Times wires
Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Nationals 4, Mets 0

NEW YORK — Stephen Strasburg outpitched Johan Santana for six innings, and Washington's bullpen made the lead stand on the 50th anniversary of the Mets' first game. Strasburg and Santana got off to an erratic start but settled into a duel between aces coming back from major arm operations.

Times wires
Wednesday, April 11, 2012

White Sox 10, Indians 6

CLEVELAND — A.J. Pierzynski hit a three-run homer and drove in four runs to lead Chicago. The White Sox scored four in the first off Justin Masterson, but Cleveland closed to within 5-4 in the fifth against John Danks on Travis Hafner's two-run double. In the sixth, Alejandro De Aza hit a two-run homer off former Ray Dan Wheeler and Pierzynski homered off Rafael Perez.

Times wires
Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Brewers 2, Cubs 1

CHICAGO — George Kottaras hit a two-run homer in the seventh and Yovani Gallardo outdueled Ryan Dempster as Milwaukee won its third straight in the four-game series. Backed by Starlin Castro's first-inning sacrifice fly, Dempster had a three-hit shutout before Mat Gamel doubled leading off the seventh. Kottaras, the Brewers' backup catcher, followed with his second homer this season.

Times wires
Wednesday, April 11, 2012

TORONTO — Ricky Romero used to struggle against Boston. Not anymore.

Romero outdueled Jon Lester, Yunel Escobar drove in two runs and the Blue Jays beat Boston 3-1 Wednesday to drop the Red Sox to 1-5.

"Ricky was the story here," Blue Jays manager John Farrell said.

Romero, who won two of his first 11 career starts against the Red Sox, beat Boston for the third straight time. He earned back-to-back victories over the Red Sox during their historic September swoon, beating them Sept. 8 at Toronto and Sept. 14 at Fenway Park.

The left-hander credited improved control and aggressiveness for his success.

"I think at times against Boston I tried to do too much and walks killed me against them," Romero said. "I looked at video of my two (September) starts against them last year and it was just strike one, pound the zone and I had a good rhythm going against them."

Boston's Dustin Pedroia called Romero "one of the best lefties in baseball," and Kevin Youkilis was just as complimentary.

"He's very effective," Youkilis said. "He's the ace of that staff for a reason."

Times wires
Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Athletics 5, Royals 4

12 innings

OAKLAND, Calif. — Jonathan Broxton hit former Ray Jonny Gomes with the first pitch he threw with the bases loaded in the 12th inning, forcing Jemile Weeks home for the winning run for Oakland.

Times wires
Wednesday, April 11, 2012

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer said he was disappointed by this week's story in Sporting News that said he showed favoritism to star players and ignored disciplinary problems during his six seasons at Florida.

"When you start saying preferential treatment to players, that's probably a correct statement. We did do that. We do that here. We did it at Bowling Green and Utah," said Meyer, citing his previous coaching jobs during Wednesday's Big Ten coaches teleconference.

"If you go to class, you're a warrior, you do things the right way off and on the field, and you're completely committed to helping us win, you're going to get treated really good."

Meyer bristled at the inference by former players, some unidentified, who said there was a different set of rules for star players such as receiver Percy Harvin.

"I'm extremely proud of what we did down there. And throwing great players — not good players, great players — under the bus like that, I don't get the intent," he said. "I'll fight for those guys. Those guys did a lot of great things for the University of Florida. And to sit there and call them out four or five years later, I'm not sure of the intent."

Meyer won two national titles at Florida but twice left the program, each time citing health issues. He left for good after the 2010 season then took a job as an analyst with ESPN. Ohio State hired him in November.

The story cited multiple sources who said during the 2008 season, Harvin, now with the NFL's Vikings, refused to run the stadium stairs and physically attacked receivers coach Billy Gonzales — grabbing him by the neck and throwing him to the ground — but wasn't disciplined.

Gonzales, now Illinois' offensive coordinator, released a statement Wednesday denying being attacked.

Meyer said he has talked to several former Florida players and coaches who were upset by the Sporting News story.

Meyer also denied the existence of what the story called a "circle of trust," which enabled and pandered to elite players. Asked if he disagreed in particular with a certain contention in the story, Meyer said, "Oh, more than one."

That included he and his staff flaunted NCAA bylaws.

"I want to say this real clear: There is no violation," Meyer said. "I'm not sure why that keeps coming up. So if you would bold that for me, underline it — there is not an NCAA violation."

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Warren Sapp, the former Bucs star, filed for bankruptcy recently, saying he owes more than $6.7 million to creditors and back child support and alimony. This is a guy who made more than $80 million in his NFL career. Sapp is hardly the first athlete to have these types of financial struggles. How in the world does it happen? Here's a guide on how athletes blow through their money and end up broke.

Buy a bunch of stuff

It's one thing to live the lifestyle of the rich and famous. It's another to live the lifestyle of the foolish and careless. Former heavyweight boxing champ Mike Tyson reportedly plunked down millions on clothing, bling, real estate, drugs and, get this, a white tiger. Former NBA star Latrell Sprewell bought a yacht. Former NBA star Scottie Pippen, above, bought a $4 million jet. Former baseball slugger Jack Clark owned 18 cars. Soon the playing career ends and athletes can no longer keep up with their lifestyle.

Surround yourself with freeloaders

It's not unusual for a player to hit it big and take care of his family. He buys a house for mom. He takes care of brother and sister, maybe a lifelong friend or two. That's fine. It becomes a problem when suddenly every cousin, every uncle, every person you went to school with knocks on his door with one hand while holding out the other. Former Celtics star Antoine Walker lost more than $110 million. His mother told the Boston Globe that Walker was supporting something like 70 people, many of whom were living in Walker's 14 homes.

Have too many kids and don't take care of them

Former heavyweight champ Evander Holyfield reportedly has a bunch of kids. Some say the number might be as high as 11. He has lost a good chunk of his career earnings (more than $250 million) after being sued for back child support. Maybe this led to Holyfield's problems, too: He owned a 54,000-square-foot home that had 109 rooms, 17 bathrooms, three kitchens and, wait for it, a bowling alley.

Get into trouble

NFL star Michael Vick was living the good life until his role in a dogfighting scandal gave him the double whammy. He had to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on legal fees while his career (and the paychecks that came with it) were put on hold. Olympic star Marion Jones spent gobs of money fighting off doping and related charges. Former NFL star Lawrence Taylor burned through his money on cocaine.

Bad investments

Sometimes an athlete would be better off stuffing his money in a mattress. But you can't blame them for making investments hoping to turn their millions into more millions. Some investments work out well. Some don't. Take NFL quarterback Mark Brunell, above, who says he racked up more than $25 million in debts because of bum real estate deals. Former major-leaguer Lenny Dykstra bottomed out in part because an investment in car washes didn't pan out.

Gamble it all away

This is a common problem for athletes. They have so much money that it feels like Monopoly money. Professional golfer John Daly said he once lost more than $1.5 million in less than five hours while playing slot machines. His gambling losses are believed to be in the tens of millions. He is just one of hundreds of examples involving athletes and gambling.

Hire people to take care of your money and have them not take care of your money

Some athletes try to do the right thing by hiring a financial expert, lawyer or agent to help them manage their money. Problem is, they sometimes hire the wrong person. Former NBA star Mark Jackson lost millions because his business manager forged Jackson's name on checks to take care of gambling debts. Often, athletes go broke and they don't know it.

tom jones' two cents

Times wires
Wednesday, April 11, 2012

PHILADELPHIA — Nearly all the Marlins rushed over to the dugout railing and playfully pretended to listen when Joey Cora sat down to speak about filling in for suspended manager Ozzie Guillen.

Shortly after Guillen addressed the team in the clubhouse Wednesday and apologized for saying he admired Fidel Castro, it was business as usual for the players. To a man, they publicly had his back.

"It's really a hard time for him and his family," closer Heath Bell said. "We felt bad for him. You have to understand that occasionally guys make mistakes. At least he's owning up to it and not trying to hide or shy away from it. He's going to try and make up for his mistakes.

"He can only be a better person out of it. Like he said, if he doesn't learn from this, he's stupid. That's what he said."

Guillen's comments about the former leader of Cuba led to his five-game suspension that started when Miami played the Phillies in the second game of a three-game series.

A day after a contrite Guillen held an hourlong news conference in Miami, he talked to the team for less than 10 minutes and expressed similar emotions.

"There's nothing he needs to apologize to us about," reliever Mike Dunn said. "He's our manager, and we back him 100 percent."

OF Logan Morrison said: "I love the guy."

NEW DEAL FOR KINSLER: Ian Kinsler and the Rangers finalized a new $75 million, five-year contract that locks up another one of their key players and makes the leadoff hitter one of the best-paid second basemen in the majors. Kinsler, 29, is in his seventh season with Texas. His new deal begins next year and includes a club option for 2018.

UNION WANTS LENIENCY: Steroid use shouldn't keep baseball's best sluggers and pitchers out of the Hall of Fame, the head of the players union said. Michael Weiner told the National Press Club he thinks the Hall "is for the best baseball players that have ever played." The executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association also said Pete Rose should be in the Hall despite his history of gambling, just as team executives aren't barred for engaging in collusion against the players in the 1980s.

GOOD NEWS FOR TIGERS: Injured Detroit DH Victor Martinez does not need reconstructive surgery for his anterior cruciate ligament. Martinez, who had microfracture surgery in January on his left knee, was expected to need another operation.

VLAD CLEARED: The attorney for Vladimir Guerrero said no charges will be filed against the former major-league star stemming from a disco brawl in the Dominican Republic.

ANGELS: RH reliever Michael Kohn needs elbow ligament-replacement surgery and will miss the rest of the season.

BREWERS: LF Ryan Braun was scratched with what the team called mild chest and ribcage tightness.

CARDINALS: 1B Lance Berkman sat out a day after tweaking his left calf muscle.

GIANTS: C Buster Posey, who missed most of last season with a broken left leg, was diagnosed with shingles and is day to day.

METS: 3B David Wright, out a second straight game with a fractured right pinkie finger, won't need surgery and could return to the lineup by the weekend.

NATIONALS: Closer Drew Storen had minor surgery to remove a bone fragment from his right (pitching) elbow.

ORIOLES: Veteran RHP Joel Pineiro, 33, signed a minor-league contract.

RANGERS: C Mike Napoli was out of the starting lineup, but not because he was beaned in the previous game. Manager Ron Washington said it was Yorvit Torrealba's turn to catch.

TWINS: RHP Scott Baker will have season-ending surgery on his pitching elbow to repair his flexor pronator tendon.

YANKEES: Newly retired C Jorge Posada will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the home opener Friday.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Rays at Tigers

When/where: 1:05 p.m. today; Comerica Park, Detroit

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

Probable pitchers

RAYS: RH Jeff Niemann (11-7, 4.06 in 2011)

TIGERS: LH Drew Smyly (ML debut)

Watch for …

Season debut: Niemann is the last active Ray to see action, with the blister on his right middle finger just about healed and no restrictions on his workload. He is 1-2, 3.48 in five games vs. the Tigers.

Career debut: Smyly, 22, was a 2010 second-round pick and was Detroit's top minor-league pitcher last year, going 11-6, 2.07 for Class A Lakeland and Double-A Erie with 130 strikeouts in 126 IP.

Key matchups

Rays vs. SMYLY

None have faced.

Tigers vs. Niemann

M. Cabrera 5-for-12, 2 HRs

Jhonny Peralta 5-for-10

Delmon Young 6-for-14, HR

On deck

Friday: at Red Sox, 2:05, Sun Sports. Rays — David Price (1-0, 2.84); Red Sox — Josh Beckett (0-1, 13.50)

Saturday: at Red Sox, 4:05, Sun Sports. Rays — Jeremy Hellickson (1-0, 0.00); Red Sox — Clay Buchholz (0-0, 15.75)

Sunday: at Red Sox, 1:35, Sun Sports. Rays — Matt Moore (0-0, 2.70); Red Sox — Felix Doubront (0-0, 3.60)

Monday: at Red Sox, 11:05, Sun Sports. Rays — James Shields (1-0, 5.54); Red Sox — Daniel Bard (0-1, 9.00)

Rays disabled list

C Robinson Chirinos, concussion, 15-day

RHP Kyle Farnsworth, right elbow strain, 15-day

OF Sam Fuld, right wrist surgery, 15-day

OF B.J. Upton, lower back soreness, 15-day

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

Quote of the day

"The concussion questions I probably couldn't have got right on my best day anyway."

RHP Jeremy Hellickson, on the battery of questions he was asked after being hit in the head by a ball

Chart of the day

Manager Joe Maddon is one win from 500 with the Rays. His milestones:

Win Date Opponent

1 4-3-06 at Orioles, 2-0

100 7-29-07 vs. Red Sox, 5-2

200 8-14-08 at A's 7-6

300 9-19-09 vs. Jays 4-0

400 9-24-10 vs. Mariners, 5-3

Challenge of the day

Rookie OF/C/DH Stephen Vogt welcomed the challenge of making his first big-league start against Justin Verlander (even though he went 0-for-3). And though it was obviously his first time facing the Tigers ace, Vogt had some familiarity — from playing baseball video games, with some success. "He's pretty good on the video games, too," Vogt said.

Times wires
Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Padres 2, Diamondbacks 1

SAN DIEGO — Chris Denorfia hit a two-run homer with one out in the eighth inning that took down Arizona, which had been the majors' last unbeaten team. Denorfia's shot to straightaway center came on a 2-and-1 pitch from David Hernandez after Cameron Maybin had walked. Centerfielder Chris Young lost his glove over the fence trying to make a leaping grab. Someone in the Padres bullpen retrieved it for him.

Times wires
Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Phillies 7, Marlins 1

PHILADELPHIA — Roy Halladay pitched seven sharp innings and Philadelphia broke out of its offensive slump. An offense that's missing Chase Utley and Ryan Howard scored eight runs in four games before chasing Miami ace Josh Johnson in the fourth. Carlos Ruiz hit a solo homer and a double, and Jimmy Rollins, Hunter Pence and Shane Victorino, the Phillies' 3-4-5 hitters, were 7-for-13 with three RBIs and four runs.

Times wires
Wednesday, April 11, 2012

EASTERN CONFERENCE

(1) New York Rangers vs. (8) Ottawa Senators

When/where: 7; Madison Square Garden, New York

TV: NHL Network

Season series: Senators 3-1

Watch for: Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist finished in the top five in every major statistical category, including wins with 39, a personal best. Despite the high-profile signing of center Brad Richards in the offseason, the Rangers are middle of the pack offensively. Defensively, they are among the leaders in fewest shots allowed per game. … Jason Spezza remains the Senators' offensive catalyst. He was fourth in the league in points (84). The offense also gets a boost from defenseman Erik Karlsson, whose 78 points were 10th in league and first among defensemen. Karlsson also averages the most ice time among Ottawa's defenseman.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

(2) Boston Bruins vs. (7) Washington Capitals

When/where: 7:30; TD Garden, Boston

TV: NBC Sports Network

Season series: Capitals 3-1

Watch for: Six Bruins have 50 or more points. Defenseman Zdeno Chara, 6 feet 9, can wear down opponents and has one of the game's hardest shots. Goalie Tim Thomas had to shoulder more of the load down the regular-season stretch after backup Tuukka Rask went down with a groin injury. Vet Marty Turco, out of the NHL for most of the season, is the backup. … After a mostly lackluster season, wing Alex Ovechkin heated up as the Capitals fought for a playoff spot. He got a boost when center Nicklas Backstrom returned to the lineup last week after missing 40 games with a concussion. Washington is shaky in goal. Tomas Vokoun (groin) is out indefinitely, and Michal Neuvirth (lower body) went down in the next-to-last regular-season game. No. 3 Braden Holtby was expected to make his playoff debut tonight.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

(2) St. Louis Blues vs. (7) San Jose Sharks (7)

When/where: 7:30; Scottrade Center, St. Louis

TV: CNBC

Season series: Blues 4-0

Watch for: "Defense first" is the Blues' motto under notoriously defensive-oriented coach Ken Hitchcock. St. Louis scored 206 goals in the regular season, second fewest to the Kings among West playoff teams. That approach helped goalie Brian Elliott lead the league in goals-against average (1.56) and save percentage (.940). But he's out with an upper-body injury, so Jaroslav Halak, who played in tandem with Elliott, starts tonight. He was fifth in goals-against average (1.97). … The Sharks have firepower with Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Logan Couture and Joe Pavelski (who flies under the radar during the regular season but gets clutch goals in the playoffs). Antti Niemi, who backstopped the Blackhawks to the Stanley Cup two years ago, has been inconsistent all season.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

(3) Phoenix Coyotes vs. (6) Chicago Blackhawks

When/where: 10; Jobing.com Arena, Phoenix

TV: NBC Sports Network

Season series: Coyotes 3-1

Watch for: Coyotes goalie Mike Smith, who left the Lightning last summer as a free agent, was third in the league in save percentage (.930), tied for third in shutouts (eight) and fourth in wins (38). Ray Whitney, 40 next month, led the team with 77 points (24) goals. … The Blackhawks were the fifth-highest scoring team in the league behind Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp, Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa. Toews has been out with a concussion but could play tonight.

Times wires

Times wires
Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Twins 6, Angels 5

MINNEAPOLIS — Jamey Carroll had his first two hits with Minnesota, including the go-ahead single in the seventh, and Josh Willingham hit a two-run homer to lift the Twins to their first victory. Chris Parmelee hit a tying two-run triple in the seventh before Carroll drove him in with a single off LaTroy Hawkins. Peter Bourjos hit a three-run inside-the-park homer for the Angels, who led 5-3 going into the bottom of the seventh.

Times wires
Wednesday, April 11, 2012

NFL

Chicago agrees to an extension with LB Briggs

CHICAGO — The Bears agreed to a one-year extension through 2014 with LB Lance Briggs on Wednesday. The Associated Press reported the new deal restructures his salary for this season (and reduces his salary cap number by $1 million) and guarantees Briggs $8 million over two seasons.

"This was, by far, the least amount of time I've ever had with the Bears trying to (negotiate) a contract," said Briggs, Chicago's leading tackler last season. "I'm grateful."

Briggs vowed he would never play "another down for Chicago again" after the Bears made him their franchise player before the 2007 season. He wound up accepting a one-year, $7.2 million deal. In March 2008, he signed a six-year, $36 million contract. Last season, Chicago rebuffed his attempts at a new deal.

"My dream is to retire a Bear," Briggs said. "And I know that I will retire a Bear."

More signings: The Giants signed OT Sean Locklear. Last season, his eighth, he appeared in eight games for the Redskins. … The Broncos signed DT Justin Bannan. Last season, his 11th, he started 14 games for the Rams.

Soccer

Pele: Messi not the best, now or then

Pele says Lionel Messi isn't the best player in the world today — much less of all time. Pele said 20-year-old Brazilian striker Neymar is better than the Argentina forward and reiterated he doesn't think Messi belongs in the conversation about who is the best ever. That debate has long centered around Brazil's Pele and Argentina's Diego Maradona, but many have started including Messi after a series of outstanding performances with Barcelona. … The MLS All-Stars will play Chelsea in an exhibition on July 25. … Shaun Maloney scored as host Wigan ended Manchester United's eight-game win streak, 1-0.

Autos

Scott, Wallace lead Hall nominees

Wendell Scott, the first black driver to race full time in NASCAR, and Rusty Wallace, eighth all time with 55 wins, are among the new nominees for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Also nominated: Anne Bledsoe France, wife of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. and NASCAR's first treasurer; engine builder Ray Fox; and sponsor executive Ralph Seagraves.

IRL: James Hinchcliffe and Sebastien Bourdais will start 10 places behind where they qualify for Sunday's Grand Prix of Long Beach as a penalty for unapproved engine changes.

Unser Jr. plea: Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser Jr. pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated and racing on a New Mexico freeway. A judge deferred a 90-day jail sentence in lieu of 364 days of supervised probation.

Nationwide: Trevor Bayne will not run in Friday's race at Texas Motor Speedway because Roush Fenway Racing failed to find a sponsor.

Et cetera

Tennis: Serena Williams, but not sister Venus, will play for the United States in the Fed Cup at Ukraine on April 21-22. Christina McHale, Sloane Stephens and Liezel Huber also will play for the Americans, who must win to avoid being relegated.

Horses: Two Bob Baffert-trained horses, were made the favorites for Saturday's $1 million Arkansas Derby in Hot Springs. Bodemeister was listed at 9-5, Secret Circle at 5-2. … Hansen was made the 6-5 favorite for Saturday's Blue Grass Stakes in Lexington, Ky.

Times wires

Times wires
Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Yankees 6, Orioles 4

10 innings

BALTIMORE — Nick Swisher hit a two-run homer in the 10th, and New York earned its second straight extra-inning win to finish a three-game sweep. Curtis Granderson homered and drove in three runs for the Yankees, who won consecutive extra-inning road games for the first time since July 16-17, 2001, at Philadelphia, according to STATS LLC.

Times wires
Wednesday, April 11, 2012

PITTSBURGH — Jakub Voracek beat Marc-Andre Fleury from in close 2:23 into overtime to give the Flyers a 4-3 comeback victory over the Penguins on Wednesday night in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.

Fleury stopped Matt Read's shot from the corner, but Voracek beat the Penguins' Jordan Staal to the rebound to cap a furious Flyers rally from a 3-0 deficit.

"'It was a lucky bounce for me, but I'll take it," Voracek said after scoring his first career playoff goal.

Philadelphia led the league in the regular season with 20 victories when the opponent jumped in front. It has trailed 2-0 in eight of its past 13 games.

"It's not going to keep happening," the Flyers' Daniel Briere, who scored twice, said of his team's comebacks. "We got away with it (Wednesday)."

The Flyers are the third team since 1985 to rally from a three-goal deficit on the road in Game 1 of a playoff series, the Elias Sports Bureau said. The other two lost their series.

Sidney Crosby, Tyler Kennedy and Pascal Dupuis scored for the Penguins in the first period, and Fleury stopped 22 shots, but Pittsburgh struggled after dominating the first period.

"We got away from our game, that's really what it was," Crosby said. "We've got to fix the things that need to be fixed here. We made too many mistakes."

The Flyers were "in shock" after Kennedy's goal made it 2-0 at 7:49 of the first, said Philadelphia center Brayden Schenn, whose power-play goal in the third tied the score at 3.

"Sitting here after the first period, we were saying we've done it all year, let's start with a goal," Briere said.

Briere's breakaway midway through the second period gave the Flyers life. He pulled Philadelphia within one midway through the third before Schenn tied it on the Flyers' only power play of the night.

Philadelphia defenseman Marc-Andre Bourdon left the game with an upper-body injury and was day to day.

predators 3, red wings 2: Gabriel Bourque scored two goals in his postseason debut for the host Predators in the teams' West opener. The first big disciplinary debate of the postseason began when, in the game's waning seconds, Nashville defenseman Shea Weber attempted to punch Detroit wing Henrik Zetterberg in the head while in a scrum in the corner and missed, but then slammed Zetterberg's head into the glass. Nashville coach Barry Trotz said Weber got hit first and there was "nothing much there." The Red Wings lost center Darren Helm when he was cut on the right arm in the first period. He was taken to a hospital and had surgery, coach Mike Babcock said.

canucks-kings: Vancouver's Daniel Sedin missed Game 1 of the West series because of a concussion. He didn't take part in the morning skate and, unlike Tuesday, didn't practice with the extra players.

lightning: Center Nate Thompson and wing J.T. Brown will play for the United States at the world championship May 4-20, and wing Teddy Purcell will play for Canada.

around the league: Avalanche coach Joe Sacco got a two-year contract extension, a week after the team missed the playoffs for the second straight year. Sacco is 114-109-23 over three seasons, mostly with a young, rebuilding team. … The Wild, which hasn't made the playoffs since 2008, is working on a contract extension for general manager Chuck Fletcher, owner Craig Leipold said.

First Period—1, Pittsburgh, Crosby 1 (Dupuis, Letang), 3:43. 2, Pittsburgh, Kennedy 1 (Staal, Letang), 7:49. 3, Pittsburgh, Dupuis 1 (Sullivan, Crosby), 19:23. Penalties—None.

Second Period—4, Philadelphia, Briere 1 (Schenn), 6:22. Penalties—Giroux, Phi (boarding), 3:04; Rinaldo, Phi (cross-checking), 10:06.

Third Period—5, Philadelphia, Briere 2 (Schenn), 9:17. 6, Philadelphia, Schenn 1 (Hartnell, Jagr), 12:23 (pp). Penalties—Jagr, Phi (interference), 1:49; Orpik, Pit (interference), 10:41. First Overtime—7, Philadelphia, Voracek 1 (Carle, Read), 2:23. Penalties—None. Shots on Goal—Philadelphia 6-7-11-2—26. Pittsburgh 13-10-5-0—28. Power-play opportunities—Philadelphia 1 of 1; Pittsburgh 0 of 3. Goalies—Philadelphia, Bryzgalov 1-0-0 (28 shots-25 saves). Pittsburgh, Fleury 0-1-0 (26-22).

First Period—1, Nashville, Gaustad 1 (Yip, Bouillon), 6:59. Penalties—Yip, Nas (roughing), 1:59; Franzen, Det (roughing), 3:32; Bourque, Nas (boarding), 8:50; Emmerton, Det (interference), 12:10; Ericsson, Det (tripping), 16:20; Abdelkader, Det (high-sticking), 17:06.

Second Period—2, Detroit, Zetterberg 1, 2:29 (pp). 3, Nashville, Bourque 1 (Halischuk), 12:29. Penalties—Josi, Nas (cross-checking), 1:10; Zetterberg, Det (tripping), 4:23; Quincey, Det (holding), 9:28; Erat, Nas (roughing), 13:50; Hornqvist, Nas (high-sticking), 19:54.

Third Period—4, Nashville, Bourque 2 (Spaling, Hornqvist), 11:35. 5, Detroit, Holmstrom 1 (Quincey, V.Filppula), 17:53 (pp). Penalties—Hudler, Det (diving), 5:06; Josi, Nas (hooking), 5:06; Hillen, Nas (interference), 14:52; Suter, Nas (slashing), 16:08; Erat, Nas (holding), 19:37; Weber, Nas (roughing), 20:00. Shots on Goal—Detroit 5-16-16—37. Nashville 13-6-7—26. Power-play opportunities—Detroit 2 of 8; Nashville 0 of 6. Goalies—Detroit, Howard 0-1-0 (26 shots-23 saves). Nashville, Rinne 1-0-0 (37-35).

Times wires
Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Braves 6, Astros 3

HOUSTON — Jason Heyward homered and drove in two runs, David Ross hit a two-run double in his 2012 debut and Atlanta won its second straight. Ross, the backup catcher, drove in Chipper Jones and Dan Uggla with a double to center in the fourth.

Times wires
Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Mariners 4, Rangers 3

ARLINGTON, Texas — Former Ray John Jaso had an RBI single with two outs in the ninth to cap a three-run rally off new Texas closer Joe Nathan, lifting Seattle over the two-time defending AL champs. Jaso, the No. 9 hitter playing his first game this season, had a leadoff triple in the eighth and scored the Mariners' first run on Dustin Ackley's single. His liner up the middle scored Michael Saunders in the ninth.

Times staff
Thursday, April 12, 2012

Lighting center Nate Thompson and wing J.T. Brown will play for the United States at the world championship May 4-20 in Sweden and Finland, and wing Teddy Purcell will play for Canada.

Thompson and Brown make their world tournament debut. Their teammates named so far include forwards Paul Stastny of the Avalanche, Bobby Ryan of the Ducks and Max Pacioretty of the Canadiens, and defensemen Alex Goligoski of the Stars and Jack Johnson of the Blue Jackets.

Purcell's teammates include forwards Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry of the Ducks, John Tavares of the Islanders, Jeff Skinner of the Hurricanes and Evander Kane of the Jets, and goalie Cam Ward of the Hurricanes.

Times wires
Thursday, April 12, 2012

Rockies 17, Giants 8

DENVER — Carlos Gonzalez tripled twice as 11 of the Rockies' 22 hits went for extra bases. Through five innings, Colorado had 16 runs and was batting .625 (20-for-32).