Times wires
Friday, June 3, 2011

PARIS — Chants of "Ro-ger! Ro-ger!" from 15,000 or so fans were hushing as Roger Federer stepped to the baseline to serve Friday — one point from returning to the French Open final and ending Novak Djokovic's win streak at 43.

Federer rocked back and whipped an ace for a 7-6 (7-5), 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5) victory. Then he wagged his right index finger, as if telling the world, "I'm still No. 1!"

So what if the world ranking says otherwise? This was Federer, 29, showing he still has what it takes.

He will go for his 17th Grand Slam title and second at Roland Garros on Sunday against Rafael Nadal. The five-time French champ defeated Andy Murray 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 to improve to 44-1 at the clay major.

"Almost feels, somewhat, like I've won the tournament, which is not the case," said Federer, ranked No. 3 in the world. "Silverware is still out there to be won, and I'm looking forward to the match with Rafa."

It will be their fifth meeting — and fourth final — in Paris since 2005. Nadal is 4-0, part of his 16-8 overall lead.

A sixth French Open title would tie Nadal with Bjorn Borg for the most ever.

"I don't think about that," said Nadal, who turned 25 on Friday. "A lot of respect for the great Bjorn, but I … focus on (trying) to play well. For me, it is much more important to win Roland Garros than equal Bjorn."

Djokovic, No. 2 in the world, entered 41-0 in 2011 and unbeaten since losing to Federer in late November. He won his second major at the Australian Open in January and arrived in Paris as a co-favorite with Nadal thanks, in part, to having beaten the Spaniard in two finals on clay in May.

"It had to end somewhere," said Djokovic, who would have moved up to No. 1 by beating Federer but still can do so if Federer wins Sunday. "Best five months of my life, my tennis career. I cannot complain. It was definitely an incredible period."

It was at this tournament a year ago that Federer lost to Robin Soderling in the quarterfinals, ending his streak of reaching the semifinals at a record 23 consecutive Grand Slam tournaments. A month later, Federer lost in the Wimbledon quarterfinals. Semifinal exits followed at the U.S. Open and Australian Open, both against Djokovic.

Friday, Federer seemed in control after winning the first two sets. After all, he entered 174-0 when doing so in a Grand Slam match.

Djokovic, though, won the third, the only set Federer has dropped in the tournament, and broke to lead 5-4 in the fourth. But Federer broke right back and saved two break points in the next game. He took a 6-3 lead in the tiebreaker. And after Djokovic served — and won — the next two points, Federer's 18th ace of the day ended it.

"Mental toughness in important moments," said Djokovic, who fell one win shy of tying John McEnroe's record 42-0 start in 1984. "That's what makes him a big champion."

Factoring in the setting, atmosphere and players' performances, a reporter asked Federer if this might be the best match since his 9-7 fifth-set loss to Nadal in the 2008 Wimbledon final. Federer recoiled.

"I haven't disappeared since. I've played some great matches since, and I (made) some sacrifices. I wasn't lying on the beach," he said. "So I'm pretty happy that I made that effort over the years and that when it really counts, I'm at the big occasion. (Friday) was one of those moments."

In the first semifinal, Nadal wasn't perfect, getting broken three times. But he was consistent enough to take care of Murray's defensive tactics.

"I'm really happy to be playing in the final for one of the most important tournaments in the world on clay," said Nadal, who saved 15 of 18 break points and all six in the third set. "So I have all the reasons to be satisfied."

Times wires
Friday, June 3, 2011

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — Commissioner Roger Goodell will spend the weekend preparing for the next set of negotiations, energized by this week's talks that he said show both sides are committed to ending the labor dispute.

While the owners and players spent Friday in a St. Louis courtroom arguing over the lockout's legality, Goodell visited an Army base with Panthers coach Ron Rivera. He took questions from soldiers before telling reporters there's reason for optimism after three days of talks in Chicago.

"The importance is to have … the owners and players talk to one another," he said. "That was accomplished this week. … That's a positive sign for us."

The owners made significant concessions during the talks, CBSSports.com reported. The website didn't have details.

Goodell wouldn't say when the next round of talks would be or if the owners are preparing another offer. He did say both sides showed a willingness to work toward a deal. The biggest stumbling block is how to divvy up $9 billion in annual revenue.

"I would just tell you that both sides are committed to continuing the dialogue," Goodell said.

During the Q&A, one soldier said the owners are the players' "No. 1 distraction" and asked, "Where's the … love of the game?"

"I understand the frustration and criticism," Goodell said. "You have to make sure you're taking the right steps, though, to protect the game for a long-term basis."

Back in court … : No immediate ruling came from a three-judge panel of the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals after roughly 70 minutes of arguments. Judge Kermit Bye encouraged the sides to settle and said if the court must rule, "it's probably something both sides are not going to like."

Times wires
Friday, June 3, 2011

Welcome home party for Wheldon

Indianapolis 500 winner and St. Petersburg resident Dan Wheldon is getting a victory party Tuesday in his adopted hometown.

The downtown rally starts at 5 p.m. at Jannus Live, 16 Second St. N. The event is free, though donations to the Alzheimer's Association, Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, will be accepted. Wheldon's mother has been diagnosed with the disease.

The party will include a proclamation from the city and a performance by the Jeremy Thomas Band.

Drivers quiet on NASCAR's call

Sprint Cup drivers remained tightlipped rather than second-guess NASCAR for Sunday's no-caution finish at Charlotte.

The no-call, which came after Jeff Burton spun in traffic, let Kevin Harvick pass Dale Earnhardt Jr. for his third victory of the season when Earnhardt ran out of gas in the final lap.

"NASCAR has to do the best they can, and they didn't feel like they needed to throw a caution there, and in the end everyone finished the race safely," Cup points leader Carl Edwards said. "That is a lot bigger decision than I am paid to make."

Earnhardt steered clear but noted his fans' bitter disappointment — expressed often in YouTube videos.

Kyle Busch added: "Everything in this sport is circumstantial anyway. If there's a caution, there's a caution. If there's no caution, you just keep racing."

Elsewhere

Formula One's governing body rescheduled the Bahrain Grand Prix for Oct. 30, saying the decision reflects a "spirit of conciliation" in the Gulf kingdom. The FIA issued its ruling the day Bahraini police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters in the capital Manama, witnesses said. Bahrain was scheduled as the opener in March, but it was called off amid anti-government protests. … The Sept. 18 IndyCar race in Japan will run on the Twin Ring Motegi complex's road course because the 1.5-mile oval still is too damaged after the March earthquakes. … Ricky Taylor earned the pole for today's Six Hours of The Glen Grand-Am race and younger brother Jordan took the pole in the GT class at Watkins Glen, N.Y. … Del Worsham earned the No. 1 spot in Top Fuel through two rounds of qualifying at the NHRA Supernationals in Englishtown, N.J., with a run of 3.785 seconds at 322.34 mph. Robert Hight (Funny Car), Shane Gray (Pro Stock) and Gerald Savoie (Pro Stock Motorcycle) led their classes. Qualifying ends today.

Times wires

Times wires
Friday, June 3, 2011

VANCOUVER — The Canucks weren't surprised by the outstanding play of Bruins goalie Tim Thomas in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final on Wednesday.

They did take issue with where he played.

Coach Alain Vigneault and several of his players Friday questioned Thomas's aggressive positioning well outside his crease, specifically a tripping penalty to Alex Burrows for bumping him outside the paint.

But as Thomas noted ahead of tonight's Game 2, the goalie's right to stop the puck unimpeded is not limited to the crease.

"I have the right to go anywhere there's open ice," said Thomas, who made 33 saves before Vancouver's Raffi Torres scored Game 1's only goal with 18.5 seconds to play. "If I'm set, I have a right to that ice. If I'm out of the paint and I'm set, I also have the right of way to get back to the crease."

There's no doubt Thomas — like Vancouver's Roberto Luongo a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, given to the league's best goalie — is more aggressive than most.

"I just play my game," said Thomas, who has drawn just three goaltender interference penalties in 19 playoff games, though, not all contact might have been recorded that way. "It's not always in the blue."

The Canucks don't seem to have a problem with that as long as they aren't penalized for being there, too.

"I mean, 90 percent of his saves are outside the blue paint," Vigneault said. "A lot of times he does initiate contact. That's the way he plays. We're going to look to get a little bit of clarification."

Vigneault won't like what he finds. Rule 69.4 states "a goalkeeper is not 'fair game' just because he is outside the goal crease" and the onus is on the attacking player not to make "unnecessary contact."

"The rule is pretty clear. You're entitled to your ice," Boston coach Claude Julien said. "If he steps out and he's got that ice, he's entitled to it. We all know goaltenders are to be protected. If you're going to say he's out of his crease, he's fair game. That should be the same thing behind the net."

MORE CANUCKS: Center Manny Malhotra, out since a deflected puck hit him in the left eye March 16, practiced and hopes to play in the series.

"I don't want this to be a sideshow. This is not about me wanting a sentimental shift," said Malhotra, a faceoff and defensive specialist. "It's about me feeling I can contribute. It's a day-to-day situation. One day to the next, things have changed."

Vigneault didn't give any hints if Malhotra will play tonight. He also declined to comment on defenseman Dan Hamhuis, who didn't practice after apparently getting hurt in Game 1 while delivering a low check on Boston's Milan Lucic.

Sabres: Drew Stafford signed an extension the Buffalo News reported is for four years and $16 million. The wing, who could have become an unrestricted free agent July 1, scored a career-high 31 goals despite missing 20 games with various injuries this season.

Barnaby case: ESPN analyst and former player Matthew Barnaby has been served with court orders that bar him from offensive conduct against his wife and contact with her boyfriend. Barnaby was arrested May 13 in Getzville, N.Y., where his wife and two children live. He has pleaded not guilty to five charges, including criminal mischief, trespass and harassment. No trial date has been set.

Times wires
Friday, June 3, 2011

Horse racing

Jockey died of drug overdose, coroner says

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Jockey Michael Baze, who won nearly 1,000 races in a nine-year career, died from an accidental overdose of cocaine and a prescription pain medication before his body was found last month at Churchill Downs, the coroner's office said Friday.

Baze, 24, was pronounced dead May 10 in his vehicle near the stables. The cause was multiple substance intoxication, Jefferson County deputy coroner Jim Wesley said. Significant amounts of cocaine and the pain medication oxymorphone were found in Baze's system, said Wesley, citing toxicology results.

Baze was facing a drug possession charge at the time of his death. The week he died, he was scheduled to appear at a preliminary hearing on a charge of first-degree possession of cocaine stemming from a November arrest. He was supposed to ride a horse that day at Churchill Downs.

Baze was the son of retired jockey Mike Baze. A cousin is all-time leading rider Russell Baze.

Uncle mo has inflamed liver: Uncle Mo, last year's 2-year-old champion, has been diagnosed with an inflamed liver. He could resume training this summer. The diagnosis was announced after seven weeks of testing. He trained up to the Kentucky Derby, but trainer Todd Pletcher scratched him because of health concerns the day before the May 7 race.

Little league

Boy dies after pitch hits him in the chest

A 13-year-old Arizona boy died after a ball hit him over the heart as he tried to bunt in a game, officials in his Little League said.

Hayden Walton took a pitch to the chest during the game Tuesday, said Jamey Jones, a Winslow, Ariz., Little League official. "After that, he took two steps to first base and collapsed," Jones said.

Hayden died the next morning at a hospital.

His parents, who were at the game, are too upset to comment, league president and family spokesman Dale Thomas said.

Winslow is a town of about 9,500 about 170 miles northeast of Phoenix.

Soccer

Ex-FBI chief's group hired in bribe case

The sport's governing body, FIFA, hired former FBI director Louis Freeh's investigations agency to gather evidence after allegations that former presidential candidate Mohamed bin Hammam and FIFA vice president Jack Warner offered $40,000 bribes to voters during the presidential campaign.

The two deny arranging bribes. Bin Hammam withdrew his candidacy Sunday, before FIFA's ethics panel provisionally suspended him and Warner pending a full hearing. Incumbent Sepp Blatter was re-elected unopposed Wednesday.

Times wires

Times wires
Friday, June 3, 2011

DUBLIN, Ohio — On a course with a fine line between birdies and bogeys, Steve Stricker found perfection Friday in the Memorial with a hole-in-one that put him in control at Muirfield Village.

Stricker used a 6-iron on the 188-yard eighth hole — his 17th hole of the second round — then birdied his final hole for 5-under 67. Instead of being part of a five-way tie for the lead, he was three shots clear.

"It's a shock when you see that go in, obviously, but in a good way," Stricker said. "A great way to finish the round."

He was at 9-under 135. Rory McIlroy (72), Ricky Barnes (70), Jonathan Byrd (67) and Rod Pampling (66) were tied for second.

McIlroy has 13 birdies over two rounds but also has five bogeys and a sloppy double bogey Friday on No. 14, when he pulled his tee shot into the tiny stream to the left and nearly went into the water on his next shot.

"I felt as if I played good enough to shoot something in the 60s, but I just made too many mistakes," McIlroy said.

McIlroy wasn't alone in the good and bad of Muirfield Village. Rickie Fowler, the runnerup last year, had 12 pars in 36 holes. He was at 3-under 141, six shots behind. Ryder Cup captain Davis Love III had six birdies and an eagle but shot 73.

Luke Donald, in his debut as the No. 1 player, finished with back-to-back birdies for 69 that left him at 139.

Stricker played his final five holes in 5 under, highlighted by his second career hole-in-one.

His other ace came in the 1997 Phoenix Open on No. 16, the biggest party scene on the tour. That was the hole — the same year, no less — where Tiger Woods made an ace and was showered with beer cans and plastic cups in one of the most raucous celebrations seen in this game. The replay has been shown countless times.

"You didn't see mine that year? No?" Stricker said, grinning.

LPGA: Third-ranked Jiyai Shin shot 5-under 66 to take a one-stroke lead over playing partner Sandra Gal after the wind-whipped opening round of the ShopRite Classic in Galloway Township, N.J. Gusts of 20 mph or more blew off the bay near Atlantic City, and only 13 players broke par 71. Seminole's Brittany Lincicome and Tampa's Cindy LaCrosse each shot 1-over 72.

CHAMPIONS: Mark Brooks, a tour rookie who turned 50 on March 25, shot 6-under 65 for a two-stroke lead over Mark Calcavecchia and Peter Senior after the first round of the Principal Charity Classic in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Times wires
Friday, June 3, 2011

Braves 6, Mets 3

NEW YORK — Eric Hinske entered the game after an injury to Jordan Schafer (see Page 4C) and later hit a tiebreaking homer in the ninth for the Braves. Mets nemesis Chipper Jones began the Braves' comeback from a 3-1 deficit with a leadoff homer in the eighth. Later in the inning, a two-out error by Mets shortstop Jose Reyes let the tying run score.

Times wires
Friday, June 3, 2011

In addition to the Dodgers and Mets, seven other teams are out of compliance with MLB rules regarding debt, the Los Angeles Times reported Friday.

The Phillies, Cubs, Rangers, Orioles, Tigers, Marlins and Nationals were also cited in a confidential briefing presented at last month's owners meetings, according to the newspaper.

Though the league reportedly takes in a combined $7 billion annually, former commissioner Fay Vincent told the newspaper that the prospect of so many teams in violation of the debt rules was "troublesome."

Rob Manfred, MLB executive vice president of labor relations, would not confirm the number or identity of teams.

"With one or two exceptions, we see how teams are going to be compliant again in the short term, so we're not worried about them," Manfred told the Los Angeles Times. "We are not concerned about the overall economic condition of the industry."

Commissioner Bud Selig declined comment.

The rules, which are intended to ensure clubs have the resources to support their financial obligations, say a club cannot hold a debt more than 10 times its annual earnings unless it has built a new stadium within the previous 10 seasons. In that case, the multiplier is 15 times its annual earnings, according to media outlets.

The commissioner's office has latitude in enforcing the debt rules. Among the options, according to the report, are ordering a team to raise equity, requiring expenditures to be approved by MLB in advance and suspending a team's owner.

Marlin threatened over hit: Marlins rookie Scott Cousins has received death threats despite repeatedly apologizing for a May 25 collision with Giants C Buster Posey that left the former Seminoles star with a broken bone in his lower left leg and three torn ligaments in his ankle. Posey has had surgery and is done for the season.

Giants GM Brian Sabean criticized Cousins this week on a radio show, saying "if I never hear from Cousins again, or he doesn't play another day in the big leagues, I think we'll all be happy." The Giants said Friday that the comments were not meant to vilify Cousins and were made out of frustration. The Giants said they've been in contact with MLB disciplinarian Joe Torre.

Cousins issued another apology and said he has been unsuccessful in contacting Posey: "As I have stated previously, nobody outside of Buster feels worse about his injury than I do."

Blue Jays: 1B Adam Lind (lower back strain) was activated from the disabled list and is expected to start as the designated hitter today vs. the Orioles.

Braves: Rookie Jordan Schafer fouled a bunt off his face and was taken off for X-rays. There was no immediate word on his injury or condition.

Cardinals: Manager Tony La Russa said RHP Lance Lynn, who gave up five runs in 5 1/3 innings in his major-league debut Thursday, would get another turn in the rotation.

Indians: DH Travis Hafner (oblique injury) will hit off a tee today. The team said he is two weeks away from resuming game activities, which likely would begin with rehab in the minors.

Red Sox: Manager Terry Francona said RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka probably will need elbow-ligament replacement surgery that will sideline him for 12 months. The team transferred Matsuzaka from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day DL. Lefty reliever Rich Hill might be out for the season as well, headed for the same type of surgery.

Tigers: 3B Brandon Inge went on the DL with mononucleosis, and there is no timetable for his return.

Fan beating: A parole commissioner ruled that the man accused of assaulting Giants fan Bryan Stow at Dodger Stadium can be held for allegedly violating his parole but found insufficient evidence was presented that Giovanni Ramirez committed the attack, the Los Angeles Times reported.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, June 3, 2011

Rays at Mariners

When/where: 4:10 today; Safeco Field, Seattle

Radio: 620-AM, 680-AM (Spanish)

Starting pitchers

Rays

Jeremy Hellickson (6-3, 2.80)

Mariners

RH Doug Fister (3-5, 3.24)

Watch for ...

Hot stuff: In May, Hellickson went 4-1 with a 1.36 ERA and won the American League pitcher and rookie of the month awards. This is his first time facing the Mariners; the only hitter he has seen is DH Jack Cust.

Doing the Dougie: Fister has allowed two earned runs or fewer in seven of his 10 starts and lasted at least seven innings in three of his past four. Fister is 1-1 with a 3.75 ERA in three games vs. the Rays, 12-23, 3.90 overall.

Key matchups

Rays vs. Fister

Johnny Damon 3-for-13

John Jaso 1-for-5

Ben Zobrist 3-for-7

Mariners vs. Hellickson

Jack Cust 1-for-3

On deck

Sunday: at Mariners, 4:10. Sun Sports. Rays — Wade Davis (4-5, 4.52); Mariners — Erik Bedard (3-4, 3.48)

Monday: at Angels, 10:05. Sun Sports. Rays — David Price (6-5, 3.52); Angels — Joel Piniero (2-2, 3.52)

Tuesday: at Angels, 10:05. Sun Sports. Rays — Alex Cobb (0-0, 5.91); Angels — Tyler Chatwood (3-2, 3.64)

Wednesday: at Angels, 10:05. Sun Sports. Rays — James Shields (5-4, 2.77); Angels — Jered Weaver (6-4, 2.10)

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

Fashion plates

The Rays on the Runway fashion show, benefitting the Children's Dream Fund, is June 29 at the Tampa Museum of Art. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with cocktails, a meet-and-greet with the players, and the show. Tickets are $100 and available at childrensdreamfund.org or by calling (727) 896-6390. At right, Reid Brignac and Gabby Barrios at last year's show.

Dave and Andy or bust

Today's game is on radio only, one of the three not televised locally this year. Fox originally tabbed it for national broadcast, then switched to the Aug. 20 matchup vs. Seattle at the Trop. The Rays had already settled on their 150-game broadcast schedule and didn't opt to add this game in place of another. Also to be unseen: Aug. 25 at Detroit, Sept. 24 vs. Toronto.

Times wires
Friday, June 3, 2011

CLEVELAND — Alexi Ogando won his sixth game without a loss, Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz homered in a five-run seventh inning and the Rangers routed the Indians 11-2 on Friday night.

Ogando held the Indians to one run and four hits in eight innings. He has allowed two runs or fewer in nine of his 11 starts while pitching at least six innings in each outing.

The victory continued the Rangers' dominance of the Indians over the past three seasons. Texas has beaten Cleveland 14 times in the past 17 meetings.

The Indians have the best record in the American League but are 13-14 since May 3.

Texas took a 2-1 lead into the seventh before putting the game away with homers off reliever Tony Sipp. Hamilton hit a three-run drive on an 0-and-2 pitch. After Adrian Beltre's fly ball fell between outfielders Michael Brantley and Shin-Soo Choo for a double, Cruz homered on Sipp's next pitch.

The Rangers had 19 hits, one short of their season high.

Times wires
Friday, June 3, 2011

Blue Jays 8, Orioles 4

BALTIMORE — J.P. Arencibia hit his first career grand slam, Rajai Davis had three hits and the Blue Jays ended a two-game skid. Arencibia's fifth-inning slam was his ninth homer of the season and gave the Blue Jays a 7-0 lead against Orioles rookie Zach Britton, who has lost three straight decisions after starting the season 5-1. Toronto has won 21 of 27 games vs. the Orioles and is 16-3 in its past 19.

Times wires
Friday, June 3, 2011

Brewers 6, Marlins 5

MIAMI — Ryan Braun, who didn't start because of an ailing shoulder, launched a pinch-hit two-run homer in the ninth to hand reliever Leo Nunez his second blown save of the season in 21 chances.

Times wires
Friday, June 3, 2011

Reds 2, Dodgers 1

CINCINNATI — Scott Rolen hit a two-run single with two out in the fifth, and former Hernando High standout Bronson Arroyo got his first win in seven starts since April 25. The right-hander, dealing with the effects of mononucleosis from spring training, gave up one run and five hits. Francisco Cordero turned in a perfect ninth to earn his 11th save in 13 opportunities this season.

Times wires
Friday, June 3, 2011

Pirates 2, Phillies 1

12 innings

PITTSBURGH — Jose Tabata hit a game-ending single with two outs in the 12th as the Pirates won a game without an extra-base hit. Lunging second baseman Chase Utley could not handle Tabata's sinking liner to the hole, scoring Xavier Paul from second.

Times wires
Friday, June 3, 2011

Red Sox 8, Athletics 6

BOSTON — Carl Crawford blooped a go-ahead, two-run single to center in the seventh inning and the Red Sox ended a four-game slide. Boston rallied from a 4-0 deficit and were trailing 6-5 when lefty Crawford got a broken-bat hit off lefty Brian Fuentes.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, June 3, 2011

SEATTLE — C Kelly Shoppach isn't doing well offensively, his .146 average going into play Friday the second lowest of any major-leaguer with at least 75 at-bats.

But Shoppach believes the best way for him to play better is to play more.

"The more you play, the better you're going to feel in the box," he said.

Shoppach expected to be in the lineup Friday against Seattle LHP Jason Vargas, said he didn't know why manager Joe Maddon left him out — "Those are questions for him," he said — and planned to ask Maddon himself why.

Maddon had his answer ready: The decision was a product of matchups based on statistical analysis that showed that lefty swinging John Jaso had a better chance against Vargas (.329 average allowed to lefties, .242 to righties) and not because of Shoppach's overall lack of production, which also includes a .220 slugging percentage and .237 on-base percentage (for a .457 on-base plus slugging percentage).

Still, Maddon acknowledged: "We do need to get more out of him, and he knows that. He's working really hard. He's really trying to make some adjustments. We're just trying to get him to take his batting practice into the game because his BPs have been great."

Also, Maddon said, Shoppach's work behind the plate has been extraordinarily good, "as well as I've seen him catch."

While Shoppach is certain he would benefit from playing more regularly, he said he is confident his offense will pick up.

"With or without, I think it will," he said. "It can't get much worse, can it?"

MEDICAL MATTERS: 1B Casey Kotchman took swings and ground balls for the first time since spraining his right ankle Sunday, and the initial reviews left him optimistic he could return to the lineup today.

"I hope so," Kotchman said. "It feels really well. It responded good to the treatment."

The Rays have missed Kotchman's bat (.361 average), his glove and the steadying influence he has on the infielders as they have seven errors in their four games without him.

INF Elliot Johnson is getting comfortable with the black brace on his previously sprained knee but otherwise had a good day running and fielding ground balls hit at him. He has a few more tests (such as lateral movement) to pass before a return date is set. Maddon said it was "realistic" he could be ready when eligible Wednesday in Anaheim.

REHAB REPORT: RHP Jeff Niemann threw well in the first of his three scheduled rehab starts, allowing one single over four innings for Class A Charlotte, striking out two while throwing 55 pitches. Niemann, out since May 4 with a lower back strain, will next pitch Wednesday for Triple-A Durham.

SHIELDS NOT DOWN: RHP James Shields was not too troubled by his poor four-inning, four-homer outing in Thursday's 8-2 loss.

"It was just a bad day," he said. "That's about it. I'm not going to put too much thought into it really. I made some good pitches they laid off of, and I made some bad pitches they hit."

Shields was undone by a rough second inning that started with a solo homer and then a dropped throw by fill-in 1B Felipe Lopez that led to four more runs, including the first of Carlos Peguero's two homers.

Shields said he needs to do a better job of controlling the damage. "I make a pitch in the second inning, get a ground ball double play and end the inning and we're not talking about how bad my outing was," he said. "I'm going to keep pitching the way I've been pitching."

MISCELLANY: Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready performed the anthem. … RHP Jim Paduch, 28, was signed from the independent Chico Outlaws and will join Double-A Montgomery; Paduch briefly reached Triple A with the Reds in 2006. … RHP Jeremy Hellickson, who starts tonight, turned out to be the first AL player to win the pitcher (or player) and rookie of the month awards at the same time in the 11 years both have been given out.

Times wires
Friday, June 3, 2011

Cardinals 6, Cubs 1

ST. LOUIS — The Cardinals' Lance Berkman hit a three-run homer, Albert Pujols had a two-run shot and Jaime Garcia bounced back from the worst outing of his career. Garcia allowed a run and four hits over eight innings, improving to 4-0 with a sparkling 0.46 ERA in five home starts this season. He struck out eight and walked one in his first game since he surrendered 11 earned runs in a 15-4 loss at Colorado on May 28.

Times wires
Friday, June 3, 2011

Twins 5, Royals 2

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Carl Pavano picked up his 100th career victory and Michael Cuddyer homered for the Twins. Pavano, who was 0-3 with a 5.28 ERA in six May starts, won for the first time since April 24. He held the Royals to two runs and eight hits in his first complete game since Sept. 10 after throwing seven complete games last year. He threw 83 strikes in 112 pitches. Cuddyer homered off rookie left-hander Danny Duffy in the third.

Times wires
Friday, June 3, 2011

DESTIN — The presidents of the SEC schools overruled their coaches and cracked down on the practice of oversigning football recruits, reducing the annual limit from 28 to 25 on Friday.

The coaches voted against the proposal on Wednesday. They complained the 28-player limit, instituted two years ago, hadn't had enough time to be evaluated. And South Carolina's Steve Spurrier said oversigning was a way of guarding against players not qualifying academically.

The presidents and commissioner Mike Slive, however, saw more concern in high-number recruiting classes (South Carolina had 32 this year) and the perception of players being forced off the roster unwillingly.

"Obviously, this is not a quick fix. This is not a one-size-fits-all model here," Florida president Bernie Machen said. "But I think it gives us assurances that we're treating our student-athletes as close as the way we would take care of other students in our universities."

The presidents also voted to eliminate divisions in men's basketball. The coaches approved the plan Wednesday, citing competitive imbalance. (All five NCAA bids last season went to the East.) Teams will be seeded 1 through 12 for the tournament with the top four receiving byes. The SEC will keep a 16-game league schedule for this season but increase it to an undetermined number afterward.

Baseball: Gators start tournament with rout

GAINESVILLE — Preston Tucker went 3-for-6 with two homers and five RBIs to help lead Florida to a 17-3 victory over Manhattan in the opener of the NCAA regional tournament.

It was the second multiple homer game for the former Plant High standout, who has 12 homers and 59 RBIs this season.

"When you see guys succeeding in front of you it gives you a lot of confidence, too," said Tucker, whose team scored 16 runs over the first three innings. "Just being able to relax and stay loose at the plate paid off."

Florida plays Miami, a 7-2 winner over Jacksonville, at 4 today. The winner gets two chances to advance to the Super Regionals. Jacksonville and Manhattan play an elimination game at noon.

Florida, however, lost first baseman and closer Austin Maddox to a sprained right foot when he crashed into the wall chasing a fly ball. His status is uncertain.

FSU ekes by: Mike McGee hit a tiebreaking single in the eighth to help host Florida State beat Bethune-Cookman 6-5 in its regional tournament opener. The Wildcats hit four homers to scare the No. 5 overall seed. But reliever Brian Bush pitched 21/3 scoreless innings to earn the win. FSU faces Alabama, a 5-3 winner over Central Florida, at 6 tonight. The winner gets two chances to advance to the Super Regionals. Bethune-Cookman and UCF play an elimination game at noon.

Softball: Kelsi Dunne pitched six innings to increase her scoreless streak to 242/3 and lead Alabama past Baylor 3-0 at the World Series in Oklahoma City. Sunday, the Crimson Tide will have two chances to advance to the best-of-three final. Tonight, Baylor faces the winner of today's game between Cal and Oklahoma State.

Men's basketball

Penn St.: Boston's Pat Chambers was hired as coach. He went 42-28 in two seasons with the Terriers and led them to last season's NCAA Tournament. Chambers replaces Ed DeChellis, who resigned to take over at Navy.

USF: Steve Roccaforte, who spent the past five seasons as coach at Lamar, was hired as an assistant. Roccaforte, 46, went 76-78 in five seasons, including 13-17 last season. He replaces Jeremy Cox, who became an assistant at Nebraska.

Times staff writers Antonya English and Greg Auman contributed to this report.

Times wires
Friday, June 3, 2011

White Sox 6, Tigers 4

CHICAGO — Carlos Quentin hit a three-run homer and Brent Lillibridge added a solo shot as the White Sox ended a nine-game skid against the Tigers and won four straight games for the first time this season. Chicago, which trailed the Indians by 11 games in the American League Central on May 7, are within seven. Sox starter Mark Buehrle pitched six innings, allowing three runs on 10 hits.