By Don Jensen, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 30, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — They will walk in unison to the starting box tonight and wait for it to open. For the greyhounds in the fifth annual $50,000 Fall Sprint championship, that will be one of the few similarities.

Derby Lane's first stakes race of the season blends speedsters with closers, sprinters with dual-distance dogs, and veterans with pups. Together, the eight finalists have 564 starts and 192 victories. None has won a stakes with a purse this high ($22,000 to the winner). And none will be concerned with defending champion Flying Coal City, the industry's 2010 Triple Crown winner who was retired from racing Wednesday after the McAllister kennel standout failed to qualify for the 550-yard finale, track spokeswoman Vera Rasnake said.

The field in the Fall Sprint (Race 10, 10:11 p.m.) from the rail: Sand Cloud (D'Arcy kennel), Aerial Battle (Capabal), Ahk Colormegone (Abernathy), Storm Rush (Hambleton), Jw Titleist (Capabal), Uss Gazillionair (Lester Raines), Craigie I Am Jak (Campbell) and Manicotti Manny (Hambleton).

"I think every one of them can win," Rasnake said. "That's what is exciting about the way they drew (posts). Dog owners are coming to town (from as far as Kansas and Texas)."

Aerial Battle (Matinee Idol), Storm Rush (St. Petersburg Derby) and Uss Gazillionair (Fall Juvenile) have won stakes before. Aerial Battle turned 4 in September and is the event's senior greyhound. He is going for his 70th victory in his 140th start. Aerial Battle has overcome two injuries — including a career-threatening ankle stopper-bone issue — and is one of the early speed dogs with Ahk Colormegone, Manicotti Manny and Sand Cloud. Aerial Battle is 6-for-6 at making stakes finals and is half-brother to Jw Titleist, the meet wins leader. Abernathy has been the hottest kennel in recent stakes, winning three of the previous seven at Derby Lane.

This is the fifth stakes finale for Uss Gazillionair, who can extend Lester Raines' streak of having a stakes winner at St. Petersburg to seven consecutive meets. Storm Rush comes from well off the pace as does Craigie I Am Jak, the youngest qualifier at 21 months old. In 10 lifetime wins, Craigie I Am Jak has beaten only one dog out of the starting box. He led qualifiers with 56 points and, with a win, would give Campbell its first stakes victory at Derby Lane since Jr's Flashy won the 2005 T.L. Weaver Memorial.

HORSES: Belmont Park will host six of the 13 graded races on today's national scene. The track in Elmont, N.Y., has five Grade I races (Jockey Club Gold Cup, Joe Hirsch Turf, Flower Bowl, Beldame and Vosburgh) and a Grade II (Kelso). … Tampa Bay Downs trainer Anthony Pecoraro got his 1,000th win Sept. 24 when I'm Steppin' It Up won the Grade III Kent Stakes at Delaware Park in Wilmington.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Friday, September 30, 2011

TAMPA — It's a dirty job, and Donald Penn has to do it.

The Bucs left tackle, who has been facing a murderer's row of defensive ends, now finds himself at the center of a prime-time matchup on Monday Night Football.

Lined up across from Penn on Monday will be Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney, a six-time Pro Bowl player who has more sacks than anyone since entering the league in 2002 (97). It's the latest in a string of gargantuan tests for Penn, who could use this game's spotlight to share his star quality.

Two weeks ago, at Minnesota, Jared Allen (three Pro Bowls) awaited. Last week against Atlanta, John Abraham (four Pro Bowls) was Penn's nemesis. Facing the best pass rushers week after week is the burden left tackles must bear.

"It's been the story of the season," Penn said.

And the story continues against arguably the best Penn has faced. You can tell Penn's admiration for Freeney by the hushed tones he has used all week. Penn is the offensive line's biggest talker. At times, you might say he's a bit boastful. And he'd usually take that as a compliment.

"If there's a camera, Penn's going to find it," right tackle Jeremy Trueblood said.

Said right guard Davin Joseph: "He's a really prideful person."

But Penn's low-key approach to this game tells you this is serious business for the 2010 Pro Bowl selection.

"I'm not trying to jinx myself," he said. "I'm not trying to go out there and lay a big egg. I'm just trying to go out there and keep playing consistently. (Freeney) is a great player. I have high respect for him. I have my work cut out for me. It's just going to be one of those battles. You saw him on Sunday. … He's a totally different player in prime time."

Penn referred to the two-sack performance Freeney had in a loss to the Steelers on Sunday night. Penn watched closely, his remote control in hand, often rewinding his DVR to analyze Freeney's repertoire of pass-rush moves. Before Monday's game, Penn will have watched all of Freeney's snaps this season repeatedly.

"He cuts like a receiver, like a (defensive back)," Penn said. "Some guys can't move like that."

And Penn has seen those moves before up close.

Penn's first NFL start, in relief of injured Luke Petitgout, came against Freeney in a loss in 2007 at Indianapolis. Freeney had a half-sack and two tackles, but Penn wouldn't exactly brag that his play had anything to do with that.

"I was in awe, man," Penn said. "It was so loud. And I was going against him. That game was like a big blur. Everything was going so fast. It was my first start, and I was going against Dwight Freeney.

"But I've grown as an athlete. He's grown as athlete. I think I'm a lot better now. I know I'm a lot better."

Freeney barely remembers Penn. But in watching Penn on film, Freeney says what the Bucs say about their prized left tackle.

"He has good feet, (and) he has good athletic ability for a guy who has decent size," Freeney said of the 6-foot-5, 305-pound Penn. "It's going to definitely be a challenge for me. Like I said, he has good feet, so he can keep up and counter very well. It's going to be a challenge to make sure I sort of counter his counter, if that makes any sense."

Penn's foray into the starting lineup began a span of 63 consecutive starts. The Bucs rewarded him with a $48 million contract extension last season, convinced he is key to the success of Josh Freeman. Seeing how Penn protects the blind side of the franchise quarterback, it's hard to question the investment.

"I've watched him mature, and I've watched him develop," coach Raheem Morris said. " … He's grown up and become one of those shutdown left tackles."

This season, Penn held his own against Allen (one sack) and made Abraham a nonfactor. All that's left is to keep up this pace against one of the best pass rushers of this era.

It's a lot to ask, then again, that's the job.

Times wires
Friday, September 30, 2011

STANDINGS

AMERICAN CONFERENCE

East W L T Pct PF PA

Buffalo 3 0 0 1.000 113 73

New England 2 1 0 .667 104 79

N.Y. Jets 2 1 0 .667 83 61

Miami 0 3 0 .00053 78

South W L T Pct PF PA

Houston 2 1 0 .667 90 60

Tennessee 2 1 0 .667 57 43

Jacksonville 1 2 0 .333 29 62

Indianapolis 0 3 0 .000 46 84

North W L T Pct PF PA

Baltimore 2 1 0 .667 85 40

Cleveland 2 1 0 .667 61 62

Pittsburgh 2 1 0 .667 54 55

Cincinnati 1 2 0 .333 57 54

West W L T Pct PF PA

Oakland 2 1 0 .667 92 82

San Diego 2 1 0 .667 65 69

Denver 1 2 0 .333 58 62

Kansas City 0 3 0 .000 27 109

NATIONAL CONFERENCE

East W L T Pct PF PA

Dallas 2 1 0 .667 69 67

Washington 2 1 0 .667 66 53

N.Y. Giants 2 1 0 .667 71 60

Philadelphia 1 2 0 .333 78 77

South W L T Pct PF PA

Tampa Bay 2 1 0 .667 60 60

New Orleans 2 1 0 .667 104 88

Carolina 1 2 0 .333 60 68

Atlanta1 2 0 .333 60 77

North W L T Pct PF PA

Detroit 3 0 0 1.000 101 46

Green Bay 3 0 0 1.000 99 74

Chicago1 2 0 .333 60 69

Minnesota 0 3 0 .0006074

West W L T Pct PF PA

San Francisco 2 1 0 .667 70 52

Seattle 1 2 0 .333 30 67

Arizona 1 2 0 .333 59 56

St. Louis 0 3 0 .000 36 96

Sunday

Detroit at Dallas, 1

Washington at St. Louis, 1

Minnesota at Kansas City, 1

Carolina at Chicago, 1

Pittsburgh at Houston, 1

New Orleans at Jacksonville, 1

San Francisco at Philadelphia, 1

Tennessee at Cleveland, 1

Buffalo at Cincinnati, 1

N.Y. Giants at Arizona, 4:05

Atlanta at Seattle, 4:05

Miami at San Diego, 4:15

New England at Oakland, 4:15

Denver at Green Bay, 4:15

N.Y. Jets at Baltimore, 8:20

Monday

Indianapolis at Tampa Bay, 8:30

INDIANAPOLIS — No Peyton Manning. Now no Kerry Collins. That leaves quarterback Curtis Painter, who will make his first NFL start when the Colts visit the Bucs on Monday night.

Collins is recovering after suffering concussionlike symptoms Sunday against Pittsburgh. And with Manning (neck) likely out until at least December, the Colts have turned to Painter.

"You can really only get one ready, just in terms of the amount of time you have and the time you get on the field," Colts coach Jim Caldwell said Friday. "It's very difficult to get two guys prepared to play a ball game. He's (Painter) getting all of the work, and I think he'll benefit from that."

Caldwell said Painter is looking forward to the opportunity.

"He's pretty excited about that; there's no question about it," Caldwell said. "You can see it. He's always pretty levelheaded, never too high, never too low, but you can certainly see the focus and intensity in his eyes."

Caldwell said Collins will be evaluated today.

Meanwhile, the league fined Steelers linebacker James Farrior $15,000 for hitting Collins, even though Farrior wasn't penalized.

Pryor's suspension upheld by Goodell

NEW YORK — Terrelle Pryor's five-game suspension was upheld by commissioner Roger Goodell.

The Raiders rookie quarterback had appealed the punishment, which was related to NCAA violations he committed while at Ohio State. Pryor entered the supplemental draft instead of serving a five-game ban with the Buckeyes after being involved in a cash-for-memorablia scandal that has put Ohio State under NCAA investigation.

"This smacks of a calculated effort to manipulate our eligibility rules in a way that undermines the integrity of, and public confidence in, those rules," Goodell said.

Pryor can be activated after the game at Houston on Oct. 9.

Cowboys: Receiver Dez Bryant (thigh) is questionable for Sunday against the Lions after missing a second straight day of practice, and quarterback Tony Romo (cracked rib) was limited in practice but expects to play.

49ers: Running back Frank Gore (ankle) is expected to play against the Eagles on Sunday.

Jets: All-Pro center Nick Mangold (high right ankle sprain) will be a game-time decision against the Ravens on Sunday.

Packers: Running back Ryan Grant (bruised kidney) and right tackle Bryan Bulaga (sprained, bruised left knee) won't play Sunday against the Broncos.

By Bryan Burns, Times Staff Writer
Friday, September 30, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — FC Tampa Bay coach Ricky Hill stands, arms crossed, in the sliver of shade provided by the Al Lang Field scoreboard.

As the team prepares for tonight's first playoff match in franchise history, Tampa Bay is practicing on the smaller left half of the outfield grass, focusing on direct, one-touch passes and moving the ball faster than the tightly compact defense can keep up.

It's a drill the team has repeated ad nauseam since the first days of training camp in late February. In those early stages, the ball was often misplayed, bouncing around pingpong-like with no real purpose.

The team's competency completing the drill has mirrored its midseason surge, resulting in a No. 3 seed for the North American Soccer League postseason and tonight's home knockout match against Minnesota.

As Hill watches, his soundtrack is at once encouraging and demanding.

"Yes, Jeff … Show for the ball, Yama … Find the open space … That's unlucky, Mike."

Hill's demeanor is familiar, too. Indeed, little has changed from those early-season training sessions, other than the aptitude of the team performing them.

"I think their understanding of the team principles of the game, I think more people understand that," Hill said. "…If you can control and pass and move quickly, you're going to create problems for any team. But everybody has to be reading off the same page."

The team that won nine of its last 16 regular-season matches will stay largely unchanged. The 4-4-2 setup remains but Hill isn't bound to a formation, saying: "When we have the ball, we're all attackers, and when we don't have the ball, we're all defenders."

Tonight's lineup will look much like last weekend against Fort Lauderdale with only a minor tweak or two. The team is playing at a high level, and Hill wants to avoid disrupting continuity.

That said, there is one major difference tonight. Win, or the season's over. Whichever team can remain calm under those circumstances will likely advance.

"Five games left. That's the motto for us right now," midfielder Pascal Millien said. "We just have to take each game like it's our last game."

News and notes: D Andres Arango suffered a mild concussion in practice and his availability is a game-time decision. … Miss Florida 2011 Kristina Janolo will sing the national anthem and sign autographs on the concourse from 6:45 to 7:15 p.m. … Donna Crawford, widow of slain St. Petersburg police officer David Crawford, will serve as Tampa Bay's honorary captain. … The Al Lang box office will open at 4 and gates will open at 6.

Times wires
Friday, September 30, 2011

BOSTON — Terry Francona is out as Red Sox manager. In a statement released Friday, the team said a change was needed and thanked Francona, who led it to World Series titles in 2007 and 2004, its first since 1918.

"(Francona) said that after eight years here, he was frustrated by his difficulty making an impact with the players, that a different voice was needed and that it was time for him to move on," it read. "After taking time to reflect on his sentiments, we agreed that it was best for the Red Sox not to exercise the option years on his contract."

Francona went 744-552 (.574) during his tenure.

But the Red Sox missed the playoffs for the second straight season despite leading the Rays for the wild card by nine games Sept. 4. They went 6-18 after that, including Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Orioles in which they were one strike from victory, amid reports of clubhouse problems.

"I didn't feel like the players need to go to dinner together, but they need to be fiercely loyal on the field," Francona said. "I didn't always get that feeling, and it bothered me."

Asked about reports of drinking in the clubhouse during games by starting pitchers not playing, Francona said, "I'd rather talk about generalities."

Francona also said it was his decision to leave.

"I'm not sure how much support there was from ownership. I don't know that I feel real comfortable," he said. "It's got be everybody together. I was questioning that a little bit."

Angels GM out: Tony Reagins resigned as general manager of the Angels after they missed the playoffs for the second straight season. His first two seasons, 2008-09, the Angels lost in the Division Series and ALCS. This year's team had the majors' fourth-highest payroll.

Baylor faints: Arizona hitting coach Don Baylor, 62, was taken to a hospital after fainting at Miller Park. GM Kevin Towers said initial test results were encouraging, but his status for today is unknown.

Manny faces charge: The Broward State Attorney's Office charged Manny Ramirez with a misdemeanor count of domestic violence. He was arrested Sept. 12 after his wife told deputies Ramirez slapped her, which caused her to hit her head on the headboard. Authorities say Ramirez, 39, denied the allegation. An arraignment is Oct. 14.

Braves: Hitting coach Larry Parrish was fired after one season and one day after manager Fredi Gonzalez said his entire staff would return. Atlanta ranked 13th in the NL in hitting (.243) and 10th in runs (641).

White Sox: Sergio Santos, who had 30 saves this year, agreed to a deal that guarantees him $8.25 million over three years. It includes options of $6 million, $8 million and $8.75 million with a $750,000 buyout for each.

Times wires
Friday, September 30, 2011

NEW YORK — Game 1 between the Tigers and Yankees was suspended because of rain Friday, wiping out the ace of each pitching staff for a few days.

The score was 1-1 entering the bottom of the second when play was halted. According to a rule adopted two years ago, the game is not postponed. Instead, it will pick up tonight at the point of suspension.

Game 2 was moved back to Sunday, and the off day prior to Game 3 in Detroit was eliminated.

Justin Verlander started for Detroit against CC Sabathia in an anticipated matchup between two of the game's best pitchers.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said rookie Ivan Nova will be on the mound when the game resumes. He had been set to go in Game 2. Freddy Garcia will now get the ball in the second game instead of Game 3, Girardi said.

Doug Fister, the Tigers' scheduled starter for Game 2, will pitch when Game 1 resumes.

Delmon Young homered for the Tigers and Alex Rodriguez had an RBI groundout in the first.

Resumption of Game 1 has unlikely matchup

NEW YORK — Doug Fister came to the Tigers in a midseason trade with a 3-12 record. Ivan Nova was sent to the minors in July as the odd man out in the Yankees' rotation.

Both are scheduled to be on the mound when Game 1 resumes tonight.

"It's been a whirlwind of emotions," Fister said before Friday's Game 1. "At the same time, it's been something that I'm very grateful for. It's something that's taught me how to just kind of take things one step at a time. That's the mind-set I'm taking right now. Just kind of keep moving forward one step at a time. Things will take care of themselves."

Fister, 27, arrived from Seattle with a deceptive record. He made 21 starts for the underperforming Mariners, had the lowest run support among American League pitchers at 1.97 per game and had a 3.33 ERA when he was dealt July 30.

Manager Jim Leyland had no idea what he was getting. He learned quickly. Fister won his first start and went 8-1 with a 1.79 ERA for Detroit.

Nova, 24, was plucked from the Yankees by the Padres in the 2008 Rule 5 draft, then returned the following March. He was pitching well in the difficult AL East, going 8-4 with a 4.12 ERA, when he was sent to Triple A on July 3 to make room for Phil Hughes, who was coming off the disabled list.

When the right-hander came back, he was determined to stay. Nova finished 16-4, the most wins among major-league rookies this year.

"I think I was more aggressive. I was getting ahead on everybody every time I could," Nova said. "I came here with another mind-set: I don't want to go back to the minor leagues. I was making sure to do everything possible to not go back to the minors again."

Yankees vs. Tigers

Tonight, 8:37: Resumption of Game 1 with the score 1-1 entering the bottom of the second inning

Sunday, 3:07: Tigers (TBA) at Yankees (Garcia 12-8, 3.62)

Monday, 8:07: Yankees (TBA) at Tigers (TBA)

Tuesday, TBA: Yankees (TBA) at Tigers (TBA) *

Thursday, TBA: Tigers (TBA) at Yankees (TBA) *

All on TBS except Game 2, which has not been determined

* If necessary

Times wires
Friday, September 30, 2011

NEW YORK — Game 1 between the Tigers and Yankees was suspended because of rain Friday, wiping out the ace of each pitching staff for a few days.

The score was 1-1 entering the bottom of the second inning — Delmon Young homered for the Tigers, and Alex Rodriguez had an RBI groundout in the first — when play was halted. According to a rule adopted two years ago, the game is not postponed. Instead, it will pick up tonight at the point of suspension, weather permitting.

Game 2 was moved back to Sunday, and the off day before Game 3 was eliminated.

Justin Verlander started for Detroit against CC Sabathia in an anticipated matchup between two of the game's best pitchers. Now both likely will be limited to one start even if the best-of-five series goes the distance.

"Just had a nice bullpen (session) in front of half of America," Verlander said. "It was a little disappointing."

Said Sabathia: "It's definitely disappointing. It looked like it was going to be a good game."

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said rookie Ivan Nova will be on the mound when the game resumes. He had been set to go in Game 2. Freddy Garcia will now get the ball in the second game instead of Game 3, Girardi said.

But Sabathia said he would ask Girardi to start Sunday.

"I want the ball as much as possible," he said.

Doug Fister, the Tigers' scheduled starter for Game 2, will pitch when Game 1 resumes. Max Scherzer was moved up from Game 3 to Game 2, and Verlander will start Game 3.

"This is not a big deal. Everybody does the best they can," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. "No sense getting excited. It's the way it is. I think when a manager makes a big deal out of something like that, it affects the players. It rained; so what?"

The Tigers fielded a lineup Friday stacked with right-handed hitters against the left-handed Sabathia. Now that group has to face the right-handed Nova.

"That's the one little dilemma probably, but it will work out," Leyland said. "Obviously, I'm not going to start pulling guys out."

The Yankees had nine games postponed, most in the majors, during the regular season, and 13 others delayed due to weather.

"We've been through this all year long," Girardi said. "It's not what either club wanted. Both clubs have to deal with it. The one thing I probably learned as much as any other, you cannot fight Mother Nature."

Major League Baseball consulted three weather services Friday before deciding to start the game.

"We certainly were not going to start a game if we had a forecast of heavy rain," MLB executive Joe Torre said, "whether it was CC or Justin or two other guys, because it certainly isn't fair to either club. Our forecast was light, intermittent showers, nothing that was threatening except until late. Obviously, that forecast changed, and we came up with the result that we did."

Yankees vs. Tigers

Tonight, 8:37: Resumption of Game 1 with the score 1-1 entering the bottom of the second inning.

Sunday, 3:07: Tigers (Scherzer, 15-9, 4.43) at Yankees (Garcia 12-8, 3.62)

Monday, 8:07: Yankees (TBA) at Tigers (Verlander, 24-5, 2.40)

Tuesday, TBA: Yankees (TBA) at Tigers (TBA) *

Thursday, TBA: Tigers (TBA) at Yankees (TBA) *

All games on TBS except Game 2, which is on TNT

* If necessary

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, September 30, 2011

ARLINGTON, Texas — Of the myriad of decisions the Rays made in setting their 25-man ALDS roster, the toughest one came down to the most unexpected topic of PH Dan Johnson vs. C Jose Lobaton.

The key factor, manager Joe Maddon said, was wanting the flexibility and comfort of a third catcher, giving them the option to pinch-hit or pinch-run for starter Kelly Shoppach.

"That's the position that seems to be the most impacted the way we play the game," Maddon said.

Johnson, who hit the two-strike, two-out ninth-inning homer Wednesday that saved the season, was disappointed but understanding.

"It's one of those things, you stay prepared and whatever is best for the team to win, that's what really matters," Johnson said. "You never know what's going to happen. I'll just stay positive, cheer my heart out and try to help out this team anyway I can."

Of the others:

• Maddon acknowledged that RHP Jeff Niemann was left off because he is "not quite 100 percent" due to back issues. Niemann said he expects to be ready for the next round if the Rays advance.

• INF Elliot Johnson was kept primarily as a pinch-runner — they want to save Sam Fuld for pinch-hitting — and because of his versatility.

• They were more comfortable with lefty-hitting OFs Matt Joyce and Fuld than using right-handed hitting reserve Justin Ruggiano.

LINING UP: Given his extended slump to end the season (3-for-40, 0-for-his-last-25), rookie LF Desmond Jennings was dropped from his usual leadoff spot to eighth in the order.

"I just want to take a little pressure off him right there, get him into the 8-hole and just have him relax a bit and see if that just gets him going in the right direction again," Maddon said.

SS Sean Rodriguez moved into the leadoff slot, though Maddon said Jennings could go back to the top tonight.

Rodriguez, who batted leadoff three times previously, said: "I was definitely surprised."

PITCHING IN: RHP James Shields will start Game 2 tonight and also a potential Game 5 on Thursday. Games 3 and 4 at Tropicana Field will be started by RHP Jeremy Hellickson and LHP David Price, though Maddon said they hadn't decided on the order yet. One factor is that the Game 3 starter would be in line to pitch the Oct. 8 opener of the ALCS if the Rays advance. … Maddon said he liked the idea of having RHP Wade Davis in the bullpen, given his velocity and the high number of right-handed hitters the Rangers have, and he would be open to using him on back-to-back days.

MISCELLANY: The Rays' six-game winning streak is now the longest in the majors. … Special assistant Rocco Baldelli, who played in last year's division series opener, is among the Rays' front-office execs on hand. … First-pitch temperature was 84.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, September 30, 2011

ALDS (best of five) Rays at Rangers

When/where: 7:07 tonight; Rangers Ballpark, Arlington, Texas

TV/radio: TNT; 620-AM, 1040-AM, 680-AM (Spanish)

Starting pitchers:

Rays RH James Shields (16-12, 2.82)

Rangers LH Derek Holland (16-5, 3.95)

Watch for ...

Shields up: Shields beat the Rangers in back-to-back starts Aug. 31 and Sept. 5, allowing one earned run in 17 innings and only eight hits. Overall he is 5-2, 3.05 against them. He is 2-3, 3.68 in five postseason starts.

Holland tunnel: The only start Holland didn't win of his last six was a Sept. 7 no-decision at the Trop (four runs, six hits, 6⅔ innings.) Overall he is 3-1 in five starts against the Rays, but with a 6.51 ERA.

Key matchups

Rays vs. Holland

Evan Longoria 6-for-13 HR

B.J. Upton 5-for-12 HR

Ben Zobrist3-for-12 HR

Rangers vs. Shields

Adrian Beltre8-for-31 HR

Josh Hamilton2-for-16 HR

Ian Kinsler3-for-21 HR

On deck

Sunday: Off, workout day at Tropicana Field

Monday: Game 3, vs. Rangers, 5:07, TBS. Rays — Jeremy Hellickson (13-10, 2.95) or David Price (12-13, 3.49); Rangers — Colby Lewis (14-10, 4.40) or Matt Harrison (14-9, 3.39)

Tuesday: Game 4, vs. Rangers (if necessary), TBA, TBS. Rays — David Price (12-13, 3.49) or Jeremy Hellickson (13-10, 2.95); Rangers — Matt Harrison (14-9, 3.39) or Colby Lewis (14-10, 4.40)

Wednesday: Off, workout day at Rangers Ballpark, Arlington

Thursday: Game 5 (if necessary), at Rangers, TBA, TBS. Rays — James Shields (16-12, 2.82); Rangers — C.J. Wilson (16-7, 2.94)

Zinger of the day

2B/OF Ben Zobrist — the genial, soft-spoken, religious Ben Zobrist — poked fun at Matt Joyce, right, about being dropped to ninth in the lineup. "He said I might be the only All-Star player to hit ninth," Joyce recalled. "Then he was like, 'No wait, All-Star players hit ninth all the time — they're called pitchers.' And this is Zo saying this."

List of the day

Rays with multihomer postseason games:

Evan Longoria 2 '08 ALDS Gm 1

B.J. Upton 2 '08 ALDS Gm 4

Kelly Shoppach 2 '11 ALDS Gm 1

Slogan of the day

DUMB JUST ENOUGH

1B Casey Kotchman came up with it, playing off how unlikely it was for the Rays to be even in the playoffs that they could end up champs, and posted it on the clubhouse whiteboard. At least that's Matt Joyce's understanding. "We're not supposed to be here, so we might just be dumb enough to win this whole thing," Joyce said. "And (Kotchman) wrote it that way because, obviously, we're dumb."

Times wires
Friday, September 30, 2011

JACKSONVILLE — Lexi Thompson proved she was good enough to play on the LPGA Tour as a 16-year-old when she beat a strong field by five shots two weeks ago. She was granted membership Friday based on more than birdies and bogeys.

Commissioner Mike Whan approved Thompson's petition to become the tour's youngest member, effective in January.

Whan said he was impressed with how Thompson, of Coral Springs, handled herself in all aspects of tour life.

"I've seen her at press conferences," Whan said. "I've seen her when she played well; I've seen her when she hasn't played too well. I've seen her at pro-am parties. I've seen her when fans are coming up to her when it's maybe not the best time."

Thompson filed a petition Thursday that the LPGA waive its policy that members must be at least 18. Whan approved it, though he described that more as a formality. The bigger decision came in June, when he let Thompson compete in qualifying school.

She won the first stage by 10 shots, then went to the tour's Navistar Classic in Alabama and won by five shots against a field that included 45 of the top 50 players on the money list.

Thompson withdrew from the second stage of qualifying school before filing her petition. By then, it was clear to everyone — from Thompson to the tour — that she would be on the tour in 2012.

Thompson was on vacation in California when she got the news.

"It's been amazing," she said in a conference call. "It's always been my dream to play on the tour full time. Getting that win, it was the best experience of my life. I've enjoyed every minute of it."

Officially her membership doesn't begin until February. But when it does, she will be the LPGA's youngest cardholder in 44 years. Michelle Wie played events at 13 but was not a tour member. Thompson's first event came at age 12 in the 2007 U.S. Women's Open.

EUROPEAN: Tommy Fleetwood and Michael Hoey left a trail of big names behind them, sharing the second-round lead at the Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland.

Fleetwood, atop the second-tier Challenge Tour rankings, shot 9-under 63 at Kingsbarns, where first-round leader Hoey shot a second straight 66. They both had 12-under totals of 132.

Former British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen was one shot back after 67 in unseasonably warm conditions at Carnoustie. The tournament features three courses — St. Andrews is the third — with golfers playing each course once through today before finishing Sunday at St. Andrews.

PGA: Kevin Na shot 63 to tie Jhonattan Vegas (67) and Charlie Wi (66) for the lead after two rounds of the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in Las Vegas. They were at 12-under 130. Brendan Steele, Tim Herron and Kris Blanks were a shot back. Hunter Haas shot 10-under 61 to tie the course record and join an eight-way tie at 132. The round was suspended by darkness with one player, Fran Quinn, unable to finish. The cut will be made after he finishes, and threesomes will tee off on No. 1 and No. 10 today.

champions: Corey Pavin carded 7-under 65 to take a one-stroke lead in the opening round of the SAS Championship in Cary, N.C. Nick Price, Gary Hallberg, Kenny Perry and defending champion Russ Cochran were tied for second.

Colby Cole, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 30, 2011

CLEARWATER — Clearwater Central Catholic defeated Cardinal Mooney 27-13 Friday.

The Marauders scored first thanks to a bad snap on a punt. Justin Goodloe recovered the fumble at the Cardinal Mooney 6 and ran it in on the next play for a 7-0 lead.

Cardinal Mooney took advantage of a bad snap on a punt by CCC to score its first points as well, recovering the ball at the CCC 28. Alex Ojeda converted a 30-yard field goal and added a 29-yarder as time expired in the half.

The Marauders came out strong in the second half, scoring on their first drive on a 12-yard pass from Jake Shade to Domenic James. On Cardinal Mooney's ensuing possession Joe Revenbark intercepted a pass to give CCC the ball at the Cardinal Mooney 25.

The Marauders took advantage with a 17-yard touchdown pass by Shade to Goodloe. After stopping Cardinal Mooney on downs at its 37, CCC drove for its final score, a 22-yard run by Diquan Walker.

"We had some sloppy play in the first half but we did a very good job in the second half offensively and defensively," CCC coach John Davis said.

Colby Cole, Times correspondent

Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 30, 2011

SPRING HILL — Last week, Land O'Lakes went from one of the favorites to win Class 6A, District 6 to wondering if a winning season was in the cards after a jarring loss to Hernando. Apparently, all is right with the Gators after a 35-point outburst Friday night at Springstead.

Land O'Lakes coach Brian Wachtel hopes his team's 35-14 victory over the Eagles will right the ship.

The Gators (2-2) were led by an electric first half from tailback Harrison Wood (nine carries, 92 yards, four touchdowns). Each time the junior put his hands on the ball he was in danger of breaking it, averaging 11.6 yards per touch, including a 24-yard reception.

"How about the night he had," Wachtel said. "He was just great in this game. He is some kind of player."

With Gators tight end Kent Taylor (three catches, 69 yards) finally 100 percent coming back from a hand injury that kept him out of the first two games, the premier college recruit scored his first touchdown on a 9-yard reception from Ryan Bird (6-of-9, 153 yards, one touchdown).

With such a large margin, Wood, Taylor and Bird didn't play in the second half as the Gators sat on their lead.

Springstead (1-3) was able to cut into the margin with two scores as Eagles quarterback Tyler Mahla opened up the passing attack by hitting Taylor Minter for six catches for 108 yards. However, Mahla, a sophomore, also had three interceptions, which proved to be the home team's undoing.

"You just can't make those kinds of mistakes," Springstead coach Bill Vonada said. "High school football is a game of momentum, and we gave away too many opportunities in this one."

Steve Lee, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 30, 2011

DADE CITY — The Pasco juggernaut kept rolling along Friday with another dominating effort in a 54-0 win over Anclote in a Class 5A, District 6 matchup.

Quarterback Jacob Guy came up with his usual standout performance and was done early in the third quarter. The senior passed for 116 yards and four touchdowns to four receivers and now has 18 for the season.

"I think he did a good job," Pasco coach Tom McHugh understated.

McHugh was especially impressed with his defense, which posted its fourth shutout with a running clock in five games. Lane Stancil had two interceptions and a fumble recovery for the Pirates.

"I'm proud of them," he said. "The goal is to have (the scoreboard) say 0 for guests."

Guy's scoring passes went to J.D. Edwards, Janarion Grant, Trey Dudley-Giles and Michael Larry. Dudley-Giles also scored on a 47-yard punt return.

The Pirates (5-0, 2-0 in 5A-6) were just as effective in their rushing game.

David Emmanuel gained a game-high 162 yards on just nine carries, scoring on runs of 50 and 65 yards. Even backup Blake Holtzhower figured in the scoring, plunging into the end zone from a yard out for his first varsity touchdown.

Anclote's best field position came late in the fourth quarter when Zack Guevin intercepted Edwards and returned the ball 46 yards to the Pasco 24-yard line. Chris Gregory also had an interception for the Sharks, who remain winless at 0-4, 0-2.

Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 30, 2011

PLANT CITY — Durant offensive line coach Wesley Wyatt left during the game against Wharton complaining of chest pains and wound up at South Florida Baptist Hospital. But his unit cleared the way for a dominating win Friday.

Durant's offensive line wore down the Wildcats and quarterback Nick Fabrizio rushed for a career-high four touchdowns as the Cougars (3-1) defeated Wharton 41-21.

"When we found out about Coach Wyatt we wanted to do this for him," Fabrizio said. "Our offensive line made this happen tonight."

Fabrizio operated the option and ran up 210 yards on 12 carries. The senior had TD runs of 35, 58, 46 and 8 yards. Tailback Jarmarlon Hamilton finished with 162 yards and also scored on a 13-yard run.

The Cougars held Wharton (1-3) to 101 yards of total offense and got a 76-yard interception return from Randy Baker.

Durant coach Mike Gottman had no update on Wyatt's condition.

Brandon Wright, Times correspondent

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Friday, September 30, 2011

ARLINGTON, Texas — There was no sugarcoating how much lefty C.J. Wilson baffled the Rays entering Friday's Game 1 of the American League Division Series.

The Rangers' All-Star ace was 5-0 for his career with a 1.94 ERA against Tampa Bay, including a shutout last month.

"He really dominated us," third baseman Evan Longoria said.

But Tampa Bay turned the tables in Friday's 9-0 win, tagging Wilson for a career-high-matching eight runs (six earned) over five innings, including three homers in an outing he labeled "the exact opposite of success."

It was as many runs as he had allowed in his previous six starts combined.

"(Friday) was rare," Wilson said. "Very rare."

The Rays made some adjustments but said Wilson had an unusual lack of command.

"The ball was just never really where I wanted it completely," Wilson said. "Some batters, I felt like I just was going to dominate, and others I was changing my location around and the ball was kind of squirting out, not really going where I wanted it to. It was kind of strange."

Rays catcher Kelly Shoppach, who had two homers and five RBIs, said Johnny Damon's two-run homer in the second "gave us all a little fresh air" and took some pressure off. Damon's blast came on a 3-1 count; Wilson was behind in the count on five of the seven hits he allowed.

Shoppach's two homers marked the first time in Wilson's career, spanning 77 starts, he allowed multiple blasts to the same hitter in a game.

"When any pitcher, no matter who it is, is falling behind hitters and they get a chance to get a better chance at getting a fastball to hit, you get a chance to do some damage," Shoppach said.

Centerfielder B.J. Upton said the Rays also planned to be more aggressive in the strike zone. But Longoria noticed it wasn't the same Wilson they saw before.

"The past four times we've faced C.J., he's just been down in the zone, just commanded the strike zone pretty well and made pitches when he needed to," Longoria said. "And (in Friday's) game, he got behind in the counts, and when he did get behind, he wasn't able to make that big pitch. He was leaving the ball in the middle of the plate.

"We're all major-league hitters, and when a guy is throwing the ball over the middle of the plate, more times than not, that's when he's going to get hit hard."

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com.

Bobby Winsler, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 30, 2011

RIVERVIEW — Early mistakes foreshadowed Riverview's loss while Bloomingdale had a well-balanced attack.

The Sharks went three-and-out on their opening possession. Then a high snap into the end zone on the punt put two points on the board for the Bulls. After its defense give up a touchdown — Eugene Baker's 23-yard run — Riverview fumbled it away again.

The Sharks' only other chance to avoid the shutout was a successful field goal in the fourth quarter. However, they accepted a roughing the kicker penalty to make it first and goal. They couldn't get into the end zone, and a low snap skirted by the holder on the second field goal attempt.

Baker, Cody Crouse and Adam Posateri shined for Bloomingdale. Crouse connected with Posateri for two touchdowns, and Baker rushed for two. Christian Bennett led the defense with two interceptions in the red zone.

Bobby Winsler, Times correspondent

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Friday, September 30, 2011

High praise

. MLB Network analyst Larry Bowa, a former longtime big-league manager, said he only had to see Rays rookie LHP Matt Moore, left, pitch once to tell that he was "something special."

"This is an arm that you don't see everyday, one of those that you go, 'Wow,' " Bowa said. "It looks like he has unbelievable late life on his pitches. You look at the radar gun, but sometimes 97-96 is straight down the middle. It looks like it's got late life and with the command of secondary pitches, it's double trouble."

American League Division Series | Tonight, 7:07, Arlington, Texas TV/radio: TBS; 620-AM, 1040-AM

Ever since the Rays had a stadium giveaway Aug. 21 of a figurine of LHP David Price and his french bulldog, Astro, the Rays pitcher has made it a custom of putting the promotion atop their dugout during games for good luck. Price said it became a hit even in visiting parks, with a fan in Boston asking if he could get sent one. • But on Friday in Arlington, Texas, an apparently frustrated — and bored — Rangers fan took it a step further, stealing Astro from the top of the dugout. The unidentified fan was caught and was escorted out, but Astro wasn't returned. Luckily, LHP Matt Moore had an extra one, so they weren't empty-handed. Price was disappointed in the theft but said there was no hard feelings toward the fan. • "I'm sure it was out of good fun," Price said. "But it's like, it's bad karma."

There were likely a lot of heavy hearts at Rangers Ballpark when a special kid threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Cooper Stone, the 6-year-old son of local firefighter Shannon Stone — who died from injuries sustained in a fall at the ballpark on July 7 — threw a strike to his favorite player, OF Josh Hamilton. It was Cooper's first trip back to the stadium since his father died. • Stone, with Cooper sitting next to him, was reaching over the leftfield rail to catch a foul ball tossed to him by Hamilton, then fell about 20 feet and died later that evening. Cooper's mom, Jenny, joined him on the mound, along with team president and co-owner Nolan Ryan, who had kept in contact with family members and invited them to come back when they were ready. • "They have turned a difficult return to the ballpark into a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Cooper," Jenny said in a statement. "Nothing could be more exciting for a boy than throwing out the first pitch to his favorite player." • Cooper received a standing ovation, with the Rays standing at the top step of the dugout applauding. • "He represents what we believe we're about," Ryan said.

. The best play by the Rangers might have come from a fan. In the third inning, a fan jumped out on the grassy knoll behind the centerfield wall, caught Kelly Shoppach's homer in stride and made a great throw onto the field, with the ball nearly beating Shoppach to second on his home run trot. Was that Henry Rowengartner from the movie Rookie of the Year?

Shoppach power

. Rays C Kelly Shoppach, who hit two home runs off Rangers LHP C.J. Wilson, was 1-for-12 vs. the Rangers in the regular season. The hit was a homer against Wilson on Sept. 1. Shoppach's second homer was 432 feet, the longest given up by Wilson this season.

. While Rays C Kelly Shoppach said DH Johnny Damon's two-run homer in the second "gave us all a little fresh air" and took some of the pressure off, manager Joe Maddon said he "loved even more (him) beating out two ground balls." That included Damon, 37, hustling for an infield single with two outs in the ninth to knock in a run. "In today's game, it's not often I see a 37-year-old Hall of Famer running down the line like that. Those two plays, which most guys would put in their back pocket, they think they're going to be out, but he did not. That's what we have to be about as the Rays."

Quick hits

. Rangers starter C.J. Wilson, who gave up Johnny Damon's two-run homer in the second inning, allowed two home runs to left-handed batters all season; the last one was to the Rays' Matt Joyce on May 31. He didn't allow one to the last 125 lefties he faced in the regular season.

. The Rays had more runs off LHP C.J. Wilson in three innings of Game 1 than in their first three games vs. him in the regular season. And Wilson allowed eight runs, most by a Rangers pitcher in postseason history.

Shields the silencer

. Rays RHP James Shields, left, faces the Rangers today for the third time in a month. And that's likely bad news for Texas. After all, Shields dominated them in back-to-back starts, throwing eight shutout innings Aug. 31 and tossing a complete game Sept. 5, allowing one run. What's the secret? "As far as my opinion goes, they got one of the better hitting teams in the big leagues, but you have to be aggressive," Shields said. "You have to attack those hitters. You can't make too many mistakes. They will capitalize on the mistakes that you make in the game, so you have to minimize your mistakes as much as you can. … You really have to focus and bare down."

Rally time

. The city of St. Petersburg will host a rally Monday before the Rays' first home playoff game this postseason. The rally, open to the public, will be from 2 to 5 p.m. at Tropicana Field neighboring Ferg's Sports Bar and Grill, 1320 Central Ave.

A live DJ will play music on the outdoor stage behind Ferg's, and there will be food vendors, official Rays merchandise, giveaways and comments from Mayor Bill Foster and other city officials.

The Rays clinched their third playoff berth in four years after a stunning comeback win over the Yankees on Wednesday at Tropicana Field.

The Rays host the Rangers in Game 3 of the ALDS at 5 p.m. Monday. Tickets are on sale at raysbaseball.com and all Rays ticket locations.

Wading in

. Rays manager Joe Maddon said he has always been intrigued with the thought of putting RHP Wade Davis in the bullpen. And Maddon got to see what it'd look like in Game 1 of the ALDS on Friday, when the starter made his first relief appearance as a pro. Davis entered in the ninth inning, retiring the heart of the Rangers order — Josh Hamilton (flyout), Michael Young (flyout) and Adrian Beltre (popout) — in 14 pitches, while clocking 96 mph.

Maddon felt that, with shorter outings, Davis could have a higher velocity more consistently, while tackling a Rangers lineup dominated with right-handers. Davis, who welcomed the new role, said it went well, and he feels like he could pitch again tonight.

"I think definitely, everything was a little bit quicker than planning it out through the whole game," Davis said. "Just go out and give them what you've got right there."

Todd Foley, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 30, 2011

TAMPA — If any fans only saw the beginning or end of Robinson's game against Blake, they might have thought the Knights lost.

The Yellow Jackets opened with the first two scores to take a 12-0 lead and also ended the game with two scores. The only problem was that between those 26 points for Blake, Robinson scored 48.

Robinson quarterback Vidal Woodruff threw for 203 yards and four TDs and running back Martin Ruiz ran for 118 yards and a score.

"It was a bookend kind of game for us," Robinson coach Mike DePue said. "We started bad and ended bad. Luckily we did a lot of good things in the middle. We played some good D and scored some points, but we definitely have some things to tighten up."

After Deandre James' two TDs gave Blake the early lead, Robinson answered with 28 straight points to end the half.

Blake QB Zain Gilmore had a late TD throw and 212 passing yards.

Todd Foley, Times correspondent

By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist
Friday, September 30, 2011

ARLINGTON, Texas

Your mind was likely made up long ago. The strikeouts have been too frequent and the highlights too rare to expect it any other way.

So if Kelly Shoppach parts ways with the Rays this winter — and that's a real possibility — the mood likely will involve more relief than regret around Tampa Bay.

Just do Shoppach this one favor. Or maybe do it for yourself:

Remember the afternoon when he stood taller than ever before. The game when his bat was magic and his work behind the plate was flawless.

Remember the playoff game when Shoppach did everything possible to erase the memories of last year's postseason disappointment.

"I'm happy for him, I really am," said hitting coach Derek Shelton, who has been with Shoppach since their days together in Cleveland.

"A big situation like this and look at what he does. The work he did with Matt Moore today and the fact he comes into a playoff game and comes into his hometown, has this kind of day? Pretty cool."

Shoppach had two huge home runs, a single, five RBIs and three runs scored in Tampa Bay's 9-0 whipping of the Rangers on Friday.

He guided the 22-year-old Moore through an impressive seven-inning effort, and maybe he rid himself of a little of the bad taste of last season's playoff series against Texas.

You might recall that disappointment. It's hard not to, because Shoppach could hardly have been worse. He was 0-for-9 with three strikeouts, allowed five stolen bases in three games and committed an error in the 2010 American League Division Series loss.

Shoppach swears he didn't lose any sleep over that during the offseason. Instead, he found a new trainer to help improve his strength and thought about coming back stronger in 2011 instead of fretting over 2010.

"I don't want to take it too seriously. I think y'all do. You really do. This is a fun game. Why can't we have fun playing it," Shoppach, 31, said. "You leave it here at the yard. I'm going to go home, play with my kids, have some barbecue. That's what we do.

"It's my job, and I understand the severity of my actions here, but I also have a great family at home, and they're my backbone."

Even so, Shoppach is aware that his bat has not lived up to expectations since he signed with the Rays before the start of the 2010 season.

His batting average has been rolling downhill for three seasons. Shoppach has gone from .261 to .214 to .196 to .176. Among players with at least 400 plate appearances, his .185 average the past two seasons is the fourth worst in the majors.

Shoppach has been a pretty good hitter against left-handed pitching — actually, better than league average. The problem is he has been atrocious against right-handers. He hit .114 against them in 2010 and followed that by hitting .115 this season.

What's key, however, is he has not allowed it to affect his defense. Shoppach was not real impressive behind the plate last season, but he says that was due more to injuries.

This year he has been among the best defensive catchers in the game. He has handled a young pitching staff with a deft touch and has been a huge asset taking away the stolen base from opponents.

Of catchers who started at least 70 games this season, none threw out a higher rate of baserunners than Shoppach, who was at 40.9 percent. That goes for the National League, too.

"He's a guy with a lot of pride," Shelton said. "I was with him when he had the big year in '08 when he led all catchers in home runs. He takes a lot of pride in his offense, and the fact he hasn't produced weighs on him. It weighs on him because he cares a lot, and he wants to win. As much as anybody I've been around in the game, he cares about winning.

"He doesn't care about the individual stuff, only in the sense that it might impact how much we're winning."

From that standpoint, Shoppach has shown up with his bat when the Rays have needed him most. He has hit seven home runs in his past 19 starts.

The Rays tried giving his job away a couple of months ago to rookie Jose Lobaton, but their confidence in Shoppach has obviously grown in the past few weeks. He has been back in the lineup more often, and he hit in the No. 6 spot Friday for the first time in two months.

The Rays might not pick up his $3.2 million option for next year, but they might consider re-signing him for a lower salary.

"He's never talked about his hitting at all. He's handled it very well," said centerfielder B.J. Upton, who has the locker next to Shoppach. "He's always upbeat in the clubhouse; he doesn't wear it on his shoulders. He comes to the park every day in a good mood, and he's ready to play.

"He deserves a game like this because he's been there for us."

One afternoon does not change the past two years, but it does leave you with another perspective. It helps you recall the good things Shoppach has done.

When the time comes, remember that.

John Romano can be reached at romano@sptimes.com.

Travis Puterbaugh, Times Correspondent
Friday, September 30, 2011

LITHIA — Clint Carnell rushed for two touchdowns to help lead the Wolves.

Keller Powers got Newsome on the board first, his 2-yard run capping an eight-play, 80-yard opening drive. Chamberlain responded on its first play, Xavier Johnson going 64 yards untouched.

The Wolves and Chiefs nearly matched each other score for score in the first half. Carnell notched his first touchdown with 5:40 left in the first quarter to give Newsome a 14-7 lead. But Chamberlain responded with a 4-yard run by Neil MacInnes to tie it.

Newsome's Jorge Thompson broke numerous tackles on his 12-yard run with 3:28 left in the half. But MacInnes' 45-yard field goal with 14 seconds left made it 21-17.

Carnell iced the contest with a 4-yard touchdown run in the fourth.

"The best defense is a good offense," Newsome coach Ken Hiscock said. "We take pride in that and got it done."

Travis Puterbaugh, Times correspondent