Times wires
Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Phillies 2, Dodgers 0

PHILADELPHIA — Cole Hamels struck out nine in eight innings and Ryan Howard homered to lift the Phillies. Hamels improved to 3-0 with a 1.18 ERA in five career regular-season starts against the Dodgers. He also is 3-0 in three career postseason starts against them. Howard's sixth-inning homer to right off Hiroki Kuroda gave Philadelphia a 1-0 lead. The Phillies had gone a season-worst 651/3 innings without a home run.

Times wires
Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Orioles 3, Athletics 2

BALTIMORE — Rookie Zach Britton took a four-hitter into the seventh, Mark Reynolds homered and the Orioles completed a three-game sweep. The Athletics lost their ninth consecutive game, their longest skid since a 10-game run in 2008. Oakland scored four runs in the series and never held a lead. J.J. Hardy drove in a run for Baltimore, which has won four of five and swept three games from the A's in Baltimore for the first time since July 21-23, 1998.

Times wires
Wednesday, June 8, 2011

NEW YORK — David Ortiz hit one of three Red Sox homers to back a tireless Tim Wakefield, and Boston beat the Yankees 11-6 Wednesday night to take over first place in the AL East.

Former Ray Carl Crawford and J.D. Drew also connected, both in the ninth to break the game open for a second time.

Facing his most familiar foe in Wakefield, Derek Jeter had one hit to move within 11 of 3,000. He had an RBI double but also grounded into a rally killing double play.

Alex Rodriguez homered, but A.J. Burnett came up small in a big game for the banged-up Yankees, who have lost seven of eight meetings with their longtime rivals this season, including all five at home.

The last time the Red Sox won their first five road games against the Yankees in a season was 1912, on the way to a World Series title.

Boston goes for its second sweep at Yankee Stadium in a month tonight.

The Red Sox have won five straight overall after losing four in a row.

Times wires
Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Rockies 5, Padres 3

SAN DIEGO — Troy Tulowitzki hit a two-run double off closer Heath Bell with one out in the ninth, and the Rockies took two of three in the series. Tulowitzki had been 0-for-14 lifetime against Bell before his hit to right-center. He finished with three hits and three RBIs. Colorado's Todd Helton had his first four-hit game of the season and fell a triple shy of the cycle.

Times wires
Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Braves 3, Marlins 2

10 innings

MIAMI — Freddie Freeman singled in the go-ahead run in the 10th, and the Braves handed the Marlins their seventh straight loss, six of which have been by one run. Atlanta's Derek Lowe took a no-hitter into the seventh.

Times wires
Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Twins 3, Indians 2

10 innings

CLEVELAND — Ben Revere hit a two-out RBI single in the 10th off Chris Perez, and the Twins handed the Indians their sixth loss in seven games. Cleveland, once 14-2 at Progressive Field, went 1-6 on its homestand and lost two of three to Minnesota, which has the majors' worst record. "Everything that could have gone wrong went wrong," manager Manny Acta said.

Times wires
Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Giants 3, Nationals 1

SAN FRANCISCO — Matt Cain struck out 11 in his first complete game of the season and added an RBI double that helped the Giants win their sixth in eight games. Rookie Brandon Crawford hit a tiebreaking triple in the seventh, then scored an insurance run to help first-place San Francisco win its third straight series. Yunesky Maya delivered the best performance of his career but remained winless in eight starts as the Nationals mustered only Rick Ankiel's RBI double in the seventh.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Today: Off

Next game: at Orioles, 7:05 Friday, Camden Yards, Baltimore

TV/radio: Sun Sports; 620-AM, 680-AM (Spanish)

Probable starting pitchers

RAYS:

RH Jeremy Hellickson (7-3, 2.64)

ORIOLES:

RH Jake Arrieta (7-3, 4.93)

On deck

Saturday: at Orioles, 7:05, Sun Sports. Rays — David Price (6-5, 3.52); O's — Jeremy Guthrie (2-8, 3.71)

Sunday: at Orioles, 1:35, Sun Sports. Rays — Wade Davis (4-5, 4.71); O's — Brian Matusz (1-0, 2.45)

Monday: at Tigers (makeup), 7:05, Sun Sports. Rays — Alex Cobb (1-0, 4.24); Tigers — Phil Coke (1-5, 3.81)

Draft tidbits: Local yokels

Three of the Rays' picks are local products: OF Granden Goetzman, Palmetto High, 2nd round, 75th overall; 2B Jonathan Koscso, USF, 29th round, No. 900; C Michael Bourdon, University of Tampa, 42nd round, No. 1,290.

Good pedigree

Two draft picks are the sons of former big-leaguers:

• 1B Cameron Seitzer, 11th round, son of Kevin, who played 12 seasons for the Royals, Brewers, Jays, A's and Indians and is currently the Royals hitting coach.

• LHP Brandon Liebrandt, 48th round, son of Charlie, who pitched 14 seasons for the Reds, Royals, Braves and Rangers, going 140-119, 3.71.

Late-night fun and games

The Rays tried to make the best of their overnight flight to Baltimore with a sleepwear-themed dress code. Players seemed to be opting for sweats and T-shirts, with video coordinator Chris Fernandez among the most stylish with a Hugh Hefner/Playboy theme — red smoking jacket and silk pajamas. Equipment manager Chris Westmoreland had full-sized "footie" pajamas, with a monkey print. "A one-sie," he said.

When it's going bad …

Not only was 3B Evan Longoria too sick to play, he went back to the hotel to rest but couldn't watch the first two games because the hotel didn't get the right channel. "That made it even tougher," he said. "I was kind of going back and forth between my computer and watching the box score on ESPN. ''

Times wires
Wednesday, June 8, 2011

MIAMI — Braves RF Jason Heyward needs to learn how to play through pain before he can take a leadership role, veteran 3B Chipper Jones told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Heyward, 21, out with a sore right shoulder, was eligible to be activated Tuesday but has said he doesn't want to return until he's completely healthy.

Jones, 39, a likely Hall of Famer who has played through injuries frequently during his 18 seasons, said the second-year slugger needs to realize how important he is to the Braves, even if he isn't 100 percent.

"I think where Jason might have erred was the comment that he made, 'I'm not coming back until it doesn't hurt anymore.' That has a tendency to rub people the wrong way," Jones told the newspaper. "And we understand where he's coming from; he wants to be healthy when he plays, so he can go out and give himself the best opportunity to be successful. I get that.

"What Jason needs to realize is that Jason at 80 percent is a force, and Jason at 80 percent is better than a lot of people in this league. And that there are a bunch of his teammates that are out there playing with discomfort and not healthy, and still going at it."

A year after finishing second in the NL rookie of the year voting to Giants C Buster Posey, Heyward has struggled, batting .214 with a .317 on-base percentage and a .407 slugging percentage in 45 games.

OBITUARIES: Former big-leaguer Jose Pagan, who drove in the eventual winning run for the Pirates in Game 7 of the 1971 World Series, died Tuesday. He was 76. … Former Tigers OF Jim Northrup, who hit a decisive two-run triple in Game 7 of the 1968 World Series, died after having a seizure at an assisted living facility in Grand Blanc, Mich. He was 71.

GRACE ARRESTED: Longtime Cubs 1B and current Diamondbacks broadcaster Mark Grace was arrested in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Memorial Day on suspicion of driving under the influence.

BLUE JAYS: 3B Brett Lawrie, one of the team's top prospects, has a nondisplaced fracture in his left hand and is expected to miss 2-3 weeks. Lawrie was playing at Triple-A Las Vegas and was considered close to a promotion.

MARLINS: RF Mike Stanton, in a 1-for-14 slump with seven strikeouts, was held out.

NATIONALS: RF Jayson Werth missed his second straight game with an injured ankle.

PADRES: Prized 1B prospect Anthony Rizzo is expected to be promoted from Triple-A Tucson today. Rizzo is batting .365 with a .715 slugging percentage and .444 on-base percentage at Tucson. … C Nick Hundley was activated from the 15-day DL, and OF Blake Tekotte was optioned to Double-A. … RHP Dustin Moseley was hurt while batting in the fifth inning, grabbing his left shoulder and falling after popping up. There was no immediate word on the injury.

RANGERS: Hitting coach Thad Bosley was fired and will be replaced by Scott Coolbaugh. Bosley replaced Clint Hurdle before this season after Hurdle was hired to manage the Pirates. … 2B Ian Kinsler went on the paternity list. His wife, Tess, gave birth to a son, their second child.

RED SOX: RH reliever Bobby Jenks is going back on the 15-day DL with tightness in his back, and C Jarrod Saltalamacchia was sent to the hospital because he was feeling sick.

ROCKIES: INF Jose Lopez was released a week after being designated for assignment.

WHITE SOX: RHP Jake Peavy went on the DL with a mild groin strain three days after leaving his most recent start.

YANKEES: RHP Joba Chamberlain went on the 15-day DL with a stiff elbow, leaving the bullpen short. Former Rays closer Rafael Soriano is out with inflammation in his right elbow. … 1B Mark Teixeira was in the lineup a day after being hit on the right kneecap by a pitch. But C Russell Martin was out because his back locked up the night before.

Times wires
Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Astros 4, Cardinals 1

HOUSTON — Bud Norris took a no-hitter into the seventh and teamed with Mark Melancon to hold the Cardinals to two hits. Norris allowed only former Astro Lance Berkman's homer with two outs in the seventh. The blast on the fifth pitch of the at-bat sailed just over Hunter Pence's glove and into the stands in right. Norris watched the play before pounding his hand in his glove and wiping sweat from his cheek.

Times wires
Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Rangers 7, Tigers 3

ARLINGTON, Texas — Alexi Ogando pitched 72/3 strong innings to improve to 7-0, Adrian Beltre homered and the Rangers avoided a three-game sweep. The Tigers had 21 runs and 38 hits while winning the first two games of the series. Ogando, who struck out seven to match a career high, became the first major-league pitcher to win his first seven decisions as a starter since Jered Weaver went 9-0 for the 2006 Angels.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 8, 2011

ANAHEIM, Calif. — There was a time, not too long ago, when right-hander Alex Cobb didn't know if his stuff could work in the big leagues.

"Growing up all you hear is how difficult the major leagues are, and you kind of get it sunken into your head that you're not going to be able to compete at that level," Cobb said. "I thought my (minor-league) numbers were okay, but I wasn't getting any publicity. I thought the scouts were seeing something I didn't."

Now there isn't any question.

And Cobb has a major-league victory to prove it.

Cobb, 23, earned his first on Tuesday, working into the seventh as the Rays beat the Angels 4-1 in his third big-league start, then getting the obligatory beer shower from his teammates.

He said it didn't sink in until later Tuesday, when he was out eating with some relatives and he saw the crawl on ESPN listing him as the winner. "I thought that was pretty cool," he said.

He was reminded again in an emotional phone call with his father, Rick, then again Wednesday morning when his phone was loaded with text messages from family and friends. "There's been a lot of support," he said.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 8, 2011

ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Rays were ready for a pajama party Wednesday night.

After blowing a three-run lead in the eighth, they rallied in the 10th and hung on for a 4-3 win, scoring their first-ever series sweep at Angel Stadium before heading out the door in their sleepwear for the overnight flight to Baltimore.

The winning rally wasn't much of one, but it was good enough. John Jaso walked, went to second on an infield dribbler by pinch-hitter Evan Longoria, brazenly stole third when Reid Brignac pulled back on a bunt attempt, then scored when Brignac perfectly pushed a bunt toward first. Kyle Farnsworth, after a one-out walk (just his second of the season) and needing a leaping catch at the centerfield wall by B.J. Upton, finished for his 13th save in 14 tries.

The Rays have been coming to Southern California for 14 years now, but never have they had a trip like this. Besides the stomach flu that floored a half-dozen players, and their unusual attire (beachwear into town, sleepwear on the way out), it was the first time in 21 tries they won all the games. Of the first 20, they were swept eight times, and lost 14 overall.

The Rays (33-29) stayed 2½ games behind the first-place Red Sox in the AL East, as they head next to Baltimore for the weekend and then a one-game makeup in Detroit on Monday.

The Rays looked to be in good position going to the eighth, as James Shields was sharp, scattering six hits and rising to the occasion to not allow a run, and they scored three off Angels ace Jered Weaver — on a home run by Brignac (who also made a dazzling diving catch at short), a double by Justin Ruggiano and a triple by Ben Zobrist.

But when Shields got in a jam in the eighth, loading the bases on a hit batter, a single and a walk on his 101st pitch, manager Joe Maddon didn't give him the chance to get out of it. Instead, with veteran Bobby Abreu at the plate, Maddon went to the bullpen, and lefty Cesar Ramos needed only two pitches to show that was the wrong move, allowing a three-run double that tied the score.

The Rays took a 1-0 lead in the third in unlikely fashion, on a home run by Brignac that just cleared the short wall in the rightfield corner.

That's the same Brignac who had only one extra-base hit (a double May 12 in Cleveland) in his first 122 at-bats, the fewest of any major-leaguer with 100 or more at-bats, and had the lowest slugging percentage (.189) to go along with the second lowest on-base percentage (.213) and seventh-lowest average (.180).

They doubled the margin in the seventh when Matt Joyce dropped a single into right and came around on Ruggiano's double off the rightfield wall.

They made it 3-0 when Johnny Damon, extending his on-base streak to 34 games, drew a walk and scored on a triple by Zobrist.

Longoria returned as a pinch-hitter in the 10th, having been out the previous two games with a severe version of the flu.

Marc Topkin can be reached at topkin@sptimes.com.

Times wires
Wednesday, June 8, 2011

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Saskatchewan Roughriders acquired the negotiating rights to Terrelle Pryor and have spoken to his lawyer about bringing the former Ohio State quarterback to the Canadian Football League.

Pryor's attorney, Larry James, said Wednesday the CFL is a genuine possibility for the ex-Buckeye.

"It's like I told (the Roughriders)," James said. "My house is not for sale, but at the right price, it's on the market."

Pryor, a three-year starter, announced Tuesday he is giving up his senior season while the NCAA investigates Ohio State players getting improper benefits, including tattoos, cash and possible sweetheart deals on cars. Pryor has admitted he broke NCAA rules by accepting improper benefits from a Columbus tattoo-parlor owner.

Roughriders general manager Brendan Taman said the team is intrigued by the 6-foot-6, 233-pounder.

"He's a heck of an athlete," Taman said. "With the (bigger) field up here in Canada, with the athlete that he is, he would be an interesting component to come up here and run around and do some things as a quarterback."

Asked if the ongoing NCAA investigation would be a concern, Taman said no.

"Any time we sign a player, we check into their character and whatnot," he said. "If we get these talks advanced, we'd obviously have a thorough discussion with him and get input back on exactly what went down. What little I know about him, I don't think there's anything that's a major red flag that he's just totally a kid you would ignore."

Pryor has other options. He could make himself available for an NFL supplemental draft, although there are questions if one will be held due to the lockout. He also could take a year off to heal from January's ankle surgery while waiting for next year's NFL draft.

Sooners won't claim USC's vacated title

TULSA, Okla. — Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops won't be laying claim to the 2004 national title the BCS stripped from USC.

The Trojans beat the Sooners 55-19 in the January 2005 Orange Bowl. But the victory was vacated Monday because of extra benefits received by star running back Reggie Bush.

"I don't have any thoughts (on USC's situation)," Stoops said before meeting with fans in Tulsa. "And we're not claiming any championships."

Alabama: Corey Grant, the nation's No. 5 all-purpose back coming out of high school in 2010, according to Rivals.com, will transfer, his high school coach said. Brian Blackmon said he doesn't know where Grant, who redshirted his only season at Alabama, will wind up. Four other players have transferred: linebacker Petey Smith, running back Demetrius Goode, defensive back B.J. Scott and defensive lineman Brandon Moore.

Men's basketball: Thomas Emma, Duke's captain in 1983, fell from the 12th floor of the New York Athletic Club in Manhattan to his death in an apparent suicide, police said. He was 49.

Track: Florida's Stipe Zunic finished fourth in the men's javelin at the NCAA Championships in Des Moines, Iowa. His throw of 246 feet, 1 inches was fourth best in school history. Florida State's Michael Putman finished ninth in the discus with a throw of 180-6 and USF's Jared Thomas 12th at 177-4.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

BOSTON — Just three days after the Bruins staggered back to Boston, they've barged right back into the Stanley Cup final with two brilliant blowout wins.

Tim Thomas made 38 saves in his third shutout of the playoffs, Rich Peverley scored two goals after replacing injured Nathan Horton on Boston's top line, and the Bruins emphatically evened the series at two games with a 4-0 victory over the foundering Canucks in Game 4 on Wednesday night.

Michael Ryder and Brad Marchand also had goals for the Bruins, who chased Roberto Luongo early in the third period after Vancouver's star goalie allowed his 12th goal in less than two games.

The finals are now a best-of-three, with Game 5 Friday night in Vancouver.

After outscoring Vancouver 12-1 in the past two games, the Bruins are halfway to their first NHL title since 1972 — but they'll have to win at least once on the West Coast.

Boston opened its first final trip in 21 years with two deflating one-goal losses last week in Vancouver, but the Bruins have wrested all momentum from the suddenly shaky Canucks with two dominant wins.

Luongo gave up four goals on 20 shots before Cory Schneider replaced him, ending yet another shaky defensive performance for the Presidents' Trophy-winning Canucks.

Vancouver needed just one win in Boston to earn the chance to win the franchise's first championship at home. Instead, the Canucks head home with questions about their mental toughness, defense and goaltending.

The Bruins rolled on an emotional high that began with a stirring pregame tribute to Horton. The right wing will miss the rest of the series after incurring a serious concussion early in Game 3 on a hit from Vancouver defenseman Aaron Rome, who was suspended for four games.

Bobby Orr, the Hall of Fame defenseman and Boston icon, wore his own No. 4 jersey as he waved a flag bearing Horton's No. 18.

CONCUSSIONS: NHL general managers agreed with a recommendation to broaden the definition of illegal hits to the head, likely expanding the scope of a rule enacted last year to outlaw blindside head shots. Boston forward Nathan Horton was knocked out for the final series in Monday's Game 3 with a severe concussion after a late hit from Vancouver's Aaron Rome. A panel of former players and the GMs agreed the word "blindside" should be taken out of Rule 48, expanding the rule.

GM HIRE: Longtime hockey executive Kevin Cheveldayoff was named general manager of the Winnipeg club, which is relocating from Atlanta.

First—1, Boston, Peverley 3 (Krejci, Chara), 11:59. Penalties—Ryder, Bos (tripping), 6:58; Marchand, Bos (cross-checking), 16:10.

Second—2, Boston, Ryder 7 (Seguin, Kelly), 11:11. 3, Boston, Marchand 8 (Bergeron), 13:29. Penalties—Raymond, Van (high-sticking), 7:41; Alberts, Van (slashing), 12:05; Peverley, Bos (cross-checking), 12:05; Boychuk, Bos (delay of game), 18:49.

Third—4, Boston, Peverley 4 (Lucic, Krejci), 3:39. Penalties—H.Sedin, Van (slashing), :52; Recchi, Bos (high-sticking), 9:14; Kesler, Van (slashing), 10:25; Lapierre, Van (slashing), 14:35; Ballard, Van (roughing), 17:33; McQuaid, Bos, misconduct, 17:33; Marchand, Bos (holding, roughing, tripping), 17:33; Kesler, Van, minor-misconduct (roughing), 18:09; Burrows, Van (cross-checking), 18:09; Chara, Bos, minor-misconduct (roughing), 18:09; Thomas, Bos, served by Thornton (slashing), 18:09. Shots—Vancouver 12-13-13—38. Boston 6-12-11—29. Power plays—Vancouver 0 of 6; Boston 0 of 4. Goalies—Vancouver, Luongo 14-8-0 (20 shots-16 saves), C.Schneider (4:15 third, 9-9). Boston, Thomas 14-8-0 (38-38). A—17,565 (17,565). T—2:41.

Times wires
Wednesday, June 8, 2011

BOSTON — Just three days after the Bruins staggered back to Boston, they've barged right back into the Stanley Cup final with two blowout wins.

Tim Thomas had 38 saves in his third shutout of the playoffs, Rich Peverley scored two goals after replacing injured Nathan Horton on Boston's top line, and the Bruins emphatically evened the series at two games apiece with a 4-0 victory over the foundering Canucks in Game 4 on Wednesday night.

Michael Ryder and Brad Marchand also had goals for the Bruins, who chased Roberto Luongo early in the third period after Vancouver's star goalie allowed his 12th goal in less than two brutal games in Boston.

The final now is a best-of-three, with Game 5 Friday in Vancouver. After outscoring the Canucks 12-1 in the past two games, the Bruins are halfway to their first title since 1972 — but they'll have to win at least once on the West Coast.

Luongo gave up four goals on 20 shots before Cory Schneider replaced him.

"It's not for lack of effort, not for lack of trying to win," Vancouver coach Alain Vigneault said. "Give the other team credit. They're playing a smart game, and right now they've been able to shut us down offensively the last two games."

The Bruins rolled on an emotional high that began with a stirring pregame tribute to Horton. The right wing will miss the rest of the series after incurring a serious concussion early in Game 3 on a hit from Vancouver defenseman Aaron Rome, who was suspended for four games.

Horton thrilled his teammates by showing up in the locker room after the game. He awarded the Bruins' jacket — a tattered, kitschy team jacket that has been passed among the Bruins in recent months to the key player in every victory — to Peverley.

"When I personally got to see him in the locker room, I was incredibly happy," Thomas said. "It gave me a big boost. … Watching him going down, we want to finish what we started for him."

Thomas was outstanding again. He has allowed just five goals in four games in his first Cup final, with Vancouver's vaunted Sedin twins — the NHL's last two scoring champions — failing to beat him.

"That's indicative of the way he's had to battle to get here," Boston coach Claude Julien said of his well-traveled veteran goalie, who didn't earn a regular job in Boston until he was past 30. "He's taken a real bumpy road to get to the NHL. … That makes him the perfect goaltender for our organization."

CONCUSSIONS: In the wake of Horton's injury, NHL general managers agreed with a recommendation to broaden the definition of illegal hits to the head, likely expanding the scope of a rule enacted last year to outlaw blindside head shots. A panel of former players and the GMs agreed the word "blindside" should be taken out of Rule 48, expanding the rule.

GM HIRE: Longtime hockey executive Kevin Cheveldayoff was named general manager of the Winnipeg club, which is relocating from Atlanta.

First—1, Boston, Peverley 3 (Krejci, Chara), 11:59. Penalties—Ryder, Bos (tripping), 6:58; Marchand, Bos (cross-checking), 16:10.

Second—2, Boston, Ryder 7 (Seguin, Kelly), 11:11. 3, Boston, Marchand 8 (Bergeron), 13:29. Penalties—Raymond, Van (high-sticking), 7:41; Alberts, Van (slashing), 12:05; Peverley, Bos (cross-checking), 12:05; Boychuk, Bos (delay of game), 18:49.

Third—4, Boston, Peverley 4 (Lucic, Krejci), 3:39. Penalties—H.Sedin, Van (slashing), :52; Recchi, Bos (high-sticking), 9:14; Kesler, Van (slashing), 10:25; Lapierre, Van (slashing), 14:35; Ballard, Van (roughing), 17:33; McQuaid, Bos, misconduct, 17:33; Marchand, Bos (holding, roughing, tripping), 17:33; Kesler, Van, minor-misconduct (roughing), 18:09; Burrows, Van (cross-checking), 18:09; Chara, Bos, minor-misconduct (roughing), 18:09; Thomas, Bos, served by Thornton (slashing), 18:09. Shots—Vancouver 12-13-13—38. Boston 6-12-11—29. Power plays—Vancouver 0 of 6; Boston 0 of 4. Goalies—Vancouver, Luongo 14-8-0 (20 shots-16 saves), C.Schneider (4:15 third, 9-9). Boston, Thomas 14-8-0 (38-38). A—17,565 (17,565). T—2:41. Referees—Dan O'Halloran, Kelly Sutherland. Linesmen—Jay Sharrers, Jean Morin.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 8, 2011

ANAHEIM, Calif. — 3B Evan Longoria said he couldn't have felt worse, literally.

"I felt like death for about two days there," Longoria said Wednesday. "I feel 100 percent better today. I'm glad to wake up and feel like I did because it wasn't fun."

While most of the other Rays had just a nasty stomach flu, Longoria had it much worse, with a fever in excess of 102, a throat so sore "it was like a pile of red ants had sat in there all night," and enough other issues that he lost 7 pounds.

Longoria was out of the lineup for a third straight game Wednesday on "doctor's orders," primarily a concern over an increased risk of a muscle pull or other injury since he was dehydrated, feverish and weak. He fully expects to be back in the lineup Friday in Baltimore (where temperatures are expected to be in the 90s).

Longoria received IV fluids and antibiotics after seeing a local doctor, who also did a series of tests, including throat cultures.

Making it worse for Longoria is that he grew up near Angels Stadium and has a .413 career average there, and this is the Rays' only visit this season.

"It's very disappointing," he said, "but I've got to look at what's best for the team in the long run."

DRAFT BREEZE: The Rays completed their 60-player draft haul with 20 more picks Wednesday and, naturally, were pleased.

"I thought it went great, and I think the biggest thing we accomplished is exactly what we set out to accomplish: add a lot of really good prospects," scouting director R.J. Harrison said.

Top pick RHP Taylor Guerrieri continued to maintain his odd public silence, reportedly at the suggestion of his advisers in the face of rumors regarding makeup and maturity.

Harrison said the Rays have "had contact," and he expects to visit Guerrieri in South Carolina next week. They also have had talks with second pick, OF Mikie Mahtook (with special assistant Rocco Baldelli headed for a visit), and third choice, SS Jake Hager, who doesn't graduate high school until June 21. Some lower picks are already close to deals.

"That's the start of the process, we're very optimistic about a majority of those guys," Harrison said. "We're all anxious, and you want to get them out playing. But sometimes it takes a little bit more time than we would all like in an ideal situation."

TRAVEL TRAVAILS: The Rays were expected to land in Baltimore around 8:30 this morning and, after navigating rush-hour traffic, arrive at their hotel around 9:30.

The original trip was bad enough; making it worse was the Angels' decision to play a night game Wednesday, which also forced the Rays to bus nearly an hour to Los Angeles International Airport since there are curfews at closer airports. "Totally extreme," manager Joe Maddon said.

Also troubling is the Tigers' decision to make Monday's makeup a night game, meaning the Rays won't get home until around 4 a.m. June 14 as they host the Red Sox that night.

"Unbelievable," CF B.J. Upton said. "Unreal. … It's a wonderful schedule. I love it."

REHAB REPORT: RHP Jeff Niemann got knocked around a bit in his second rehab start, allowing four runs on seven hits in four innings for Triple-A Durham, throwing 68 pitches. Niemann, out since May 4 with a lower back strain, is scheduled for one more start with Durham and is in line to rejoin the Rays June 18. … INF Elliot Johnson, out since May 23 with a left knee sprain, plays the first of two rehab games tonight with Durham.

MISCELLANY: Maddon said LHP J.P. Howell has been given permission to return to his original unorthodox delivery; he was pitching in more traditional style post-surgery. … DH Johnny Damon went into play with a 33-game streak of reaching base, four shy of Ben Grieve's 2001 team record. … Tuesday's game against the Red Sox has been picked up by the MLB Network.

Times staff writer Joe Smith contributed to this report.

Rays third-day draft picks

Pick Player Pos. School

31/960 Isaac Gil RHP Advanced Software

Analysis (N.Y.) JC

32/990 Ryan Turner RHP Tarleton St.

33/1020 Daniel Bream RHP Southern Arkansas

34/1050 Zach Butler RHP McNeese St.

35/1080 John Magliozzi RHP Dexter HS (Mass.)

36/1110 David Kubiak RHP Albany

37/1140 Tanner Poppe RHP Kansas

38/1170 Brandon Choate C Southern Arkansas

39/1200 Theron Geith LHP Scottsdale (Ariz.) CC

40/1230 Joe Perricone RHP Hersey HS (Ill.)

41/1260 Shay Crawford LHP Lee University

42/1290 Mike Bourdon C U. of Tampa

43/1320 Stayton Thomas RHP Texas

44/1350 Jordan Leyland 1B UC-Irvine

45/1380 Kevin Lusson C Texas

46/1410 Max Rossiter C Central Arizona JC

47/1440 Derek Vaughn RHP Texas Wesleyan

48/1470 Brandon Liebrandt LHP Marist School (Atlanta)

49/1500 Alan Baldwin C Kailua (Hawaii) HS

50/1529 Ian Tomkins C Abilene Christian U.

Times wires
Thursday, June 9, 2011

Brewers 7, Mets 6

MILWAUKEE — Nyjer Morgan drove in the winner with two outs in the ninth, Prince Fielder hit two homers and the Brewers rallied from 6-2. Craig Counsell singled with one out in the ninth off Dale Thayer, stole second when Rickie Weeks struck out and scored on Morgan's shot down the rightfield line.

Times wires
Thursday, June 9, 2011

Pirates 3, Diamondbacks 2

12 innings

PITTSBURGH — Andrew McCutchen led off the 12th with a home run just inside the leftfield foul pole, and the Pirates reached .500.

Times wires
Thursday, June 9, 2011

Blue Jays 9, Royals 8

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Adam Lind hit a grand slam and Jayson Nix added a three-run homer to power the Blue Jays. Corey Patterson snapped an 0-for-11 skid with four hits and scored two runs. Blue Jays starter Carlos Villanueva allowed four runs in the fourth but otherwise pitched effectively over seven innings. Villanueva has won eight straight decisions since a loss Aug. 17, 2009 at Pittsburgh.