Times wires
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Reds 5, Pirates 0
PITTSBURGH — Mat Latos fought off a flu bug and a shaky first inning to strike out a career-high 11 over six sharp innings for Cincinnati. "Sometimes when guys don't feel quite right, a lot of times they throw their best games," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "You settle down, you're concentrating, you try not to overthrow because you don't have the strength to do so."
Times wires
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Cardinals 8, Astros 1
HOUSTON — Tyler Greene hit a career-high two homers and drove in four runs for St. Louis, and Adam Wainwright improved to 10-1 in 17 career starts vs. Houston, his most wins against any team. The Cardinals ended a three-game skid and snapped the Astros' five-game winning streak. Allen Craig also homered for St. Louis.
Times wires
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Mariners 5, Twins 2
SEATTLE — Rookie Jesus Montero lined a two-run double in the first inning to get Seattle on the board, Mike Carp added his first homer of the season and the Mariners cruised. Seattle starter Hector Noesi took a shutout into the seventh inning before giving up a solo home run to Ryan Doumit. The Mariners won their second straight game after snapping a seven-game losing streak Saturday night. Minnesota heads home having lost 11 of 13.
Times wires
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Braves 7, Rockies 2
DENVER — Brandon Beachy pitched effectively into the seventh inning, Freddie Freeman hit a three-run homer and Atlanta finished a three-game sweep. Dan Uggla homered, singled and drove in two runs for the Braves, a major league-best 18-7 since April 10. Beachy retired 14 straight after giving up a single to Ramon Hernandez with one out in the second. Colorado went 3-6 on its homestand.
Times wires
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Marlins 6, Padres 3
SAN DIEGO — Ricky Nolasco pitched seven strong innings, Giancarlo Stanton drew a bases-loaded walk to force in the tiebreaking run in the eighth inning and Miami won its season-best sixth straight game. The Marlins had lost eight of nine before beginning their winning streak.
Times wires
Sunday, May 6, 2012
LAS VEGAS — Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s bloodied nose, courtesy of Miguel Cotto, was not yet a memory when he addressed the boxing part of his future that everyone wants to hear about: What's the deal with Manny Pacquiao?
"The Pacquiao-Mayweather fight is not going to happen," Mayweather said. "It's not my fault."
Mayweather is suspicious of Pacquiao — he believes the opponent the public is clamoring for used steroids; he has no proof of that — and he is unwilling to take equal money or deal with promoter Bob Arum in setting up the surefire megabout.
After making a minimum of $32 million in scoring a 117-111, 117-111, 118-110 victory over Cotto late Saturday, Mayweather has three months of jail time coming up in June for a domestic abuse charge, so he will have more time to reflect on his future.
"I don't know where we're going to go from here because we basically have fought everybody in this sport," said Mayweather (43-0), who hinted he could retire at 35. "I don't have to fight if I don't want to."
But Saturday night, he found himself in a real battle against an opponent with no quit. In the fifth round, Cotto (37-3) landed a direct left hand square on Mayweather's nose. More telling was what happened next. As Mayweather wiped the blood with a glove, he smiled. He seemed to draw energy and took over in the later rounds.
"You're the toughest guy I ever fought," Mayweather told Cotto after.
Mayweather dominated late, rocking Cotto in the 12th to add the WBA super welterweight belt and the vacant WBC title to his collection. Both fighters paid a price. Cotto went to a hospital for an exam instead of to a postfight news conference.
"The fans were happy," Mayweather said. "It's about impressing fans and giving them what they want to see."
Times wires
Sunday, May 6, 2012
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Albert Pujols trotted dispassionately after hitting his first home run for the Angels, as he did 445 times with the Cardinals.
Then he had the dugout all to himself. Pujols' teammates gave him the silent treatment, a plot hatched by Torii Hunter. They were waiting in the tunnel leading to the clubhouse. Then, a burst of euphoria and they were all back on the bench, high-fiving and slapping him all over.
The reception was fun for just about everyone after Pujols' two-run shot, which helped the Angels beat the Blue Jays 4-3 Sunday to split the four-game series.
"I thought that would be cool. I always wanted to do that," Hunter said.
Pujols had gone 33 games and 139 at-bats without a homer in the regular season.
"I don't think anything's been lifted off my shoulders, man," said Pujols, who joined the Angels with a rich free agent deal in the offseason. "I don't think about what you guys write or what you think. I know what I'm capable of doing."
Times wires
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Giants 4, Brewers 3
11 innings
SAN FRANCISCO — Pinch-hitter Hector Sanchez singled over a five-man infield with the bases loaded in the 11th inning, driving in pinch-runner Emmanuel Burriss, and San Francisco won the series.
By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, May 6, 2012
ST. PETERSBURG — LF Desmond Jennings' status for Tuesday's game against the Yankees is in question after he left Sunday's 9-5 loss to Oakland after the second inning with left knee soreness.
Manager Joe Maddon wasn't sure what the extent of Jennings' injury was or how long he would be out, saying he'd know more today. He believed the injury occurred on Jennings' first-inning head-first slide into home, when the speedy leadoff man scored on a sacrifice fly.
Jennings grounded out to short in the second inning, nearly beating out the throw by Cliff Pennington. He was replaced by Elliot Johnson in the top of the third, with INF Will Rhymes taking Johnson's spot at second.
Jennings has been a catalyst for the Rays, entering Sunday tied for the AL lead in steals. Maddon said if Jennings is not available Tuesday, "more than likely" Matt Joyce would be in leftfield, with B.J. Upton in center and Ben Zobrist in right.
SWEET SWINGING: Joyce had three hits off left-handed pitchers Sunday, nearly as many as in his first 26 games (4-for-23).
Maddon said he was most impressed with Joyce's opposite-field single off LHP Brian Fuentes in the eighth.
"That really showed me that he's coming along," Maddon said. "Where he drives the ball to the left side of the field against a very good left-handed pitcher."
Joyce said he was excited for the opportunity to start against a lefty, knowing Maddon said he would pick and choose which ones to match him against.
"The more I see them, the more comfortable I'm going to get," Joyce said. "I never really had a problem before, so it's not something I'm going to go crazy over. It's just a comfortability factor. When you get more comfortable against lefties, you hit them better."
LOOKING UP: Upton had another good day at the plate, with three walks and a solo homer. Upton had one walk in his previous 13 games this season (51 plate appearances). It was his first three-walk game since May 29.
"B.J. has been working really good at-bats," Maddon said. "I really liked how his bat head is getting out front; the extension on his swing has been outstanding. He looks good right now; he looks very good. It's not as a surprise for him to be able to walk, based on the kind of swing that I'm seeing."
LEANING LEFT: LHP Cesar Ramos was watching the Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Miguel Cotto fight card at around 11 p.m. Saturday when he got the call he was coming back to the big leagues.
"I guess it was a good interruption," Ramos said, smiling.
With the Rays bullpen taxed — it threw 81/3 innings Saturday — Ramos was picked to give them a fresh arm. RHP Brandon Gomes was sent down after the 12-inning loss to the A's. Ramos hadn't pitched since Thursday, giving him an advantage over the other candidates, RHPs Alex Cobb and Dane De La Rosa, who pitched Friday.
But Ramos was also performing well for the Bulls, posting a team-best 1.69 ERA in 12 appearances. He threw a 1-2-3 ninth for the Rays on Sunday in his season debut.
"I was just going down there and attacking the hitters. That was my whole mind-set, attack, attack, attack," Ramos said. "It's been a pretty good start down there, so hopefully we can keep it up."
MEDICAL MATTERS: RHP Kyle Farnsworth (elbow strain) played catch Saturday for the first time since his injury, saying he was encouraged with how he felt after 20 throws from 60 feet. "I felt good," he said. "I was out in front of everything, didn't feel restricted, didn't feel anything in my elbow. It was a good step."
C Jose Lobaton (shoulder soreness) will DH or play catcher this week for extended spring in Port Charlotte.
MINOR MATTERS: DH Hideki Matsui, recently signed to a minor-league deal, will play his first extended spring game for the Rays at 1 p.m. Wednesday in Port Charlotte.
By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Web gem
In one of the best defensive plays by the Rays this year, SS Sean Rodriguez dived into the hole for sharp grounder by Brandon Inge in the ninth Sunday, then beamed a one-hop throw to first. "That was a fabulous play," manager Joe Maddon said. "It's one of those bang-bang things." Rodriguez said he just had to react. "You just throw the glove at it, see if it gets in there and get up and get rid of it. That's all you can do. Just made sure to keep it low, knew I had the turf in my favor."
Today: off
On deck
Tuesday: at Yankees, 7:05, Sun Sports. Rays — James Shields (5-0, 3.70); Yankees — Ivan Nova (3-1, 5.58)
Wednesday: at Yankees, 7:05, Sun Sports/ESPN. Rays — Jeff Niemann (2-3, 4.05); Yankees — David Phelps (0-1, 3.74)
Thursday: at Yankees, 7:05, Sun Sports. Rays — David Price (5-1, 2.35); Yankees — CC Sabathia (4-0, 4.15)
Number of the day
744 Pitches combined by the Rays and A's in the past two games (403 Saturday, 341 Sunday).
Going wild
The Rays had three wild pitches in a game for the 10th time in the past 10 years, with the last time April 28, 2009, at Minnesota. The club record is four. The Rays lead the majors with 17 wild pitches this season.
Jonny be good
Ex-Ray Jonny Gomes continues to feast on his former team, hitting 8-for-19 with four RBIs in six career games against Tampa Bay.
Quote of the day
"We just need to get that 'MoRmentum' going and start that back up on the road."
RF Matt Joyce, citing manager Joe Maddon's catchphrase for the season, on the Rays' need to get momentum back after a two-game losing streak to end their homestand
Joe Smith, Times staff writer
Helping hand
Rays batboy R.J. Boggs, right, found himself on MLB Network highlight reels after his great catch in foul territory Saturday night. He darted in front of bullpen catcher Scott Cursi to snag a liner after A's SS Cliff Pennington ripped a foul ball in the fourth toward Cursi, who had his back turned while warming up LHP J.P. Howell. "I heard it sizzling," Cursi said. "R.J. did a great job."
By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, May 6, 2012
TAMPA — It's just the first of many difficult steps in fulfilling his NFL dream, but Jordan Jefferson isn't going anywhere yet.
The quarterback, who went 24-8 as a starter for LSU, signed a contract with the Bucs on Sunday after impressing coaches during the weekend's rookie minicamp.
Jefferson is among several players who will be added to the roster, coach Greg Schiano said. He said the team could have "22 to 29" transactions involving some of the 14 rookie free agents it signed last week and those to whom it gave camp tryouts. That amounts to a major shakeup of the bottom of the roster even with the 90-man limit enacted by the NFL last month.
Jefferson entered camp without assurances beyond meals and a place to sleep. As a tryout candidate, he had four practices to prove he was worth keeping. After not being drafted or signed, the odds in favor of his being kept around appeared slim.
But Schiano said the Bucs are intrigued.
"He's an athletic guy who has a strong arm," Schiano said. "We wanted to gauge his development as a quarterback. I thought he made consistent improvement all weekend. There's a lot of upside there, so I think we would like to have a chance to work with him."
The Bucs already had four quarterbacks on the roster:
• Josh Freeman, the starter entering his fourth season.
• Dan Orlovsky, the expected No. 2, who has appeared in 21 games and started 12 for four teams since entering the league in 2005.
• Brett Ratliff, who has been with six teams but appeared in no games since entering the league in 2007.
• Zach Collaros, who went undrafted out of Cincinnati last month.
Jefferson — suspended for four games last season after being accused of participating in a bar fight (a hearing on a misdemeanor charge of simple battery is scheduled for Thursday in Baton Rouge, La.) — is not seen as a polished quarterback and faces long odds.
Still, he relishes the opportunity.
"I just want to prove that I'm a very talented player," he said.
"I played at LSU for a large (number) of games. I had a very strong winning percentage there. At the same time, I'm not where I want to be. But I'm a competitor, and I can be the pro style quarterback that Tampa Bay wants me to be."
Jefferson could appeal to the Bucs as a short-yardage and goal-line option given his running ability and athleticism; the Jets are expected to use Tim Tebow in a similar role. But the focus has been on evaluating Jefferson's traditional skills.
One thing Jefferson has done is win.
"That's definitely my strong (point)," he said. "But at the same time, I still have a lot of work to do.
"Those 24 games that I did win probably weren't my best performances, but it was good enough for us to win."
Meanwhile, Schiano repeatedly emphasized turnover will be extensive. Even the rookie free agents aren't guaranteed spots, he said; the coaching staff re-evaluated all participants of the camp.
"We look at it like we evaluate (the players) regardless of what has been done," Schiano said.
The Bucs decided not to conduct a practice Sunday morning after the staff met Saturday evening, discussed its evaluations and agreed it had seen enough Friday and Saturday.
Another player among the keepers is cornerback Derrick Roberson, who played at Rutgers under Schiano. Roberson appeared in six games for the Bucs in 2009 but has been out of the NFL since 2010. He has sought another shot since recovering from a severe tear of his abductor muscle.
But his background with Schiano didn't ensure him a shot. He had to maximize his weekend opportunities.
"One thing I knew was I couldn't take me and Coach Schiano's relationship for granted," Roberson said. "I knew I was going to have to come in here and prove myself.
The Bucs also signed tryout candidate Hilee Taylor, a defensive end and 2008 seventh-round pick of the Panthers who hasn't played since 2010.
He was claimed off waivers by the Lions in August after his release from Carolina but did not report. His agent told the Detroit Free Press he was retiring to pursue other opportunities in his life.
It wasn't clear what changed.
Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@tampabay.com. Follow him on Twitter at @BucsBeat.
By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, May 6, 2012
TAMPA — Leonard Johnson felt right at home this weekend. Not just because the former Iowa State cornerback had signed with his hometown Bucs after going undrafted, though that was quite a thrill.
His comfort level was the result of being picked to work on a separate field — with the team's draft picks — during the three-day rookie minicamp that ended Sunday.
"I came in not knowing what to expect, and here I am with the drafted guys," said Johnson, a former Largo High quarterback. "So we all blend in now. Someone told me (Saturday), 'It's not how you get here. It's what you do once you're here.' And that just said it all. So I'm excited."
It didn't hurt that Johnson played well in December's Pinstripe Bowl against Rutgers and future Bucs coach Greg Schiano, who watched all 12 of Iowa State's games in preparation for that game.
The Scarlet Knights won 27-13, but Johnson limited WR Mohamed Sanu, the Big East's all-time receptions leader whom the Bengals took in the third round, to six catches for 62 yards.
The 5-foot-10, 196-pound Clearwater native was one of 14 undrafted free agents the Bucs signed last week.
"I was expecting something to come through on draft day," he said. "But God works in mysterious ways. I'm more than happy to be right here at home."
QUICK STUDY: Former Utah State RB Michael Smith has rare speed. The seventh-round pick last month was clocked at 4.26 seconds in the 40-yard dash at a predraft workout and backed it up by running 4.32 at the Aggies' pro day.
But it's how quickly Smith and Boise State RB Doug Martin, the 31st overall pick, can pick up the offense that will determine their playing time.
"We're very competitive, and he's my roommate at the hotel right now," Smith said. "We're talking together and going through playbooks together to make sure we both understand it so when we're on the field, we can execute it."
Last season Smith played behind Robert Turbin, a fourth-round pick of the Seahawks, but rushed for 870 yards and nine touchdowns, and averaged 7.6 yards per carry.
Although only 5-9, 211 pounds, Smith was physical enough to play some fullback for the Aggies. "I use my speed to my advantage and hit them before they can hit me," he said.
The good news for Smith is the Bucs aren't stocked at running back. Currently he figures to be behind Martin and LeGarrette Blount.
"I'm going to push (Blount) to his limits and make sure I try to take the position," Smith said.
RUTGERNEERS: It's usual for a new coach to sign players he is familiar with.
That has been the case with Schiano, who has four rookies from Rutgers on the roster (not including paralyzed former DT Eric LeGrand) and two veterans, C Jeremy Zuttah and recently signed DT Gary Gipson.
"Some of the guys that I'm very familiar with, if they're available and I think they have a chance to help us, (we'll sign)," Schiano said. "But my previous relationships will never cloud my vision on what's best for the Buccaneers. And that's exactly what I share with them.
"That's professional sports. I make it clear to them out of the gate that I'm doing what's best for the Bucs. If you're good with that, then let's roll. All of them understand."
Times staff writer Stephen F. Holder contributed to this report.
Times wires
Sunday, May 6, 2012
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Andy Pettitte hardly looked ready for the majors in the first Triple-A start of his comeback.
The left-hander pitched five shaky innings Sunday and took the loss as the Yankees' top affiliate lost to Pawtucket 7-5.
Pettitte, 39, allowed five runs, three earned, and eight hits in his latest minor-league outing. He walked two, one with the bases loaded, and struck out five.
"The feel for my offspeed stuff just wasn't there. I'm disappointed I'm not as sharp as I wanted to be," Pettitte said.
Pettitte, who retired after the 2010 season, is hoping to rejoin the Yankees' rotation soon.
JONES RIPS MOYER: Braves 3B Chipper Jones was still fuming over claims by Colorado LHP Jamie Moyer that he was stealing signs Saturday. "See, this is what happens when you get a pitcher who comes from a team that (relays signs) constantly, the Phillies," Jones said. "And he is so paranoid that every single team does it, which is not the case."
ANGELS: RH reliever LaTroy Hawkins fractured his right pinkie finger and is likely headed for the disabled list.
DODGERS: CF Matt Kemp was scratched because of a tight left hamstring.
METS: SS Ruben Tejada strained his right quadriceps muscle after stumbling near first base following a successful bunt.
NATIONALS: RF Jayson Werth hurt his left wrist trying to make a sliding catch and left the game.
Times wires
Sunday, May 6, 2012
BOSTON — Chris Davis had a better day as a designated pitcher than as a designated hitter.
In the first game since 1925 in which both teams put a position player on the mound, Davis compensated for his 0-for-8 day by pitching two scoreless innings and getting the win as the American League East-leading Orioles beat the last-place Red Sox 9-6 Sunday in 17 innings.
"I was like 'Sweet! I get to try something different today, because hitting ain't working," said Davis, who struck out five times and hit into a double play.
Adam Jones hit a three-run homer in the 17th off Red Sox outfielder Darnell McDonald.
On Oct. 4, 1925, Hall of Famers Ty Cobb of Detroit and George Sisler of the St. Louis Browns were on the mound to end a doubleheader nightcap on the last day of the season, STATS LLC said.
By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, May 6, 2012
tom jones' two cents
Biggest baby
Look, I know Albert Pujols isn't happy about his slow start with the Angels, but don't be a jerk to the media and force your manager to answer for your problems. After starting the season with a .194 average, no homers and five RBIs, Pujols was told by manager Mike Scioscia that he was going to be given a day off Saturday. When asked to discuss it with writers, Pujols snapped: "Go ask the manager. I don't make the lineup."
Really? You barely do a thing at the plate all season and now you're going to cop an attitude and force Scioscia to answer questions about your pouting? Why not just man up and say: "Hey, I'm struggling. A day off would probably help, and I'll try anything that Mike suggests."
Turns out Scioscia made the smart move. Pujols returned to the lineup Sunday and hit his first homer of the season.
Best coverage
Here's how you know something on television is really, really good: When you don't care all that much about the subject matter, yet you can't change the channel.
That's how I feel about NBC's horse racing coverage, and in particular, the Kentucky Derby. Horse racing? I can take it or leave it. NBC's coverage of horse racing? I can't miss it.
Saturday's coverage of the Kentucky Derby will end up on the short list of the best sports television of the year. NBC expertly walks the fine line between making the show informative to avid horse racing fans, yet fun for the large majority who won't watch another horse race the rest of the year. And it did that for a pregame show that was more than three hours long. It's hard to make anything interesting for three hours, but NBC, led by incomparable host Bob Costas, left, did that by keeping the pace quick and offering fun and unexpected features.
For horse racing fans, NBC consistently updated the latest odds and had compelling pieces on the horses, owners, trainers and jockeys. The best owner feature was on Phyllis Wyeth, owner of Union Rags. She is confined to a wheelchair because of a car crash, but it was her love for Union Rags that was the central part of her story. She once sold the horse for $145,000 but missed him so much that she bought him back for $390,000.
Meantime, the rest of us who are not necessarily horse racing fans still enjoyed other features, such as the Today show's Jenna Wolf hosting a superb piece on thoroughbred breeding. She went to a horse farm and reported on all stages of the process, including the birth of a foal and watching him take his first steps 45 minutes after he was born. Six hours later, he was running. The piece was a simple idea that was splendidly executed. It was funny and poignant and just one of the highlights of an outstanding afternoon of coverage.
The show was so good that this non-horse racing fan can't wait until NBC's coverage of the Preakness on May 19.
tom jones' two cents
Best reporting
Each game, it seems, NBC NHL analyst Pierre McGuire shows why he is so valuable stationed between the benches. The latest example was Saturday.
With the Rangers and Capitals tied at 2 in the third period, Rangers star Marian Gaborik passed during an odd-man break instead of taking a shot, and the rush ended without a decent scoring opportunity. Analyst Eddie Olczyk immediately said, "Gaborik has got to shoot the puck there."
McGuire responded: "Absolutely.''
McGuire then smartly followed Gaborik with eyes and ears back to the bench and told fans that Gaborik was swearing in his native Slovak. McGuire, a former NHL coach, then continued to show his coaching and reporting instincts and watched the bench as Rangers coach John Tortorella, upset the Gaborik didn't shoot the puck, walked behind Gaborik and yelled, "Make a difference! Make a difference!"
Best of all, NBC's crew was paying attention, too. A camera stayed with Gaborik, and viewers were able to watch a replay of Tortorella yelling at Gaborik. That's first-rate TV.
Three things that popped into my head
1. So if the NFL players union is going to fight the Saints players' bounty scandal suspensions, who is defending all the players targeted for injury by the Saints?
2. Cliche I'm tired of hearing in the NHL and NBA playoffs: "We need to play our best game of the series." Isn't that the goal every game in a seven-game series?
3. To me, the first two rounds of the NHL playoffs are better than the last two rounds. But the last two rounds of the NBA playoffs are better than the first two rounds.
Best host
Giants QB Eli Manning hosted Saturday Night Live, and though he wasn't quite as good as his brother Peyton was when he hosted, Eli did a solid job. Better than Joe Montana, anyway.
Best point
Fox's pregame of the baseball Game of the Week has been outstanding this season, mostly thanks to analysts Harold Reynolds, bottom, and Kevin Millar. Reynolds had a great point Saturday about why so many of baseball's closers are having injury issues.
"I think the big thing we have with all the closers (is) they don't work enough in spring training," Reynolds said. "I don't think guys are in shape, and it's no surprise that they are falling by the wayside."
Best interview
For the second week in a row, Fox's baseball Game of the Week had a great in-game interview, weeks after I wrote that networks should scrap such interviews because nothing is ever said in them.
Saturday, Fox interviewed Tigers ace Justin Verlander, who showed a great sense of humor while also educating viewers by answering questions about pitchers' mechanics.
Best newcomer
Many lament that there seems to be a real void in the next generation of top-flight announcers, those who someday will take over for Bob Costas, Al Michaels and so forth. But here's someone who's young and impressive and well on his way to being a fixture for years to come: Liam McHugh, right.
A former sports writer for New York's Newsday, McHugh, 34, serves as the weekend host for NBC Sports and has been the lead host on NBC's and NBC Sports Network's hockey coverage. He is calm and controlled, yet enthusiastic and engaging. He is especially quick and skilled managing NBC's large hockey personalities, such as Mike Milbury, Keith Jones and Jeremy Roenick.
Costas is so good that it's unfair to call McHugh (or anyone, for that matter) the "next Costas," but McHugh has a chance to be a future great.
Biggest pet peeve
CBS loves to turn its on-course microphones up so loud during its golf coverage that announcers are often difficult to hear if there is even mild applause from the gallery. And if there is a loud roar from the crowd, forget it. You have no chance to hear anything the announcers are saying.
I could be a wiseguy and say the CBS announcers, save for Nick Faldo, don't say much that's all that interesting or informative anyway.
Tampa Bay Times staff writer Tom Jones looks back at the best and worst from a weekend of televised sports.
Times wires
Sunday, May 6, 2012
TALLADEGA, Ala. — NASCAR driver Eric McClure was expected to spend a second night at a Birmingham hospital after an accident at Talladega Superspeedway.
McClure remained at UAB Medical Center on Sunday, team spokeswoman Emily Brandt said. He was alert and talking, but his family didn't disclose details about his injuries.
McClure's wife, Miranda, posted on his Facebook page that the family is "so thankful that he survived. It is nothing short of a miracle that he was not hurt more than he is."
McClure was in an accident in Saturday's Nationwide series race. He hit the inside Turn 3 wall nearly head-on during a multicar wreck.
NHRA: Ron Capps won the Southern Nationals in Commerce, Ga., ending John Force Racing's season-opening Funny Car winning streak at six. Capps beat JFR's Robert Hight in the final. Steve Torrence took his first Top Fuel victory, and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won their classes.
MOTORCYCLES: Ryan Dungey won the AMA Supercross season finale at Las Vegas late Saturday.
EAST BAY RACEWAY: Keith Nosbisch won in Late Models on Saturday in Gibsonton.
Times wires
Sunday, May 6, 2012
TALLADEGA, Ala. — The leader on the last lap isn't supposed to win at Talladega Superspeedway. Everybody knows that.
Brad Keselowski disagrees, and he showed how to do it Sunday with a calculated plan.
Keselowski used a big push from Kyle Busch to pass leader Matt Kenseth, and after leaving the Daytona 500 winner in their wake, Keselowski staved off Busch's attempt to win. Using a move Keselowski said he had dreamed about, he held on for his second win of the season and second career at Talladega.
"I had this whole plan if I ever got in that situation where I was leading. I thought about it and thought about it, dreamed about what to do, and sure enough, going into (Turn) 3, it was just me and Kyle," Keselowski said. "I knew the move I wanted to pull. It worked because the guy running second should have the advantage, but I had this move all worked up in my mind."
Keselowski was the first driver in the past five races at Talladega to take the white flag as the leader and hang on. He did it with a plan that left Busch and Kenseth flat-footed, and after the race both praised Keselowski, who made his big splash in NASCAR by winning the spring race at Talladega in 2009, pulling off an upset for James Finch's underfunded team.
"He's no dummy, that's for sure," said Busch, who finished second for the second consecutive day, including the Nationwide series race.
Kenseth led seven times for a race-high 73 laps and also led coming into a race-ending green-white-checkered restart.
A nine-car accident with four laps remaining brought out the yellow flag. Kenseth, with a push from Roush Fenway Racing teammate Greg Biffle, jumped to a huge lead on the restart.
It was probably too big.
Kenseth and Biffle got separated, and with two-car tandem racing still the fastest way around Talladega despite all of NASCAR's rules aimed at ending it, the Keselowski-Busch tandem sailed past Kenseth on the outside.
"I think we had the winning car, really just didn't have the winning driver," Kenseth said. "I wasn't too fast. I was just too stupid, I guess, at the end to keep a win."
The last wreck was the last of five cautions in a clean race by restrictor-plate standards. Defending series champ Tony Stewart, who was collected in AJ Allmendinger's accident, had a ready response for those clamoring for pack racing and complaining about a relative lack of action in recent races.
"I'm upset that we didn't crash more cars," said Stewart, who finished 24th and co-owns his two-car Stewart-Haas team. "That's what we're here for. I feel bad if I don't spend at least $150,000 in torn-up race cars going back to the shop. We've definitely got to do a better job at that."
By Don Jensen, Times Correspondent
Sunday, May 6, 2012
OLDSMAR — Tampa Bay Downs wasn't immune to issues beyond its control. And changes are possibly on the way.
The Downs closed its 86th thoroughbred racing season Sunday, a challenging 92-day meet for track vice president and general manager Peter Berube.
From competing against casino track Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach to having fewer horses as a result of a national foal crop decline, the Downs couldn't keep pace with its record-setting meet from the previous year, when average daily all-source handle topped $4.5 million.
"We're going to look at everything (for next season)," Berube said. "Obviously, this year was a mixed bag. So we're going to look to make an improvement."
Some changes might take place in next year's schedule (a 92-day meet) and stakes program (25 stakes this year).
"We may reallocate some of the stakes money and concentrate on what I believe our core stakes program is, which is turf racing and 3-year-old racing," Berube said.
Berube said final statistics for the meet will be available within the next week, but the 18-year Downs veteran said attendance and on-track handle "are going to be even with last year."
Less than full fields affected wagering, he said, as did favorable weather in other parts of the country, which reduced cancellations at competing tracks.
"The decline in the number of starters per race this year negatively impacted handle," Berube said. "Not having the same revenue streams as many tracks in the country (i.e. slot machines and enhanced purses) makes for a challenging environment. That being said, we are still the fourth most popular signal in the winter time nationally."
Individual champions were crowned: Trainer Jamie Ness and his owner, Midwest Thoroughbreds (each with a record 79 wins); jockey Leandro Goncalves (88 victories), and apprentice rider Eric Barbaran (27 wins).
Times wires
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Cubs 4, Dodgers 3
11 innings
CHICAGO — David DeJesus drew a bases-loaded walk in the 11th inning to lift Chicago, which waited out a 2-hour, 41-minute rain delay and rallied in the ninth inning. Tony Campana hit a tying double in the ninth, but DeJesus, who would have been the winning run, was thrown out at home.
Times wires
Sunday, May 6, 2012
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Rickie Fowler has never been afraid to put it all on the line.
The thrill-seeking passion for motocross as a teenager. The head-turning clothing he brought to the PGA Tour as a rookie, such as the bright orange ensemble from head-to-toe on Sundays. With a chance to finally break through for his first win, the kid showed his true colors.
In a three-way playoff that featured 2011 U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy, Fowler, 23, gambled with a 51-degree wedge that had to be perfect on an 18th hole at Quail Hollow that had yielded only four birdies all day.
And it was.
Fowler stuffed his shot into 4 feet for a birdie on the first extra hole to beat McIlroy and D.A. Points and win the Wells Fargo Championship on Sunday. It was his first win in his 67th start.
"I didn't want to play it safe," Fowler said. "I had a good number (133 yards), and I was aiming right of the hole with the wind coming out of the right, and if I hit a perfect shot, it comes down right on the stick. … I hit a perfect shot at the right time, and I was going for it."
McIlroy, who returned to No. 1 in the world, used Quail Hollow as a launching pad toward stardom when he won there two years ago. Perhaps this is the start of a rivalry for years between a pair of 23-year-olds who bring power, flair and exuberance to the game.
"I'm looking forward to playing with Rory for a long time," said Fowler, who closed with 3-under 69 to finish at 14-under 274. "It's awesome. It's a long wait, but well worth it."
Points shot 71. McIlroy had a shot at winning in regulation but missed a 15-foot birdie putt, giving him 70. "You wouldn't call the 18th (Sunday) a birdie hole with that pin," McIlroy said. "For Rickie to go out and play that hole the way he did, he deserved to win."
CHAMPIONS: Fred Funk birdied the final hole to edge Tom Lehman and win the Insperity Championship at the Woodlands, Texas. Tied with one hole left, Funk hit his approach on No. 18 to 2 feet. Lehman missed his birdie putt, and Funk tapped in for his seventh victory on the tour and first since 2010. He finished with 5-under 67 for 14-under 202 total. Lehman shot 68.
LPGA: Pornanong Phatlum won the Brazil Cup exhibition event in Rio de Janeiro, closing with a bogey-free 6-under 67 for a four-stroke victory over Taiwan's Amy Hung. Phatlum finished at 13-under 133 in the two-day, 30-player tournament. Tampa's Cindy LaCrosse shot back-to-back 73s to finish 20th.
