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Tampa Bay Lightning's Steven Stamkos scores 60th goal of season

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Times wires
Saturday, April 7, 2012

WINNIPEG — The Lightning's Steven Stamkos scored his 60th goal of the season Saturday night against the Jets, becoming only the second player in 15 seasons to do it and the first since Washington's Alex Ovechkin scored 65 in 2007-08.

Stamkos' goal came 3:29 into the third period against Ondrej Pavelec, with assists going to Marty St. Louis and Brian Lee.

Nineteen NHL players — including Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Phil Esposito, Mike Bossy and Brett Hull — have combined for 38 60-goal seasons.

Stamkos becomes the fourth active player with a 60-goal season. The others are Ovechkin, Jaromir Jagr and Teemu Selanne. He is the 10th player to score 60 at least once in his first four seasons.

Stamkos is the first player from one of the nine franchises that have entered the league since 1991 to score 60 goals in a season, the Elias Sports Bureau says.


Mickelson gets comfy in the mix

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Times wires
Saturday, April 7, 2012

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Was there anyone not named Tiger Woods who didn't make it onto the Masters leaderboard at some point Saturday?

Eight players sat at the top at various points. It was the kind of rollicking stuff Augusta National so often induces. And by the time an absolutely pristine "moving day" was over, things had gotten loud.

That's what happens when Phil Mickelson, who has won the first major of the season three times in the past eight years, gets magical at the Masters.

He played in the seventh-to-last group, just ahead of Peter Hanson. Hanson went out and shot 7-under 65, the low round of the tournament. Mickelson responded with 66 that included a back-nine 30.

Hanson ended up the third-round leader at 9-under 207. Mickelson, going for his fourth Masters title, was one shot back.

"I feel really confident in the way I've been playing, the way I've been putting, the setting," Mickelson said. "I love nothing more than being in the last group at Augusta. It's the greatest feeling in golf."

Hanson is playing in his second Masters. "I think it's going to be a very challenging day (today). It's going to be a long night and a long morning," the Swede said.

Louis Oosthuizen, the 2010 British Open champ, was third at 209 after 69, and Bubba Watson (70) was one more back.

As for Woods, he shot 72 and was 12 shots behind, his largest 54-hole deficit at the Masters.

More Masters, 8C

Boston College Eagles beat Ferris State Bulldogs 4-1 to win Frozen Four championship

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By Laura Keeley, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 7, 2012

TAMPA — With a 4-1 victory over Ferris State in the Frozen Four final Saturday at the Tampa Bay Times Forum, Boston College captured its fifth national title and third over the past five years.

The win capped a dominant run for the Eagles (33-10-1), the consensus No. 1 team in the land that won its final 19 games of the season dating to Jan. 21.

Ferris State (26-12-5), the considerable underdog, consistently had quality scoring opportunities during the first two periods but couldn't convert. With their high-octane offense largely held in check, the Eagles leaned heavily on Parker Milner, who gave up only 21 goals during the win streak and stopped 27 Bulldogs shots.

BC wasted little time opening the scoring.

Just 3:18 into the game, Barry Almeida corralled a rebound in between two defenders. He steadied the puck off his skate before feeding it to Steven Whitney, to goalie Taylor Nelson's right, and Whitney slid it past him for a 1-0 lead.

The Bulldogs, though, had an answer 2:01 later. Andy Huff brought the puck in close to Milner, who stopped his shot. But Garrett Thompson and Travis Ouellette were waiting for the rebound, and Thompson buried it in the back of the net for his 11th goal of the season and second of the NCAA tournament.

The Bulldogs continued to pressure Milner throughout the opening period, forcing him to make several sprawling saves, including one on a breakaway by Kyle Bonis. Ferris State regularly found close-range shots, firing eight right in Milner's vicinity. BC, meanwhile, had only three from point-blank range.

But the last one, on the period's only power play, put it back on top.

With less than 10 seconds left on the man-advantage, the Eagles, took advantage of a fortuitous bounce. Pat Mullane, down around the net, fed a cross-ice pass to Brian Dumoulin, who was waiting above the left faceoff circle. Dumoulin fired a slap shot, and it caught teammate Paul Carey right above his right glove before careening into the net.

That proved to be the difference until BC added an insurance goal with 3:02 left in the game. Johnny Gaudreau, a third-liner, took the puck from the red line all the way to the net, stickhandling through two defenders before beating Nelson over his right shoulder.

Whitney added an empty-net goal 1:59 later.

After BC blew out a highly regarded Minnesota team 6-1 in the semifinals, many expected it to make quick work of Ferris State, appearing in its first national title game.

The Bulldogs did not back down, though, showing the resolve that earned them the Central Collegiate Hockey Association regular-season title over the likes of Notre Dame, Michigan and Ohio State. But the Eagles defense regrouped before the third period, largely keeping the Bulldogs out of their offensive zone and limiting them to six shots on goal.

Overall, BC outshot Ferris State 37-28.

Laura Keeley can be reached at lkeeley@tampabay.com.

Guillen sorry for praising Castro

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Times wires
Saturday, April 7, 2012

CINCINNATI — Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen apologized Saturday for telling Time magazine that he loves Fidel Castro, a comment that prompted the team to issue a statement denouncing the Cuban dictator.

Guillen said he loves Castro and respects him for staying in power so long. When he read his comments Friday, he said he felt sick because he knew how people would react.

Guillen called the team's beat writers for a closed-door meeting Saturday.

"I will apologize if I hurt somebody's feelings, or I hurt somebody's thought," Guillen told the writers. "I want them to know I'm against everything 100 percent — I repeat it again — the way this man has (been) treating people for the last 60 years."

In response to the story, the Marlins released a statement saying, "There is nothing to respect about Fidel Castro.

"He is a brutal dictator who has caused unthinkable pain for more than 50 years. We live in a community filled with victims of this dictatorship, and the people in Cuba continue to suffer today."

TIGERS LOSE STARTER: Detroit RHP Doug Fister is headed to the 15-day disabled list with a left side injury. The Tigers will recall RHP Brayan Villarreal from Triple-A Toledo. Fister left his start against the Red Sox in the fourth inning with a left costochondral strain.

CRAWFORD HEALING: Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said that former Rays LF Carl Crawford, working his way back from January wrist surgery, should start playing in extended spring training games "very soon." In other Red Sox news, LHPs Rich Hill (elbow ligament replacement surgery) and Andrew Miller (left hamstring strain) were sent to Class A Greenville on rehab assignments.

RINGS FOR RANGERS: Texas players and staff were presented their 2011 American League championship rings, 48 in all, before the game against the White Sox. In other Rangers news, OF Brad Hawpe, who was released last week, signed a minor-league deal and was assigned to Double-A Frisco.

JIMENEZ DROPS APPEAL: Indians manager Manny Acta said RHP Ubaldo Jimenez planned to drop the appeal of his five-game suspension after his season debut. Jimenez was suspended for intentionally throwing at Rockies SS Troy Tulowitzki in his final spring training start Sunday.

PHILLIPS MUM ON TALKS: Reds All-Star 2B Brandon Phillips said he's not going to discuss a contract extension that has been in the works since last season.

UECKER RETURNS: Brewers broadcaster Bob Uecker was back at the ballpark one day after the death of his son. Steve Uecker died from complications related to San Joaquin Valley fever. He was 52.

CUBS: RHP Rodrigo Lopez's contract was selected from Triple-A Iowa, and INF Luis Valbuena was outrighted to the minor-league club.

METS: The team and LHP Jonathon Niese completed a $25.5 million, five-year contract that could keep him through 2018.

TWINS: RHP Liam Hendriks was scratched from his scheduled start today with food poisoning.

WHITE SOX: Veteran RHP Kip Wells, Chicago's first-round draft pick in 1998, signed a minor-league deal. Wells, 34, hasn't pitched in the majors since 2009.

YANKEES: LHP Andy Pettitte said he is pleased with his progress and is looking forward to pitching Monday in extended spring training, his second game action since he ended a one-year retirement. Pettitte played catch one day after a 45-pitch bullpen session.

NCAA hockey committee praises Tampa as Frozen Four host

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By Laura Keeley, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 7, 2012

TAMPA — Would the NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Committee consider a return Frozen Four trip to Tampa?

"Absolutely," Sean Frazier, the head of the committee, said Saturday.

"(This year's has) been outstanding. It has exceeded every expectation that I've had. The attention to detail has been off the hook."

Frazier, also the deputy athletic director at Wisconsin, cited the signs around town, events at Channelside and overall hospitality. And he wasn't the only impressed member of the committee.

"I've played in a Frozen Four. I've coached in one, and I've attended several. And Tampa has done an excellent job," Vermont coach Kevin Sneddon said. "The community certainly showed everyone that hockey is special here."

From the minute teams stepped off the plane, the Tampa Bay Sports Commission made them feel welcome. They passed through a tunnel of youth hockey players and were handed Florida oranges as a band played tropical music.

"It was pretty exciting when we first got off the plane," Minnesota defenseman Nate Schmidt said.

Wednesday's players reception took place on a yacht, and each team walked down a red carpet into the Tampa Bay Times Forum before their games. Before Saturday's title game, fans lined up several rows deep to greet Boston College and Ferris State. Thursday's semifinals drew 18,605 and Saturday's final 18,818 (both about 1,000 shy of a sellout).

Fans, too, enjoyed the change of pace from the traditional northern locales — even if the idea seemed a bit far-fetched at first.

"At first, I was skeptical of having the Frozen Four in an area that doesn't have snow and cold temperatures," said Bob Gerencser, 66, a New Haven, Conn., native who started attending the Frozen Four in 1995 in Providence, R.I.

"However, after being here for a few days, enjoying the warmth of the sun and walking around in shorts, I have found that this has been a very welcome change."

The committee already has awarded the Frozen Four to Pittsburgh in 2013 and Philadelphia in 2014. Beyond those dates, nothing is set — other than the NCAA's desire to come back to Tampa.

"Top to bottom, it's been fantastic," Frazier said. "This puts Tampa in a position where it's clear that this is a place that we would come back to."

Orioles 8, Twins 2

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Times wires
Saturday, April 7, 2012

Orioles 8, Twins 2

BALTIMORE — Tommy Hunter took a four-hitter into the eighth inning and Nick Markakis went 3-for-4 with a homer for Baltimore. Adam Jones and Matt Wieters also homered for the Orioles, who will seek to complete a three-game sweep today. Baltimore has won six straight over Minnesota by a combined score of 36-8. The Orioles went up 6-0 against Francisco Liriano after four innings and coasted to the finish.

Tampa Bay Lightning's Marty St. Louis won't play for Canada at world championships

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 7, 2012

WINNIPEG — Lightning RW Marty St. Louis said he will not play for Canada at next month's world championship in Sweden and Finland.

It has nothing to do with bitterness about being left off Canada's 2010 Olympic team, he said.

"No, not at all. I just want to spend time with my kids. I want to get involved in their hockey, and it's an opportunity to do that in the next month and a half."

There also is this:

"I'm not getting any younger," St. Louis, 36, said. "Why put in the extra mileage. I want to rest the engine, I guess."

It has been a grueling season for St. Louis, who because of the team's long injury list played a lot more minutes than he or coach Guy Boucher wanted. His average 22:35 of ice time entering Saturday was second in the league among all forwards. "I'm a little banged up," St. Louis said.

He still produced. With 25 goals, he has at least 20 for the ninth straight season. His 74 points are his first below 80 since 2005-06, mostly because of a struggling power play.

Lightning GM Steve Yzerman, who heads Canada's 2014 Olympic effort, said he spoke to St. Louis about participating, but all things considered, St. Louis said, it was time for a rest.

"I don't think it's a tough decision in terms of putting your family first," he said. "But I think at 36, I've played in a world championship, I've played in World Cups, and I've played in the Olympics. I don't think I need another world championship."

LW Ryan Malone, who played for the 2010 U.S. Olympic team, said he also will not play.

HEDMAN IN: It makes sense D Victor Hedman will be invited to play for Sweden after playing in 2010. "And I think I'm a much better player than I was then."

Even so, Hedman, 21, said he hasn't been at his best lately and blames missing 17 games since late December, including 13 with a concussion.

"I've been too inconsistent," Hedman said. "I'm doing mistakes during games where I said, 'Why do I do that?' I haven't been on the high level I need to be."

"It's tough to know how a guy comes back after a head injury. He can't be the same," Boucher said. "They've always got that in the back of their minds. So, even though he won't admit it, that had an effect on him hesitating on plays."

FOR CHARITY: There was a nice moment after the morning skate for the Jets game when C Vinny Lecavalier accepted a $2,000 check for Cut for the Cure from members of Ontario's Couchiching First Nation, who have four teams in town for a tournament.

"This is great," said Lecavalier, one of six Lightning players to shave their heads to raise money for cancer treatment and research. "It's great to see the way the kids get involved."

ODDS AND ENDS: The Lightning lost 308 man-games to injury, its second-worst season since 2002-03. Only C Steven Stamkos and D Brett Clark played all 82 games. … D Bruno Gervais and C Tim Wallace were healthy scratches. …AHL Norfolk extended its league-record winning streak to 25 games with a 4-1 win over Binghamton. … Norfolk D Mark Barberio is an AHL first-team all-star. LW Cory Conacher is a second-teamer.

Astros 7, Rockies 3

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Times wires
Saturday, April 7, 2012

HOUSTON — The National League's youngest team gave baseball's oldest player fits.

J.D. Martinez homered and drove in three runs and the Astros beat 49-year-old Jamie Moyer and the Rockies 7-3 Saturday night.

Moyer was in trouble from the start. Jordan Schafer led off the first with a homer, and Martinez hit a two-run shot in the fourth.

With gray stubble covering his chin and hair of the same color peeking out the edge of his cap, Moyer become the oldest player to appear in a game since 1980, when Minnie Minoso, 54, played for the White Sox.

Going out to the bullpen, I had a lot of things running through my head," Moyer said. "But once I started running and playing catch, it was all baseball. It was a very good feeling to be where I'd been before and a place I love being."

The Astros have seven players that weren't born when Moyer made his big-league debut on June 16, 1986.


Masters news and notes

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Times wires
Saturday, April 7, 2012

Phil is on the fab track again

The advantage going into today's final round belongs to Phil Mickelson, who thrilled the sun-baked crowd with some magical shots. He shot 30 on the back nine, including a birdie on the par-5 15th when he played a full flop shot with a 64-degree wedge — no one even thinks about hitting a shot like that — to 4 feet.

Mickelson wound up with 6-under 66, his best for a weekend round at the Masters (he shot 65 in the first round in 1996) and one behind leader Peter Hanson at 8-under 208. Mickelson's in the final group for the fourth time in the past nine years.

And he made his first-round 74 a distant memory. "That was a long time ago," said Mickelson, who, with a win today, would tie Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer with four green jackets. "I fought hard to get a couple (shots) back (Thursday), knowing I wasn't going to get them all back in the first round, that there was plenty of golf left, that I would get a hot hand at some point."

Hanson has a new view

Peter Hanson, playing in his second Masters, made four birdies over the last five holes for 7-under 65, the lowest score of the tournament, to take a one-shot lead into today's final round at 9-under 207.

The 34-year-old Swede had the lowest third-round score since Tiger Woods and Trevor Immelman shot 65 in 2005. He had never been closer than seven strokes going into final round of a major, of which he has played 19.

He said it would be a challenge sleeping with the lead. "I'll just try to enjoy spending a bit of time with the family, try to cook in and be as ready as possible for (today)," he said.

Good news for him: Nine of the past 13 winners had at least a share of lead entering Sunday. Bad news: The last two did not. And if he needs more pressure: A Swede has never won the Masters.

Moving down day

Fred Couples and Jason Dufner began the third round tied for the lead at 5 under. They walked off the course dead even again — after 75s. They fell to a tie for 11th at 2-under 214.

Couples, at 52 the oldest player atop the leader­board going into the weekend at Augusta, bogeyed his first two holes. He played the first five holes in 4 over to go tumbling down the leaderboard,

Tiger a bit sorry

Tiger Woods played with less drama than he did the day before in shooting a third-round par 72, which had him at 3 over. But still being buzzed about was the theatrics that accompanied his 75 Friday. He was overheard screaming/cursing into microphones, he threw clubs, and he kicked his 9-iron on the 16th hole.

His boorishness received plenty of attention at Augusta National, and it prompted CBS analyst Nick Faldo to say Woods had "lost his game … and lost his mind."

Woods didn't address his behavior then, but he apologized Saturday in typical Tiger Woods style. Meaning he apologized unapologetically.

"I apologize if I offend anybody by that, but I've hit some bad shots. It's certainly frustrating at times not to hit the ball where you need to hit it," he said. "I certainly heard that people didn't like me kicking the club. But I didn't like it, either. I hit it right in the bunker. Didn't feel good on my toe, either."

The PGA Tour could fine Woods for his behavior. Whether it does likely won't be known. The tour doesn't comment on discipline. The tour has three categories of penalties: minor (fines not more than $10,000); intermediate (fines between $10,001 and $20,000); major ($20,000-plus).



Sergio and Rory, brothers in arms

Sergio Garcia asked for a hug on the 12th green, and Rory McIlroy was happy to oblige. It was a way for the two to share in — and laugh off — each other's pain during a tough day. And there was plenty of pain as both struggled through the third round.

Entering one shot behind the leaders, Spain's Garcia shot 3-over 75 and Northern Ireland's McIlroy 5-over 77 to fall out of contention. Neither broke 40 on the front side. Each's first birdie came on No. 12.

"It would have been better if it were my girlfriend, but that was the best we could get at the moment," Garcia said of the hug.

"We needed to feel a little love from someone out there," McIlroy said. "It was a nice moment in a round filled with not-too-good moments."

Garcia was 1 under for the tournament, McIlroy 1 over. Garcia hasn't broken par in the third round of the Masters since 2002; his third-round scoring average is 74.9. McIlroy had never carded worse than 74 in the third round of a major. His worst third round in any PGA Tour event was 77.

Compiled from Times wires, ESPN.com, PGATour.com and CBSSports.com.

Marlins 8, Reds 3

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Times wires
Saturday, April 7, 2012

Marlins 8, Reds 3

CINCINNATI — Giancarlo Stanton led Miami out of its early slump, getting three hits and driving in three runs, and the Marlins earned their first victory of the season. Omar Infante, Hanley Ramirez and John Buck homered for the Marlins, who managed a total of one run and seven hits while losing their first two games. Infante also had a double and a triple.

Pirates 2, Phillies 1, 10 innings

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Times wires
Saturday, April 7, 2012

Pirates 2, Phillies 1

10 innings

PITTSBURGH — Alex Presley singled in Mike McKenry with two outs in the 10th for Pittsburgh. Rod Barajas doubled off Joe Blanton leading off, and pinch-runner McKenry came home three batters later on Presley's infield hit.

Tampa Bay Rays' Matt Joyce bounces back from four-strikeout performance

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 7, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — Outfielder Matt Joyce's opening day couldn't have gone much worse, individually speaking, as he went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts Friday batting ninth against the Yankees.

So the last place Joyce expected to find himself Saturday was hitting cleanup, right?

Manager Joe Maddon said part of the reasoning was "pumping (Joyce) up a little bit," and it certainly worked as Joyce came through with two hits, a homer and three RBIs in the Rays' 8-6 win over New York.

In fairness, Joyce's rough day came against All-Star left-hander CC Sabathia. Maddon remained confident in Joyce, an All-Star last year, saying he's one of their best hitters against right-handed starters. Maddon figured with righty Hiroki Kuroda going for the Yankees on Saturday, the left-handed hitting Joyce could break up some of the right-handed bats in Tampa Bay's lineup.

Joyce's night started off with a good plate appearance as he worked a two-out walk in the first inning. Two batters later, DH Luke Scott hit a two-run single to give the Rays a 2-0 lead.

In the third, Joyce ripped Kuroda's first pitch into the rightfield seats for a solo homer.

Joyce was on deck when Evan Longoria hit what the Rays thought was a two-run homer in the seventh. But with a fan reaching over the rightfield fence to grab the fly ball, umpires, using instant replay, overturned the call, calling it a double and sending Carlos Peña to third.

That gave Joyce another RBI opportunity, facing Yankees left-hander Clay Rapada. After working a 2-and-0 count, Joyce lifted a bloop single to left, scoring both to make it 8-2.

Joyce, who hit .290 against right-handers last season, is expected to get a preponderance of starts against righties. But Maddon said that with centerfielder B.J. Upton on the disabled list with back soreness, Joyce could also get more opportunities against lefties, something the Tampa native would more than welcome.

Hitting cleanup, or not.

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Jeremy Hellickson aims to build on strong spring finish

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 7, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — RHP Jeremy Hellickson knows he won't be sneaking up on anyone this season, coming off his AL rookie of the year campaign.

But he likes where he's at heading into today's first start against the Yankees, having rebounded nicely after some early spring struggles.

"I like the way I finished," Hellickson said. "There were a few rough ones there in the beginning, and I kind of found my groove in the last few games. I feel good."

Hellickson was consistent in his rookie year, posting a 2.95 ERA and allowing three earned runs or fewer in 26 of his 29 starts. But he said the long grind of the season was a learning experience, as well as watching hitters adjust to him. This will be Hellickson's third straight start against the Yankees, dating to last season.

"Facing teams five, six times a year, it's tough," Hellickson said. "They pick up on things and we pick up on things. I think this year is going to be more of the same."

PITCHING IN: The Rays set their rotation for the next series at Detroit, and it includes one change: After rookie LHP Matt Moore pitches Tuesday, RHP James Shields will pitch on Wednesday, staying on regular rest, with No. 5 starter RHP Jeff Niemann bumped back a day.

The decision seems as much about the next series, as Shields will now be in line to face the Red Sox on the last day of the series in Boston, which is the 11 a.m. Patriots Day game on April 16. The Rays prefer not to pitch Niemann in day games given his distinct splits: 8-6, 5.40 with an .811 OPS allowed in day games, 30-17, 3.82, .709 in night games.

Tigers ace RHP Justin Verlander is expected to start Wednesday.

LINING UP: The Rays lineup had a different look Saturday, with 1B Carlos Peña in the No. 2 spot. Manager Joe Maddon also tried Peña there in the spring, thinking he gets more fastballs and fewer defensive shifts.

Maddon said part of the reason he moved OF Matt Joyce up to cleanup was as a confidence boost after his four-strikeout day Friday. Maddon said he wanted SS Reid Brignac and C Jose Lobaton to get starts in the opening series and likes SS Sean Rodriguez and C Jose Molina better today against RHP Phil Hughes.

MEDICAL MATTERS: Maddon said CF B.J. Upton will start his rehab assignment Monday with Class A Charlotte, with the tentative plan to last 10 days and for him to get 20-25 at-bats. Maddon said he'd be surprised if Upton were ready by the end of the upcoming road trip (Tuesday-April 19), with his return most likely coming for the home series against the Twins (April 20-22).

"I feel good," Upton said.

NO WORRIES: Shields said he had no issues with Molina Friday and that the dugout exchange shown on a TV clip was about a call Shields didn't get on a pitch to Yankees LF Brett Gardner. Shields insisted it was "absolutely not" a conflict.

MISCELLANY: Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Friday's ninth inning was the first time he'd ever used a five-man infield. … New Bucs WR Vincent Jackson attended Saturday's game.

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@tampabay.com

Tampa Bay Rays reliever Josh Lueke honest about rough debut

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 7, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — RHP Josh Lueke didn't mince words when describing his Rays debut Saturday night.

"It was bad," he said.

Lueke entered in the eighth, staked to an 8-2 lead, with manager Joe Maddon hoping he could get the final six outs after Maddon taxed the bullpen Friday. But Lueke said he "couldn't throw a strike," charged with three runs, three hits and two walks in 11/3 innings.

"I was obviously not happy," Lueke said. "I just felt like as soon as I stepped from the bullpen to the mound, it was like my mind went blank and basically, just kind of felt like I didn't know how to pitch almost."

As a result, Maddon had to use LHP Jake McGee and RHPs Joel Peralta and Fernando Rodney for a second straight day.

Lueke, called up Friday when RHP Kyle Farnsworth was placed on the disabled list, said he'll be able to shake it off. "The thing about this game, there's always tomorrow."

CALLED BACK: 3B Evan Longoria understood why his apparent two-run home run in the seventh was overturned by instant replay and ruled a double. A fan — wearing a Yankees jersey — reached over the rightfield wall to catch it, something Yankees 1B Mark Teixeira pointed out to him as he ran back to second. "I guess they got it right," Longoria said.

MY BAD: Though C Jose Lobaton was charged with a throwing error when his pickoff attempt in the fourth inning bounced up the rightfield line, Maddon said it was really a "mental error" on 1B Carlos Peña. Peña, who didn't move to first, said Lobaton "caught me off guard big-time." Quipped Peña: "He picked me off."

PITCHING IN: The Rays set their rotation for the next series at Detroit, and it includes one change: After rookie LHP Matt Moore pitches Tuesday, RHP James Shields will pitch on Wednesday, staying on regular rest, with No. 5 starter RHP Jeff Niemann bumped back a day.

The decision seems as much about the next series, as Shields will now be in line to face the Red Sox on the last day of the series in Boston.

LINING UP: Peña went 1-for-3 with two walks in the No. 2 spot Saturday. Maddon also tried Peña there in the spring, thinking he gets more fastballs and fewer defensive shifts.

Maddon said he wanted SS Reid Brignac and C Jose Lobaton to get starts in the opening series and likes SS Sean Rodriguez and C Jose Molina better today against RHP Phil Hughes.

MEDICAL MATTERS: Maddon said CF B.J. Upton will start his rehab assignment Monday with Class A Charlotte, with the tentative plan to last 10 days and for him to get 20-25 at-bats. Maddon said he'd be surprised if Upton were ready by the end of the upcoming road trip (Tuesday-April 19), with his return most likely coming for the home series against the Twins (April 20-22).

NO WORRIES: Shields said he had no issues with Molina Friday and that the dugout exchange shown on a TV clip was about a call Shields didn't get on a pitch to Yankees LF Brett Gardner. Shields insisted it was "absolutely not" a conflict.

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

Tampa Bay Rays beat New York Yankees 8-6

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 7, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — Friday was about Carlos Peña coming home. Saturday was Luke Scott's coming-out party. And two games into the season, it looks like the Rays have come up with the improved offense they were seeking.

With their 8-6 win over the Yankees, the Rays have a two-day total of 15 runs, 22 hits and a .333 average that, at least initially, idles the concerns over their impotent spring, in which they hit a major-league-low .231.

"Those guys are swinging it," starter David Price said.

Scott, in his first start for the Rays, knocked in three runs with three hits, a two-run single in the first and a hard double in the sixth.

"That's what we talked about, we needed to or wanted to see some significant power adjustment," manager Joe Maddon said of the additions of Peña and Scott. "Power is driving in runs, it's not just hitting home runs. And these guys have done a nice job."

Matt Joyce, rebounding from his four-strikeout performance in Friday's opener, also knocked in three, with a homer and a bloop single. Eight players reached base, and seven scored.

The theme wasn't only about the offense, as Price delivered a solid start, working into the seventh to snap a seven-start winless streak that dated back to Aug. 28, when he struck out a team-record 14 in beating in Toronto. He went six September starts and one October start without a W. Also, there was the defense, which turned three double plays.

And, from the standpoint of concern, the bullpen turned a comfortable 8-2 lead into an 8-6 gutwrencher, primarily because reliever Josh Lueke was unable to close out the ninth. He left with one in and two on, and the Rays had to use Joel Peralta (who allowed a three-run homer to Nick Swisher), Jake McGee (who walked Robinson Cano to bring the tying run to the plate) and Fernando Rodney (who got Alex Rodriguez to ground out to save it, and end it).

"I was very fortunate to come away with a win," Price said.

Improving the offense was the Rays' primary offseason goal, and they felt they did so, primarily by signing Peña and Scott for a total commitment in excess of $13 million. They also added infielder Jeff Keppinger and catcher Jose Molina.

Peña was the star Friday, hitting a grand slam in the first inning then a bases-loaded walkoff single in the ninth. Scott, the DH, was almost as productive Saturday, singling up the middle to knock in the first two Tampa Bay runs then following Ben Zobrist's sixth-inning double with his own.

"It's a great start," Scott said. "A lot of good things have happened."

"Luke's ready; this guy is a pro," Maddon said. "He had a really nice night."

Scott remains somewhat limited in his recovery from right shoulder surgery, but he improved as the spring went on.

Maddon sprung a few surprises with his lineup, moving Peña into the No. 2 slot — as they experimented with during the spring to get him better pitches to hit — and Joyce to cleanup to break up their lefty swingers and also in an effort to boost his spirits after his four-strikeout performance in the No. 9 hole on Friday.

"After hitting ninth (Friday) and having a tough day, Matt is one of our best hitters against any right-handed starter, so I liked him in the four hole," Maddon said. "And I liked the idea of pumping him up a little bit."

Also, Maddon sat two of his regulars, catcher Molina and shortstop Sean Rodriguez. His explanation was he wanted to give backups Jose Lobaton and Reid Brignac a start during the first series, and he liked today's matchup with Phil Hughes better for Molina and Rodriguez. Also, he started Keppinger at second, saying there was something in their "data" that showed he matched up well with Yankees starter Hiroki Kuroda.


Off to a reassuring start

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 7, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — Friday was about Carlos Peña coming home. Saturday was Luke Scott coming out. And two games into the season, it looks like the Rays have come up with the improved offense they were seeking.

With their 8-6 win over the Yankees, the Rays have a two-day total of 15 runs, 22 hits and a .333 average that, at least initially, idles the concerns over their impotent spring, in which they hit a major-league low .231. Put another way: Last season they needed 63 innings to total 15 runs; this year they've done it in 16.

"It's a great start," Scott said. "Absolutely, it's a great start for our team. Some good things have happened the past two days."

Scott, in his first start at DH for the Rays, drove in three runs with three hits. Matt Joyce, rebounding from Friday's 4-K performance, knocked in three more, including a homer. Eight Rays reached base, seven scored.

"We're swinging it," starter David Price said. "It's fun to watch."

"The offense has been phenomenal," Joyce said. "We're really excited. We've been aggressive on the right pitches and disciplined in taking some walks when need be. We obviously put up a lot of runs in the first two games. I think that's a little bit of a surprise to a lot of people."

But not to the Rays, manager Joe Maddon insisting throughout the spring that what mattered most was having quality at-bats, specifically not expanding their strike zones.

"We're working the process well," he said.

Well, that, and the signings of Peña and Scott — for a combined commitment of more than $13 million — has helped a bit, too.

"We added some big guys to the lineup," Joyce said. "When you add guys like Luke Scott and Carlos Peña, it really makes everyone else around them better, and I think it's one of those cases that that's happened."

The offense wasn't the whole story, before a second straight full house at Tropicana Field, only the second time in franchise history they sold out the first two home games.

Price did enough to snap his personal seven-start winless streak, working into the seventh and allowing only two runs and striking out five but allowing five hits and four walks, unhappy with his fastball command. "I was very fortunate to come away with a win and only two runs," he said.

Also the defense, which turned three double plays, two keyed by second base defensive-replacement Sean Rodriguez, who has the distinction of being the starting shortstop but also, in Maddon's view, "the best second baseman in the American League defensively."

And Fernando Rodney, who threw one pitch to end what suddenly became a tense night, as bullpen newcomer Josh Lueke couldn't close out the ninth with a six-run lead, forcing Maddon to use Joel Peralta (who allowed a three-run homer to Nick Swisher), Jake McGee (who walked Robinson Cano to bring the tying run to the plate) and Rodney (who got Alex Rodriguez to ground out to end it).

Scott is coming off July surgery on his right shoulder and isn't yet at full strength, nor able to play every day. But what he did toward the end of the spring, and on Saturday, with a two-run single and a well-laced double, provides a glimpse the Rays enjoy.

"I don't know how close I feel; I don't feel I'm there yet," he said. "Today was actually a good day."

With eight runs and 10 hits on the board and two wins in the standings against the Yankees, it was a very good day all around.

"We obviously have more potential offensively this year than we have the past years, so to see it come together early in the season is great, and obviously to have the thought that it is there," Evan Longoria said. "Now it's a matter of being consistent."

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

Tampa Bay Rays: Jose Molina gets visit from another catcher brother; Joe Magrane's daughter nails national anthem despite nerves

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 7, 2012

Rays vs. Yankees

When/where: 1:40 p.m. today; Tropicana Field

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

Probable pitchers:

RAYS

RHP Jeremy Hellickson (13-10, 2.95 in 2011)

YANKEES

RHP Phil Hughes (5-5, 5.79 in 2011)

Tickets: $19-$300, at Tropicana Field box office, Ticket­master, raysbaseball.com, team Tampa store; $3 surcharge within five hours of game time

Promotion: Raymond Cowbell to first 10,000 kids 14 and under

Watch for …

Jeremy the kid: Hellickson, the AL rookie of the year, will try to pick up where he left off, with the Rays winning four of his last five starts in 2011.

On deck

Monday: off

Tuesday: at Tigers, 1:05, Comerica Park. Rays — Matt Moore (1-0, 2.89); Tigers — Rick Porcello (14-9, 4.75)

Wednesday: at Tigers, 1:05, Comerica Park. Rays — James Shields (0-0, 10.80); Tigers — Justin Verlander (0-0, 0.00)

Guest of the day

Former C Bengie Molina paid a visit Saturday to his younger brother, Rays C Jose Molina, wearing a Tampa Bay jersey and cap during batting practice. Bengie watched their other brother, Cardinals C Yadier Molina, play Wednesday in Miami, then drove to St. Petersburg for Friday's opener. Bengie says, like always, he picks up the dinner bill. "I never let them pay," says Bengie, 37, a year older than Jose. "If they pay, they have to be trickier than me."

Meet the Rays at tampabay.com

Scan this with your mobile device to access our Meet the Rays video interviews.

Performance of the day

American Idol finalist Shannon Magrane, 16-year-old daughter of former Rays broadcaster Joe Magrane, delivered a tremendous performance of the national anthem. She had done it before, as a fifth-grader. "That was one of my most biggest performances and crowds ever, so that was really nerve-wracking," Magrane said. "Now I'm here and I'm still a little nervous."

White Sox 4, Rangers 3

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Times wires
Saturday, April 7, 2012

White Sox 4, Rangers 3

ARLINGTON, Texas — Alex Rios led off the ninth inning with a home run, and Chicago got its first win for new manager Robin Ventura, beating the two-time defending American League champions. Rios homered off new Rangers closer Joe Nathan, his drive clearing the 8-foot wall in centerfield just out of the reach of a leaping Josh Hamilton. Paul Konerko drove in three for the White Sox.

Stamkos gets 60th goal in Tampa Bay Lightning's 4-3 OT win over Winnipeg Jets in season finale

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 7, 2012

WINNIPEG — Steven Stamkos heard the boos from the Jets fans Saturday night.

It has become a tradition at the MTS Centre that the opponent's star player gets that treatment. So every time the Lightning center touched the puck, the boos rained down long and loud.

That is, until Stamkos scored his 60th goal. That is when the crowd stood and cheered as Stamkos, 22, became the 20th player to reach the milestone.

"It was incredible," Stamkos said. "I have a lot of respect for all the fans here. That made it even more special, to do it in Canada and have them give me an ovation like that. It was amazing."

It was even better to get it in a 4-3 overtime victory in the season finale. "Something I'll remember forever," Stamkos said.

Teddy Purcell finished off a hat trick with the winning goal 1:07 into the extra period. Vinny Lecavalier had two assists, and Dwayne Roloson was superb with 28 saves as Winnipeg had a 31-25 shot advantage.

As the game ended, Stamkos gave Roloson a huge hug.

"I just want to see the best success for the guy," Roloson said. "Everything he gets, he's earned it. That's why myself and the guys were so elated he got it."

The goal 3:29 into the third period, which gave Tampa Bay a 3-1 lead, made Stamkos only the second player in 15 seasons to reach 60 goals and the first since Washington's Alex Ovechkin scored 65 in 2007-08.

Stamkos' 60 goals led the league by 10 this season, as did his 48 at even strength. His 12 winners tied for the league lead, and his 97 points are a career high. Had Tampa Bay (38-36-8) made the playoffs, he would have been a prime candidate for league MVP.

"It's awesome," Purcell said.

Said left wing Ryan Malone: "I'd take 60 points."

It was a trying week for Stamkos. As he inched closer to 60, media scrutiny increased, and on a season-ending three-game road trip through Canada — including a stop in his home city, Toronto — questions never stopped.

Stamkos tried to downplay 60 goals, saying 59 would not diminish his season. But with the milestone under his belt, he admitted, "It's special. I don't think it's going to sink in until after the season. I was trying my best to not show it and hide it."

"You can't imagine," he said of his relief. "It's crazy. It's just a big weight off my shoulders. I think I've talked about this the most I've talked about anything in my career. It was amazing"

And it was fitting Marty St. Louis, his friend and linemate, got the primary assist. From behind the goal line, he passed to the slot to Stamkos, who beat goalie Ondrej Pavelec with a wrist shot. "I knew he was going to give it to me," Stamkos said. "I just tried to get a shot off on the short side, and it went in. It was a great feeling."

"It's fitting," St. Louis said. "He's a hard-working guy. We tried to get him to 50, and he kept scoring."

Stamkos had 10 goals in last nine games.

"I remember me and Malone talking on the bench," Purcell said. "We had goose bumps."

"I'm probably going to be on the highlights all over the world for the next few weeks and probably the next year, too," Pavelec said. "He's a great player and made a great shot. All you can say is congrats. Sixty goals is amazing."

Jets fans know that, too.

Lightning11114
Jets01203
Lightning11114
Jets01203

First Period1, TB, Purcell 22 (Lecavalier), 17:49. PenaltiesStuart, Wpg (tripping), 7:41; Clitsome, Wpg (tripping), 13:40.

Second Period2, TB, Purcell 23 (Lecavalier, Brown), 1:12. 3, Wpg, Antropov 15 (Miettinen, Kane), 8:53. PenaltiesBrewer, TB (hooking), 6:46.

Third Period4, TB, Stamkos 60 (St. Louis, Lee), 3:29. 5, Wpg, Slater 12 (Clitsome, Enstrom), 4:59. 6, Wpg, Slater 13 (Wheeler, Ladd), 19:07. PenaltiesMalone, TB (hooking), 13:13; Little, Wpg (holding), 15:18.

Overtime7, TB, Purcell 24 (Hedman), 1:08. PenaltiesNone. ShotsTB 8-6-10-1—25. Wpg 3-15-12-1—31. PP oppsTB 0 of 3; Wpg 0 of 2. GoaliesTB, Roloson 13-16-3 (31 shots-28 saves). Wpg, Pavelec 29-28-9 (25-21).

Stamkos gets 60th goal, Tampa Bay Lightning wins season finale 4-3 in OT over Jets

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 7, 2012

WINNIPEG — Steven Stamkos heard the boos from the Jets fans Saturday night.

It has become a tradition at the MTS Centre that the opponent's star player gets that treatment. So every time the Lightning center touched the puck, the boos rained down long and loud.

That is, until Stamkos scored his 60th goal. That is when the crowd stood and cheered as Stamkos, 22, became the 20th player to reach the milestone.

"It was incredible," Stamkos said. "I have a lot of respect for all the fans here. That made it even more special, to do it in Canada and have them give me an ovation like that. It was amazing."

It was even better to get it in a 4-3 overtime victory in the season finale. "Something I'll remember forever," he said.

Teddy Purcell finished off a hat trick with the winning goal 1:07 into the extra period. Vinny Lecavalier had two assists, and Dwayne Roloson was superb with 28 saves as Winnipeg had a 31-25 shot advantage.

As the game ended, Stamkos gave Roloson a huge hug.

"I just want to see the best success for the guy," Roloson said. "Everything he gets, he's earned it. That's why myself and the guys were so elated he got it."

The goal 3:29 into the third period, which gave Tampa Bay a 3-1 lead, made Stamkos only the second player in 15 seasons to reach 60 goals and the first since Washington's Alex Ovechkin scored 65 in 2007-08.

Stamkos' 60 goals led the league by 10 this season, as did his 48 at even strength. His 12 winners tied for the league lead, and his 97 points are a career high. Had Tampa Bay (38-36-8) made the playoffs, he would have been a prime candidate for league MVP.

"It's awesome," Purcell said.

Said left wing Ryan Malone: "I'd take 60 points."

It was a trying week for Stamkos. As he inched closer to 60, media scrutiny increased, and on a season-ending three-game road trip through Canada — including a stop in his home city, Toronto — questions never stopped.

Stamkos tried to downplay 60 goals, saying 59 would not diminish his season. But with the milestone under his belt, he admitted, "It's special. I don't think it's going to sink in until after the season. I was trying my best to not show it and hide it."

"You can't imagine," he said of his relief. "It's crazy. It's just a big weight off my shoulders. I think I've talked about this the most I've talked about anything in my career. It was amazing"

And it was fitting Marty St. Louis, his friend and linemate, got the primary assist. From behind the goal line, he passed to the slot to Stamkos, who beat goalie Ondrej Pavelec with a wrist shot. "I knew he was going to give it to me," Stamkos said. "I just tried to get a shot off on the short side, and it went in. It was a great feeling."

"It's fitting," St. Louis said. "He's a hard-working guy. We tried to get him to 50, and he kept scoring."

Stamkos had 10 goals in last nine games.

"I remember me and Malone talking on the bench," Purcell said. "We had goose bumps."

"I'm probably going to be on the highlights all over the world for the next few weeks and probably the next year, too," Pavelec said. "He's a great player and made a great shot. All you can say is congrats. Sixty goals is amazing."

Jets fans know that, too.

Lightning 1 1 1 1 4
Jets 0 1 2 0 3
Lightning 1 1 1 1 4
Jets 0 1 2 0 3

First Period1, TB, Purcell 22 (Lecavalier), 17:49. PenaltiesStuart, Wpg (tripping), 7:41; Clitsome, Wpg (tripping), 13:40.

Second Period2, TB, Purcell 23 (Lecavalier, Brown), 1:12. 3, Wpg, Antropov 15 (Miettinen, Kane), 8:53. PenaltiesBrewer, TB (hooking), 6:46.

Third Period4, TB, Stamkos 60 (St. Louis, Lee), 3:29. 5, Wpg, Slater 12 (Clitsome, Enstrom), 4:59. 6, Wpg, Slater 13 (Wheeler, Ladd), 19:07. PenaltiesMalone, TB (hooking), 13:13; Little, Wpg (holding), 15:18.

Overtime7, TB, Purcell 24 (Hedman), 1:08. PenaltiesNone. ShotsTB 8-6-10-1—25. Wpg 3-15-12-1—31. PP oppsTB 0 of 3; Wpg 0 of 2. GoaliesTB, Roloson 13-16-3 (31 shots-28 saves). Wpg, Pavelec 29-28-9 (25-21).

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