Saturday, April 7, 2012

PHILADELPHIA — Stan Van Gundy said Saturday afternoon that he wants to return as Magic coach next season.

"I don't have a scenario in my head where I wouldn't," Van Gundy said when asked whether he wants to return.

"They're going to have to make decisions. But I'm a basketball coach and I know this: I don't want to go anywhere else. I mean, I love Orlando, and this is where I want to be. And I want to coach."

Van Gundy's contract runs through 2012-13.

In recent days, speculation has run rampant that Van Gundy would not want to return for 2012-13, especially if center Dwight Howard's long-term contract status is not resolved.

On March 17, Van Gundy said that this season, a season marked by constant speculation about Howard's future and the futures of other players on the roster, has been the most challenging season of his NBA coaching career.

On Thursday, Van Gundy told reporters that "the top" of the organization's management told him that Howard wants him to be fired. Howard has denied that he wants Van Gundy fired.

Howard, who waived his early termination option on March 15, is under contract through 2012-13.

Howard, Van Gundy and general manager Otis Smith met Thursday to talk about how they would move forward for the rest of this season.

Saturday afternoon, after the Magic completed its shootaround at the Wells Fargo Center, Howard was asked if the three of them are all on the "same page."

"We have to get on the same page if we plan on making any noise in the playoffs," Howard told reporters. "We all have to be on the same page."

Asked if he and Van Gundy can regroup and develop respect for each other, Howard said: "I think we have respect for each other regardless of whatever is being said or being put out there. As a coach, I have the utmost respect for Stan. He's been a great coach on our team for the last five years. So I don't think that's the issue."

Magic duo posts double doubles

PHILADELPHIA — Glen Davis scored 23 with 12 rebounds and Howard posted a double double of 20 points and 22 rebounds as the Magic overcame a 13-point second quarter and beat the host 76ers 88-82 on Saturday night.

Game highlights: Paul Pierce scored 24 as the Celtics beat the host Pacers 86-72 and Boston remained ahead of the 76ers at the top of the Atlantic Division. … Joe Johnson scored 18 in a 116-96 win over the host Bobcats. … Jason Smith had a career-high 26 points and 10 rebounds, leading the host Hornets to a 99-90 victory over the Timberwolves, who lost their fifth in a row.

Bryant sits: Kobe Bryant the NBA's leading scorer at 28.1 points per game, sat out the Lakers' game against the Suns with an injured left shin that requires rest. The injury is called tenolsynovitis, inflammation of a sheath that surrounds a tendon. He was put in a protective boot, and there is no timetable for his return.

Around the league: Heat reserve Mike Miller (left ankle sprain) practiced and will be activated for today's game against the Pistons if he does not have a setback. … Charlotte forward Eduardo Najera suffered a fractured frontal bone but didn't suffer brain trauma after taking an elbow to the head from Milwaukee's John Brockman on Friday. There is no timetable for his return. … The Nets' Brook Lopez (right foot) will not play the remainder of the season, CBSSports.com reported.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Magic 88, 76ers 82

ORLANDO (88): J.Richardson 4-10 0-0 10, Davis 9-21 5-5 23, Howard 4-14 12-18 20, Nelson 2-12 3-4 8, Redick 7-13 4-4 19, Duhon 2-4 0-0 6, Wafer 1-2 0-0 2, Clark 0-4 0-0 0. Totals 29-80 24-31 88.

PHILADELPHIA (82): Iguodala 2-9 2-4 6, Brand 3-7 1-2 7, Hawes 3-11 1-2 7, Holiday 2-9 1-1 5, Turner 3-8 0-0 6, Williams 5-12 4-4 15, Meeks 5-6 2-2 16, T.Young 8-16 4-5 20, Battie 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 31-78 15-20 82.

Orlando 24 13 25 26— 88

Philadelphia 19 26 16 21— 82

3-Point Goals—Orlando 6-20 (Duhon 2-4, J.Richardson 2-6, Redick 1-4, Nelson 1-6), Philadelphia 5-13 (Meeks 4-5, Williams 1-4, Holiday 0-1, Iguodala 0-3). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—Orlando 61 (Howard 22), Philadelphia 49 (Brand 11). Assists—Orlando 16 (Howard 6), Philadelphia 23 (Iguodala 10). Total Fouls—Orlando 18, Philadelphia 21. A—19,775 (20,318).

Celtics 86, Pacers 72

BOSTON (86): Pierce 8-16 6-6 24, Bass 0-6 2-2 2, Garnett 6-15 3-3 15, Rondo 2-6 0-0 4, Bradley 2-7 0-0 4, Stiemsma 4-4 2-2 10, Allen 7-18 0-1 19, Pavlovic 3-4 0-0 8. Totals 32-76 13-14 86.

INDIANA (72): Granger 6-15 6-6 20, West 8-10 0-0 16, Hibbert 3-9 3-6 9, Collison 5-12 1-1 13, George 0-7 2-2 2, Hansbrough 0-2 2-2 2, Hill 0-6 0-0 0, Amundson 1-5 0-0 2, Barbosa 3-5 1-2 8, Jones 0-3 0-0 0. Totals 26-74 15-19 72.

Boston 24 19 16 27— 86

Indiana 19 14 18 21— 72

3-Point Goals—Boston 9-18 (Allen 5-11, Pavlovic 2-3, Pierce 2-4), Indiana 5-22 (Collison 2-6, Granger 2-6, Barbosa 1-2, Jones 0-1, Hill 0-3, George 0-4). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—Boston 48 (Stiemsma 9), Indiana 49 (Hibbert 17). Assists—Boston 27 (Rondo 12), Indiana 11 (George, Collison 3). Total Fouls—Boston 21, Indiana 15. Technicals—Indiana defensive three second. Flagrant Fouls—Rondo. A—16,892.

Hawks 116, Bobcats 96

ATLANTA (116): J.Johnson 8-10 0-0 18, Smith 7-17 1-2 15, Pachulia 5-6 2-2 12, Teague 5-8 1-2 11, Hinrich 1-3 0-0 3, M.Williams 5-8 2-2 14, I.Johnson 5-10 6-6 17, Green 4-9 2-2 11, Pargo 3-8 7-7 15, Stackhouse 0-2 0-0 0, Collins 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 43-82 21-23 116.

CHARLOTTE (96): Brown 4-5 0-0 8, Mullens 7-19 2-2 17, Biyombo 2-5 0-2 4, Walker 3-8 2-3 10, Henderson 3-9 2-3 8, White 2-3 0-0 4, Maggette 2-7 2-4 6, Carroll 3-3 3-3 9, Higgins 9-15 4-5 22, Thomas 3-7 2-2 8. Totals 38-81 17-24 96.

Atlanta 19 29 38 30— 116

Charlotte 23 13 32 28— 96

3-Point Goals—Atlanta 9-20 (M.Williams 2-3, J.Johnson 2-4, Pargo 2-6, Green 1-1, I.Johnson 1-1, Hinrich 1-2, Teague 0-1, Smith 0-1, Stackhouse 0-1), Charlotte 3-7 (Walker 2-4, Mullens 1-3). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—Atlanta 49 (Pachulia 16), Charlotte 42 (White, Biyombo 5). Assists—Atlanta 25 (Pargo 9), Charlotte 18 (Walker 6). Total Fouls—Atlanta 20, Charlotte 20. A—14,715.

Hornets 99, Wolves 90

MINNESOTA (90): W.Johnson 0-2 0-0 0, Love 11-23 4-5 29, Pekovic 4-9 3-3 11, Barea 4-12 0-0 10, Webster 1-5 2-4 5, Beasley 7-11 3-4 20, Williams 2-5 0-0 4, Ellington 1-9 2-2 4, Randolph 1-1 0-0 2, Lee 1-1 0-0 2, Tolliver 1-3 0-0 3. Totals 33-81 14-18 90.

NEW ORLEANS (99): Ariza 2-4 0-0 4, Smith 12-16 2-2 26, Kaman 9-10 3-3 21, Vasquez 5-11 0-0 11, Gordon 3-12 3-5 10, Belinelli 2-7 1-3 6, Landry 2-7 4-4 8, Henry 2-6 0-0 4, Ayon 0-0 0-0 0, Thomas 0-1 0-0 0, Aminu 3-8 2-2 9. Totals 40-82 15-19 99.

Minnesota 21 20 26 23— 90

New Orleans 20 26 33 20— 99

3-Point Goals—Minnesota 10-25 (Beasley 3-4, Love 3-8, Barea 2-4, Tolliver 1-1, Webster 1-3, Williams 0-1, W.Johnson 0-1, Ellington 0-3), New Orleans 4-13 (Aminu 1-1, Gordon 1-3, Belinelli 1-4, Vasquez 1-5). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—Minnesota 42 (Love 12), New Orleans 56 (Kaman, Smith 10). Assists—Minnesota 20 (Barea 7), New Orleans 26 (Vasquez 10). Total Fouls—Minnesota 17, New Orleans 17. Technicals—Minnesota defensive three second, Kaman. A—15,520.

Grizzlies 94, Mavericks 89

DALLAS (89): Marion 5-8 1-2 12, Nowitzki 5-16 4-4 17, Haywood 0-1 1-2 1, West 3-8 2-2 8, Carter 6-8 1-1 14, Terry 4-9 1-2 12, Odom 0-1 0-0 0, Wright 7-11 2-4 16, Beaubois 4-10 0-0 9, Cardinal 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 34-73 12-17 89.

MEMPHIS (94): Gay 9-15 4-5 25, Speights 1-6 2-2 4, Gasol 4-12 1-1 9, Conley 4-9 2-2 12, Pondexter 3-5 3-6 9, Mayo 1-8 4-4 6, Randolph 6-15 2-2 15, Arenas 3-6 5-5 14, Cunningham 0-3 0-0 0, Haddadi 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 31-80 23-27 94.

Dallas 10 29 28 22— 89

Memphis 29 21 22 22— 94

3-Point Goals—Dallas 9-21 (Terry 3-6, Nowitzki 3-7, Marion 1-1, Beaubois 1-2, Carter 1-2, Cardinal 0-1, West 0-2), Memphis 9-20 (Gay 3-5, Arenas 3-5, Conley 2-4, Randolph 1-1, Pondexter 0-1, Mayo 0-4). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—Dallas 49 (Marion 11), Memphis 48 (Randolph 11). Assists—Dallas 23 (Terry 8), Memphis 22 (Conley, Mayo 5). Total Fouls—Dallas 15, Memphis 16. Technicals—Haywood, Dallas defensive three second. A—18,119.

By Christina K. Cosdon, Times Correspondent
Saturday, April 7, 2012

TAMPA — Mario Deslauriers won the $200,000 American Invitational on Saturday night after defeating 31 other riders under the lights of Raymond James Stadium.

Deslauriers, 47, captured the title over four other riders who made it to Olympic course designer Steve Stephen's shorter, faster jump-off. Deslauriers won with a time of 44.50 seconds, defeating Molly Ashe-Cawley by 1.31 seconds before a crowd of more than 8,000. The 41-year-old Wellington resident also won the Invitational in 2001 and 2002.

Beezie Madden, 48, of Cazenovia, N.Y., was in contention early with her time of 46.31 but finished third. She was the Invitational winner in 2005 and 2007.

Deslauriers said his horse Cella, who just recovered from a toothache, performed very well in the first round and "jumped even better in the jump-off." It was her first major (Grand Prix) class in three weeks.

"To walk in here and do this," he said. "She's incredible."

Madden said this was the "first real appearance" of her horse Simon. She said she could have pushed harder to go faster.

Ashe-Cawley said her horse Carissimo "has been working his way toward this (event). He's a great horse."

Last year's champion, 31-year-old Kent Farrington of Greenwich, Conn., lost his bid for the title when he had one knockdown for four faults and a time of 45.10 seconds. Charlie Jayne, 26, of Elgin, Ill., was the fifth rider in the jump-off but incurred three knockdowns and a time penalty of 51.59 seconds, over the 50 seconds allowed.

The five were the only riders to complete the first round without a fault, forcing the jump-off.

Deslauriers won $60,000. Ashe-Cawley won $40,000, and Madden took home $30,000.

This was the 40th anniversary of the prestigious world-class event, named after its late founder, Gene Mische. The field of contenders included a corps of Olympians and international champions.

Opening ceremonies included a parade of horses representing nine breeds: Akhal-Teke, Appaloosa, Friesian, Morgan, Paint, Quarter Horse, Saddlebred, Trakehner and Gypsy Vanner. The fans cheered when the black and white Gypsy Vanner bowed before leaving the stadium. The crowd went wild with the next act — a trick rider who stood on the backs of two horses while twice jumping over a flaming pipe. The feat was especially impressive because horses have a natural fear of fire.

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 7, 2012

TAMPA

When Boston College coach Jerry York was a young man, his mentor, the great Bob Johnson, told him, "When you win a national championship, you will then have the blueprint to win more."

York, now 66, laughs when he thinks back about that advice. Heck, he would've been fulfilled to finish his career with one national title.

He now has five.

Saturday, York's Eagles won their third national title in five years with a 4-1 victory against Ferris State at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. The game was much closer than the final score indicates, but the Eagles did have that special blueprint for success. Here is how that blueprint looked … and worked.

Be prepared

After winning 18 in a row, blowing out Minnesota in the semifinals and entering Saturday night's game as a heavy favorite against Ferris State, BC had every reason to believe it could merely throw its sticks on the ice and win yet another national title.

The Eagles said all the things Goliath is supposed to say going into such an apparent mismatch; about how they weren't going to take Ferris lightly. And while the Eagles didn't necessarily play their best game of the season, they certainly took the Bulldogs seriously. The close contest wasn't a result of arrogance or ignorance on BC's part, but tenacity and pride on Ferris' part.

Get a good start

There's no better way for a favorite to take the zest out of an underdog than to smack it in the mouth right from the get-go. Send a message. Let it know it can forget any hopes of pulling off a shocker because it just isn't going to happen. BC did just that, scoring only 3:18 into the game.

Ferris showed its grit by answering two minutes later with a goal of its own, but BC scored again five minutes later.

You see, the best way to orchestrate an upset is to put doubt in the mind of the favorite; scare it, get a lead on it and make it start questioning itself. Get it thinking, "Uh-oh, we might lose this game." But BC never allowed Ferris to get that lead. The Eagles never trailed Saturday and, in fact, led for all but 81/2 minutes.

Overcome adversity

Not everything went the Eagles' way.

Not just Saturday, but during this season, too. Back on Jan. 21, the Eagles lost to Maine 7-4 to fall to 14-10-1. They never lost again, winning their final 19.

That 19th victory wasn't exactly smooth. It took a little luck, a little elbow grease. The Eagles had to fight off four consecutive penalties in the second period as they nursed a 2-1 lead. They couldn't really exhale against a determined Ferris State team until a goal with 3:02 left made it 3-1.

Have your best players be your best players

The best player on the ice Saturday, as he has been throughout this NCAA tournament, was BC goalie Parker Milner. And he was at his best Saturday, turning away 27 shots and allowing two goals or fewer for the 17th consecutive game.

The Frozen Four's most outstanding player stopped 110 of 112 shots in the tournament, and that .982 save percentage is the third-best all time.

Meantime, senior Paul Carey, who had two goals in the semifinal, knocked in the eventual winner Saturday while freshman Johnny Gaudreau scored his 21st goal of the season. BC's best players showed up Saturday.

Have a great leader

York added to his legacy Saturday night by winning his fifth national championship, tied for second all time. His 37 NCAA tournament wins are the most ever. Most of all, he implemented a blueprint for success, a blueprint that could not be beat Saturday night.

By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Saturday, April 7, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — To get to the best part of David Price's fresh start, you must begin with his shakiest moment of the night.

It was then, in one of those moments where the mound is so hot it smells as if bacon is frying, that Price made his strongest argument that this season will be better for him.

At the time, however, it should be pointed out that Price was in trouble. The Yankees were having one of those noisy innings they are capable of, and there were runners on the corners, and the lead had been cut in half, and there had been a wild pitch, and there had been an error, and Derek Jeter was walking toward the plate.

In pitching, the technical term for this is called: "Excuse me. I really, really need to go the bathroom."

For Price, who failed on several occasions to hold onto a lead last year, it was a particularly intriguing moment. After all, great pitchers find a way out of messes. Dominant pitchers calm the moments when the unraveling is at hand. Cy Young candidates — and Rays manager Joe Maddon believes Price will be one again this year — somehow find a way to get the boat to shore.

Five fastballs later, and a groundout by Jeter, and Price had passed his first real test of the year. He got his first win, spreading five hits and allowing only two runs, and he allowed the Rays to beat the Yankees for the second straight day, this time by an 8-6 margin.

"The thing I liked about David is that he kept his composure well there (in the fourth inning)," Maddon said. "Nothing started going too quickly for him. I think that's a growth moment for him right there.

"During the game, some things are going to go against you. Stuffwise? It's great every time he pitches. But you have to have composure in those moments."

This is who the Rays need Price to be once again, that ruthless competitor who seems to thrive in pressurized moments. In a career that is just getting started, Price has won a lot of games and struck out a lot of batters. But his finest moments have never been measured by wins or by numbers but by measuring up to the best moments. It didn't matter who the opposing hitter was, or who the opposing pitcher was. Price took the mound as if he was daring the other team to chase him off of it.

"I was very happy to get Jeter out right there," Price said. "I had to stick out my bare hand to slow down his ball. (Shortstop) Reid (Brignac) said he would have had it anyway, but still …"

Price, and the Rays, will tell you that Price's 2011 wasn't nearly the slump that some have made it out to be. He fell off by seven wins, and his ERA was higher, and batters fared much better with runners in scoring position. But his strikeouts were up, and Maddon will tell you he was more of a professional pitcher than he was in 2010, when he finished second in the Cy Young voting.

"I threw the ball fine last year," Price said. "I would take the pitcher I was last year over the pitcher I was in 2010. Hands down, I was a better pitcher. It just didn't come together."

Said executive vice president Andrew Friedman: "If you isolated David's 2011 to the things he could control, we think he was better in 2011. Each year, he has gotten better, and we still think he has another gear in there."

Still, something seemed to be missing. Killer instinct, perhaps? The ability to make a small lead look big? Bad lucky? Price had six starts, seven if you count the postseason, after Aug. 28 of last year, and he didn't win a game. He had a lead in four of those games, and four times it didn't stand up.

This time, it did. This time, Price was back in control. He threw a fastball on each of his first 19 pitches, which also had to be a comfort to Maddon, who thought he tinkered too much with too many pitchers a year ago.

"I'd like to see him more primal," Maddon said. "I used to tell Matt Garza that he could pitch with 90 percent fastballs. Same thing with David."

This will do. Once again, Price looked like a conqueror on the mound. Once again, he devoured the pressure. Once again, the game rested in his left hand.

Once again, it looked safe there.

By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Saturday, April 7, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — To get to the best part of David Price's fresh start, you must begin with his shakiest moment of the night.

It was then, in one of those moments where the mound is so hot it smells as if bacon is frying, that Price made his strongest argument that this season will be better for him.

At the time, however, it should be pointed out that Price was in trouble. The Yankees were having one of those noisy innings they are capable of, and there were runners on the corners, and the lead had been cut in half, and there had been a wild pitch, and there had been an error, and Derek Jeter was walking toward the plate.

In pitching, the technical term for this is called: "Excuse me. I really, really need to go the bathroom."

For Price, who failed on several occasions to hold onto a lead last year, it was a particularly intriguing moment. After all, great pitchers find a way out of messes. Dominant pitchers calm the moments when the unraveling is at hand. Cy Young candidates — and Rays manager Joe Maddon believes Price will be one again this season — somehow find a way to get the boat to shore.

Five fastballs later, and a groundout by Jeter, and Price had passed his first real test of the year. Eventually, he got his first win, spreading five hits and allowing only two runs, and he allowed the Rays to beat the Yankees for the second straight day, this time 8-6.

"The thing I liked about David is that he kept his composure well there (in the fourth inning)," Maddon said. "Nothing started going too quickly for him. I think that's a growth moment for him right there.

"During the game, some things are going to go against you. Stuffwise? It's great every time he pitches. But you have to have composure in those moments."

This is who the Rays need Price to be once again, that ruthless competitor who seems to thrive in pressurized moments, particularly in games against AL East opponents (Price is 24-9 against the division). In a career that is just getting started, Price, 26, has won a lot of games and struck out a lot of batters. But his finest moments have been measured by big pitches in big moments. It didn't matter who the opposing hitter was, or who the opposing pitcher was. Price took the mound as if he was daring the other team to chase him off of it.

"I was very happy to get Jeter out right there," Price said. "I had to stick out my bare hand to slow down his ball. (Shortstop) Reid (Brignac) said he would have had it anyway, but still."

Price, and the Rays, will tell you that his 2011 wasn't nearly the tumble that some have made it out to be. He fell off by seven wins, and his ERA was higher, and batters fared much better with runners in scoring position. But his strikeouts were up, and Maddon will tell you Price was more of a professional pitcher than he was in 2010, when he finished second in the Cy Young voting.

"I threw the ball fine last year," Price said. "I would take the pitcher I was last year over the pitcher I was in 2010. Hands down, I was a better pitcher. It just didn't come together."

Said executive vice president Andrew Friedman: "If you isolated David's 2011 to the things he could control, we think he was better in 2011. Each year, he has gotten better, and we still think he has another gear in there."

Still, something seemed to be missing. Killer instinct, perhaps? The ability to make a small lead look big? Focus? Luck?

Certainly, victories were missing. Price hadn't won a game since Aug. 28. That includes seven starts (counting the playoffs), and he had a lead in four of those. He hadn't won a home game since July 15.

This time, Price was back in control. He threw a fastball on each of his first 19 pitches, which also had to be a comfort to Maddon, who thought he tinkered too much with too many pitches a year ago.

"I'd like to see him more primal," Maddon said.

This will do. Once again, Price looked like a conqueror on the mound. Once again, he devoured the pressure. Once again, the game rested in his left hand.

Once again, it looked safe there.

Times wires
Sunday, April 8, 2012

Mariners 8, Athletics 7

OAKLAND, Calif. — Chone Figgins doubled and tripled among his three hits and drove in two runs, and Seattle scored six in the fourth inning to back ace Felix Hernandez. Hernandez struggled in his season debut and nearly gave up an 8-2 lead. Cuban rookie Yoenis Cespedes hit his third home run for Oakland.

San Francisco AB R H BI BB SO Avg.

Pagan cf 5 1 1 0 0 1 .200

Me.Cabrera rf 5 2 2 2 0 0 .400

Sandoval 3b 5 0 2 1 0 0 .400

Posey c 4 0 2 0 1 0 .500

A.Huff lf 4 1 1 0 0 0 .250

Belt 1b 4 0 1 0 0 2 .250

Theriot 2b 3 0 1 0 0 0 .333

B.Crawford ss 4 0 0 1 0 2 .000

Lincecum p 2 0 0 0 1 1 .000

G.Blanco ph 1 0 1 0 0 0 1.000

Totals 37 4 11 4 2 6

Arizona AB R H BI BB SO Avg.

Bloomquist ss 4 1 2 0 0 0 .500

C.Young cf 4 1 1 2 0 0 .250

J.Upton rf 3 1 1 0 1 1 .333

M.Montero c 3 0 1 0 0 1 .333

Goldschmidt 1b 3 2 1 1 1 1 .333

Kubel lf 3 0 0 0 0 1 .000

G.Parra lf 1 0 0 0 0 0 .000

R.Roberts 3b 4 0 1 2 0 1 .250

A.Hill 2b 4 0 0 0 0 2 .000

I.Kennedy p 2 0 0 0 0 1 .000

Blum ph 1 0 0 0 0 1 .000

Totals 32 5 7 5 2 9

San Fran. 000 021 001— 4 11 3

Arizona 300 002 00x— 5 7 0

E—Sandoval (1), Posey (1), B.Crawford (1). LOB—S.F. 9, Ariz. 7. 2B—Pagan (1), Me.Cabrera (1), Sandoval (1), J.Upton (1), R.Roberts (1). HR—Me.Cabrera (1), off I.Kennedy; C.Young (1), off Lincecum; Goldschmidt (1), off Lincecum. RBIs—Me.Cabrera 2 (2), Sandoval (1), B.Crawford (1), C.Young 2 (2), Goldschmidt (1), R.Roberts 2 (2). S—Theriot, I.Kennedy.

San Francisco IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA

Lincecum L, 0-1 5L6 5 5 1 7 94 8.44

Mota1L1 0 0 1 0 16 0.00

AffeldtM0 0 0 0 0 12 0.00

HensleyM0 0 0 0 2 14 0.00

Arizona IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA

Knnedy W, 1-0 6M9 3 3 2 3 98 4.05

Paterson H, 1L0 0 0 0 0 9 0.00

Hernandez H, 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 9 0.00

Putz S, 1-1 1 2 1 1 0 1 14 9.00

HBP—by Affeldt (M.Montero). T—2:53. A—49,130 (48,633).

San Francisco AB R H BI BB SO Avg.

Pagan cf 5 1 1 0 0 1 .200

Me.Cabrera rf 5 2 2 2 0 0 .400

Sandoval 3b 5 0 2 1 0 0 .400

Posey c 4 0 2 0 1 0 .500

A.Huff lf 4 1 1 0 0 0 .250

Belt 1b 4 0 1 0 0 2 .250

Theriot 2b 3 0 1 0 0 0 .333

B.Crawford ss 4 0 0 1 0 2 .000

Lincecum p 2 0 0 0 1 1 .000

G.Blanco ph 1 0 1 0 0 0 1.000

Totals 37 4 11 4 2 6

Arizona AB R H BI BB SO Avg.

Bloomquist ss 4 1 2 0 0 0 .500

C.Young cf 4 1 1 2 0 0 .250

J.Upton rf 3 1 1 0 1 1 .333

M.Montero c 3 0 1 0 0 1 .333

Goldschmidt 1b 3 2 1 1 1 1 .333

Kubel lf 3 0 0 0 0 1 .000

G.Parra lf 1 0 0 0 0 0 .000

R.Roberts 3b 4 0 1 2 0 1 .250

A.Hill 2b 4 0 0 0 0 2 .000

I.Kennedy p 2 0 0 0 0 1 .000

Blum ph 1 0 0 0 0 1 .000

Totals 32 5 7 5 2 9

San Fran. 000 021 001— 4 11 3

Arizona 300 002 00x— 5 7 0

E—Sandoval (1), Posey (1), B.Crawford (1). LOB—S.F. 9, Ariz. 7. 2B—Pagan (1), Me.Cabrera (1), Sandoval (1), J.Upton (1), R.Roberts (1). HR—Me.Cabrera (1), off I.Kennedy; C.Young (1), off Lincecum; Goldschmidt (1), off Lincecum. RBIs—Me.Cabrera 2 (2), Sandoval (1), B.Crawford (1), C.Young 2 (2), Goldschmidt (1), R.Roberts 2 (2). S—Theriot, I.Kennedy.

San Francisco IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA

Lincecum L, 0-1 5L6 5 5 1 7 94 8.44

Mota1L1 0 0 1 0 16 0.00

AffeldtM0 0 0 0 0 12 0.00

HensleyM0 0 0 0 2 14 0.00

Arizona IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA

Knnedy W, 1-0 6M9 3 3 2 3 98 4.05

Paterson H, 1L0 0 0 0 0 9 0.00

Hernandez H, 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 9 0.00

Putz S, 1-1 1 2 1 1 0 1 14 9.00

HBP—by Affeldt (M.Montero). T—2:53. A—49,130 (48,633).

Times wires
Sunday, April 8, 2012

Dodgers 6, Padres 5

11 innings

SAN DIEGO — Dee Gordon singled in the go-ahead run with two outs in the 11th and the Dodgers won after blowing a five-run lead in the fifth.

Times wires
Sunday, April 8, 2012

SOCCER

ROWDIES DROP SEASON OPENER

BAYAMON, Puerto Rico — The Tampa Bay Rowdies lost their NASL opener 1-0 Saturday at Puerto Rico despite a man advantage for the final 30 minutes.

The Islanders scored in the 69th minute when Nicholas Addlery beat former USF and Countryside High star Jeff Attinella with a left-footed shot into the bottom right corner.

"It is difficult for us to accept this loss," Rowdies coach Ricky Hill said. "I give credit to Puerto Rico, but we are very disappointed in this result."

Puerto Rico defender Jamie Cunningham was sent off in the 59th minute.

DEMPSEY MARK: Clint Dempsey scored twice as Fulham won 3-0 at Bolton. The American has 15 goals this season, the most for the club since the Premier League was formed in 1992.

SCOTLAND: Celtic clinched its 43rd league title, routing host Kilmarnock 6-0 to dethrone Glasgow rival Rangers with six games left.

HORSE RACING

Gemologist takes Wood Memorial

Gemologist won the $1 million Wood Memorial for 3-year-olds at Aqueduct, holding off Alpha by a neck to improve to 5 for 5. The Todd Pletcher-trained colt is one of the favorites for the May 5 Kentucky Derby. Ridden by Javier Castellano, Gemologist ran 11/8 miles in 1:50.96. Teeth of the Dog finished third.

SANTA ANITA DERBY: I'll Have Another beat 4-5 favorite Creative Cause by a nose in the $750,000 Derby prep. I'll Have Another, a 4-1 bet, ran 11/8 in 1:47.88.

ILLINOIS DERBY: Done Talking won the $500,000 race at Hawthorne, paying $27.10 to win after beating Morgan's Guerrilla by three-quarters of a length.

TAMPA BAY DOWNS: It's Me Mom won the Sprint in a track-record 1:08.67 at 6 furlongs, one of six $75,000 stakes in Oldsmar. Other stakes winners: Hooh Why (Turf Distaff), Roman Tiger (Turf Classic), Star Channel (Sophomore Turf), Tarpy's Goal (Sophomore) and Zunlei (Sophomore Fillies).

TENNIS

Bryan brothers give U.S. 2-1 lead

Wesley Chapel's Bob and Mike Bryan defeated Julien Benneteau and Michael Llodra 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) to give the United States a 2-1 lead over host France in a Davis Cup quarterfinal in Roquebrune.

FAMILY CIRCLE CUP: Serena Williams downed second seed and Tampa resident Samantha Stosur 6-1, 6-1 to reach the final on clay in Charleston, S.C. Today Williams faces Lucie Safarova, a 6-0, 6-0 winner over Polona Hercog.

ET CETERA

DERBY LANE: Brother Buck of D'Arcy kennel won the $80,000 Distance Classic greyhound race in St. Petersburg. Flyin Commandant and Kiowa Wildbraves were next. Trained by Catherine D'Arcy, Brother Buck ran 660 yards in 37.62 seconds.

NFL: A documentarian says he had the right to release a recording of then-Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams exhorting his players to punish 49ers players. In a statement on his website, Sean Pamphilon said he and his film subject, ALS-stricken ex-Saint Steve Gleason, "have a production agreement that I have followed." … Jets QB and former Florida star Tim Tebow will address a crowd of about 20,000 today at a church in Austin, Texas.

ROWING: One of England's oldest sporting events came to a halt when a protester jumped into the River Thames. Cambridge beat Oxford in the 158th match race after a 31-minute delay. The protester, Trenton Oldfield, claimed responsibility for the stunt on a blog.

Times correspondent Don Jensen, Times wires

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, April 8, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — Jeremy Hellickson didn't get much for his 25th birthday Sunday.

His girlfriend had brought him a watch when she came down during the spring. His grandmother got him cologne. An aunt sent a few shirts. But his parents only called and sent cards, and his Rays teammates failed to provide even a cake.

"My family kind of forgets about me," he said. "I'm not lying when I tell you there wasn't much."

Hellickson instead treated himself, delivering a masterful performance to celebrate the occasion with a 3-0 series-sweeping win over the Yankees.

"That's a pretty good birthday present right there," he said.

The Rays came out of the weekend 3-0 for the second time in franchise history, with the Yankees and, for what it's worth, the Red Sox both 0-3.

"We played well for the first three games," manager Joe Maddon said. "I'm really pleased with that."

The starters are 2-0 with a 3.60 ERA, despite James Shields' rough outing. The relievers not named Josh Lueke are 1-0, 1.58 with two saves, Fernando Rodney thus far stepping in capably for injured Kyle Farnsworth. The offense is hitting .302 and averaging six runs a game, with contributions from throughout the lineup.

"It's been a good start for us, obviously," first baseman Carlos Peña said.

Sunday, before a Tropicana Field crowd of 30,413, they took a first-inning lead for the third straight game, with Evan Longoria (hitting a toasty .600) doubling and Matt Joyce (hitting .333) tripling past Raul Ibanez, and built from there. Peña (hitting .500, with seven RBIs) homered in the third (and just missed another in the fifth when the umps ruled fan interference) and Jeff Keppinger (hitting .444) went deep in the sixth.

"We've been working good at-bats against a really good pitching staff," Maddon said.

The three runs was more than enough for Hellickson, who was his usual cool, calm and collected self on the mound, showing only glimpses of emotion, such as when he struck out Nick Swisher to end the sixth, and earlier when centerfielder Desmond Jennings ran down a long drive.

And even more so in the dugout.

"He's just ice cold," Peña said. "I'm looking at him on the bench and I'm like, 'You alive buddy? You okay there?' "

Oh, he was more than okay, allowing the Yankees only three hits, though walking four, and getting out of what little trouble he got into. He mixed his pitches, including liberal use of his new cutter, attacked the strike zone more frequently with his fastball, got his usual amount of weak contact (15 infield outs) and worked well with catcher Jose Molina.

He looked much like he did last season when he won 13 games, with a 2.95 ERA, and the American League rookie of the year award, and nothing like the pitcher who struggled through spring training with an 0-2, 9.00 mark, allowing 33 hits in 20 innings.

"I felt really good out there," Hellickson said.

"That was unbelievable; that's the story right there," Peña said. "There's nothing you could say that would describe that type of performance. That was very impressive."

The only thing that would have made it better was a 27th out. Maddon gave him the chance for a complete game, beginning the ninth with 103 pitches, and it looked good when he got Alex Rodriguez to fly out and Mark Teixeira to ground out, but a six-pitch walk of Swisher (after being ahead 1-and-2) ended his day at 118 pitches. (Still, the 82/3 shutout innings were the most by any Rays pitcher against the Yankees.)

"You always want to finish what you start," Hellickson said. "I'm probably more disappointed about that than as happy as I am about the outing."

All that was left was to celebrate the birthday, with his grandparents who had come from their native Iowa. A couple of teammates said they'd still try to get him a cake. Hellickson wondered if some relatives would come to Detroit for the series that starts Tuesday bearing gifts.

Maddon said he earned the right to do whatever he wanted:

"It's Helly day."

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

Times wires
Sunday, April 8, 2012

Orioles 3, Twins 1

BALTIMORE — Former Ray Jason Hammel took a no-hitter into the eighth inning in his Baltimore debut, helping the Orioles to a three-game sweep. Hammel faced the minimum 21 batters through seven, then Justin Morneau led off the eighth with a double off the rightfield wall. Fans then applauded Hammel. "It wasn't actually that bad of a pitch," Hammel said. "Obviously, Morneau is a great hitter. It was a changeup that was up just a little bit. Oh well."

Times wires
Sunday, April 8, 2012

Reds 6, Marlins 5

CINCINNATI — Scott Rolen, making a rare pinch-hitting appearance, drove in the winner in the ninth with a sharp infield single that third baseman Hanley Ramirez failed to handle to lift Cincinnati. Rolen, a seven-time All-Star third baseman, is 8-for-18 as a pinch-hitter in his career. Miguel Cairo started for him.

By Ric Liles, Times Correspondent
Sunday, April 8, 2012

What's hot: Bay area fishing is at its best, with many species to choose from. If big is your thing, tarpon and kingfish are available. I have been fishing for tarpon at the Skyway Bridge and for kingfish (up to 30 pounds) offshore at the Seven Mile Reef. Take into account wind direction and intensity. The baits of choice for the tarpon and kingfsh have been threadfin herring and scaled sardines, and be liberal with chum. For smaller species, there is a good Spanish mackerel bite in the bay, which means using less fuel and you can get away with a little more wind. Wind direction is important depending on the direction of the tide. Keep in mind that when these two variables are opposing, conditions are less attractive.

Other species: The redfish bite has been good but falling off from a couple of weeks ago. I have gone from fishing big schools to tracking down singles and doubles in the backcountry. Trout fishing is fair; the bigger trophy trout have slowed down and spread out. The snook bite is in full swing, with fish back in places they had been absent from for the past two years.

Ric Liles fishes out of Tampa, Ruskin, Bradenton and the surrounding areas, and can be reached at (813) 601-2900, via email at CaptainRic@msn.com, or at ReelSimpleFishing.com.

Times wires
Sunday, April 8, 2012

Cubs 4, Nationals 3

CHICAGO — Jeff Samardzija dominated into the ninth, outpitching Jordan Zimmermann, and Chicago won for the first time in the Theo Epstein era. Samardzija has made it clear he wanted a spot in the rotation and was spectacular in his sixth career start as the Cubs shook off two wrenching losses to start the season. "I've talked a good game about wanting to start and made it public," Samardzija said. "I didn't want to look like an idiot."

Times wires
Sunday, April 8, 2012

Pirates 5, Phillies 4

PITTSBURGH — Andrew McCutchen singled in pinch-runner Josh Harrison with two outs in the ninth for Pittsburgh, which beat the five-time defending NL East champions in its final at-bat for the second time in less than 24 hours.

Times wires
Sunday, April 8, 2012

Indians 4, Blue Jays 3

CLEVELAND — Carlos Santana hit two homers on his 26th birthday, Derek Lowe pitched seven strong innings and Cleveland earned its first win. On his past four birthdays, including two years in the minors, Santana is 10-for-17 with five homers and 13 RBIs. "Let's tell him it's his birthday every day," said Chris Perez, who retired Jose Bautista on an infield popup with the bases loaded to earn the save.

Times wires
Sunday, April 8, 2012

Mets 7, Braves 5

NEW YORK — Jonathon Niese took a no-hitter into the seventh inning in his first start since signing a rich contract, and New York completed a season-opening sweep. For the first time in 27 years and third time ever, the Mets are 3-0 while the Yankees are 0-3. They're 3-0 for the first time since opening 4-0 in 2007. "We're going to surprise some people this year," Niese said.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, April 8, 2012

WINNIPEG — It was interesting to listen Saturday night as Lightning stars Steven Stamkos and Marty St. Louis admired each other's work.

Stamkos, in the glow of his historic 60th goal scored in Tampa Bay's season-ending 4-3 overtime win over the Jets at the MTS Centre, called St. Louis "the best play-maker in the game right now."

Said St. Louis: "He pulls the trigger pretty good."

They are joined at the hip, these friends and linemates.

Stamkos' career took off in January 2009, when then-coach Rick Tocchet paired the rookie center with the right wing. St. Louis, 36, has said playing with Stamkos keeps him feeling young.

How appropriate, then, St. Louis got the primary assist as Stamkos, 22, became just the 20th NHL player to score 60 goals in a season.

"I couldn't have written a better script," Stamkos said. "Marty is a huge reason I've had the success I've had in the NHL."

"I wanted to give him a chance," said St. Louis, who also assisted on Stamkos' 50th goal March 13 against the Bruins an on 20 of his goals overall. "I wanted to do my part to help him."

You saw their symbiosis on the 60th goal.

St. Louis had the puck behind the Jets goal line between the net and a corner. Skating slowly backward toward the glass, St. Louis waited for Stamkos to find shooting space in the slot.

"I look for him all the time," St. Louis said. "But when you get close to these marks, you look for him a little more."

Stamkos' goal, 3:29 into the third period, beat Ondrej Pavelec on the short side for a 3-1 lead.

After the game, left wing Ryan Malone gave Stamkos a celebratory shaving cream pie in the face. Players spoke of how happy they were for Stamkos' success.

"I'm just as excited as he is," said right wing Teddy Purcell, who had a hat trick and the winning goal 1:07 into overtime. "It just goes to show how tight of a group we are."

"What I like about Steven's accomplishments is he always makes it a team thing, and the players want to be part of it because of that," coach Guy Boucher said.

"I like the way the players want to do it for him."

None, perhaps, more than St. Louis, who has had a prime seat as Stamkos evolved from a player known primarily for his one-timer to one who can score from anywhere on the ice.

"When he came into the league, everybody was so scared of his one-timer," St. Louis said. "You start having success like that, they're going to start taking it away and it becomes harder and harder. You almost feel like you have to reinvent yourself and find different ways to score goals, and he's done that."

With a pretty good wing man.

"I'm so fortunate to play with him," Stamkos said. "It was nice to share that moment with him."

Damian Cristodero can be reached at cristodero@tampabay.com. Follow him on Twitter at @LightningTimes.

Times wires
Sunday, April 8, 2012

Astros 3, Rockies 2

HOUSTON — Brian Bogusevic drove in the go-ahead run for Houston after Jose Altuve scored on Jordan Pacheco's throwing error to tie it in the eighth. The Astros are 2-1 after losing their first five last season and eight in 2010. "We want to instill winning in all of us," Houston starter Bud Norris said. "When you come to the ballpark, you expect to win and we're trying to build something."

Times wires
Sunday, April 8, 2012

Padres 8, Dodgers 4

SAN DIEGO — Clayton Richard and two relievers combined on a four-hitter, Chase Headley hit a grand slam and Andy Parrino had his first big-league homer for San Diego, which avoided a four-game sweep. Headley's second career slam, off Scott Elbert in the eighth, ended his 0-for-12 slump to start the season. He also walked three times.

Times wires
Sunday, April 8, 2012

Cardinals 9, Brewers 3

MILWAUKEE — Lance Lynn pitched two-hit ball into the seventh as St. Louis took two of three from its NL Central rival to start the season. It was the third career start for Lynn, who played a key relief role during the Cardinals' championship run last season. Ryan Braun hit his first home run of the season for Milwaukee, a solo shot in the ninth.