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Indians 6, Rangers 3

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Times wires
Friday, May 4, 2012

Indians 6, Rangers 3

CLEVELAND — Johnny Damon hit a two-run triple and Jeanmar Gomez pitched seven strong innings as Cleveland won for the fourth time in five games. Damon's drive off the wall in center was nearly caught by Josh Hamilton, who returned to the lineup after missing three games because of a sore back. Chris Perez pitched the ninth for his 10th consecutive save.


Diamondbacks 5, Mets 4

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Times wires
Friday, May 4, 2012

Diamondbacks 5, Mets 4

NEW YORK — Cody Ransom hit a two-run homer and a go-ahead single in the eighth as the Diamondbacks handed the Mets their fourth straight loss. Paul Goldschmidt hit a tying two-run double in the eighth and Arizona won a one-run game after losing two in a row at Washington.

Rivera vows: 'I'm not going out like this'

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Times wires
Friday, May 4, 2012

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Yankees closer Mariano Rivera said he will return to the mound by 2013, vowing to overcome a knee injury that figures to end his 2012 season.

Rivera had hinted at the start of spring training that he would retire after this season. He tore his right anterior cruciate ligament while shagging fly balls during batting practice Thursday.

The closer, 42, Friday firmly said he would not allow his career to end this way. "I'm coming back. Write it down in big letters. I'm not going out like this," he said. "I don't want to retire because I got hurt in the way that it happened."

In his hotel room Thursday night, Rivera said, he reflected and made his decision. He even has hope of returning late this year. "Miracles happen," he said. Typical recovery takes a year.

David Robertson figures to take over as closer, with former Ray Rafael Soriano also possibly getting chances.

Yankees players were lifted by Rivera's decision. "Everybody is happy to hear that," SS Derek Jeter said.

Said 1B Mark Teixeira: "I was one of those guys that didn't believe he was going to retire. He's still one of the best players in the game."

Alex Rodriguez wants Rivera to do his rehabilitation with the major-league team rather than at the minor-league complex in Tampa. "We need him around, and we need his presence and his leadership," the third baseman said.

Even several Rays said it didn't seem right for the all-time saves leader to exit via injury. Manager Joe Maddon said: "You don't want to see him possibly end his career shagging a fly ball in Kansas City. That's a hard one to really comprehend."

Rays C Jose Molina, an ex-Yankees teammate, said: "I hope it's not the last time I see him pitch."

Braun SITS: Brewers OF Ryan Braun, the reigning NL MVP, was out of the starting lineup with a sore right Achilles tendon. He is day to day.

Cubs Closer switch: Manager Dale Sveum removed RHP Carlos Marmol from the closer role a day after Marmol blew another ninth-inning lead. Sveum has decided on a committee approach but hopes one reliever will seize the role. He also didn't rule out Marmol regaining the job.

Buckner ball: The ball that rolled through the legs of former Red Sox 1B Bill Buckner in the 1986 World Series sold at auction in Dallas for $418,250 to an anonymous buyer. The ball was part of songwriter Seth Swirsky's collection. He paid $64,000 for it in 2000.

Dodgers: Bobby Abreu, released by the Angels, signed on for a reserve role as a lefty bat late in games. Abreu, 38, hit .208 in 24 at-bats before he was let go April 27. The Dodgers will pay $401,311 of Abreu's $9 million salary.

Tigers: OF Delmon Young was reinstated from the restricted list after his seven-day suspension, but he was not in the starting lineup. Young was suspended after he was arrested and accused of yelling anti-Semitic epithets in New York. He apologized.

White Sox: LHP Chris Sale, who was set to start Sunday, will return to the bullpen as the closer. RHP Dylan Axelrod will join the rotation.

Tampa Bay Rays news and notes: Former Rays excited for return; luncheon crowd digests lineup

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Friday, May 4, 2012

Rays vs. A's

When/where: 7:10 tonight; Tropicana Field

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

Promotions: Cinco de Mayo drink specials, including $5 margaritas

Probable pitchers

Rays: RH Jeremy Hellickson (3-0, 2.51)

A's: Bartolo Colon (3-2, 2.53)

On Hellickson: He is tough at Tropicana Field, going 2-0 with an 0.83 ERA in three starts there this year and yielding just 14 hits. He's 0-0 with a 4.76 ERA in two career starts against the A's.

On Colon: He has given up two earned runs or fewer in each of his past four starts, including two scoreless outings. He is 9-5 with a 3.95 ERA in 22 career starts vs. Tampa Bay.

Reunions of the day

Both former Rays, OF Jonny Gomes (2003-08), above right, and RHP Grant Balfour (2007-10) were excited to be back at Tropicana Field. Gomes said he keeps in touch with several current and former Rays, including RHP Matt Garza and 3B Evan Longoria. For Balfour, the trip to St. Petersburg is more special because his wife, Angie; 11-month-old daughter, Raegan, and two dogs live in Clearwater. "It's great to be back," he said.

Quote of the day

"I think they're the hottest team in baseball right now."

Tyson Ross, A's starter, on Tampa Bay, which has won 12 of its past 13

Smith lifts Coyotes to 3-1 lead

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Times wires
Friday, May 4, 2012

NASHVILLE — Mike Smith made 25 saves as the Coyotes beat the Predators 1-0 on Friday to grab a 3-1 lead in their West semifinal series.

"We didn't give them much, kept them to the outside. And when they did get opportunities, we had stick on puck," Smith said. "We had guys lying down blocking shots. My D was tremendous. They have been good all playoffs long, but this is one of the better games they've played in front of me."

Before this season, Phoenix had never won a second-round game. (In fact, it had won only one series since entering the league in 1979.) But by winning a game played in May for the first time, it sits one victory from the West final.

"To win like this is exciting because our goaltender's so good," said wing Shane Doan, who scored with 5:35 left in the first. "He's been unbelievable and really solidifies how important he is and how good he is."

Nashville believed it tied the score with 7:12 left after a goalmouth scramble. But the referee behind the net waved off the goal. He said after the game he lost sight of the puck, necessitating a whistle, before it crossed the goal line.

Nashville coach Barry Trotz said he didn't get an explanation but the referee told captain Shea Weber a different reason.

"They said (Nashville's Patric) Hornqvist pushed the goaltender into the net," Trotz said. "I don't buy that."

The Predators played without their top forwards, Alexander Radulov and Andrei Kostitsyn, for the second game in a row. They missed Wednesday's Game 3, which Nashville won 2-0, for what has been reported as missing curfew. Fans cheered the announcement that the two were scratched.

Trotz refused to second-guess his decision.

"Plain and simple, we've got to win a hockey game," Trotz said. "That focus can't go any further than that. I know when you're down in a series 3-0, the numbers don't look good. At 3-1, a number of teams have come back."

Coyotes1001
Predators0000

First Period1, Phoenix, Doan 3 (Boedker), 14:25. PenaltiesTootoo, Nas (interference), 1:30; Klesla, Pho (boarding), 6:39; Chipchura, Pho, major (fighting), 10:00; Gaustad, Nas, major (fighting), 10:00; Bourque, Nas (slashing), 15:55; Hanzal, Pho (interference), 17:11.

Second PeriodNone. PenaltiesNone.

Third PeriodNone. PenaltiesMorris, Pho (delay of game), 11:34. Shots on GoalPhoenix 9-10-5—24. Nashville 5-10-10—25. Power-play opportunitiesPhoenix 0 of 2; Nashville 0 of 3. GoaliesPhoenix, Smith 7-3-0 (25 shots-25 saves). Nashville, Rinne 5-4-0 (24-23). A17,113 (17,113).

Late Thursday: Drew Doughty had a goal and two assists as the host Kings beat the Blues 4-2 for a 3-0 series lead in the West semifinal. St. Louis' Brian Elliott has allowed nine goals on 43 shots over the past two games.

. Fast facts

Just in case

Thursday's Game 3 between the Rangers and Capitals went three overtimes. What happens if there is a repeat today, when Ch. 8 also has Kentucky Derby coverage starting at 4? Friday, NBC said the first two overtimes will air on Ch. 8. From there, coverage will shift to CNBC.

Yankees 6, Royals 2

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Times wires
Friday, May 4, 2012

Yankees 6, Royals 2

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Derek Jeter hit a two-run homer, CC Sabathia went eight innings for the third straight time and David Robertson, filling the role of closer in Mariano Rivera's absence, struck out the side in the ninth. Jeter singled and scored on Mark Teixeira's homer in the first, and broke the game open with his fifth homer during a four-run seventh. Royals starter Bruce Chen has lost four straight.

David Price strikes out 12 and Tampa Bay Rays win sixth in a row, 7-2 over Oakland A's

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Friday, May 4, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — Left-hander David Price has put up impressive performances already this season in tying teammate James Shields for the American League lead with five wins, including a complete-game shutout against the Angels.

But Price said he had never felt or pitched better than he did in Friday's 7-2 win over the Athletics in front of 18,799 at Tropicana Field. With his fastball command the best it has been all year, Price struck out 12, including every hitter in Oakland's lineup, and allowed three hits over eight innings.

"He was fantastic," manager Joe Maddon said.

Price has won four straight starts, and the best-in-the-majors Rays (19-8) are winners of their past six and 12 of 13. Tampa Bay tied a major-league record with a 13-1 home record to start the year.

"The last three starts is as good as I've seen Price," rightfielder Matt Joyce said. "He's throwing the ball wherever he wants to throw it and is confident in everything he's throwing. If you throw those in one bag, it's a bag full of trouble with a guy that's throwing 97 (miles per hour)."

Price (5-1, 2.35 ERA) could tell from his pregame bullpen time he felt good, and it showed in an 106-pitch outing.

"Electric stuff," said ex-Ray Jonny Gomes, who had two hits. "When I left in 2008, he was just rearing back and chucking. … He looked pretty good. Twelve strikeouts, one walk. Pretty much speaks for itself."

Maddon said he can see Price's confidence re-emerging and a big difference is the pitcher has become a better strike-thrower. Maddon believes the 26-year-old is still learning his craft in terms of "court awareness," how to use all his weapons in certain situations.

"And heads up when he does," Maddon said.

The Rays gave Price plenty of support, taking the lead with a three-run second. Maddon credited the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce with an assist in helping pick the lineup by suggesting putting outfielder B.J. Upton in the second spot for the first time this year. Upton responded with two RBI doubles. Designated hitter Luke Scott added a two-run single and Molina his first homer of the year, a two-run shot that made it 5-1 in the fourth.

The biggest defensive play came in the top of the third from Joyce, who made a diving catch near the rightfield foul line, sliding into the wall as he robbed Jemile Weeks of extra bases.

"I thought I had a chance," Joyce said. "I was getting closer and closer to the wall. I figured I'd go for it. Fortunately, I caught it. It always hurts less when you catch it."

Maddon saw growth moments in Price, including in the eighth, when after falling behind 2-and-0 to Kila Ka-aihue, the two-time All-Star stepped off the mound, took a breath, refocused and struck out the first baseman in three pitches.

"That's the kind of stuff I love to see out of him," Maddon said.

Price said he has used visualization since his days at Vanderbilt but Maddon pointed out to him after his three-inning loss in Boston on April 13 that he wasn't doing it as much as previous seasons. Price hasn't lost since.

"I like where I'm at personally, and I'm getting in a groove," Price said. "It's starting to roll pretty good right now."

Sports in brief

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Times wires
Friday, May 4, 2012

NFL

UNION FIGHTING GOODELL OVER BOUNTY BANS

NEW YORK — The players union has challenged commissioner Roger Goodell's authority to suspend players who participated in the Saints' pay-for-pain scandal and wants him removed from hearing appeals.

The union filed a grievance late Thursday, one day after Goodell suspended four players who participated in bounties from 2009-11. The complaint says Goodell is prohibited from punishing players for any aspect of the case occurring before the new collective bargaining agreement was signed in August.

This week Goodell suspended Jonathan Vilma for the 2012 season and gave shorter bans to three other players over the bounty system.

SEAU CALL: A 911 call from the home of Junior Seau captures the voice of a woman horrified to find the former NFL linebacker with a gunshot wound to the chest. "My God, my boyfriend shot himself! Oh my God!" the call begins. Oceanside, Calif., police released the recording a day after the San Diego County medical examiner's office ruled the death a suicide. Seau was 43.

SENSER CASE: A family settled its wrongful death suit with former Viking Joe Senser and his wife, attorneys said. No terms were disclosed. The deal in Minneapolis came a day after Amy Senser, 45, was convicted of two felony counts of criminal vehicular homicide for the Aug. 23 accident that killed Anousone Phanthavong, 38. She was driving her husband's car.

AUTOS

Rain cancels runs at Talladega

Rain Thursday altered NASCAR's weekend schedule at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway and wiped out Friday's scheduled Nationwide series qualifying. The field was set by points for today's Aaron's 312, with Elliott Sadler starting first (Lineups, For the Record, 4C).

NHRA: Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana (Pro Stock Motorcycle) led the first day of qualifying at the Southern Nationals in Commerce, Ga.

ET CETERA

HOCKEY: The United States defeated France 7-2 in Helsinki, Finland, to open the world championship. Canada beat Slovakia 3-2 as Tampa Bay's Teddy Purcell had an assist. The Americans face Canada today.

TENNIS: Rafael Nadal blames the ATP for a blue clay surface at the Madrid Open. The six-time French Open champion was troubled when he practiced on it Thursday. He called the surface soft and slippery. Also, fourth-ranked Andy Murray pulled out with a back injury. … Tommy Haas upset No. 8 seed Marcos Baghdatis to reach the semifinals of the BMW Open in Munich.

Times wires


Rondo triple double leads Boston's OT win

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Times wires
Friday, May 4, 2012

BOSTON — Rajon Rondo had a triple double with 17 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists to lead the Celtics to a 90-84 overtime victory over the Hawks on Friday night that gave them a 2-1 lead in the first-round Eastern Conference playoff series.

Celtics coach Doc Rivers said he noticed Rondo struggling to run the offensive plays.

"Then, finally, I told him: 'Just be a scorer. Just attack,' " Rivers said. "And I thought that freed him up."

Rondo made the first two baskets of overtime, including a post-up hook shot over Jeff Teague that gave Boston the lead for good.

Ray Allen returned for Boston after missing almost a month and scored 13 in 38 minutes. Joe Johnson had 29 points for the Hawks. Tracy McGrady scored 12 but played little after landing awkwardly on his right ankle.

ATLANTA (84): Jo.Johnson 11-28 4-5 29, M.Williams 1-6 1-2 3, Collins 2-4 0-0 4, Teague 9-16 5-6 23, Hinrich 0-3 0-0 0, Dampier 3-5 0-0 6, McGrady 5-14 2-2 12, I.Johnson 1-4 0-0 2, Pargo 0-4 0-0 0, Green 2-5 0-0 5, Radmanovic 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 34-90 12-15 84.

BOSTON (90): Pierce 3-12 14-14 21, Bass 3-6 2-2 8, Garnett 9-18 2-2 20, Rondo 7-22 3-4 17, Bradley 2-5 0-0 5, Stiemsma 0-1 0-0 0, Allen 6-12 1-3 13, Pietrus 2-3 0-0 6, Dooling 0-0 0-0 0, Hollins 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 32-79 22-25 90.

Atlanta 19 19 20 22 4— 84

Boston 17 23 20 20 10— 90

3-Point GoalsAtlanta 4-20 (Jo.Johnson 3-7, Green 1-2, M.Williams 0-1, Radmanovic 0-1, Pargo 0-1, Teague 0-2, McGrady 0-3, Hinrich 0-3), Boston 4-13 (Pietrus 2-3, Bradley 1-2, Pierce 1-3, Rondo 0-1, Allen 0-4). Fouled OutNone. ReboundsAtlanta 54 (M.Williams 11), Boston 55 (Rondo 14). AssistsAtlanta 15 (Teague 6), Boston 18 (Rondo 12). Total FoulsAtlanta 21, Boston 18. TechnicalsBoston defensive three second 3. A18,624 (18,624).

Sixers take stunning lead

PHILADELPHIA — Spencer Hawes had 21 points and hit the go-ahead jumper late to help the 76ers, the No. 8 East seed, rally from 14 down in the fourth quarter to beat the Bulls 79-74 for a 2-1 series lead.

Chicago's Joakim Noah, a former Florida star, left in the third with a sprained left ankle. He returned in the fourth but was hobbled. The Bulls are already without star guard Derrick Rose (torn ACL in his left knee).

"We played with a great edge all season," Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said. "When you're down people, you have to play hard and with an edge. We have to get back to that."

CHICAGO (74): Deng 2-7 0-1 5, Boozer 9-17 0-0 18, Noah 4-7 4-4 12, Watson 0-4 0-0 0, Hamilton 4-15 8-12 17, Lucas 4-12 2-2 12, Gibson 3-6 0-2 6, Asik 2-2 0-2 4, Korver 0-5 0-0 0, Butler 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 28-75 14-23 74.

PHILADELPHIA (79): Iguodala 2-9 1-2 5, Brand 0-5 0-0 0, Hawes 7-15 6-6 21, Holiday 5-10 7-9 17, Turner 5-12 6-8 16, Williams 5-14 4-4 14, Allen 0-3 0-0 0, T.Young 2-8 2-4 6, Meeks 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 26-76 26-33 79.

Chicago 20 19 21 14— 74

Philadelphia 19 21 11 28— 79

3-Point GoalsChicago 4-14 (Lucas 2-4, Deng 1-3, Hamilton 1-3, Watson 0-1, Korver 0-3), Philadelphia 1-14 (Hawes 1-1, Holiday 0-2, Turner 0-2, Williams 0-4, Iguodala 0-5). Fouled OutNone. ReboundsChicago 61 (Boozer 10), Philadelphia 52 (T.Young 11). AssistsChicago 22 (Hamilton 7), Philadelphia 13 (Holiday 6). Total FoulsChicago 26, Philadelphia 20. A20,381 (20,318).

Late Thursday: Thunder on brink of ousting Mavs

DALLAS — Kevin Durant finally found his postseason shooting touch, scoring 31 on 11-of-15 shooting, and the Thunder never trailed in beating Dallas 95-79 to take a 3-0 series lead on the defending champions. Game 4 is today in Dallas.

OKLAHOMA CITY (95): Durant 11-15 5-7 31, Ibaka 5-8 0-0 10, Perkins 1-4 0-0 2, Westbrook 8-19 2-4 20, Sefolosha 1-6 0-0 3, Collison 0-1 0-0 0, Harden 3-10 4-6 10, Fisher 4-9 0-0 10, Cook 3-7 0-0 9, Mohammed 0-1 0-0 0, Ivey 0-2 0-0 0, Hayward 0-0 0-0 0, Aldrich 0-3 0-0 0. Totals 36-85 11-17 95.

DALLAS (79): Marion 1-8 4-4 6, Nowitzki 6-15 5-8 17, Haywood 1-4 1-2 3, Kidd 4-12 2-2 12, West 3-5 3-3 9, Terry 3-10 3-4 11, Mahinmi 2-3 0-0 4, Carter 2-8 2-2 7, Wright 1-2 0-0 2, Beaubois 0-1 0-0 0, Cardinal 1-2 0-0 3, Azubuike 1-3 0-0 3, Yi 1-3 0-1 2. Totals 26-76 20-26 79.

Oklahoma City 32 18 25 20— 95

Dallas 26 15 16 22— 79

3-Point GoalsOklahoma City 12-28 (Durant 4-6, Cook 3-6, Fisher 2-4, Westbrook 2-5, Sefolosha 1-3, Ibaka 0-1, Ivey 0-1, Harden 0-2), Dallas 7-22 (Terry 2-5, Kidd 2-6, Cardinal 1-1, Azubuike 1-1, Carter 1-3, Nowitzki 0-1, Beaubois 0-1, Yi 0-1, Marion 0-3). Fouled OutNone. ReboundsOklahoma City 52 (Ibaka 11), Dallas 59 (Marion 10). AssistsOklahoma City 18 (Durant 6), Dallas 15 (Terry 6). Total FoulsOklahoma City 20, Dallas 16. TechnicalsDurant, Cardinal, Dallas Coach Carlisle, Nowitzki, West. A20,640 (19,200).

Around the league

STOUDEMIRE COULD RETURN: Amare Stoudemire joked that he told his Knicks teammates not to hit anything after they lost Game 3 to the Heat on Thursday. However, he quickly turned serious as he discussed the hand injury sustained when he punched the glass protecting a fire extinguisher after Game 2. Stoudemire seems to be recovering quickly from the Monday incident and might return for Sunday's Game 4.

HONOR FOR MAGIC: Magic power forward Ryan Anderson was named the league's Most Improved Player. He received 33 first-place votes of 121 media ballots cast. Anderson had career highs in points (16.1) and rebounds (7.7) per game, field-goal percentage (.439) and starts (61). He also led the league in 3-pointers made (166) and attempted (422).

ERVING BACK: Julius Erving returned to the 76ers, where he was a longtime star player, as a strategic adviser. The deal runs through 2015.

Astros 5, Cardinals 4

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Times wires
Friday, May 4, 2012

Astros 5, Cardinals 4

HOUSTON — Jose Altuve put the Astros up with a three-run homer in the second inning, and they held on for their fourth straight win. Houston starter Lucas Harrell gave up seven hits and four runs in 5 1/3 innings. Closer Brett Myers allowed one hit in a scoreless ninth for his seventh save after three relievers combined to pitch 2 2/3 scoreless innings.

Nationals 4, Phillies 3, 11 innings

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Times wires
Saturday, May 5, 2012

WASHINGTON — Pinch-hitter Wilson Ramos delivered an RBI single with two outs in the bottom of the 11th inning Friday to give the Nationals a 4-3 comeback victory over the Phillies.

Steve Lombardozzi started the winning rally against Michael Schwimer by singling with two outs.

Bryce Harper, at 19 the youngest player in the majors, drew his third walk of the game before Jayson Werth walked to load the bases.

Ramos then hit a 1-and-2 pitch to score Lombardozzi.

Nationals manager Davey Johnson called this game a "measuring stick" for his long-downtrodden but now NL East-leading club. The Nationals trailed 3-1 but tied it with two RBIs from Jesus Flores.

Much earlier, Hunter Pence and Carlos Ruiz homered off Stephen Strasburg, who had gone 66 innings without letting a ball leave the yard.

Orioles 6, Red Sox 4, 13 innings

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Times wires
Saturday, May 5, 2012

Orioles 6, Red Sox 4

13 innings

BOSTON — Chris Davis drove in the go-ahead run with a single in the top of the 13th as the Orioles won the four-hour, 37-minute game. Mark Reynolds homered in the third and added a sac fly in the 13th.

Blue Jays 4, Angels 0

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Times wires
Saturday, May 5, 2012

Blue Jays 4, Angels 0

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Henderson Alvarez needed just 97 pitches to record his first career shutout and the Blue Jays' second of the Angels in two nights. Alvarez, 22, had made only one previous appearance at Angel Stadium, the 2010 All-Star Futures Game. He now has won consecutive starts after going winless in his previous nine. And it was the first time in six starts this season he did not allow a home run. Ervin Santana, meanwhile, suffered his sixth loss in as many starts this season.

Braves 9, Rockies 8, 11 innings

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Times wires
Saturday, May 5, 2012

Braves 9, Rockies 8

11 innings

DENVER — Eric Hinske's four hits tied a career high and included a two-run home run in the 11th for the Braves. He sent Edgmer Escalona's 94 mph fastball into the Rockies' bullpen.

Twins 3, Mariners 2

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Times wires
Saturday, May 5, 2012

Twins 3, Mariners 2

SEATTLE — Joe Mauer's two-out single in the seventh lifted the Twins, who have won only two of their past 11. The Mariners have lost seven in a row. Minnesota ended a 25-inning scoreless streak with three runs in the seventh. Reliever Tom Wilhelmsen's throwing error allowed the tying run to score. Mauer followed with a single up the middle that glanced off the glove of shortstop Brendan Ryan.


Brewers 6, Giants 4

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Times wires
Saturday, May 5, 2012

Brewers 6, Giants 4

SAN FRANCISCO — Jonathan Lucroy had a two-run single in the first and Aramis Ramirez a two-run single in the seventh that put the Brewers ahead for good. The single extended Ramirez's hitting streak to seven games and helped raise his average to .211.

Captain's Corner: Hungry Spanish mackerel invade the area

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By Dave Walker, Times Correspondent
Saturday, May 5, 2012

What's hot: After relentless wind last week, Tampa Bay conditions have returned to normal. And "normal" this time of year is stellar. Spanish mackerel have stormed the bay area. Groups of large fish, some in the 5-pound range, are hitting with ferocity.

Tactics: Live baitfish or shrimp on a hook with an elongated shank are helpful when chasing fish with sharp teeth. Find deep sea grass beds or range markers with good water movement for best results. Using a chum block can greatly enhance the action. Be aware that cobia occasionally are drawn in right next to the boat.

Tip: Plan outings for the incoming tide. For whatever reason, it seems to be the best time to fish now. Days with four tides usually produce consistent catches.

Dave Walker charters out of Tampa. Call (813) 310-6531, email captdavewalker@verizon.net or visit snookfish.com.

Rays Tales: Tampa Bay Rays remember Jonny Gomes as their best teammate

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, May 5, 2012

Of the 317 men who have been on the Rays, there have been many better players than Jonny Gomes. But there have not been many better Rays. From all corners of the home clubhouse, there is strong sentiment that Gomes, back this weekend with Oakland, is the best teammate the Rays have had.

"I'll always have kind of a soft spot," manager Joe Maddon said. "He was one of the first, when I first came on board, he was like the guy that really played the kind of game that I liked. He was that guy. A combination of speed and power. … He's got a flair. He knows how to deal with the public in general; he appeals to the masses.

"He's got a lot of wonderful qualities about him."

Gomes earned much of his reputation during the Rays' 2008 run to prominence, specifically in two brawls, charging Shelly Duncan in a spring training tete-a-tete with the Yankees, then leading the charge off the bench in a June battle in Boston.

"How he reacted (against the Yankees) is what Jonny's all about," Maddon said. "Sticking up for his teammates, never running away from the action, running toward the action."

And don't think his mates didn't appreciate it.

David Price

"He's one of the best teammates I've ever had. Whatever his reputation is around the league, in this clubhouse it's great. He's one of the guys. He will fight for his teammates, no pun intended."

James Shields

"I rank him No. 1. He's always in the clubhouse, always first in line to give a high five. There's just an excitement he brings, and it's very contagious. And he always has everyone's back."

Elliot Johnson

"He looks out for everybody. He doesn't mess around. If you're wearing a uniform that says the same as his, he treats you like family. And he's going to defend you like a bodyguard, essentially."

J.P. Howell

"He's right there. He started it — he started the freestyle. Just be free and easy, man, and go play. He was the 'OG' of the group, the original guy. … And a little bit of flavor is okay. He made it exciting. We just came off a 100-loss season, and it was like we could win 100 all of a sudden, and without him, you don't know."

Trop talk

Tropicana Field has been a popular topic through the first month of the season.

One reason is the number of people coming in through its gates, from the early large crowds to the four tiny gatherings vs. Seattle last week that totaled 40,842, less than the average single-game attendance for five teams (Cardinals, Giants, Phillies, Rangers, Yankees).

The other reason is the number of balls going out of it. The Rays seem convinced that for some reason, well-struck balls are not carrying to centerfield as they should, drives last week by Matt Joyce and Luke Scott the latest examples after the team noticed it last season. Ideas have been tossed out, and some looked into, such as the temperature (lower with fewer people?), humidity and air-conditioning currents.

There is some merit to the claim: From 2005-10, 10.7 percent of the homers hit at the Trop by all teams went to centerfield (112 of 1,046) and 30.4 percent from left-center to right-center (318). In 2011-12, entering Saturday, 3.8 percent (7 of 187) had gone to center and 20.9 percent (39) to left-center and right-center. (The only one to center this year was the Scott ball Seattle's Michael Saunders knocked over the fence.) "I think it's real," hitting coach Derek Shelton said. "I guess the wind's blowing in all the time."

Rays rumblings

TV ratings on Sun Sports have been soaring, up a whopping 71 percent in April (5.4 households) from last year (3.18). … One element to Tim Beckham's 50-game suspension for a second drug issue: Had he been on the 40-man roster, he would not have been subjected to random testing for marijuana. Also, he may have wasted his shot at a promotion after Evan Longoria's injury; instead he's serving his suspension in extended spring. … MLB.com's Hal Bodley pegs the Rays as the "best team.'' … Ex-Ray Aaron Ledesma is running the American Baseball Institute out of Clearwater's Jack Russell Stadium; see ABIbaseball.com. … There's talk the Padres may release former Rays SS Jason Bartlett, hitting .156 entering Saturday and making $5.5 million, with a $5.5 million vesting option for 2013. … The Mets, managed by Maddon buddy Terry Collins, are doing themed road trips. … The '13 schedule may drop the second of the two series with Miami.

Got a minute? Jeff Keppinger

Favorite offday activity? Playing with my kids. Or fishing.

Big-night-out meal? I like Japanese food.

Late-night snack? Combos. Pizza-flavored combos. Or pork rinds, hot and spicy.

Favorite all-time TV show? MacGyver.

And current? River Monsters or Storage Wars.

An All-Maddon team

Maddon considers Gomes one of his all-time favorite players. Here are a few other lesser-known former Rays who are high on his list:

Grant Balfour, P (top)

Chad Bradford, P

Cliff Floyd, DH

Eric Hinske, INF/OF (middle)

Damon Hollins, OF

Gabe Kapler, OF

Tomas Perez, INF

Dan Wheeler, P

Ty Wigginton, INF/OF (bottom)

Nationals 7, Phillies 1

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Times wires
Saturday, May 5, 2012

Nationals 7, Phillies 1

WASHINGTON — The Nationals enjoyed a rare blowout win in a season in which half of their games have been decided by one run. "We haven't won one of those in a while," manager Davey Johnson said after Gio Gonzalez pitched seven strong innings and his team hit a season-high three homers. "It's not quite what I call a laugher. That's a smiler. We were hanging around, then we got a lead and added to it. It got to be a laugher."

Tampa Bay Rays may decide to stand pat during Evan Longoria's absence

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, May 5, 2012

Rays execs eventually may decide they need to make another move to replace injured third baseman Evan Longoria.

Maybe they acquire a third baseman (or a shortstop, with Sean Rodriguez sliding to third) versatile enough to help out elsewhere when Longoria returns (like a Ty Wigginton). Or they accelerate the time line for OF/DH Hideki Matsui to add a bigger bat to the mix, knowing Luke Scott soon will be able to play first and the outfield. (Or they can wait for Matsui and have him replace Brandon Allen.)

But they may just stick with the group they have, piecing a lineup together nightly from the somewhat miscast corps of Elliot Johnson, Jeff Keppinger, Will Rhymes and Rodriguez (with Reid Brignac available in Triple A) based on matchups and other data, knowing they've made it work before.

Since Longoria joined the Rays 10 games into the 2008 season, he had missed 13 percent of their games through Friday (87 of 665), and they had won 63 percent of the time (55 games).

Part of it is having quality, albeit not always obvious, depth. Initial thoughts of relying on the likes of Willy Aybar, Felipe Lopez, Dan Johnson and Rodriguez (at the time) to replace Longoria weren't necessarily comforting. Using them properly is key, too.

Other elements are less tangible. Knowing players follow his lead, manager Joe Maddon makes a point to not dwell on — and definitely not stress over — Longoria's absence. "Things like that can bother you only if you allow it to bother you," he said.

Also, there's the positive atmosphere he creates for the replacements and the patience he shows if they mess up. "The people we put out there feel a lot of support from us," he said, "and they really believe we believe that they can get the job done."

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