm kind of surprised. For how young he is and everything, he's poised well beyond his years."

As Guyer's rooting section jumped up and down, exchanged hugs and high-fives, the Rays bullpen retrieved the ball for Guyer, swapping it for three baseballs with a fan of the Durham Bulls.

Teammates jokingly gave Guyer the silent treatment after he reached the dugout then mobbed him.

Less than 24 hours earlier, Guyer — part of the trade that sent Matt Garza to the Cubs — had bunted back to the pitcher in his final at-bat and was called into the office of Triple-A Durham manager Charlie Montoyo.

"He talked to me a minute about the bunt, about trying to get a better angle with the bat," Guyer said. "Then he said, 'Keep on playing the game the same way.' I started to get up, and he said, 'Keep on playing the game the same way, but you're going to be in the big leagues tomorrow.' "

There were several reasons for Guyer's promotion. Pitcher Jeff Niemann went on the disabled list with a lower back strain. Leftfielder Sam Fuld is in a 2-for-35 slump, and centerfielder B.J. Upton could be suspended today.

But the biggest factor was Guyer's hitting at Durham — .356, six home runs and International League-high 37 hits.

To make things sweeter, Guyer made his debut 90 minutes from Herndon, Va., where he starred in football and baseball.

"We were laughing because he played at Wrigley Field (with the Peoria Chiefs), and his first at-bat, his first pitch, was a home run to leftfield," Murphy said. "I think it's just something about being on a big stage that he tends to relish a little bit."

Murphy met Guyer while doing a story on his 26-game hitting streak at the University of Virginia, and teammates dared him to ask her out.

Friday, Murphy ended her sportscast with news of her husband's debut. Her boss gave her the 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. broadcasts off. She also will attend today's and Sunday's game.

"Part of me hopes there are highlights on Saturday and Sunday as well," Murphy said. "Then I'll put them on DVDs and keep them forever."

Mavs put clamps on champs

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Times wires
Friday, May 6, 2011

DALLAS — Dirk Nowitzki had 32 points, Jason Terry scored 23 and Peja Stojakovic scored 11 of his 15 in the fourth quarter, rallying the Mavericks to a 98-92 victory over the Lakers on Friday night that put the two-time defending champions on the brink of elimination.

Dallas trailed by seven with 5:05 left and was getting shredded inside by a new-look Los Angeles lineup featuring three big men. Then Nowitzki and Stojakovic hit 3-pointers, jump-starting an 18-6 rally that turned around the game and possibly sealed the Western Conference series.

"We stuck with it, finally got some big stops … keep fighting, keep attacking," Nowitzki said of his team's comeback.

The Mavericks lead 3-0, and no team in NBA history has ever lost after taking such a lead.

Dallas will go for the sweep at home on Sunday.

Lamar Odom filled in for the suspended Ron Artest as the starting small forward for the Lakers. Odom scored 18 but star Kobe Bryant was held to 17 points.

Bulls earn back homecourt edge

ATLANTA — Finally, the real Bulls showed up in the playoffs.

Naturally, Derrick Rose led the way.

Looking every bit like the MVP, Rose sliced up Atlanta for a career-high 44 points as Chicago seized control of its Eastern Conference semifinal series with a 99-82 victory in Game 3.

The Bulls lead the series 2-1.

Rose dominated from the opening tip, slashing into the lane for a basket that prompted Atlanta to call a timeout before game was a minute old. He finished off the Hawks midway through the fourth with back-to-back 3-pointers, hopping down the court, serenaded by chants of "MVP! MVP!" from a hefty contingent of Bulls fans.

Rose made 16 of 27 shots, including four 3s. He had seven assists, five rebounds, a steal — and he even blocked a shot.

"Just attacking the whole game," Rose said. "That was my whole thought process."

Rose also finally seemed to shake off a nagging sprained ankle.

"Yeah, I just wanted to get my groove back," he said.

Bulls 99, Hawks 82

CHICAGO (99): Deng 3-10 0-1 7, Boozer 3-6 0-0 6, Noah 1-8 0-0 2, Rose 16-27 8-9 44, Bogans 2-6 0-0 6, Brewer 1-2 0-0 2, Gibson 5-9 3-4 13, Asik 0-0 0-0 0, Korver 4-6 0-0 11, Watson 2-5 4-4 8, Butler 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 37-79 15-18 99.

ATLANTA (82): Williams 4-7 2-3 10, Smith 7-14 3-8 17, Horford 5-12 0-0 10, Teague 8-13 5-5 21, Johnson 4-12 1-2 10, Crawford 3-7 1-1 7, Pachulia 0-0 1-2 1, Collins 0-0 0-0 0, Wilkins 2-2 0-0 4, Powell 0-1 0-0 0, Armstrong 0-2 1-2 1, Sy 0-0 1-2 1. Totals 33-70 15-25 82.

Chicago 29 27 24 19— 99

Atlanta 23 20 20 19— 82

3-Point GoalsChicago 10-20 (Rose 4-7, Korver 3-4, Bogans 2-4, Deng 1-4, Watson 0-1), Atlanta 1-6 (Johnson 1-2, Teague 0-2, Crawford 0-2). Fouled OutNone. ReboundsChicago 49 (Noah 15), Atlanta 43 (Smith 13). AssistsChicago 18 (Rose 7), Atlanta 18 (Smith 4). Total FoulsChicago 20, Atlanta 15. TechnicalsChicago defensive three second 2, Crawford. A19,521 (18,729).

CELTICS: Paul Pierce has figured out how to help the team during the final minutes of tonight's game against Miami.

He's going to stick around.

Pierce was ejected late in the series opener, and in Game 2 he strained his left Achilles' tendon in the first half and was still hobbling down the stretch.

"Paul Pierce being in the game in the fourth quarter, healthy, is always going to help the Celtics," he said Friday.

The Celtics expect to be healthier than they have been in a while, thanks in part to the three days off. That will help Ray Allen (bruised chest) and Rajon Rondo (stiff back).

Pierce also said his Achilles' is fine, and coach Doc Rivers said he expects to have Shaquille O'Neal coming off the bench for the first time in the postseason.

THUNDER: Starting forward Serge Ibaka returned to practice and coach Scott Brooks said he will play today. Ibaka missed practice Thursday while nursing injuries to his right knee and left ankle suffered Tuesday.

Mariners 3, White Sox 2

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Times wires
Saturday, May 7, 2011

Mariners 3, White Sox 2

SEATTLE — Brendan Ryan's single with two outs in the ninth won it for the Mariners. It also made a winner of Felix Hernandez, who pitched his second complete game of the season. Jack Cust started the rally with a one-out single off Matt Thornton, and Jack Wilson followed with a single. Pinch-runner Adam Kennedy moved to third on Michael Saunders' flyout to center. Ryan then lined a 1-and-0 pitch past diving second baseman Gordon Beckham to score the winning run. Chicago has lost eight of nine.


Angels 2, Indians 1, 11 innings

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Times wires
Saturday, May 7, 2011

Angels 2, Indians 1

11 innings

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Torii Hunter's single in the 11th won it for the Angels. Erick Aybar, Bobby Abreu and Maicer Izturis (whose double in the sixth tied it) opened the inning with singles. Hunter then drove an 0-and-1 pitch from Justin Germano into the leftfield corner. Cleveland's Justin Masterson failed to become the majors' second pitcher to win six games.

Tampa Bay Rays' Upton suspended two games, fined $1,500 for outburst vs. Blue Jays

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer


Saturday, May 7, 2011

Rays outfielder B.J. Upton will be suspended two games by Major League Baseball and fined $1,500 for his outburst in Wednesday's game versus the Blue Jays.

Upton said Saturday he plans to appeal the suspension and won't begin serving it until the Rays play at Cleveland.

After being called out on strikes in the ninth inning of the Rays' 3-2 loss to Toronto Wednesday, Upton had a tirade aimed at home plate umpire Chad Fairchild, tossing his helmet and batting gloves and having to be restrained by third base coach Tom Foley and bench coach Dave Martinez.

If upheld, it will be the first suspension of Upton's career.

"They look at it the way they want to look at it,'' Upton said. "Once it's over, it's out of my hands. They felt the fine and a couple of days suspension. There's nothing I can do about it.''

By appealing the suspension, Upton will be able to finish the three-game series in Baltimore, where he has a lifetime .281 batting average at Camden Yards as opposed .180 at Jacobs Field in Cleveland.

"I don't plan on taking (the two game suspension) here,'' Upton said. "Probably in Cleveland...I like hitting in this park, I guess.''

If Upton returns from his suspension Thursday in Cleveland, it could bode well for the Rays' centerfielder. He has a .385 batting average against Indians starter Justin Masterson.

Rays manager Joe Maddon said he had no problem with Upton's decision to finish the series in Baltimore

"He's had a lot of success here, and that was his call,'' Maddon said. "I don't want to argue with that. Two games here, two games there. Who knows when the right two games are to take? So we just went with his wishes right now, and he's playing today."

The Rays recalled outfielder Brandon Guyer from triple-A Durham Friday when pitcher Jeff Neimann went on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain. Guyer blasted a two-run homer in his first Major League at bat Friday night.

The Rays have a day off Monday, meaning Niemann's turn in the rotation would be Tuesday at Cleveland. But rather than option Guyer back to Durham and recall a pitcher, Maddon said he plans to start right hander Andy Sonnastine.

"It doesn't really impact Guyer,'' Maddon said. "It's nice to have Guyer here in case he did serve his suspension now, but the way the bullpen is right now I think we're still OK. Barring anything further necessary use out of Sonnanstine, you're probably going to see him start that game on Tuesday."

Tampa Bay Rays' B.J. Upton suspended two games, fined $1,500 for outburst vs. Blue Jays

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer


Saturday, May 7, 2011

BALTIMORE — Rays CF B.J. Upton was suspended two games by Major League Baseball and fined $1,500 for his outburst in Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays.

Upton said he plans to appeal the suspension, which was announced by the league Saturday, but likely will begin serving it when the Rays play at Cleveland on Tuesday.

After being called out on strikes in the ninth inning of the Rays' 3-2 loss to Toronto on Wednesday, Upton was ejected and had a tirade aimed at home plate umpire Chad Fairchild, tossing his helmet and batting gloves and having to be restrained by third-base coach Tom Foley and bench coach Dave Martinez.

If upheld, the suspension will be the first of Upton's career.

"They look at it the way they want to look at it," Upton said. "Once it's over, it's out of my hands. They felt the fine and a couple days' suspension. There's nothing I can do about it."

By appealing the suspension, Upton will be able to finish the three-game series in Baltimore, where he entered Saturday's game with a lifetime .281 batting average at Camden Yards as opposed to .180 at Jacobs Field in Cleveland. That proved to be the right move when Upton went 3-for-5 on Saturday, including a three-run homer and two doubles, in an 8-2 win over the Orioles.

"I don't plan on taking (the two-game suspension) here," Upton said. "Probably in Cleveland. … I like hitting in this park, I guess."

If Upton returns from his suspension Thursday in Cleveland, it could bode well for him. He has a .385 average against Indians starter Justin Masterson.

Rays manager Joe Maddon said he had no problem with Upton's decision to finish the series in Baltimore.

"He's had a lot of success here, and that was his call," Maddon said. "I don't want to argue with that. Two games here, two games there. Who knows when the right two games are to take."

Sonnanstine TO START: RHP Andy Sonnanstine will start Tuesday against the Indians in place of RHP Jeff Niemann, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain.

Sonnanstine has appeared in only four games this season and is 0-0 with a 2.89 ERA. He pitched three scoreless innings against Toronto last week. Although relegated to long relief, Sonnanstine has started 76 games in his career.

"It's not easy to do, but he does it," Maddon said. "He stays ready. He knows things like this could happen. He doesn't like not playing. He does not like not pitching … but he gets it.

"So now all of a sudden, his role and his time comes, and I know he'll be ready, and I know he won't be afraid and I know he's been there before."

EXTRA BASES: RHP Jeremy Hellickson and four relievers combined to walk 10 batters Saturday. It's the most walks issued by Rays pitchers in a victory since April 26, 2006, at New York when they walked 14 in 10 innings. … Entering Saturday's game, Hellickson had received 9.19 runs per game, the highest run support in the American League. … Rays and Orioles players will swing pink bats and wear pink ribbons and batting gloves today as part of Major League Baseball's tradition on Mother's Day to raise breast cancer awareness.

Rays Tales: Caps, gowns and baseball

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, May 7, 2011

Caps and gowns and baseball players don't often end up together, in large part because of a system that allows players to be drafted and sign after their junior college seasons.

But even for those who stay and earn their degrees, timing can be an issue.

RHP Brandon Gomes, who completed a double major in finance and business law to graduate from Tulane but, rather than walk with his class at the New Orleans Arena, instead received his degree on the field before the 2007 Seniors Day game against Chicago State.

"It was a unique experience," Gomes said.

Even more so because Gomes was starting that day — so he had to interrupt his warm-ups in the bullpen for the ceremony with the school AD and the head of the business school. "I came down, then I went back and threw," he said. "It was pretty funny."

Gomes, who went six innings for the win that day, got a double major since it was a matter of adding two extra classes, and had the benefit of a fifth year since he missed his sophomore season following Tommy John surgery.

OF Sam Fuld impressively earned his economics degree in four years at Stanford and got to graduate with his 2004 class at the football stadium — but it wasn't what he wanted to be doing.

Graduation coincided with the College World Series, and for the first time in his four seasons, the Cardinal didn't qualify.

"That was the only consolation for not making it that year," Fuld said. "None of us really wanted to be there, but if we had to be there we were enjoying ourselves."

Other Rays with college degrees include 2B/RF Ben Zobrist (communications, Dallas Baptist), assistant to the pitching coach Stan Boroski (biology, Ohio University), pitching coach Jim Hickey (marketing, Texas-Pan American), and hitting coach Derek Shelton (criminal justice, Southern Illinois). Plus manager Joe Maddon has an honorary degree from Lafayette.

The old college try ....

A dozen or so other Rays attended college, but left without getting degrees. RHP Adam Russell, a finance major at Ohio University, said he'll "definitely" will go back and finish when he's done playing. ... C Kelly Shoppach (education, Baylor) and RHP Andy Sonnanstine (marketing, Kent State) want to finish, but are stymied by requirements they go back to campus. ... Sonnanstine started in computer science, but said, "After a month of dealing with binary code I had to find something else." Hickey made a similar change. ... 1B Dan Johnson (Nebraska) and OF Matt Joyce (Florida Southern) were also marketing majors. ... RHP Jeff Niemann (Rice) and LHP Cesar Ramos (Long Beach State) majored in kinesiology; Ramos also took dance class. ... LHP David Price (Vanderbilt) and OF Brandon Guyer (Virginia) were sociology majors. ... 3B Evan Longoria studied criminology at Long Beach State. ... LHP J.P. Howell said his major at Texas was "football and sleep" though officially general studies. ... RHP Kyle Farnsworth spent one year at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College but said he didn't have a specific area of study: "Just enough to stay eligible."

Rays Rumblings

MLB literally stopped the presses to add Sam Fuld and drop "retired" Manny Ramirez from the All-Star ballot, paying for the punchcards, which were just starting to be printed, to be re-worked. ... RHP Alex Cobb's pitch-tipping issues stemmed from how he held his glove — closed tight for a fastball, spread out for off-speed stuff; ESPN's Eduardo Perez (the ex-Ray) broke it down well on TV. ... Through nearly one-fourth of their home schedule (and with no weather issues), the Rays rank 29th in attendance with an average of 16,311 for 19 games. ... Home clubhouse/equipment manager Chris Westmoreland said attendant Ryan Riddle gets the credit for their seemingly impossible accomplishment — getting the chocolate whipped cream stains out of B.J. Upton's jersey. ... Evan Longoria has a featured role in the latest Pepsi Max TV commercial, which debuts Monday. ... Fuld will sign autographs Saturday 10-11 a.m. at Tampa's Triple Play Sports Cards (2219 S Dale Mabry Hwy), prices start at $15. ... There have been 32 big-leaguers named Brandon and three have played for the Rays: Backe, Gomes and Guyer. ... Baseball America editor Jim Callis says the talent pool in the upcoming draft — in which the Rays have 10 of the first 60 picks — is even deeper than the experts expected, especially in pitching.

Got a minute? Brandon Gomes

Must-see TV? I'm on a big House kick; I've got to catch up.

Big-night-out meal? Big steak guy, maybe throw in some shrimp, a surf-and-turf type deal.

Band you'd most like to be on stage with? Let's go with Incubus, they're awesome.

Worst job? I cleaned public pools one summer (in his hometown of Fall River, Mass.)

With your fiancée Blair's permission, dream date? Olivia Wilde (who plays Thirteen on House).

Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon warming up to replay in baseball

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, May 7, 2011

Manager Joe Maddon is ready to convert.

Despite all his outside-the-box thinking and unconventional methods, Maddon actually considers himself a baseball purist and traditionalist.

But after seeing more calls missed by umpires — or, as has happened twice this season, changed from what he felt was right to wrong — Maddon is starting to see the need to help the umps by expanding the use of replay.

"For years I've been against that ... coming more from the purist attitude," he said. "But if you really want to be intelligent about it, this stuff is available; technology is a part of our game, all the stuff that we use in the dugout. The fact that replay is already utilized, let's expand it."

Maddon's initial thought is that replay should be employed for calls made from a distance (like, just coincidentally, the second base ump overruling a call at first base). Baseball already has replay for home run calls, and is considering expanding it next season to include fair-or-foul calls down the lines and on trapped-or-caught balls in the outfield.

"Anything at a distance I think is worth considering," he said.

He doesn't want to mess at all with the calling of balls and strikes which, as frustrating as it can be for strike zones to change from umpire to umpire, he considers part of the human element of the game.

But — memories of Texas' Michael Young in last year's playoffs still fresh — would favor using it, or even some system that could include lasers, for check swings. "If there's any way technology can tell us whether there was a swing or not a swing," he said, "that would be wise, too,"

Baseball is typically glacier-paced in making changes, but Maddon is now hoping for it to happen sooner. "At some point you eventually have to include air conditioning in your vehicle or go out and buy a high-definition television," he said. "You just have to eventually go there."

Tampa Bay Buccaneers believe draft picks will bolster their pass rush and run defense

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By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, May 7, 2011

TAMPA — You've heard the Bucs tout their pass rush and how much they believe it improved as a result of the NFL draft.

And if first-round pick Adrian Clayborn, second-round choice Da'Quan Bowers and even third-rounder Mason Foster live up to expectations, that theory will be proven true.

But those selections improved this team in another respect last weekend, and this will be evidenced by the expected improvement in Tampa Bay's run defense.

You can't discuss this trio without noting the fact that each player has a proven ability to be effective against the run. That's something the Bucs undoubtedly welcome.

Anyone who watched the Bucs in 2010 observed the vulnerability of the run defense. You could argue it needed about as much attention as the pass rush. Although long-awaited progress was offset by the season-ending injury to DT Gerald McCoy, the Bucs, statistically, had the fifth-worst run defense in the NFL last season, allowing 131.7 yards per game.

That total includes some impressive individual performances against Tampa Bay, such as New Orleans' Chris Ivory and his 158-yard effort and the Redskins' Ryan Torain running wild for 172. And consider: The Saints added former Heisman winner Mark Ingram and Atlanta's rushing attack is among the NFL's most potent. You can rest assured the Bucs will be regularly challenged by the ground games in their own division, the NFC South.

Enter Clayborn, Bowers and Foster. On paper, the Bucs will be better at stopping the run with them onboard.

Clayborn might not be the flashy edge rusher some fans crave, but he is a complete player who is as much about toughness as he is chasing quarterbacks. His size and demeanor will serve him well in defending the run.

Bowers, presuming he has a successful recovery from knee surgery, could provide a big boost at left defensive end, too. The Bucs haven't had a consistent run stopper on the left side of the defensive line since the days of Greg Spires and Kevin Carter. Bowers has some of the traits those players possessed.

Foster, a linebacker the Bucs intend to play in the middle, was a solid edge rusher at the University of Washington but combines that skill with sure-handed. His college film features a willingness to take on blockers and sniff out the football in traffic, qualities that are keys to defending the run.

And here's another hint at the Bucs' thinking. Notice that each of these players is on the bigger side compared to their counterparts. Bowers and Clayborn are 280 pounds-plus, bigger than the ends the Bucs have typically employed who range from 255 to 275. Foster is a legitimate 245 pounds, bigger than Barrett Ruud's particularly generous official listing of 241.

"We've talked about getting bigger," coach Raheem Morris concedes.

The Bucs got lots of credit for improving their pass rush in this draft. But it's hard to scrutinize these choices and not come away thinking the Bucs were also considering their run defense all along.

COLLEGE FREE AGENTS: The usual flurry of undrafted free agents is on hold until the NFL is officially back in business and transactions can be conducted, but expect the Bucs to scour the market, as usual, for some gems whenever the time comes.

As for positions they might concentrate on, keep an eye on a few: offensive line, quarterback and receiver. Those are positions the Bucs did not address in the draft and, given their emphasis on competition, they'll want to add some intrigue to those units during training camp.

The Bucs have consistently uncovered finds among the ranks of the undrafted. In the past couple of seasons, they have had success with Kareem Huggins, LeGarrette Blount and Preston Parker, to name a few.

GIDDY GAITOR: If Morris knows nothing else, he knows defensive backs. In the past two years, the Bucs have identified CB E.J. Biggers and S Cody Grimm in the seventh round, each going on to become important cogs in the secondary.

So, you should pay attention when Morris says he digs CB Anthony Gaitor, Tampa Bay's seventh-round choice from Florida International. Morris was only more sold on Gaitor after the player's response to Morris' phone call on draft day.

"I thought we had another first-round selection," Morris said. "I thought it was the first pick of the draft … with the emotion, the excitement. Bringing that guy in our building (for a pre-draft visit), he was electric.

"I asked him what round his agent was telling he would go in, he said, 'Man, I don't care! I just want to come here Coach!' That's the kind of player I think you're going to get."

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@sptimes.com.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers believe draft picks will bolster their pass rush, run defense

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By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, May 7, 2011

TAMPA — You've heard the Bucs tout their pass rush and how much they believe it improved as a result of the NFL draft.

And if first-round pick Adrian Clayborn, second-round choice Da'Quan Bowers and even third-rounder Mason Foster live up to expectations, that theory will be proved true.

But those selections improved this team in another respect, and this will be evidenced by the expected improvement in Tampa Bay's run defense.

You can't discuss this trio without noting the fact that each player has proved to be effective against the run. That's something the Bucs undoubtedly welcome.

Anyone who watched the Bucs in 2010 saw their vulnerability against the run. You could argue the run defense needed as much attention as the pass rush. Although progress was offset by the season-ending injury to DT Gerald McCoy in Week 14, the Bucs, statistically, had the NFL's fifth-worst run defense last season, allowing 131.7 yards per game.

That total includes some impressive individual performances against Tampa Bay, such as New Orleans' Chris Ivory and his 158 yards and the Redskins' Ryan Torain running wild for 172. And consider: The Saints added former Heisman winner Mark Ingram, and Atlanta's rushing attack is among the NFL's most potent. Rest assured, the Bucs will be regularly challenged by the ground games in the NFC South.

Enter Clayborn, Bowers and Foster. On paper, the Bucs will be better at stopping the run with them onboard.

Clayborn, a defensive end, might not be the flashy edge rusher some fans crave, but he is a complete player who is as much about toughness as he is chasing quarterbacks. His size and demeanor will serve him well in defending the run.

Bowers, presuming he has a successful recovery from knee surgery, could provide a boost at left defensive end, too. The Bucs haven't had a consistent run stopper on the left side of the line since the days of Greg Spires and Kevin Carter. Bowers has some of their traits.

Foster, a linebacker the Bucs intend to play in the middle, was a solid edge rusher at Washington but is also sure-handed. His college highlights feature a willingness to take on blockers and sniff out the ball in traffic, qualities that are key to defending the run.

Another hint at the Bucs' thinking: Notice that each of these players is on the bigger side compared to their counterparts. Bowers and Clayborn are 280 pounds-plus, bigger than the ends the Bucs have typically employed (255 to 275). Foster is a legitimate 245, bigger than Barrett Ruud's generous official listing of 241.

"We've talked about getting bigger," coach Raheem Morris concedes.

The Bucs got lots of credit for improving their pass rush in this draft. But it's hard to scrutinize these choices and not come away thinking they were also considering their run defense all along.

COLLEGE FREE AGENTS: The usual flurry of undrafted free agents is on hold until the league is officially back in business and transactions can be conducted, but expect the Bucs to scour the market, as usual, for some gems whenever the time comes.

As for positions they might concentrate on, keep an eye on offensive line, quarterback and receiver. Those are positions the Bucs did not address in the draft and, given their emphasis on competition, they'll want to add some intrigue to those units during training camp.

The Bucs have consistently uncovered finds among the undrafted. In the past couple of seasons, they have had success with RBs Kareem Huggins, LeGarrette Blount and WR Preston Parker, to name a few.

GIDDY GAITOR: If Morris knows nothing else, he knows defensive backs. In the past two years, the Bucs have identified CB E.J. Biggers and S Cody Grimm in the seventh round, each going on to become important cogs.

So, you should pay attention when Morris says he likes CB Anthony Gaitor, the seventh-round choice from Florida International. Morris was only more sold on Gaitor after the player's response to the coach's phone call on draft day.

"I thought we had another first-round selection," Morris said. "I thought it was the first pick of the draft … with the emotion, the excitement. Bringing that guy in our building (for a predraft visit), he was electric.

"I asked him what round his agent was telling him he would go in, he said: 'Man, I don't care! I just want to come here, Coach!' That's the kind of player I think you're going to get."

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@sptimes.com.


Shelton on roli goe heyr

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By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Saturday, May 7, 2011

They were shooting at Dwayne Roloson again.

It was Wednesday night, sweep night, and the Caps had turned the moment into a skeet shoot, and the pucks seemed to be coming at Roloson two at a time. Roloson was in full scramble, a man fighting off a wasp attack, lunging and twisting and darn near flying the way he has been doing for most of the postseason.

In that moment, the oddest thought of all struck me.

Egad. In the name of Roloson, I had become a birther.

In that moment, I wanted to see, needed to see Roloson's birth certificate and the yellowed parchment upon which it was printed. I didn't care where Roli was born, I cared when.

There is no way this guy can be 41 years, is there? Every save seems to take a week off of his age, and every victory seems to take a year. These days, Roloson is 41 going on 31. If he can win another series, his teammates might as well pitch in for acne medication. If he plays any better, he's going to need a mom to stay up late enough for the games.

I know, I know. Every now and then, an athlete manages to fight off time and impress us with his achievement. By and large, we love old athletes, perhaps because we're all fighting the years. Give me an athlete who first got his birth certificate so he could drive a Studebaker, and I'm on my feet. With a little help, of course.

Jack Nicklaus won the Masters at 46, and George Foreman won the heavyweight championship at 45, and Richard Petty won Daytona at 47. Warren Spahn won 23 games at 42, and Dara Torres won three silver Olympic medals at 41, and Nolan Ryan threw a no-hitter at 44.

George Blanda went in at quarterback to lead his taem to a comeback victory over Cincinnati at 44, and Willie Shoemaker won the Kentucky Derby at 54, and Warren Moon threw for 25 touchdowns at 41. There was Gordie Howe and Martina Navratilova and Sam Snead and Pete Rose and Evander Holyfield and Darrell Green and Chris Chelios and on and on.

And here's the thing:

Not one of those athletes played goalie.

Playing goalie in the NHL is perhaps sports' most demanding, most important position. It requires focus and ferocity and the willingness to take a screaming puck between the eyes whenever necessary. It takes agility and endurance and the self-confidence to kick catastrophe aside.

Usually, it takes someone younger than 41.

With Roloson, it is easy to wonder if enough Tampa Bay fans realize they are seeing something rare, something historic with Roloson. Back in 2006, Dominik Hasek won 10 playoff games for the Red Wings at age 42. Back in 1969, Jacques Plante won eight in a row for St. Louis at the age of 40.

What other playoff goaltender compares?

Well, nobody.

This is the amazing thing about Roloson. More than his numbers (his .941 save percentage and his 2.01 goals against average lead the playoffs), more than his streak (seven in a row), more than his lifetime won-loss record (26-14) in the postseason, it is that Roli is at the age when most goaltenders have become former goaltenders.

And, still, he keeps playing. Back-to-back games? No problem. Three games in four nights? Who's counting?

"If I didn't know better, I'd think I was watching a goaltender between, say, 28 and 32,'' said Pat Jablonski, the former Lightning goalie. "He looks like a goaltender who has experience, but one who is the age you think of when a goaltender is usually in his prime.

"What did he play? Three games in four nights? It's hard for a 25-year-old to do that.''

You remember Jablonski, who played for the Lightning, oh, a million years ago. For the record, he is 43.

"Roli makes me feel like I'm not in that good a shape,'' Jablonski said. "I just think he's kept himself in amazing shape over the years.''

Look, this isn't a placekicker still kicking around the NFL. It isn't a pitcher who throws every fifth day, or a heavyweight boxer lumbering around the ring one day a year, or a driver or a golfer. Those achievements were amazing enough, but to be in goal while the skaters are streaming toward you like the Charge of the Light Brigade? That's something else.

Has Roloson gotten help? You betcha. Marty St. Louis has played so well that every other player should have "St.'' in the middle of his name, such as Steven St. Stamkos and Eric St. Brewer and Victor St. Hedman. Sean Bergenheim has played well enough to deserve a nickname (Prime-Time Bergenheim?). Lately, the Lightning has blocked more shots than a Bill Russell highlight reel.

In the playoffs, however, it starts with goaltending. If the Lightning's success is going to continue, it will do so because Roloson is solid — and at times, better than that — throughout the next round. He has to steal a game here or there. He has to make the big saves in overtime.

Fortunately for the Lightning, he has proven he is old enough to drive a team.

And the sight of it? That never gets old.

Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Dwayne Roloson has an age-defying act

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By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Saturday, May 7, 2011

They were shooting at Dwayne Roloson again.

It was Wednesday night, sweep night, and the Caps had turned the moment into a skeet shoot, and the pucks seemed to be coming at the Lightning goalie two at a time. Roloson was in full scramble, a man fighting off a wasp attack, lunging and twisting and darn near flying the way he has been doing for most of the postseason.

In that moment, the oddest thought of all struck me.

Egad. In the name of Roloson, I had become a birther.

In that moment, I wanted to see, needed to see, Roloson's birth certificate and the yellowed parchment upon which it was printed. I didn't care where Roli was born. I cared when.

There is no way this guy can be 41 years old, is there? Every save seems to take a week off his age, and every victory seems to take off a year. These days, Roloson is 41 going on 31. If he can win the upcoming Eastern Conference final against the Bruins, his teammates might as well pitch in for acne medication. If he plays any better, he's going to need a mom to stay up late enough for the games.

I know, I know. Every now and then an athlete manages to fight off time and impress us with his achievement. By and large we love old athletes, perhaps because we're all fighting the years. Give me an athlete who first got his birth certificate so he could drive a Studebaker and I'm on my feet. With a little help, of course.

Jack Nicklaus won the Masters at 46, and George Foreman won the heavyweight championship at 45, and Richard Petty won Daytona at 47. Warren Spahn won 23 games at 42, and Dara Torres won three silver Olympic medals at 41, and Nolan Ryan threw a no-hitter at 44.

George Blanda went in at quarterback to help lead his team to a comeback victory over Cincinnati at 44, and Willie Shoemaker won the Kentucky Derby at 54, and Warren Moon threw for 25 touchdowns at 41. There was Gordie Howe and Martina Navratilova and Sam Snead and Pete Rose and Evander Holyfield and Darrell Green and Chris Chelios and on and on.

And here's the thing:

Not one of those athletes played goalie.

Goalie in the NHL is perhaps sports' most demanding and important position. It requires focus and ferocity and the willingness to take a screaming puck between the eyes whenever necessary. It takes agility and endurance and the self-confidence to kick catastrophe aside.

Usually, it takes someone younger than 41.

It is easy to wonder if enough Tampa Bay fans realize they are seeing something rare, something historic with Roloson. Back in 2007, Dominik Hasek won 10 playoff games for the Red Wings at age 42. Back in 1969, Jacques Plante won eight in a row for St. Louis at age 40.

What other playoff goaltender compares?

Well, nobody.

This is the amazing thing about Roloson: More than his numbers (his .941 save percentage and his 2.01 goals-against average lead the playoffs), more than his winning streak (seven in a row), more than his lifetime won-loss record in the postseason (26-14), it is that Roli is at the age when most goaltenders have become former goaltenders.

And still he keeps playing. Back-to-back games? No problem. Three games in four nights? Who's counting?

"If I didn't know better, I'd think I was watching a goaltender between, say, 28 and 32," said Pat Jablonski, a former Lightning goalie. "He looks like a goaltender who has experience but one who is the age you think of when a goaltender is usually in his prime.

"What did he play, three games in four nights (Games 2-4 against the Caps last week)? It's hard for a 25-year-old to do that."

You remember Jablonski, who played for the Lightning, oh, a million years ago. For the record, he is 43.

"Roli makes me feel like I'm not in that good a shape," Jablonski said. "I just think he's kept himself in amazing shape over the years."

Look, this isn't a placekicker still kicking around the NFL. It isn't a pitcher who throws every fifth day, or a heavyweight boxer lumbering around the ring one day a year, or a driver or a golfer. The achievements by those athletes were amazing enough, but to be in goal while the skaters are streaming toward you like the Charge of the Light Brigade? That's something else.

Has Roloson gotten help? You betcha. Marty St. Louis has played so well that every other player should have "St." in the middle of his name, such as Steven St. Stamkos and Eric St. Brewer and Victor St. Hedman. Sean Bergenheim has played well enough to deserve a nickname (Prime-Time Bergenheim?). Lately, the Lightning has blocked more shots than you see in a Bill Russell highlight reel.

In the playoffs, however, it starts with goaltending. If the Lightning's success is going to continue, it will do so because Roloson is solid — and at times, better than that — throughout the next round. He has to steal a game here or there. He has to make big saves in overtime.

Fortunately for the Lightning, he has proved he is old enough to drive a team.

And the sight of it? That never gets old.

Dr. Remote

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By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, May 7, 2011

Outside the Lines: 9 a.m. on ESPN. A story about the University of Nebraska-Omaha wrest­ling team, which won its third straight Division II national title then saw the program eliminated.

The Streak: 1 p.m. on ESPN Classic. The ESPN documentary about the Brandon High wrest­ling team that first aired in April 2008.

Yankees at Rangers: 2 p.m. on TBS. The TBS game of the week with Brian Anderson (not the Rays' Anderson) and John Smoltz.

The poll

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By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, May 7, 2011

The poll

How would you grade the Bucs' draft? Total: 454 votes

A

55 percent

B

32 percent

C

7 percent

F

4 percent

D

2 percent

Another poll

Which Bucs draft pick will have the most productive NFL career? Total: 1,118 votes

Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson: 38 percent

Mason Foster, LB, Washington: 25 percent

Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa: 16 percent

Ahmad Black, S, Florida: 10 percent

Luke Stocker, TE, Tennessee: 7 percent

Allen Bradford, RB, USC: 2 percent

Anthony Gaitor, CB, FIU: 1 percent

Daniel Hardy, TE, Idaho: 1 percent

Evan Longoria, B.J. Upton homer as Tampa Bay Rays beat Baltimore Orioles 8-2

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, May 7, 2011

BALTIMORE — Sure, Evan Longoria was playing in only his fifth game since returning from the disabled list.

But Rays manager Joe Maddon still was not used to glancing at the scoreboard and seeing that his All-Star third baseman had not driven in a run or hit a baseball out of the ballpark this season with his light-tower power.

"I look up at the board right now … just knowing there's going to be some good numbers attached to his name in the very near future," Maddon said before the game with the Orioles.

Longoria erased those zeroes Saturday and played his part as hero again, putting the punch back in the Rays lineup by doubling in a run in the first inning and launching a two-out, three-run homer in the third off Orioles starter Jeremy Guthrie.

The Rays (19-14) followed Longoria's lead, thumping out 15 hits in an 8-2 victory over Baltimore before 18,961 at Camden Yards and tying a club record set in 2004 by winning their seventh straight road game.

Once 0-6 then 1-8, the Rays are now in a virtual tie for first place in the AL East with the Yankees, one back in the loss column.

"Like I said, day after day, the more comfortable I get in the box and the more at-bats I get under my belt, I would like to think that hopefully the numbers start showing up," said Longoria, who missed 26 games with a strained left oblique. "I guess today is a good start."

Centerfielder B.J. Upton blasted a three-run homer and doubled twice. Ben Zobrist extended his hitting streak to 13 games and tied a career high with four hits while scoring three runs. Casey Kotchman (three) and Matt Joyce (two) also had a multihit game.

That kind of support has become commonplace for pitcher Jeremy Hellickson (3-2), who allowed three hits but walked five in five scoreless innings. He worked out of a bases-loaded, one-out jam in the second but combined with four Rays relievers to walk 10.

"That was really one of the only at-bats I felt real confident in my fastball," Hellickson said of striking out O's shortstop Robert Andino with the bases jammed. " … Other than that, I had to fight through pretty much everything. I really didn't have a feel for any of my three pitches."

Maddon blamed Hellickson's lack of command on having to pitch on two extra days' rest. But two Web gems by leftfielder Sam Fuld, who went 0-for-5, saved three runs and maybe the game.

Fuld ended the fourth with a diving catch toward the leftfield line to hijack a run-scoring hit from Andino. Fuld then reached over the fence into the first row to rob catcher Matt Wieters of a two-run homer in the eighth.

"I have to contribute somehow," said Fuld, who's mired in a 2-for-40 slump. "I'm certainly not doing it with the bat."

Fuld managed to keep the bats alive while Longoria was out of the lineup, but there's no telling what will happen once the Rays slugger gets more comfortable at the plate.

"It's tough to come off the DL and come in and make an immediate impact, especially when you haven't seen that much live pitching," Upton said of Longoria. "He's a great athlete, and I think he's a great baseball player, and he's obviously showing it right now."

It doesn't take Longoria long to change the scoreboard.

"It was just a matter time before he got a couple of big knocks," Maddon said.

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