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NHL quarterfinal playoff preview: Panthers-Devils

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Times wires
Thursday, April 12, 2012

EASTERN CONFERENCE

(3) Florida Panthers vs. (6) New Jersey Devils

When/where: 7; BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise

TV: NHL Network

Season series: 2-2

Watch for: Florida's strength is defense, with Brian Campbell anchoring a deep unit. On his third team in as many years and fourth since he left the Canadiens in 2006, goalie Jose Theodore is having his best season in a decade (22 wins, 2.46 GAA, .917 save percentage). … A year after signing a 15-year, $100 million contract, Ilya Kovalchuk led the Devils in points (83) and goals (37). At 39, future Hall of Fame goalie Martin Brodeur is still more than capable. But he hasn't led the Devils to a playoff series win since 2007.


Three share lead at Hilton Head

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Times wires
Thursday, April 12, 2012

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. — Chad Campbell used a fast start, and Vaughn Taylor and Colt Knost had strong finishes to share the first-round lead at 4-under 67 in the RBC Heritage on Thursday.

Campbell birdied four of his first seven holes, Knost birdied three of his last five, and Taylor holed out from the fairway for a closing eagle on the par-4 ninth hole at Harbour Town Golf Links.

Jim Furyk, the PGA Tour event's 2010 winner, was in a group of four a stroke back. Forty-two players, including John Daly in his second tour event this year, were at par or better.

Masters winner Bubba Watson took the week off, as did most players ranked in the world's top 20. World No. 1-ranked Luke Donald opened with 4-over 75. He has to finish in the top eight or surrender the ranking to No. 2 Rory McIlroy next week.

Campbell had a first-round lead for the first time since the 2009 Masters. He has missed five cuts in nine tournaments this year. "I haven't felt like I've been that far off," Campbell said. "But the results haven't been good at all."

europe: Charl Schwartzel, the 2011 Masters champion, shot 8-under 64 for a one-stroke lead after the first round of the Malaysian Open at Kuala Lumpur. Jeev Milkha Singh was one back, and in a group of three two shots back was Louis Oosthuizen, who lost the Masters to Bubba Watson in a playoff Sunday.

clarke marries: Darren Clarke, who won last year's British Open, said he married fiancee Alison Campbell in a small beach ceremony in the Bahamas. Clarke, 43, has credited her with putting his life "back on track" after first wife, Heather, died from breast cancer in 2006.

Damon, 38, set to joinstruggling Cleveland

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Times wires
Thursday, April 12, 2012

CLEVELAND — The Indians agreed to a contract with OF/DH Johnny Damon on Thursday, ESPN.com and the Associated Press reported.

Damon, 38, sent a text message to the Associated Press saying the deal "should be done soon."

ESPN.com reported it will be a one-year deal with a base salary of $1.25 million and includes incentive bonuses of $1.4 million based on plate appearances.

The Indians are hitting just .176, which entered Thursday as the worst in the majors. And they are without CF Grady Sizemore, who had back surgery last month and is not eligible to come off the 60-day DL until June 3.

Damon still must pass a physical. And because he was not with a team during spring training, his debut hasn't been determined.

In 150 games (135 as DH) last year for the Rays, Damon hit .261 with 16 homers and 73 RBIs. He is 277 hits from 3,000.

A career .286 hitter, Damon also has played for the Royals, A's, Red Sox, Yankees and Tigers.

Moyer faces pitcher more than half his age

DENVER — Rockies LHP Jamie Moyer, 49, took the mound against a Giants pitcher who wasn't born when he made his major-league debut in 1986.

In facing LHP Madison Bumgarner, 22, there was an age difference of 26 years and 256 days, the largest since Satchel Paige of the Kansas City A's faced Boston's Bill Monbouquette on Sept. 25, 1965, and the third largest since 1900, according to STATS LLC.

"It's incredible when you're looking out there and seeing a 49-year-old man competing in the big leagues," said Giants manager Bruce Bochy, who played against Moyer during the 1980s. "When they're taking the field, he's the first one on the mound, waiting for the catcher. He's the first one. He just keeps going."

Moyer failed for the second time to become the oldest pitcher to win a game, losing 4-2. He's trying to surpass Jack Quinn of the Brooklyn Dodgers, who won on Sept. 13, 1932, when he was 49 years, 70 days old. Moyer was 49 years, 146 days old on Thursday.

"I focus on what I need to do," Moyer said. "And I feel as long as my teammates are giving the best effort, I really can't complain. And I feel like they're giving a great effort."

Burrell's retirement plan: Former Phillies OF Pat Burrell will sign a one-day minor-league contract and retire with the organization. He will officially retire in May and be honored May 19. Burrell spent one-plus season with the Rays and won a World Series with the Giants in 2010.

Angels: LH reliever Scott Downs left in the seventh and is day to day after rolling his right ankle. He was covering first base when Twins CF Denard Span stepped on his foot.

Astros: SS Jed Lowrie, who hasn't played this season due to a sprained right thumb, is set to come off the DL today.

Cardinals: 1B Lance Berkman is day to day with a strained left calf. An MRI exam showed no significant damage for Berkman, who was hurt legging out a triple Tuesday.

Mets: 3B David Wright has been cleared to play by a hand specialist who examined his broken right pinkie. Wright sat out Tuesday and Wednesday after learning he broke his finger while diving back to a base Monday. The team said his status will be determined just before today's game.

Nationals: LF Michael Morse will be shut down for about six weeks after aggravating the injured back muscle that put him on the DL. GM Mike Rizzo said surgery is not an option as Morse will need to rest before resuming rehabilitation. Rizzo added Morse's setback will not affect OF Bryce Harper's timetable for making it to the majors. The 19-year-old, considered baseball's top prospect, is at Triple A.

Royals: CF Lorenzo Cain went on the DL with a left groin strain. He was hurt when he bumped into the wall chasing a fly ball Tuesday.

Repentant UCF meets NCAA today

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Times wires
Thursday, April 12, 2012

ORLANDO — Officials from UCF will be in Indianapolis today for a hearing with the NCAA to determine whether the school's self-imposed penalties are sufficient after an investigation into major recruiting violations within its football and basketball programs.

The UCF delegation that includes president John Hitt and new athletics director Todd Stansbury will appear before the Committee on Infractions two months after implementing penalties in response to allegations the Knights were involved with runners for sports agents, and payments and gifts to recruits.

UCF's self-imposed sanctions include: three years of probation, vacation of all men's basketball wins for 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11, reducing its scholarships by one each of the next two years in basketball, and the reduction of recruiting days by basketball and football coaches.

UCF spokesman Grant Heston released a statement that expressed optimism about the meeting. "UCF has worked with the NCAA transparently and collaboratively, enhanced our athletics compliance efforts and self-imposed significant penalties," the statement said.

The NCAA, which won't comment on open cases, typically takes at least two months after a hearing to render a decision.

Football

Apologetic Petrino: Former Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino apologized in text messages sent to a series of athletic department employees, including AD Jeff Long, after the revelation of his affair and the presence of his former mistress during the motorcycle accident that led to his downfall. Petrino told Long he appreciated how he handled the news conference in which Petrino was put on paid leave, and wrote: "I'm at your disposal and will do whatever it takes to keep you in my camp and remain your coach." A day after he was put on leave, Petrino asks assistant AD Chris Wyrick: "Is the mood to fire me or to keep me???"

Basketball

UF hires Assistant: Gators coach Billy Donovan hired Manhattan assistant Rashon Burno to replace Norm Roberts, who is now an assistant at Kansas.

USF visitor: Kore White, a 6-foot-8, 245-pound power forward who would be a graduate transfer from Florida Atlantic, will visit this weekend. White, who is also considering DePaul, LaSalle and Florida Gulf Coast, would be eligible immediately.

Majerus stays: Saint Louis coach Rick Majerus, who has permission to talk with Southern Methodist, said he is not interested in the Mustangs job, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.

Colorado State: Larry Eustachy, who rebuilt his reputation over eight years at Southern Miss after photos of him partying with students led to his downfall at Iowa State, agreed to a five-year incentive-laced deal with the Rams. His base salary is $500,000.

Michigan State: Center Derrick Nix has been reinstated after pleading guilty to a charge of impaired driving, and he will remain with the team as long as he meets certain conditions, coach Tom Izzo said.

Times staff writers Greg Auman and Antonya English contributed to this report.

Blanton's strong debut lifts Phils

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Times wires
Thursday, April 12, 2012

PHILADELPHIA — Joe Blanton pitched seven solid innings to help the Phillies defeat the Marlins 3-1 on Thursday.

The righty, 31, allowed three hits and one run in his first start after an injured-plagued 2011, which included two stints on the DL for a sore elbow and 11 games (eight starts).

"It's fun just to be back out there and not have anything weighing on my mind," said Blanton, who earned his first win since May 9, also against the Marlins. "By the end of the spring, I had a feeling my stuff was pretty good. I wanted to get back to who I was and keep the ball down in the zone."

Miami's Mark Buehrle retired the first nine batters before Shane Victorino led off the fourth with a shot to left, only Philadelphia's third home run of the season.

Ty Wigginton hit No. 4 in the seventh to make it 3-1.

"I was making good pitches. They just hit the ball hard and a few got in there," Buehrle said. "But I threw well, and I thought my location was there."

Miami is 0-2 without manager Ozzie Guillen, who was suspended five games by the team for saying he admired Cuban dictator Fidel Castro.

Sports in brief

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Times wires
Thursday, April 12, 2012

NFL

Vitt, still to serve suspension, named saints interim coach

NEW ORLEANS — The Saints on Thursday named Joe Vitt interim coach, despite the top assistant's six-game suspension for his role in the club's bounty system. The team had to find a one-season replacement for head coach Sean Payton, whose seasonlong suspension in connection with the bounty scandal begins Monday.

Vitt will oversee the offseason training program and training camp then step aside for the first six games of the regular season. The Saints did not say what their plans will be while Vitt is suspended.

The NFL said it played no role in the decision.

more football: The Bengals traded LB Keith Rivers to the Giants for a fifth-round draft pick, ending a four-year stay in Cincinnati marred by frequent injuries. … The Steelers will keep two free agents, agreeing to terms with WR Jerricho Cotchery and OL Trai Essex. … Seahawks LBs Leroy Hill and Matt McCoy re-signed.

et cetera

tennis: Qualifier Michael Russell beat ailing top seed Mardy Fish 6-3, 6-1 in the second round of the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship in Houston. Fish, ranked ninth in the world, was playing for the first time since pulling out of Davis Cup competition against France for what he called a health issue. "What happened a couple of weeks ago scared me," he said. "Obviously, I'm not over it." Fish wasn't certain about his next move, saying he would talk with his family. No. 2 seed John Isner had 16 aces in a 6-7 (7-3), 6-4, 6-2 win over Horacio Zeballosa. Isner won 76 percent of his first serves.

horses: Groupie Doll rallied from the middle of the pack to win the $300,000 Grade 1 Vinery Madison Stakes at Keeneland, covering 7 furlongs in 1:23.76. Favored Musical Romance finished fourth.

olympics: Former Olympic gold medalist and TNA Wrestling star Kurt Angle, 43, ended his Olympic quest, pulling out of next week's U.S. team trials in Iowa because of hamstring and knee injuries. He planned to compete for a freestyle spot. "I feel like it was a waste of time," said Angle, who while training Monday partially tore the MCL in his right knee. "Here I am, at the 11:30 hour, and I get the worst injury I've gotten in the last year.''

soccer: Liverpool released director of football Damien Comolli. It has spent $183 million on players since Comolli joined in November 2010 but is eighth in the Premier League and will fail for the third straight year to qualify for the Champions League.

cycling: Time trial world champion and Olympic medal favorite Tony Martin broke his cheekbone and jaw when he was hit by a car during a training ride near his Swiss home. Martin was in stable condition and may need surgery. It's not clear when he can resume riding.

Times wires

Kirk Triplett makes Champions Tour debut today in Encompass Insurance Pro-Am

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By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, April 12, 2012

LUTZ — Kirk Triplett makes his Champions Tour debut today. Triplett won three times in his PGA Tour career, the last time in 2006. He spent the past few years playing in select PGA and Nationwide Tour tournaments to stay sharp.

"I come to every tournament to try and win it," Triplett said Thursday.

One of the main differences between the Champions Tour and the PGA Tour is the competition, Triplett said. The senior tour is filled with players from his past.

"My wife texted me, and I said, 'This is really weird,' " Triplett said. "It's like being in a time machine."

Triplett said he hopes to have more success than he did on the main tour.

"I had a few wins … but it's not like I was a world beater or anything," Triplett said. "I was just a nice, consistent player. I'm looking to build on that and hopefully break through some barriers that I couldn't break through on the regular tour.

"But these guys were beating me 20 years ago, so I'll have to do something different or it's going to turn out the same way."

Huston makes local debut: Palm Harbor resident John Huston not only plays in his first Champions Tour event at TPC Tampa Bay today, he'll do it with a new long putter. After months of not putting well, Huston decided this week was the time to change.

"I had to do something," Huston said. "It's no fun if you aren't putting well."

Huston, who joined the tour in June 2011, is not off to the best of starts this season. His best finish is a tie for eighth at the Toshiba Classic in mid March. He has one tour win, the Dick's Sporting Goods Open in 2011. It was his third tour event.

He pins the poor play on putting. Hence, the equipment change.

"I've putted pretty good so far, but I haven't done it in a tournament yet," Huston said. "It's better, but I have to see if I can do it when I really want to."

Price plays through pain: Nick Price, who won at TPC Tampa Bay in 2009, has had tennis elbow for most of this season. He has only one top 10 finish and is playing through pain.

"Thank God for (pain relievers) or I'd be benched right now," Price said. "I seem to slip into these bad habits.

"When I start taking deep divots, you might not want to go anywhere near the bookie. But when I start taking nice, shallow divots, that's when I start playing well."

Bryant Gives Back: Brad Bryant and his wife, Sue, have started a program called the Uniting Hearts Fund to provide money for couples wishing to adopt orphaned children.

Bryant, who has an adopted child, said he will donate 10 percent of his winnings this season to the fund. So far, that total is $18,000.

"I'm going to be able to play golf for other people," Bryant said. "I'm really looking forward to that."

Bluegrass pairing: The most interesting pairing for the tournament is Kenny Perry and Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino. Perry is a die-hard Kentucky fan.

Sharks win in 2 OT; Bruins, Rangers on top

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Times wires
Thursday, April 12, 2012

ST. LOUIS — The Sharks did what they had to Thursday night to show that maybe their regular-season struggles against the Blues don't matter anymore.

Martin Havlat scored his second goal of the game 3:34 into the second overtime, giving the Sharks a 3-2 victory in Game 1 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series Thursday night.

St. Louis swept the regular-season series between the teams 4-0.

After the Blues' Kevin Shattenkirk failed to get clear his zone, Havlat got a pass in the high slot from Ryane Clowe and fired a one-timer past Jaroslav Halak.

Andrew Desjardins tied it for San Jose with 5:16 left in regulation, banging in a one-timer from the slot from Tommy Wingels. Dan Boyle had two assists, and Antti Niemi made 40 saves for San Jose.

Patrik Berglund scored his first two career playoff goals in the third period for the Blues, the No. 2 seed in the West.

The Blues were in control most of the first overtime, reeling off nine shots in a row at one point, but Niemi stopped all 14 shots that reached him.

Bruins 1, Capitals O OT: Chris Kelly scored on a long slap shot 1:18 into overtime and the defending Stanley Cup champion Bruins beat the visiting Capitals 1-0 in the opener of their East quarterfinal. "Goalies are so good now I think the days of going down the wing and beating a goalie are long gone," said Kelly, who thought the shot deflected off a defenseman's stick. "So I was pleasantly surprised to see it go in." In goal for Washington was rookie Braden Holtby, making his playoff debut because of injuries to Washington's top two goalies. He had 29 saves. "He was nervous," Washington captain Alex Ovechkin said, "but once he made the first save, he calmed down."

Rangers 4, Senators 2: Marian Gaborik and Brian Boyle scored minutes apart in the second period to break open a tight game shortly after a New York timeout. The host Rangers were nursing a one-goal lead on a Rob Callahan goal when coach John Tortorella used his lone timeout after back-to-back icings. "We wanted to stop slapping the puck around," Tortorella said. "We kept smacking it back to them." The Rangers calmed down after that, Callahan said.

coyotes-Blackhawks: Chicago center Jonathan Toews, who missed the final 22 games of the regular season because of a concussion, played in Game 1 of the West series.

More playoffs: Canucks forward Byron Bitz was suspended for two games for boarding Kings forward Kyle Clifford in Game 1 of their West series. Bitz was given a major penalty and a game misconduct. Clifford stayed on the bench for a while, then left and did not return. … Predators defenseman Shea Weber was fined $2,500, the maximum allowed under the collective bargaining agreement, for slamming Red Wings center Henrik Zetterberg's head against the glass at the end of Game 1 of their West series. Zetterberg wasn't hurt, which factored into the penalty decision, the league said. … The Red Wings will be without center Darren Helm for the rest of the playoffs after surgery to repair tendon damage in his right arm. He was sliced by the left skate of Nashville wing Alexander Radulov in the first period Wednesday. … Linesman Tony Sericolo made a mistake in not whistling the play dead for offside before Daniel Briere's first goal in Game 1 of the Penguins-Flyers series, NHL executive Colin Campbell said. "We're as upset as Pittsburgh, almost," Campbell said. The Flyers were down 3-0 at the time; they won 4-3 in overtime. The Penguins said after the game the missed called wasn't the reason they lost. … The Kings apologized for making a playful jab on their Twitter account after their 4-2 win over the Canucks in Game 1 of their West series late Wednesday. The post said: "To everyone in Canada outside of BC (British Columbia), you're welcome."

around the league: The Flames and coach Brent Sutter parted company amicably, the sides said. Calgary didn't make the playoffs in Sutter's three seasons. Sutter told Canada's TSN TV network the sides had different views of the team's direction.

Sharks011013
at Blues002002

First PeriodNone. PenaltiesNone.

Second Period1, San Jose, Havlat 1 (Boyle, Clowe), 6:02 (pp). PenaltiesPerron, StL (slashing), 4:23; Demers, SJ (interference), 9:40; Backes, StL (interference), 14:33; Galiardi, SJ (interference), 16:54.

Third Period2, St. Louis, Berglund 1 (Shattenkirk, Steen), :54. 3, St. Louis, Berglund 2 (McDonald, Russell), 7:28 (pp). 4, San Jose, Desjardins 1 (Wingels, Boyle), 14:44. PenaltiesMitchell, SJ (unsportsmanlike conduct), 4:23; Berglund, StL (roughing), 4:23; Havlat, SJ (tripping), 6:31; Huskins, StL (hooking), 8:23. First OvertimeNone. PenaltiesNone. Second Overtime5, San Jose, Havlat 2 (Clowe, Couture), 3:34. PenaltiesNone. Shots on GoalSan Jose 4-9-10-8-3—34. St. Louis 7-13-8-14-0—42. Power-play opportunitiesSan Jose 1 of 3; St. Louis 1 of 3. GoaliesSan Jose, Niemi 1-0-0 (42 shots-40 saves). St. Louis, Halak 0-1-0 (34-31).

at Bruins00011
Capitals00000

First PeriodNone. PenaltiesKrejci, Bos (boarding), 12:54; Beagle, Was, double minor (high-sticking), 18:27.

Second PeriodNone. PenaltiesBrouwer, Was (delay of game), 2:29; Carlson, Was (roughing), 12:18; Krejci, Bos (roughing), 12:18; Holtby, Was, served by Johansson (roughing), 12:42.

Third PeriodNone. PenaltiesChara, Bos (cross-checking), 3:12. First Overtime1, Boston, Kelly 1 (Pouliot, Rolston), 1:18. PenaltiesNone. Shots on GoalWashington 5-2-9-1—17. Boston 9-17-3-1—30. Power-play opportunitiesWashington 0 of 2; Boston 0 of 4. GoaliesWashington, Holtby 0-1-0 (30 shots-29 saves). Boston, Thomas 1-0-0 (17-17).

at Rangers1214
Senators0022

First Period1, N.Y. Rangers, Callahan 1 (Stralman, Anisimov), 12:01. PenaltiesKuba, Ott (holding), 4:00; Prust, NYR (tripping), 8:11; Bickel, NYR (cross-checking), 15:13; Karlsson, Ott (roughing), 15:31; Boyle, NYR (roughing), 15:31.

Second Period2, N.Y. Rangers, Gaborik 1, 16:24. 3, N.Y. Rangers, Boyle 1 (Anisimov, Girardi), 19:06. PenaltiesMcDonagh, NYR (tripping), 12:56; Kuba, Ott (hooking), 16:53.

Third Period4, N.Y. Rangers, Richards 1 (Hagelin), 2:15. 5, Ottawa, Alfredsson 1 (Spezza, Michalek), 10:05. 6, Ottawa, Condra 1 (Foligno, Turris), 17:41. PenaltiesNeil, Ott, misconduct, 2:51; Rupp, NYR, misconduct, 2:51; Smith, Ott (slashing), 7:44; Smith, Ott (delay of game), 12:04. Shots on GoalOttawa 13-11-8—32. N.Y. Rangers 8-12-11—31. Power-play opportunitiesOttawa 0 of 3; N.Y. Rangers 0 of 4. GoaliesOttawa, Anderson 0-1-0 (31 shots-27 saves). N.Y. Rangers, Lundqvist 1-0-0 (32-30).

EASTERN CONFERENCE

(3) Florida Panthers vs. (6) New Jersey Devils

When/where:

TV:

Season series:

Watch for:


Bulls improve East edge, top Heat in OT

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Times wires
Thursday, April 12, 2012

CHICAGO — C.J. Watson scored 16, including the tying 3-pointer at the end of regulation, and the Bulls, despite a poor shooting night from returning star Derrick Rose, pulled away in overtime to beat the Heat 96-86 Thursday night.

Carlos Boozer scored 19 to lead the Bulls, who outscored Miami 12-2 in overtime to boost their lead in the Eastern Conference to four games over Miami and maintain the best record in the league (45-14).

LeBron James scored 30 for Miami but missed a free throw that would have made it a two-possession game late in regulation. Dwyane Wade added 21 points, but missed a shot at the end of regulation as the Heat lost for the sixth time in 11 games.

Rose scored just two points and hit 1 of 13 shots. He returned from a 12-game absence (groin) Sunday only to sprain his right ankle and sit out Tuesday.

Before the game, Wade praised the Bulls: "Yeah, we're the Eastern Conference champs, and you have to knock down the champs, but at the same time we're still chasing a team who has gotten better from last year, a team who is the best in the NBA right now.''

Pride will do for Wade: The Heat's Wade said money is not his motivation for the London Games. In a statement, the guard tried to clarify his remarks from Wednesday, "I do not want to be paid to go to the Olympics." He had been quoted as saying he believes "guys should be compensated" and noted the Olympic schedule demands. He said he was responding to a question about Olympians being paid and never said he needed to be paid. Wade tweeted Thursday that pride for his country "motivates me more than any $$$ amount."

Love's status uncertain: Timberwolves All-Star Kevin Love sat out against the Clippers, and coach Rick Adelman said it was too soon to tell if Love would return this season. Love was to have further evaluation after spending the night in a Denver hospital. He suffered a mild concussion and a neck strain when Nuggets forward JaVale McGee elbowed him in the head Wednesday.

Kings Arena Saga: About two dozen of Sacramento's most powerful business leaders asked commissioner David Stern and league owners to "strongly encourage" the Maloof family to sell the Kings so a deal for a new arena can proceed.

Game highlights: Blake Griffin had 19 points and 13 rebounds, and Mo Williams had 14 points and five assists in his return from a sprained big toe as the visiting Clippers beat the Timberwolves 95-82. … Tim Duncan had 28 points and 12 rebounds as the host Spurs topped the Grizzlies 107-97.

Around the league: Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge will have surgery on his right hip and miss the rest of the season.

Bulls 96, Heat 86 OT

MIAMI (86): L.James 11-24 5-7 30, Bosh 8-16 4-6 20, Haslem 2-2 0-0 4, Chalmers 2-7 0-1 4, Wade 10-21 1-2 21, Miller 1-9 0-0 3, Battier 1-2 0-0 2, Turiaf 0-0 0-0 0, Anthony 1-1 0-0 2. Totals 36-82 10-16 86.

CHICAGO (96): Deng 6-13 1-4 16, Boozer 9-19 1-2 19, Noah 1-3 3-4 5, Rose 1-13 0-0 2, Hamilton 3-6 0-0 7, Watson 6-10 2-4 16, Gibson 4-9 3-3 11, Asik 0-2 0-0 0, Brewer 1-2 1-2 3, Korver 6-8 0-0 17, Butler 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 37-86 11-19 96.

Miami 22 19 21 22 2— 86

Chicago 19 17 24 24 12— 96

3-Point GoalsMiami 4-11 (L.James 3-6, Miller 1-3, Chalmers 0-1, Bosh 0-1), Chicago 11-22 (Korver 5-6, Deng 3-5, Watson 2-5, Hamilton 1-2, Brewer 0-1, Rose 0-3). Fouled OutGibson. ReboundsMiami 55 (Turiaf, Bosh 8), Chicago 54 (Boozer 11). AssistsMiami 17 (L.James 5), Chicago 26 (Watson 9). Total FoulsMiami 16, Chicago 15. A23,015 (20,917).

Clippers 95, Wolves 82

L.A. CLIPPERS (95): Butler 6-13 0-0 17, Griffin 9-16 1-5 19, Jordan 2-4 0-0 4, Paul 3-8 1-1 8, Foye 4-14 0-0 11, Martin 4-4 0-0 8, Young 3-11 3-4 10, M.Williams 6-11 0-0 14, Bledsoe 2-8 0-0 4, Evans 0-0 0-0 0, Thompkins 0-1 0-0 0, Simmons 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 39-91 5-10 95.

MINNESOTA (82): Johnson 1-6 2-2 4, D.Williams 1-7 1-2 4, Pekovic 6-12 5-8 17, Barea 4-9 0-0 10, Webster 3-8 3-3 10, Beasley 6-15 2-4 14, Randolph 7-12 2-3 16, Lee 2-6 0-0 5, Tolliver 1-2 0-0 2. Totals 31-77 15-22 82.

L.A. Clippers 21 26 26 22— 95

Minnesota 26 22 20 14— 82

3-Point GoalsClippers 12-31 (Butler 5-8, Foye 3-8, M.Williams 2-4, Paul 1-2, Young 1-5, Simmons 0-1, Bledsoe 0-3), Minnesota 5-21 (Barea 2-4, Lee 1-3, D.Williams 1-3, Webster 1-4, Tolliver 0-1, Beasley 0-3, Johnson 0-3). Fouled OutNone. Rebounds Clippers 55 (Griffin 13), Minnesota 55 (Beasley 10). AssistsClippers 22 (Paul 8), Minnesota 20 (Barea 11). Total FoulsClippers 22, Minnesota 12. TechnicalsClippers Bench, Minnesota Coach Adelman. A16,016.

Pistons 109, Bobcats 85

DETROIT (109): Prince 3-14 0-0 6, Maxiell 8-8 1-2 17, Monroe 11-14 3-4 25, Knight 8-12 2-2 21, Stuckey 2-7 5-5 9, Wallace 0-1 0-0 0, Jerebko 2-6 1-2 5, Gordon 1-3 6-6 9, Bynum 4-6 0-0 9, Wilkins 3-5 0-0 6, Villanueva 1-4 0-0 2, Russell Jr. 0-1 0-0 0, Daye 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 43-82 18-21 109.

CHARLOTTE (85): Brown 6-11 0-0 13, Mullens 2-5 1-2 6, Biyombo 3-8 3-4 9, Augustin 4-10 4-5 13, Henderson 4-9 0-2 8, White 5-9 2-2 12, Walker 3-8 2-2 9, Carroll 1-3 0-0 3, Williams 3-5 0-0 7, Diop 0-1 0-0 0, Higgins 0-1 5-6 5. Totals 31-70 17-23 85.

Detroit 22 30 40 17— 109

Charlotte 18 22 22 23— 85

3-Point GoalsDetroit 5-13 (Knight 3-4, Bynum 1-1, Gordon 1-2, Stuckey 0-2, Villanueva 0-2, Prince 0-2), Charlotte 6-11 (Carroll 1-1, Williams 1-1, Brown 1-1, Mullens 1-2, Augustin 1-3, Walker 1-3). Fouled OutNone. ReboundsDetroit 51 (Monroe 11), Charlotte 36 (Mullens 6). AssistsDetroit 28 (Stuckey, Knight 7), Charlotte 22 (Augustin 5). Total FoulsDetroit 25, Charlotte 15. A10,828.

Spurs 107, Grizzlies 97

MEMPHIS (97): Gay 7-22 5-7 19, Speights 5-10 5-5 15, Gasol 5-8 4-6 14, Conley 4-12 2-2 11, Pondexter 1-3 0-0 2, Randolph 4-10 2-2 10, Mayo 5-9 3-5 16, Arenas 3-6 0-0 6, Cunningham 2-5 0-0 4, Pargo 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 36-85 21-27 97.

SAN ANTONIO (107): Leonard 2-5 2-2 6, Duncan 10-15 8-11 28, Blair 1-3 0-0 2, Parker 5-12 3-5 13, Green 3-9 2-2 10, Bonner 3-8 0-0 7, Ginobili 4-9 11-11 20, Jackson 2-5 0-0 5, Splitter 2-2 0-0 4, Neal 3-5 0-0 7, Diaw 2-3 0-0 5. Totals 37-76 26-31 107.

Memphis 21 28 25 23— 97

San Antonio 27 18 37 25— 107

3-Point GoalsMemphis 4-19 (Mayo 3-4, Conley 1-5, Randolph 0-1, Cunningham 0-1, Speights 0-1, Pondexter 0-1, Arenas 0-3, Gay 0-3), San Antonio 7-20 (Green 2-5, Neal 1-1, Diaw 1-1, Jackson 1-2, Ginobili 1-4, Bonner 1-6, Leonard 0-1). Fouled OutMayo. ReboundsMemphis 50 (Randolph 11), San Antonio 49 (Duncan 12). AssistsMemphis 15 (Conley, Gay 4), San Antonio 19 (Parker 9). Total FoulsMemphis 25, San Antonio 21. A18,581.

Freshman Bradley Beal to leave Florida Gators and enter NBA Draft

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By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Friday, April 13, 2012

Saying it was probably the most difficult decision of his life, Florida freshman guard Bradley Beal announced this morning that he plans to leave the Gators and enter the NBA Draft.

On Monday, after several weeks of contemplation that included long, thoughtful conversations with Donovan, Beal informed his coach he had made a decision.

"It was the right time for me,'' Beal said during a press conference Friday morning. "Coach just told me, whatever I decide, whenever I decide, just make sure you're at peace with it. And that was basically what I was trying to do. I had about two weeks to decide. I had the April 10 deadline, but I was more than sure I was going to go past that. When it came down to it, I just wanted to make sure I was comfortable telling coach and comfortable with my decision. And I wanted to make sure I was 100 percent. There's no looking back now.''

Donovan said based on his conversations with NBA executives, coaches and scouts, Beal is a definite Top 10 pick, and could move up to as high as top five before the June draft.

"Selfishly, I'm going to miss not having a chance to coach him,'' Donovan said. "No question based on the information I was able to gather, no question he's going to be in the Top 10 in the lottery. And no question he's going to have a chance to move up. A lot of people are not privy to the information I am. There is a definite possibility he will be a Top 5 pick.''

Beal averaged 14.8 points and 6.7 rebounds in his only season with the Gators. He went through a tough transition period in January, then emerged in February and March as arguably one of the best freshmen in the nation.

He became the first Florida player to be named to the SEC All-SEC and All-Freshman team in the same season.

"It was well-thought out by him,'' Donovan said of Beal's decision. "I don't think he was influenced by anybody. He had great support. And people really gave him space to make his decision.''

Beal said it was tough telling his teammates, but he has received great support from them. He reiterated several times that the decision wasn't easy.

"Just the feeling, the emotions that I had, it was worse than losing the game against Louisville (in the NCAA Regional Finals),'' Beal said. "The whole emotional thing I went through, this place is great. I loved this year, I had a great year here, my teammates were great, coaches were great. Everything about this place is beautiful. I'm really sad that I have to give it up, but I believe there are bigger things that I have to accomplish.''

Beal is the first one-and-done player for the Gators since Donnell Harvey left after the 2000 season.

Bernhard Langer, Russ Cochran, Corey Pavin, Peter Senior atop Encompass Insurance Pro-Am of Tampa Bay leaderboard

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By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Friday, April 13, 2012

Latest from the first day of the Encompass Insurance Pro-Am of Tampa Bay at TPC Tampa Bay. Check back throughout the day for updates:

2:20 p.m.: The first wave of players are finished and it's a log jam at the top of the Encompass Insurance Pro Am leaderboard. Four players are in at 4-under 67: Bernhard Langer, Russ Cochran, Corey Pavin and the aptly named Peter Senior.

Of the afternoon players, Gary Hallberg has birdied his first four holes and is already at 4-under. Also, Tommy Armour III played one hole before withdrawing with a shoulder injury.

12:45 p.m.: As expected, the leaderboard keeps changing early on at the Encompass Insurance Pro Am at TPC Tampa Bay.

Tom Purtzer is now the leader at 5-under. Bernhard Langer is finished at 4-under. J.L. Lewis, who held the lead for several holes, double bogeyed the 18th hole and fell to 3-under. Jay Haas is finished at 2-under.

Kenny Perry, who is teamed with Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino, has the quote of the day so far.

"I was hacking out there. For about three holes I couldn't even find the planet.''

11:55 a.m.: Looks like the first leader in the clubhouse is going to be J.L. Lewis. Lewis is 5-under and putting on the 18th green. He has a two shot lead over four players, including Bernhard Langer and Russ Cochran.

On the other end of the leaderboard, 2007 and '08 champion Tom Watson is struggling. He is 8-over through 14 holes.

And Roger Maltbie, playing in his first Champions Tour event since 2006, is currently last at 9-over.

10:50 a.m.: The first wave of golfers are off at the Encompass Insurance Pro-Am and there is already one casualty. Nick Price has dropped out after eight holes due to a nagging left elbow injury.

On Thursday, Price complained about the elbow and said he has been playing through pain for several weeks. He quit after playing the 17th hole (his eighth).

Price, who won the tournament in 2009, was playing with Bernhard Langer. Price's amateur partner, Michael Lund, will use Langer as his partner for the rest of the tournament.

As for leaders right now, J.L. Lewis and Peter Senior are tied at 3-under. A host of golfers, including Langer, are at 2-under.

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Tanard Jackson signs with Washington Redskins

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Friday, April 13, 2012

Safety Tanard Jackson will be reunited with former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris after signing with the Washington Redskins.

Jackson, who was released earlier this week for a failed physical, joins a rebuilt Redskins secondary coached by Morris.

Jackson started 10 games last season after being suspended all of 2010 for testing positive for a banned substance.

Although he played with a torn rotator cuff and two hamstring strains, the Bucs released him saying he had not shown growth on and off the field. Jackson decided to rehab a shouilder injury in Maryland and New Orleans.

Jackson said he will be ready to play by June 1.

Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Cory Conacher named AHL MVP

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Friday, April 13, 2012

Norfolk's Cory Conacher, who opened so many eyes at Tampa Bay Lightning training camp, has been named the AHL's most valuable player.

Here is the announcement from the American Hockey League:

The American Hockey League announced today that left wing Cory Conacher of the Norfolk Admirals has been named the winner of the Les Cunningham Award as the AHL's most valuable player for the 2011-12 season, as voted by AHL coaches, players and media in each of the league's 30 member cities.

Conacher becomes the fourth rookie to win the award since it was first presented in 1947-48, joining Bill Hicke (1958-59), Pelle Lindbergh (1980-81) and Stephan Lebeau (1988-89).

Conacher ranks second in the entire AHL with 35 goals and 75 points, tied for second with 14 power-play goals and tied for third with seven game-winning tallies for league-leading Norfolk heading into the final weekend of the regular season. He has recorded a point in 51 of his 72 games played, with the Admirals showing a 40-11-0-0 record in those contests, and has a plus/minus rating of plus-13 along with 110 penalty minutes for the year. The 22-year-old native of Burlington, Ont., represented Norfolk at the 2012 AHL All-Star Classic (where he tallied 2-1-3 in the All-Star Game) and was named to the AHL All-Rookie Team and AHL Second All-Star Team for 2011-12.

Undrafted out of Canisius College, Conacher signed an AHL contract with Norfolk following training camp and inked a two-year NHL deal with Tampa Bay on March 1.

The AHL's most valuable player award honors the late Les Cunningham, a 2009 AHL Hall of Fame inductee who was a five-time league All-Star and three-time Calder Cup champion with the Cleveland Barons. Previous winners include Carl Liscombe (1948, '49), Johnny Bower (1956, '57, '58), Fred Glover (1960, '62, '64), Mike Nykoluk (1967), Gilles Villemure (1969, '70), Doug Gibson (1975, '77), Pelle Lindbergh (1981), Ross Yates (1983), Paul Gardner (1985, '86), Tim Tookey (1987), Jody Gage (1988), John Anderson (1992), Don Biggs (1993), Derek Armstrong (2001), Jason LaBarbera (2004), Jason Spezza (2005), Darren Haydar (2007), Alexandre Giroux (2009), Keith Aucoin (2010) and Corey Locke (2011).

In operation since 1936, the American Hockey League continues to serve as the top development league for all 30 National Hockey League teams. More than 85 percent of all players competing in the NHL are AHL graduates, and through the years the American Hockey League has been home to more than 100 honored members of the Hockey Hall of Fame. The 2011-12 regular season ends on Sunday, and then 16 clubs will continue to vie for the league's coveted championship trophy when the 2012 Calder Cup Playoffs get under way next week.

Austin Reiter builds foundation of a good career with USF Bulls

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By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Friday, April 13, 2012

TAMPA — Just by its in-the-trenches nature, the offensive line gets its share of blue-collar metaphors, with a hard-hat work ethic and a bring-your-lunch-pail mentality. Austin Reiter can appreciate the references.

The USF sophomore, now in position to take over as the Bulls' starting center, got much of his strength and more of his demeanor working for his father Richard's construction company growing up in Sarasota. The 6-foot-3, 278-pound center got that way breaking up pavement with a 25-pound sledgehammer and lugging hundreds of 75-pound blocks to build walls on job sites.

"My parents really raised me to have a strong work ethic," said Reiter, a Lakewood Ranch graduate who played sparingly as a backup last season. "It's really back-breaking stuff. Every summer, I was working with Dad, from 6 a.m. to 6 in the afternoon. ... My dad's a real hard worker. He doesn't just stand around on a job site."

Richard Reiter played college football as well, playing offensive line at Cincinnati 30 years ago, and Austin could have followed in his father's footsteps there, but chose to stay close to home, enrolling at USF in January 2010, a week before Skip Holtz came in as head coach. The new coaching staff has seen an emergence this spring as Reiter has jumped at an opening in the Bulls' starting lineup.

"He's all of the sudden been put in a situation where, you know what, we need you to be the guy, and he's matured immensely," offensive line coach Steve Shankweiler said. "Seriously, he's going to end up being a really, really good football player over the next three years. As a line coach, you're looking for kids that have a little — I have to be careful how I say this — a little grit in their neck. He's a tough son of a gun. He'll fight you now. He's a hard-nosed kid. The guy works hard."

Ask Reiter what he remembers as the most grueling challenge of construction work, and he'll pick up an imaginary Allan block, a 75-pound piece of stone used to build retaining walls. He'd unload a pallet of 15 of them into a vehicle, drive them to the back of a house, unload them, then repeat the process over and over — a project might have 1,000 blocks before a wall is done.

"You really get your arms going," Reiter said. "My high school coaches really loved that."

Reiter remembers working on construction jobs with his father when he was in grade school, of swinging the sledgehammer when he was 13, so he's also comfortable working and holding his own when surrounded by older, more experienced colleagues. He has the least college experience of USF's projected starting line, matching right tackle Quinterrius Eatmon as the youngest, and he'll have the chance to be USF's first three-year starter at center in the Big East era. USF's coaches like the way he's taken charge of a veteran line despite his relative youth.

"He's always been talented, has always had very good athleticism for the position," offensive coordinator Todd Fitch said. "But just the ability to run the line, to be the guy making all the calls. Being able to execute that, as he develops and continues to get game experience, he has a chance to be a really good player. It's been fun to watch him, because he was the one guy of the group we started camp with, he hadn't really played when it counted. We're pleased with where he started from and where he's at."

Marlins 5, Astros 4, 11 innings

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Times wires


Friday, April 13, 2012

Marlins 5, Astros 4

11 innings

MIAMI — Gaby Sanchez doubled to score Chris Coghlan from first base and the Marlins won in 11 innings. Coghlan started the 11th with a single that deflected off pitcher Brandon Lyon for an infield hit.


Another comeback win for Flyers

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Times wires
Friday, April 13, 2012

PITTSBURGH — The Flyers fell behind. Again. And it didn't matter. Again.

Claude Giroux had three goals and three assists to set a franchise record for points in a playoff game, rookie Sean Couturier had a hat trick and Philadelphia rallied for a wild 8-5 victory against the Penguins on Friday night in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.

Two nights after turning an early three-goal deficit into a 4-3 overtime win, the Flyers came back from deficits of 2-0, 3-1, 4-3 and 5-4 to take a 2-0 series lead. This was the ninth time in their past 14 games the Flyers went down by multiple goals.

"I don't know how many times we'll be able to do comebacks like that," Giroux said. "We've got to have a better start."

Giroux is the first player to have three goals and three assists in a playoff game since the Penguins' Mario Lemieux on April 23, 1992, ESPN said. The last team with at least two players with a hat trick in a playoff game was the 2006 Sabres. Couturier is the first rookie with a playoff hat trick since the Sabres' Jason Pominville on April 24, 2006.

Chris Kunitz had two goals, and Sidney Crosby and Tyler Kennedy scored for Pittsburgh, which had another electric start.

Crosby scored 15 seconds in, tying Pittsburgh's franchise mark for fastest goal to start a playoff game, set by now-Lightning head pro scout Greg Malone against St. Louis in 1981. It also was the quickest allowed by a Philadelphia playoff opponent, breaking the mark of 21 seconds set by Chicago's Jim Pappin in 1971.

The lead grew to 3-1 by the end of the first period.

"We need to limit our mistakes. That's really what it comes down to," Crosby said. "The mistakes we've made have ended up in our net."

Devils 3, Panthers 2: Martin Brodeur stopped 24 shots for his 100th postseason win and a three-goal first period on 26 shots was enough to help the Devils spoil the host Panthers' first playoff appearance since 2000 in their East opener. Brodeur became the second goalie to reach triple figures in playoff wins. Patrick Roy has 151. "It's kind of nice to be in the 100s, even though there's no chance … I'll catch (Roy)," Brodeur said. The win was the first in the playoffs for Devils first-year coach Pete DeBoer, who spent the past three seasons on Florida's bench.

red wings 3, predators 2: Ian White and Cory Emmerton scored in the first period, and host Detroit evened the series at one game each. The Red Wings, angry that Nashville defenseman Shea Weber was only fined $2,500 for smashing Henrik Zetterberg's head into the glass at the end of Game 1 on Wednesday, targeted Weber 1:36 into the game when Todd Bertuzzi fought him. "The game was more important, and it was good to get a win in here," Bertuzzi said.

playoff news: Bruins center David Krejci, who was hit by a pane of glass jarred loose by celebrating fans after Boston's 1-0 overtime win over the Capitals in Game 1 of their series, didn't practice because he was sore. Coach Claude Julien expected Krejci to play today in Game 2. … Blues coach Ken Hitchcock said he would make lineup changes, though not in goal, in the wake of a 3-2 double overtime loss to the Sharks in Game 1 of their series. The loss was St. Louis' third straight going back to the regular season. Hitchcock said in goal he'll stick with Jaroslav Halak over Brian Elliott. Otherwise, he wouldn't say what his changes might be. … Coyotes leading scorer Radim Vrbata was day to day after leaving their Game 1 victory against the Blackhawks after a hit from Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw.

around the league: Brent Sutter, who stepped down as Flames coach Thursday, was hired as Canada's coach for the world championship next month. Lightning coach Guy Boucher and Hurricanes coach Kirk Muller will be his assistants. There had been speculation Boucher might be a candidate for the top spot after Sabres coach Lindy Ruff declined it this week.

Flyers1348
at Penguins3115

First Period1, Pitts, Crosby 2 (Sullivan, Dupuis), :15. 2, Pitts, Kunitz 1 (Neal, Malkin), 9:27 (pp). 3, Phila, Talbot 1 (Giroux), 12:44 (sh). 4, Pitts, Martin 1 (Crosby, Dupuis), 19:42. PenaltiesGrossmann, Phi (hooking), 8:34; Grossmann, Phi (holding), 10:55; Read, Phi (roughing), 12:23; Letang, Pit (diving), 12:23.

Second Period5, Phila, Giroux 1 (Voracek, Timonen), 5:11 (pp). 6, Phila, Giroux 2 (Talbot), 11:04 (sh). 7, Pitts, Kunitz 2 (Neal, Malkin), 11:10 (pp). 8, Phila, Couturier 1 (Coburn, Grossmann), 19:57. PenaltiesRinaldo, Phi (hooking), 1:53; Crosby, Pit (interference), 3:57; Schenn, Phi (interference), 10:53; Letang, Pit (delay of game), 13:24.

Third Period9, Pitts, Kennedy 2 (Cooke, Staal), 1:04. 10, Phila, Couturier 2, 1:21. 11, Phila, Jagr 1 (Kubina, Giroux), 9:13. 12, Phila, Couturier 3 (Giroux, Voracek), 18:11. 13, Phila, Giroux 3 (Couturier), 19:53 (en). PenaltiesNone. Shots on GoalPhila 7-13-11—31. Pitts 11-8-9—28. Power-play opportunitiesPhila 1 of 2; Pitts 2 of 4. GoaliesPhila, Bryzgalov 2-0-0 (28 shots-23 saves). Pitts, Fleury 0-2-0 (30-23).

Devils3003
at Panthers0202

First Period1, NJ, Elias 1 (Zubrus, Salvador), 6:31. 2, NJ, Zubrus 1 (Clarkson, Brodeur), 14:11 (pp). 3, NJ, Carter 1, 14:56. PenaltiesMatthias, Fla, double minor (high-sticking), 10:18; Fleischmann, Fla (cross-checking), 16:35.

Second Period4, Fla, Bergenheim 1 (Goc, Samuelsson), 7:44. 5, Fla, Versteeg 1 (Samuelsson, Fleischmann), 15:42 (pp). PenaltiesZidlicky, NJ (delay of game), 3:03; Wolski, Fla (interference), 9:01; Wolski, Fla (tripping), 11:57; Gionta, NJ (tripping), 15:23; Elias, NJ (roughing), 15:42; Weiss, Fla (slashing), 15:42; Volchenkov, NJ (interference), 17:23.

Third PeriodNone. PenaltiesVersteeg, Fla (hooking), 15:35. ShotsNJ 26-6-6—38. Fla 9-11-6—26. PP oppsNJ 1 of 6; Fla 1 of 3. GoaliesNJ, Brodeur 1-0-0 (26 shots-24 saves). Fla, Theodore 0-1-0 (38-35).

Red Wings2103
at Predators0112

First Period1, Det, White 1 (Holmstrom, Miller), 8:25. 2, Det, Emmerton 1, 15:33. PenaltiesBertuzzi, Det, major (fighting), 1:36; Franzen, Det (cross-checking), 1:36; Weber, Nas, major (fighting), 1:36; Radulov, Nas (cross-checking), 12:04.

Second Period3, Nash, A.Kostitsyn 1 (Radulov, Legwand), 9:01. 4, Det, Franzen 1 (Stuart, Datsyuk), 9:57. PenaltiesHudler, Det (goaltender interference), :26; Ericsson, Det (tripping), 2:34; Kronwall, Det (delay of game), 4:04; Halischuk, Nas (tripping), 6:23; Quincey, Det (high-sticking), 12:02.

Third Period5, Nash, Weber 1 (Gaustad, Spaling), 15:16. PenaltiesV.Filppula, Det (hooking), 6:12. Shots Det 8-5-4—17. Nash 5-10-11—26. PP oppssDet 0 of 2; Nash 0 of 6. GoaliesDet, Howard 1-1-0 (26 shots-24 saves). Nash, Rinne 1-1-0 (17-14).

Tampa Bay Storm beats Cleveland Gladiators 69-48

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By Bryan Burns, Times Staff Writer
Friday, April 13, 2012

TAMPA — No Prechae Rodriguez, no problem for the Storm.

Rodriguez, a Jefferson High graduate and the Arena Football League's leading receiver with 43 catches, was inactive for Friday's game against Cleveland with concussion-like symptoms from a hit he sustained a week earlier at New Orleans.

In his absence, Victor Williams and Amarri Jackson shined.

Jackson, a former USF standout, had three touchdowns and Williams two in the Storm's 69-48 victory over the Gladiators before an announced crowd of 8,686 at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

"At our receiver spot, we have a lot of playmakers," Jackson said. "It could have been anybody. We just make plays."

Tampa Bay (3-2) made plays on its first three drives, scoring touchdowns on each.

Williams turned a short crossing route on the game's third play into a 26-yard score. Stephen Wasil (19-of-28, 249 yards, six touchdowns passing, two touchdowns rushing) sneaked in from a yard out and Williams snared his second touchdown, a 29-yarder with 4:19 left in the first quarter, to push the Storm's advantage to 21-7.

Cleveland (3-2) answered on the first play of the second quarter after a double move by receiver Robert Redd got him open for a 29-yard touchdown. A Wasil interception on the ensuing series preceded Redd's second touchdown, which tied it at 21 with 8:57 left in the first half.

Cleveland briefly held the lead after John Dutton's 32-yard pass to Dominick Goodman. (Eugene Kinlaw blocked the extra point.) But the Storm went back in front 39 seconds later when Jackson caught a shallow crossing route, spun out of the grasp of a tackler and outraced the secondary for a 44-yard score.

With the Gladiators threatening to score at the end of the first half, Tampa Bay's Lendy Holmes made the play of the game, catching a ricochet off the goal post in the end zone and racing 53 yards for a touchdown and 34-27 halftime lead. The interception return was the longest in Storm history.

"It was huge because it created two possessions for us," Storm coach Dave Ewart said. "That last minute, when you don't have the ball coming out of the second half, you've got to finish with the football or you're letting them get two for one. We were able to do that, play the last minute right, and it worked out for us."

Defensive back Erick McIntosh thwarted a Cleveland drive to start the third quarter, and Jackson gave the Storm a two-touchdown advantage with a 7-yard scoring reception.

After the teams traded scores, the Storm put the game out of reach with 10:10 remaining when Wasil found Chandler Williams (team-high eight receptions) for an 11-yard touchdown and 55-34 lead.

Braves 10, Brewers 8

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0

Times wires
Friday, April 13, 2012

Braves 10, Brewers 8

ATLANTA — Brian McCann equaled a career high with four hits, including a homer and four RBIs, and Dan Uggla's single in the eighth gave the Braves the win. McCann's three-run shot highlighted a six-run fifth.

Nationals 2, Reds 1, 13 innings

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Times wires
Saturday, April 14, 2012

Nationals 2, Reds 1

13 innings

WASHINGTON — Jayson Werth's bases-loaded single off closer Sean Marshall with one out in the 13th improved the Nationals to 6-2, their best start to a season since moving from Montreal in 2005.

Athletics 4, Mariners 0

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0

Times wires
Saturday, April 14, 2012

Athletics 4, Mariners 0

SEATTLE — Bartolo Colon gave up just three hits in seven innings for his 16th career win against the Mariners. Making his third start already against Seattle this season, Colon rebounded from a shaky effort the last time out against it and beat it for the second time in 2012. His first win came during the season-opening, two-game series played in Tokyo. Jemile Weeks hit a solo home run with two outs in the top of the ninth.

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