By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, September 13, 2011

BRANDON — We may never know if Lightning wing Mattias Ritola actually had, or has, Meniere's disease.

There are no tests that indicate it, head athletic trainer Tommy Mulligan said, so any diagnosis is one of exclusion, in which other afflictions are ruled out.

What we do know is Ritola hasn't had an attack since Feb. 3. And his career — which he believed over in December, when headaches, dizziness and ringing in his right ear were so severe it made flying nearly impossible — gets a healthy restart Friday when training camp opens at the Ice Sports Forum.

"I don't even have to worry about it," Ritola, 24, said Tuesday, "and that's the biggest relief."

The biggest surprise was how little it took to alleviate the symptoms, which surfaced in September 2010 after Ritola was claimed off waivers from the Red Wings.

Ritola took several medicines and wore earplugs on planes to mitigate pressure changes believed to be sparking attacks. He wore a hearing aid in his right ear, the drum of which he ruptured in summer 2010 diving into a pool.

But what finally did the trick, Ritola said, were neck-cracking sessions with Brad Robinson, a chiropractor who works with Tampa Bay's AHL affiliate in Norfolk, to where Ritola was demoted Feb. 9, six days after an attack kept him out of a game with the Maple Leafs.

"When Mattias came in and explained what was going on, I said, 'Let me take a look at your neck,' " Robinson said. "I felt what was going on, a big muscle spasm on the right side.

"Any time you have a tense muscle compared to the other side, that means the spine is distorted and that leads to pressure on the nerves. The nerves supply the upper cervical spine, which leads to the skull and into the ear and sinuses. That's what gives those kinds of symptoms."

Robinson said Ritola's misalignment likely was from the abuse a body takes from hockey.

"I moved the bone back into proper alignment and took the pressure off the nerves," Robinson said. "The muscles balanced out, the nerve supply was restored back into the skull, and the body started working the way it is supposed to."

The story still has loose ends.

Mulligan said Ritola had received chiropractic treatment from the Lightning; Ritola said he could not recall whether he did. And given what happened in Norfolk, Ritola said he doesn't believe he had Meniere's, which the National Institutes of Health says is caused by a buildup of fluid in the inner ear and a constriction of blood vessels similar to what causes migraines.

But Mulligan isn't discarding the diagnosis of Tampa Bay's doctors.

"Since (Ritola) improved with the chiropractic, does that mean he doesn't or didn't have Meniere's? No," Mulligan said. "It could be a situation where he is in a dormancy period and that was enough to put him over the edge. Whether it's related to the chiropractic, we'll never know."

Whatever happened, Ritola said he is confident it is in the past and is eager to really show the Lightning what he can do.

Last season, the 6-foot-2, 192-pound Swede had four goals and eight points for Tampa Bay in 31 games, most of which were played while he stressed over his health. He had nine goals and 27 points in 17 games for Norfolk.

"The biggest thing for him is he's got very good hands and protects the puck extremely well," Lightning coach Guy Boucher said. "That's a huge asset."

"When I was not having problems last year, I felt like I could play here," Ritola said. "Now I'm cured. I feel good. There's not much more to say."

camp schedule: Training camp begins Friday with off-ice testing and physicals. On-ice workouts are Saturday-Monday at 10 a.m. All on-ice activities are free and open to the public.

By Neil Taylor, Times Correspondent
Tuesday, September 13, 2011

What's hot: "The Slam" consists of a flounder, a trout and a redfish. Achieving this has been easy in local waters the past month. The populations of all three species are doing very well, with bigger specimens of each very available to intercept in September.

Tackle and techniques: Using a medium-heavy spinning outfit with a 1/8-ounce jighead and a soft plastic tail, all three species can be caught using a single lure. Three-inch soft plastic paddle tails are good at attracting the attention of feeding fish. To find the species, prospect shallow grassy areas for redfish, deep grass bottom areas for trout and a variety of locations for flounder, including gulf passes, bridges, creek mouths and potholes, which are patches of sand surrounded by sea grass.

Baits: Live baits can be used instead of lures. Use just enough weight to keep the bait down where the fish are depending on the depth you are fishing. This concept applies to the speed of the lure retrieve as well. Anglers should move the lures considerably slower when targeting flounder and trout than they would for redfish because redfish are in much shallower water. If "The Slam" is your plan, target redfish and trout first, and then flounder. Redfish and trout have been most cooperative early in the morning. Flounder can be caught at midday.

Neil Taylor charters kayak fishing trips in the Tampa Bay area and can be reached at strikethreekayakfishing.com or (727) 692-6345.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, September 13, 2011

GAINESVILLE — If stats were the end-all in football, the Florida defense would be considered nearly unstoppable.

The Gators are tied for first in the nation in scoring defense, holding opponents to 1.5 points per game. But those opponents were Florida Atlantic and UAB.

On Saturday, Tennessee will bring in a surprisingly more high-powered offense than might have been anticipated before the season began, and the Gators fully expect to get a true test of just how good their young unit really is.

Particularly their secondary and ability to pass-rush, which Florida coach Will Muschamp believes has to improve this week.

"We need to get pressure with four guys rushing," Muschamp said. "That's the best pass defense in the America. We need to rush four guys and do a better job at that."

The Gators don't necessarily need the best defense in the nation, but they'll need a very good performance. Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray is coming off a career performance last week, and the Vols will also bring in a strong rushing attack.

Bray, a sophomore, is ranked fourth in the NCAA and No. 1 in the SEC in passing yards this season (698). He leads the SEC in passing efficiency (204.2), passing yards per game (349) and touchdowns (7). And at 6 feet 6, 210 pounds, he has the physical attributes to make things tough on Florida's defenders.

"You look at their team right now offensively, Tyler Bray is playing some really good football — completed close to 80 percent of his passes," Muschamp ssaid. "They've turned around their offense from last year as far as their production is concerned."

The Gators will benefit from the return of sophomore defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd, who missed the first two games of the season for violation of the NCAA's improper benefits rule. Floyd's size and athleticism will be key for the Gators who are still in search of a consistent pass rush.

"He's a great athlete, real strong guy, real powerful," said Florida center Jonotthan Harrison, who faces Floyd in practice. "Shariff is an amazing pass rusher. He's real good, real versatile, everything on the line. His power and his quickness, he's still pretty quick for a big guy. We're glad to have him coming back this weekend."

While Florida's front is trying to get pressure, the Vols hope to take advantage of the Gators' inexperienced — and injured — secondary. Bray's early success has come with the aid of 6-4 sophomore Justin Hunter and 6-3 sophomore Da'Rickc Rogers — the Vols' leading receivers who have combined for 31 catches for 502 yards.

"They are size guys; that is one thing that jumps out at you," Muschamp said. "They have vertical speed down the field. It's what they do with the ball after they catch it. They're both really good football players. Everyone recruited them and everyone in the country wanted them. They've done a nice job getting the ball to those guys in different situations vertically down the field and in the quick passing game to make sure they get them the ball and get their touches."

The Vols' running game is led by Taurean Poole — the lone senior starter on offense. Tennessee coach Derek Dooley said Poole is beginning to approach the game with a different attitude, which has led to an improvement in his overall game.

"I think (last week) he just really was less concerned with making the right cut and more concerned about running, getting your pads down and hitting it," UT coach Derek Dooley said. "There were about four or five times where he would put the brakes on looking for a move and he just put his pads down and get another 4 or 5 yards. That adds up over the course of the game."

Antonya English can be reached at english@sptimes.com.

Times wires
Tuesday, September 13, 2011

BOSTON — The slumping Red Sox will get a boost in their bid to hold off the Rays for the AL wild-card slot.

Manager Terry Francona said RHP Josh Beckett, who missed a start with a sprained right ankle, will start Thursday or Friday against Tampa Bay at Fenway Park.

Beckett threw a side session Monday and played long toss Tuesday, reporting no problems. Francona said he left it up to Beckett which day he will pitch.

Beckett is 12-5 with a 2.49 ERA in 27 starts this season. In two starts against the Rays, he has allowed two hits and no runs in 17 innings.

In other Red Sox news, 3B Kevin Youkilis returned after missing four games with a sports hernia, but DH David Ortiz was scratched with back spasms. And RH reliever Bobby Jenks, out for the season with a back injury, was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism.

MANNY FREED: Manny Ramirez, who retired in April from the Rays rather than face a suspension for use of a banned substance, was released on $2,500 bail after spending the night in Broward County Jail on a charge of misdemeanor domestic battery. Ramirez declined to speak with reporters.

DEAL FOR CARPENTER: The Cardinals and RHP Chris Carpenter agreed to a two-year, $21 million deal. Carpenter, 36, said the contract could be his last.

ANGELS: Ace RHP Jered Weaver is likely to pitch on short rest Sunday, manager Mike Scioscia said.

BRAVES: RHP Jair Jurrjens, out with a bone bruise in his right knee, is unlikely to pitch again this season.

MARLINS: OF Mike Cameron was released for conduct detrimental to the team, the Sun-Sentinel reported.

PHILLIES: 2B Chase Utley was cleared to return from a mild concussion and is expected to start Thursday.

RANGERS: RF Nelson Cruz and RH reliever Darren O'Day were activated from the disabled list.

YANKEES: C Francisco Cervelli is out indefinitely with a concussion.

By Laura Keeley, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Matt Kitchie is used to winning.

He won back-to-back state championships as a player at Southeast High School in Bradenton. His Newberry (S.C.) College teams were competitive every year he was there. And in his previous coaching stop at Land O'Lakes, Kitchie went 17-3.

Now the head coach at Leto, Kitchie is facing a first in his football life: a program devoid of any winning tradition. Since 2005, Leto has won 13 games while losing 49.

"This is my first real situation where winning is just not expected," said Kitchie, whose team plays Riverview, a team that went 0-10 last season, Friday. "We hope to win, but we don't expect to win. That's the hardest part for me."

Generally speaking, in order to stage a turnaround on the field, a coach must start from scratch. He needs to construct an identity for his team and hope the school and larger community support his rebuilding efforts as well, said Jodi Yambor, a performance enhancement specialist who worked with several University of Miami teams, including football, from 1984-1992. Mental exercises such as visualizing a successful throw or tackle can help create a positive self-image, she said.

"They've got to change the way they think, talk and behave," Yambor said of the players. "They've got to change the culture of losing, and it's hard; you don't go from losing one day to winning the next."

Pinellas Park's trajectory from a perennial one-win team to a solid .500 squad the past two seasons offers proof that it can be done.

"We came in with a plan," said Kenny Crawford, who is entering his third year as head coach. "The No. 1 piece was recruitment and retention of our student-athletes in the hallways. We wanted to have our numbers at 10 percent of the male student population. No. 2 was to make sure all the kids have the grades to play. And No. 3 was to make it fun."

Concrete changes, such as repainting the locker room or getting new uniforms go a long way toward establishing that new, winning character, Yambor said.

Leto's stadium, at a quick glance, doesn't appear to lack any essentials. On the back of the scoreboard is a list of "Flights of the Past," with the football team's win-loss record, along with the name of the coach, for every year between 1966 and '99. Despite the 9-4 mark in 1999, empty space has been lingering under the last entry for 12 years.

And perhaps that is for the best. Programs looking to rebuild should de-emphasize winning, said Gershon Tenenbaum, a professor of sport and exercise psychology at Florida State.

"You put unintended pressure on young athletes when winning is the ultimate goal, and sometimes it works the opposite when you haven't been winning," he said. "Don't think just about the outcome, but about improving your own ability. Don't create an atmosphere of a winning orientation, but instead one of a performance orientation. And the wins will come as a consequence of that."

Though they have been outscored 98-3 in their first two games this season, the Falcons can see progress.

"In our first game we averaged 1.7 yards a play, and in the last game it was 2.3," Kitchie said. "We talk a lot about the small things. I'm getting them to look at each play as a victory. A 3-yard gain is a 3-yard victory."

So far the team, along with more of the student body, is buying into Kitchie's philosophy. Junior Sharon Honoret, one of four female students who help with duties such as filling water bottles and taping minor scrapes at practices and games, estimates more than 50 students attended last week's home game against Gaither, compared with about 10 who would come last year.

The players have noticed the change.

"People actually come to our games," said middle linebacker Luycchi Jansen, who also noted practices are more disciplined and organized.

"I feel like I'm part of an organization," he added, smiling while dripping with sweat and huffing for breath after a kickoff drill. "I'm a part of something big."

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, September 13, 2011

BALTIMORE — RHP Kyle Farns­worth's tender right elbow is feeling better, but he is unlikely to be available for the upcoming key series in Boston.

Farnsworth is still in the stage of rest and receiving treatment, evidenced by the wires attached to his elbow from a portable electric stimulation machine he was carrying around the clubhouse.

Farnsworth — who last pitched Saturday — has not been cleared to play catch, nor given a timetable for when he can. "Hopefully it's coming up soon," he said. Once he does, he expects the Rays will want him to move cautiously and take several days to build back up to game form.

"We're trying to get this fixed as quick as possible," Farnsworth said.

Treatment includes the electric stimulation, ultrasound, hot and cold contrast, and massage. "I'm already bored," he said. "I can only do so much."

Manager Joe Maddon said he still considers Farnsworth on day-to-day status: "I don't know exactly when we're going to pop him back in there, but he's getting better."

MOORE WAITING: It would seem logical for the Rays to have 22-year-old LHP phenom Matt Moore make his major-league debut in the less pressurized setting of Camden Yards than Fenway Park, but Maddon said he didn't think such special handling was necessary and wouldn't force it.

"I'm not really caught up in that to be honest with you," Maddon said. "I met the kid briefly, I don't know that it's going to make a whole lot of difference to him. And actually he might like Boston better."

BIG HEART JAMES: RHP James Shields was again selected the Rays nominee for the annual Roberto Clemente Award, given to the MLB player who best represents the game "through positive contributions on and off the field, including sportsmanship and community involvement."

Shields and his wife, Ryane, are actively involved in assisting foster children through Eckerd Youth Alternatives and the Heart Gallery of Pasco and Pinellas, and host some for games at the Big Game James Club suite.

"Foster kids have been a big part of our lives over the last couple years and it's great to help them out," Shields said.

"I think foster kids in America get a little overlooked. You hear about a lot of people adopting kids from other countries, but we have a ton of foster kids in our own country that need help and need families."

Chevrolet will make a $7,500 donation for Shields to the two organizations. Voting for the national award starts today at chevybaseball.com/clemente; the winner is announced at the World Series.

QUALITY QUARTET: Maddon was surprised to hear that the Rays' streak of four winning seasons, which they clinched Monday, is the fourth longest in the majors, behind the Yankees (19), Red Sox (14) and Phillies (9).

"That's an amazing thought that we're included among those four, especially after where we had been," Maddon said. "That speaks to the organization, and it starts at the top."

MINOR MATTERS: The Rays opened instructional league camp in Port Charlotte with 54 players, including their last two No. 1 picks, OF Josh Sale and RHP Taylor Guerrieri, and promising prospects such as SS Hak-Ju Lee and C Oscar Hernandez. The camp runs through Oct. 7 and includes a 13-game schedule; see tampabay.com/blogs/rays/ for details.

MISCELLANY: The 2012 schedule will be released today; the Rays open at home vs. the Yankees and host the Braves, Marlins and Mets in interleague play. … CF B.J. Upton's team-record streak of reaching base in nine plate appearances, which ended Monday, was third longest in the majors this season.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Rays at Orioles

When/where: 7:05 tonight; Camden Yards, Baltimore

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

Starting pitchers:

RAYS: RH Wade Davis (10-8, 4.36)

ORIOLES: RH Jeremy Guthrie (7-17, 4.29)

Watch for …

Wading in: Davis is coming off a stellar outing, Friday's complete-game win over the Red Sox. He is facing the O's for the sixth time in 2011, having gone 3-2, 5.52. In five career starts at Baltimore he is 4-0, 3.27.

Familiar face: Guthrie is facing the Rays for the sixth time this season, having gone 1-3, 4.50, and the 19th time in his career (5-10, 4.15 overall). He threw seven shutout innings at Toronto on Friday.

Key matchups

Rays vs. Guthrie

Johnny Damon 12-for-53, 2 HRs

Evan Longoria 11-for-33, HR

Ben Zobrist 10-for-29

Orioles vs. Davis

Vlad Guerrero 3-for-16, HR

Nick Markakis 7-for-29, HR

Matt Wieters 7-for-18

On deck

Thursday: at Red Sox, 7:10, Sun Sports. Rays — Jeremy Hellickson (12-10, 2.96); Red Sox — TBA

Friday: at Red Sox, 7:10, Sun Sports. Rays — James Shields (15-10, 2.70); Red Sox — TBA

Saturday: at Red Sox, 4:10, Ch. 13. Rays — Jeff Niemann (10-7, 3.97); Red Sox — TBA

Sunday: at Red Sox, 1:35, Sun Sports. Rays — David Price (12-12, 3.34); Red Sox — TBA

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

Achievement of the day

With his second-inning steal, Johnny Damon joined Paul Molitor as the only players with 200 homers, 100 triples and 400 steals. They are two of nine with 200-400; also Roberto Alomar, Craig Biggio, Bobby and Barry Bonds, Marquis Grissom, Rickey Henderson and Joe Morgan.

Announcement of the day

RHP James Shields' book about last season, September Nights, written with raysbaseball.com's Bill Chastain, was released Tuesday, available in paperback through Amazon.com and retailers, and in e-book formats. "It's a cool little thing for fans to get to know what September baseball is all about," Shields said.

Times wires
Tuesday, September 13, 2011

ALAMEDA, Calif. — Hue Jackson talked about building the Raiders into a bully ever since he was named coach nearly eight months ago.

With 190 yards rushing behind a bruising line, five sacks and a defensive front that held Denver to 38 yards rushing, consider it mission accomplished in a 23-20 win that gave Oakland its first season-opening victory since the 2002 AFC title season.

"If somebody tells me we can do that every game, as far as rushing the ball and getting a lot of sacks, I am going to tell you we are going to win a lot of games," Jackson said.

But one thing that has plagued the Raiders in a run of eight straight non-winning seasons was still apparent: 15 penalties for 131 yards. The Raiders, who led the league with 148 penalties a year ago, started this season in similar fashion.

"I'm not here to tell you it's going to stop next week or the week after, but I want you to know and I want our fans to know that we're working at it," Jackson said. "I'm not just going to just sweep it under the carpet and say, 'Okay, it is what it is,' because we won the game. I don't think that's right."

Darren McFadden ran for 150 yards on 22 carries. Then, with Oakland protecting a three-point lead in the final four minutes, Michael Bush had runs of 10 and 12 yards for two first downs to help kill the clock.

Sebastian Janikowski tied the NFL record for the longest field goal with a 63-yarder at the end of the first half, giving the Raiders a 16-3 lead.

"To be honest, I didn't hit it that good," said Janikowski, the former Florida State standout. "It barely got over the bar."

He tied the mark of Tom Dempsey in 1970 for the Saints and Jason Elam in 1998 for the Broncos — also in Denver's altitude, at the old Mile High Stadium.

Meanwhile, Broncos coach John Fox said Tuesday he's sticking with Kyle Orton despite the loss, which ended with Broncos fans chanting "Tebow! Tebow!" for backup and former Florida star Tim Tebow.

Orton threw for 304 yards but had 22 incompletions in 46 attempts and only one touchdown with one interception.

BILLS: Receiver Marcus Easley is on injured reserve for the second straight year after missing Sunday's game in Kansas City with what the team said was an illness. The Buffalo News reported that Easley has a heart condition. He missed his rookie season in 2010 with a knee injury.

BROWNS: Brad Maynard signed to become Cleveland's third punter this season. Richmond McGee went on injured reserve with a herniated disc in his back. Last year's starter, Reggie Hodges, is out for the season with an Achilles' injury.

CHARGERS: Veteran kicker Nick Novak signed a two-year deal to replace injured Nate Kaeding.

COWBOYS: Frank Walker was signed to bolster a depleted cornerback spot. Orlando Scandrick (ankle) is expected to miss at least one game, Terence Newman (groin) has been out since training camp and former USF star Mike Jenkins was in and out of the opener at the Jets because of a variety of injuries.

DOLPHINS: A day after getting beaten on Wes Welker's 99-yard touchdown catch and run in Monday's loss to New England, corner Benny Sapp was cut, according to a post on agent Andrew Simms' Twitter page.

JETS: Quarterback Mark Sanchez said he is fine after being tested for a concussion following the team's victory over Dallas. Sanchez acknowledged the tests during his weekly spot on New York's 1050 ESPN Radio.

PANTHERS: The team reached deals with nose tackle Ron Fields and guard Reggie Wells.

STEELERS: Offensive lineman Jamon Meredith signed to replace tackle Willie Colon, who had season-ending surgery on his torn right triceps.

NEW SUIT: Carl Eller heads a new class-action suit on behalf of retired players, but not against the league. They're suing the NFL Players' Association, union head DeMaurice Smith, and two of the 10 plaintiffs in the former antitrust case against the league filed during the lockout: Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and former Patriot Mike Vrabel, now the linebackers coach at Ohio State.

APOLOGY: Monday Night Football analyst Ron Jaworski apologized on air after accidentally cursing during his commentary on ESPN. Jaworski uttered an expletive before saying of Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne, "You have to get rid of this ball."

STORM: The Arena League team re-signed former USF receiver Amarri Jackson, offensive linemen Jorge Guerra and Tom Kaleita and defensive back Colin Nelson to begin the league's three-week exclusive team re-signing period.

Times wires
Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Braves 7, Marlins 1

ATLANTA — Brian McCann and Dan Uggla hit three-run homers, and Atlanta snapped its longest losing streak of the season at four games. The Braves, whose lead over the Cardinals in the NL wild-card race is down to 4½ games, held a private meeting before the game in hopes of shaking things up.

Times wires
Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Red Sox 18, Blue Jays 6

BOSTON — Tim Wakefield got his 200th win on his eighth try, Dustin Pedroia hit two homers in Boston's highest-scoring game this season and the Red Sox ended a five-game skid to extend their AL wild-card lead over the Rays to four games.

Times wires
Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Cardinals 6, Pirates 4

PITTSBURGH — Nick Punto hit a go-ahead double in the ninth inning, and St. Louis overcame three errors by first baseman Albert Pujols, who has 14 this season. Trying to stay in the wild card and NL Central races, the Cardinals have won six of seven games.

Times wires
Tuesday, September 13, 2011

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Robert Marve will get another chance to live up to the lofty expectations he brought to Purdue.

Marve's knee has healed, and the former Plant High star quarterback is expected to play for the first time in nearly a year when the Boilermakers host Southeast Missouri on Saturday.

The transfer from Miami started the first three games last season before tearing the ACL in his left knee.

Marve will share time with Caleb TerBush.

"I want to play Robert Marve," coach Danny Hope said Tuesday. "He can play."

TerBush is listed as the starter, and Hope wouldn't say how much he expected Marve to play, but the senior will get more practice repetitions.

"We'll make the decision when it gets close to game time based on what we think is best for our football team as far as getting in a rhythm," Hope said.

Marve passed for 512 yards and three touchdowns last season, and Hope said Marve appears to have retained the skill and athletic ability that made him a special addition to the program.

"He's throwing the ball really well," Hope said. "He's accurate and has a lot of zip on it. When he takes off and runs, he still runs really fast, which is a good sign."

Boise State probation: The NCAA placed Boise State on probation for three years, and the football program will lose nine scholarships over that period because of widespread rules violations involving more than 75 prospects and student-athletes across five sports. The sanctions included a public reprimand, a one-year postseason ban for women's tennis and recruiting restrictions. Some penalties had been self-imposed.

Fresno State: Defensive back Terrance Dennis will miss Saturday's game against North Dakota after being suspended by the Western Athletic Conference for committing a flagrant personal foul against Nebraska last week.

Georgia: Freshman tailback Isaiah Crowell will make his first career start against Coastal Carolina, coach Mark Richt said.

Minnesota: Coach Jerry Kill is expected to be on the sideline against Miami of Ohio on Saturday, offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover and defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys said. Kill continues to recover from a seizure suffered last weekend against New Mexico State.

Missouri: Redshirt freshman cornerback Tristen Holt, arrested Saturday on charges of leaving an accident scene, has been "removed from the program," coach Gary Pinkel said.

North Carolina: Fullback Devon Ramsay had left knee surgery and is out for the season.

Notre Dame: Senior tight end Mike Ragone will have surgery to repair a torn ACL and miss the rest of the season.

Ohio State: The NCAA reinstated tailback Jordan Hall, cornerback Travis Howard and backup safety Corey "Pittsburgh" Brown after their two-game suspensions. The three had accepted $200 in cash from a university booster at a charity event in February. The Buckeyes play at Miami on Saturday.

Penn State: Coach Joe Paterno will stick with the quarterback tandem of Rob Bolden and Matt McGloin against Temple on Saturday.

Wisconsin: Senior cornerback Devin Smith (left foot surgery) is out for the season.

Basketball: Florida sophomore forward Cody Larson settled a criminal trespass charge stemming from his arrest with teammate Erik Murphy in April in St. Augustine, but he still could face jail time in his native South Dakota for violating terms of his probation from a case in May 2010. Coach Billy Donovan reinstated Murphy last week, but Larson remains suspended. … USC senior guard Jio Fontan is expected to miss the season after having surgery on a torn left ACL.

Women's golf: At the 2011 Cougar Classic in Charleston, S.C., Florida's Camilla Hedberg finished at 8-under 208 to set a school record for lowest tournament total. She tied for third overall, and the Gators took third (8-under 856) behind LSU (848) and North Carolina (853).

Times wires
Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Astros 5, Phillies 2

HOUSTON — Clint Barmes hit a three-run homer and J.A. Happ pitched six solid innings against his former team as Houston prevented Philadelphia from wrapping up a playoff spot. The Phillies' magic number for clinching at least a wild-card berth remained at one. Philadelphia starter Cole Hamels fell to 0-3 in his past five starts against the Astros.

Times wires
Tuesday, September 13, 2011

NBA

NEGOTIATIONS STALL AGAIN

NEW YORK — The looks on players' faces and anger in deputy commissioner Adam Silver's voice made it obvious: There was no progress Tuesday in talks to end the NBA lockout.

And with less than three weeks until training camps, the latest setback may be a tough one.

"(We) can't come out of here feeling as though training camps and the season is going to start on time at this point," players' association president Derek Fisher of the Lakers said.

Still divided over the salary cap structure, the sides passed on talking again today, and no further meetings are scheduled.

Silver's voice rose as he spoke of "why the label of a hard cap is what's breaking apart these negotiations right now."

TRACK AND FIELD

Cautious Bolt runs best 100 of season

Usain Bolt made a cautious start in his first 100 meters since his disqualification at the world championships, and still won in a season-best 9.85 seconds at the Zagreb World Challenge in Croatia. Bolt, who false-started in South Korea last month, shaved 0.03 seconds off his previous fastest time this year — 9.88 at Monaco in June.

GOLF

Brother faces brother in Senior Amateur

Brothers Stanford and Louis Lee each won two matches and will face off in the quarterfinals of the USGA Senior Amateur Championship in Manakin-Sabot, Va. Today's match is the first between brothers in event history. Stanford Lee won the title in 2007.

SENIOR WOMEN'S AMATEUR: Defending champ Mina Hardin won twice to reach the quarterfinals in Ooltewah, Tenn. Mary Jane Hiestand of Naples also advanced.

AUTOS

Wheldon to take shot at another big prize

Indianapolis 500 champion and St. Petersburg resident Dan Wheldon will be the lone non-IndyCar regular to compete for the $5 million prize offered for the season finale, Oct. 16 in Las Vegas. But because he has run once this year he's only eligible for half of the prize — the other half would go to a fan chosen from a contest — which was designed to draw drivers from other series.

ET CETERA

GATTI SUIT: A lawyer representing the 5-year-old daughter of boxer Arturo Gatti filed a wrongful death lawsuit on her behalf against Gatti's wife. Attorney Anthony Pope said he filed the suit Friday in Middlesex (N.J.) County against Amanda Rodrigues Gatti, who is not the child's mother. She was married to Gatti when he died during a trip to her native Brazil in 2009.

Times wires

Times wires
Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Rangers 10, Indians 4

ARLINGTON, Texas — David Murphy hit two solo homers among his four hits and Josh Hamilton put AL West-leading Texas ahead to stay with his 20th homer. Murphy already had both of his homers before Hamilton hit a scorching liner off Justin Masterson into the right-centerfield seats for a 4-2 lead in the fifth.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, September 13, 2011

BALTIMORE — J.P. Howell watched the ball long enough to see that it was fair, then sank to a knee on the Camden Yards mound and stayed there, head down, feeling as if he'd been punched, ds that seemed like hours.

He had just given up a two-run homer to Matt Wieters on a changeup with two outs in the eighth that cost the Rays dearly. The 4-2 loss to the last-place Orioles dropped them back to four games behind the wild-card-leading Red Sox with 15 left and forced the Rays (82-65) into essentially a must-win tonight to maintain the stakes of the upcoming four-game series in Boston.

"You just get sick," Howell said. "Nothing goes through your mind. You go blank. That's what happened. You get a little nasty feeling."

Howell's failure was the most costly of several by the Rays as the Red Sox — showing that maybe they weren't really that panicked — made a statement with an 18-6 win over Toronto.

Howell was only in that tight of a situation because David Price failed to hold a 2-1 lead an inning earlier, allowing a one-out walk (and a stolen base) then, after falling behind 3-and-1, a two-out double on a misplaced cutter to pinch-hitter Jake Fox, who came in with a .214 average. "He just, you know, he hit it," Price said.

And Price was only in that tight of a situation because the Rays — and doesn't this sound hauntingly familiar — failed to take advantage of an early opportunity to break it open: bases loaded with no outs in the second, John Jaso striking out and Sean Rodriguez grounding into a double play.

Manager Joe Maddon, naturally, minimized the impact.

"Realistically, we were not going to win the rest of our games," he said. "Hopefully we're only going to lose a couple. So let's just move on 'til (today)."

His sentiments were echoed in the quiet clubhouse, but the loss did illustrate two major issues as the Rays try to complete their dash to the playoffs.

If the offense could be silenced again by Alfredo Simon — who set down 12 in a row — and the relief trio of Pedro Strop, Troy Patton and Jim Johnson, what's to happen in the 11 games against Boston and New York?

And, even more pressing, how potentially hazardous will the bullpen be in tight games without closer Kyle Farnsworth, who remains sidelined indefinitely, with Howell, specifically, one of the pitchers being counted on to assume a more significant role?

"Everybody's got to contribute," Maddon said. "That's a particular situation that I believe that he can do. So for us to get into the playoffs and then be successful there, that's the kind of situation he needs to work through. …

"Kyle was not available tonight, so then all of a sudden things become a little bit different. J.P.'s been a rock for us in the past, and he's been doing pretty good work lately. Of course he's not very happy right now, but I have a lot of faith in him."

Howell, who returned from surgery in May, has given up big blasts before, including a walkoff shot to Seattle's Ryan Langerhans that pretty much ended the Rays' 2009 season.

The feeling is always the same.

"It's disgusting," he said. "It makes you sick. You go what the — that should never happen. I'm a professional, too, and in that situation I know what I'm doing and to get beat, especially on a home run, it makes you feel punished, kind of like you took a punch. You've got to get up. … I just soaked it in a little bit."

Times wires
Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Tigers 5, White Sox 0

CHICAGO — Justin Verlander earned his major-league-best 23rd win and Detroit won its 11th straight. Verlander (23-5) is the first Tiger since Hal Newhouser in 1946 to win 11 straight starts and the American League's first 23-game winner since Barry Zito in 2002. Victor Martinez hit a three-run homer for the AL Central leaders, on their longest winning streak since September 1968.

Times wires
Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Brewers 2, Rockies 1

11 innings

MILWAUKEE — Ryan Braun homered leading off the 11th inning, and Milwaukee won its sixth straight at home over Colorado. Prince Fielder also went deep for the Brewers.

Times wires
Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Yankees 3, Mariners 2

SEATTLE — Mariano Rivera saved the 600th game of his career, moving within one of Trevor Hoffman's major-league record. The Yankees stayed four games in front of second-place Boston in the AL East. Rivera entered with a one-run lead in the ninth and allowed just a one-out single to Ichiro Suzuki.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, September 14, 2011

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Tuesday signed long snapper Scott Albritton and waived Christian Yount after just one regular-season game.

Albittron originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Houston Texans before being released during final cuts.

Yount, an undrafted prospect from UCLA, joined the team just prior to training camp. There did not appear to be any snapping issues in the kicking game during Sunday's season opener.

The Bucs still have Andrew Economos, their long snapper the past four-plus seasons. But he remains on the physically unable to perform list and is not eligible to return until Week 6, at the earliest. Economos suffered an Achilles tendon injury during the offseason and is coming off surgery.

In addition, the Bucs signed linebacker Ross Homan to the practice squad and released linebacker Derrell Smith from the practice squad. Homan was a sixth-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings.

Also on Tuesday, the Bucs conducted workouts with several prospects. The team had tryouts for nose tackles Travis Ivey and Johnny Jones, center Jake Kirkpatrick, offensive tackle Chris Riley, defensive tackle Jay Ross and former Gator offensive tackle Phil Trautwein.

None has any significant NFL experience, although Ross has spent time on the Packers' practice squad while Trautwein was briefly on the Browns' and Rams' active rosters. It's most likely these players are potential practice-squad additions.