Times wires
Monday, June 4, 2012

Giants 3, Cubs 2

SAN FRANCISCO — Ryan Vogelsong won his fourth straight decision, Buster Posey scored the go-ahead run on Joaquin Arias' double-play grounder in the seventh and San Francisco completed a four-game sweep. Brandon Crawford had two RBIs, on a double and a fielder's choice, helping the Giants to their season-best fourth straight victory on a rare wraparound getaway game on a Monday. San Francisco is a season-best seven games over .500.

Times wires
Monday, June 4, 2012

PARIS — On days like these, when so little goes right and so much goes awry, Maria Sharapova tosses away the strategies and scouting reports her coach devises and, well, does whatever it takes to win.

Locked in a three-set, three-hour struggle at a wet, windy French Open on Monday, Sharapova's right, racket-swinging wrist was aching. And that, she insisted, was the least of her problems.

There was the tumble to her backside Sharapova laughed about later. The exasperating line calls and what the second seed considered an obstinate chair umpire. Her 12 double faults, plus 41 other errors. The nine breaks she allowed, including three while serving for the match. The unseeded foe who wouldn't go away.

"It was," Sharapova summed up, "a good test for me."

After dropping a total of five games in three matches that averaged less than an hour each, Sharapova moved into the quarterfinals at the only Grand Slam tournament she hasn't won by dispensing with tactics and swinging away until she pulled out a 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-2 victory over 44th-ranked Klara Zakopalova.

"I'm useless with game plans. That's probably the one thing (coach Thomas Hogstedt) just gets so frustrated with me about," Sharapova said. "I go out there, and I do my own thing, and then he's like … 'Really? What's the point? … What's the point of having me?' But I apologized when I hired him, in advance, so he's okay."

Sharapova said she jammed her wrist on a service return, "but … nothing to worry about."

As for her second-set stumble, Sharapova chuckled and said: "That was my first fall of the clay season, which is the biggest shocker. I usually have a few before the French Open."

She was less amused by the work of chair umpire Julie Kjendlie of Norway, engaging in a couple of extended arguments about rulings.

"The first one was the most questionable one, I guess, because she couldn't find the mark. … What do you say to that? You can't find the mark? It was like, 'Well, isn't that your job?' … I mean, we're on clay courts. Usually when there is no mark, it means it's on the line. She had an answer for everything out there."

Sharapova now has one thing in common with every woman left: None has won the French Open.

Defending champion Li Na, seeded seventh, was ousted by qualifier Yaroslava Shvedova 3-6, 6-2, 6-0. Sharapova's next opponent, No. 23 Kaia Kanepi, hasn't been beyond the quarterfinals at any Grand Slam but got to that round for the fourth time by defeating unseeded Arantxa Rus 6-1, 4-6, 6-0.

Rafael Nadal's pursuit of a record seventh French Open title rolled on with another rout, 6-2, 6-0, 6-0 over 13th-seeded Juan Monaco. Nadal is 49-1 for his career at the French Open.

Times wires
Monday, June 4, 2012

HOUSTON — The Astros were looking for a player who could become the face of this struggling franchise with the No. 1 pick in this year's draft.

The more they learned about Carlos Correa, the surer they were he could become just that.

Houston loved the talent and skills of the 17-year-old shortstop. But the Astros were just as impressed with him as a person. Correa, who starred at the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy, is bilingual and has a 4.0 G.P.A.

"There were some really good choices in this draft so it was not a clear cut decision, but the more we probed, the more we thought about where we are as an organization and the types of skills and people that we need, this player just continued to scream out at us that this was the one," Houston GM Jeff Luhnow said.

The 6-foot-4, 190-pounder is the first shortstop taken first overall since the Rays chose Tim Beckham in 2008 and the fourth shortstop taken with the top pick since 1994. He's also the highest drafted player from Puerto Rico.

Houston scouting director and assistant GM Bobby Heck and his scouts spoke to many at the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy as they were preparing for the draft and received only good reviews.

"We talked to the coaches and the staff there and we also talked to the teachers and the more we dug up, the more positives there were," Heck said.

Many mock draft lists predicted the Astros would select Stanford RHP Mark Appel, who slid to Pittsburgh at No. 8 overall.

With the second pick, Minnesota took Georgia high school OF Byron Buxton, considered a five-tool player with perhaps the best pure hit tool in the draft.

Florida junior C Mike Zunino was selected No. 3 by the Mariners, becoming the highest-drafted Gator in history. Florida LHP Brian Johnson went to Boston with the final pick of the first round. For more on Zunino, go to tampabay.com/blogs/gators/.

FSU OF James Ramsey, a senior, was taken by the Cardinals with the 23rd overall pick.

OBITUARY: Pedro Borbon, who pitched 10 years for the Reds and helped the Big Red Machine win back-to-back World Series titles, died of cancer at his home in Pharr, Texas. He was 65. Mr. Borbon was a key member of Cincinnati's bullpen in 1975-76.

SANTANA HELD BACK: Mets LHP Johan Santana will get two extra days of rest after his no-hitter, making his next start Friday night at Yankee Stadium.

SANDOVAL CASE: The Santa Cruz County (Calif.) sheriff's office said it hopes to complete the bulk of an investigation into sexual assault allegations involving Giants 3B Pablo Sandoval this week, then determine whether to seek charges.

BLUE JAYS: X-rays on Edwin Encarnacion's right hand were negative a day after he was hit by a pitch from Red Sox RHP Daniel Bard.

D'BACKS: SS Stephen Drew will join Triple-A Reno this week for what could be the last rehab stop in his comeback from a left ankle injury nearly 11 months ago.

DODGERS: LF Juan Rivera was activated off the 15-day disabled list four weeks after rupturing his left hamstring tendon.

INDIANS: C Carlos Santana, out since May 25 because of a concussion, began a rehab assignment as the DH for Class A Lake County.

ORIOLES: MRI exams on CF Adam Jones' wrists came back negative, and Jones could return to the lineup today.

ROCKIES: LHP Jorge De La Rosa suffered a setback in his recovery from elbow ligament replacement surgery when the team discovered fluid in his elbow. … RHP Juan Nicasio went on the 15-day disabled list with a left knee strain.

TWINS: C Joe Mauer sat out with a sprained right thumb and is day to day. … RHP Carl Pavano went on the disabled list with a right anterior capsular strain. RHP Nick Blackburn was activated from the DL.

Times staff writer Antonya English contributed to this report.

Times wires
Monday, June 4, 2012

PHILADELPHIA — After waiting nine years to reach the majors, Elian Herrera is making a strong case to stay.

Herrera hit a tiebreaking single off Jonathan Papelbon in the ninth inning to lift the Dodgers over the Phillies 4-3 on Monday night.

"I really love this game," said Herrera, who was finally called up to replace the injured Juan Uribe earlier this month. "I would have liked to have been here before, but that's how it works. I just want to be in the lineup. It doesn't matter where I play."

Herrera is hitting .308 in 19 games. He has started at third base, second base and now center field.

"It's a testament to him that he continued to work hard," Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said. "I'm happy for him. I didn't even know he could play outfield. When Matt (Kemp) went down, they said he could play center."

Placido Polanco hit a tying two-run homer to help the Phillies rally from a 3-0 deficit against Clayton Kershaw.

Dee Gordon ripped a triple to right-center to start the ninth against Papelbon. Herrera followed with a grounder through the shortstop hole to put major league-leading Los Angeles ahead to stay.

Papelbon is 15-for-15 in save opportunities, but hasn't fared as well in non-save situations.

He wasn't pleased with plate umpire D.J. Reyburn, who had a tough night. Reyburn tossed Dodgers bench coach Trey Hillman and Mattingly earlier in the game. Papelbon thought he struck out Gordon the pitch before the triple. After the inning, he walked over to talk to Reyburn, who walked away.

"I just wanted to ask him if he could throw me out for what I was thinking," Papelbon said. "He was terrible all night. He probably needs to go back to Triple A. If you don't do your job, you get demoted or fired. It affected the outcome of the game."

Kershaw, the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner, pitched seven solid innings but remained winless in his past three starts.

The five-time defending NL East champion Phillies have lost three straight to fall back to .500. But they're just four games behind first-place Washington.

Phillies starter Vance Worley allowed four runs and five hits in four innings in his first start since May 11. Worley had been sidelined with an elbow injury.

Times wires
Monday, June 4, 2012

nfl

arbitrator: commissioner can discipline

NEW YORK — An arbitrator ruled Monday that commissioner Roger Goodell has the authority to discipline Saints players for their role in a bounty system.

The NFL Players Association challenged Goodell's power to impose penalties for what the league says was a three-year bounty program that targeted specific players. Stephen Burbank, a University of Pennsylvania law professor, took five days to determine that Goodell has the power to punish the players under the collective bargaining agreement reached in August to end the lockout.

Goodell suspended Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma for the 2012 season and teammate Will Smith for four games. Former Saints defensive end Anthony Hargrove, now with the Packers, was suspended eight games, and linebacker Scott Fujita, now with the Browns, was docked three games.

Those players have appealed the suspensions. The players union later Monday said it would appeal Burbank's decision because it believes salary cap violations are involved in the payment. That would give Burbank the authority to rule on penalizing any players involved.

Dolphins sign fourth-rounder: The team signed running back Lamar Miller, its fourth-round draft pick from the University of Miami. Miller played in 23 career games with 13 starts. He gained 1,918 yards rushing with 15 touchdowns and caught 28 passes for 181 yards and one score.

League will select replacement officials: The NFL will start hiring and training possible replacement officials with a deal not completed with the NFL Referees Association. Talks between the league and officials broke down after two mediation sessions that followed nine bargaining negotiations since October. A session was held Sunday in New York, and the referees association said the league "terminated negotiations" Monday. The NFL said new demands made by the officials led to the end of talks.

boxing

Mosley, 40, elects to call it quits

"Sugar" Shane Mosley is retiring, ending a career in which he won titles in three weight classes, beat Oscar De La Hoya twice and never was knocked out.

He announced on Twitter that he was hanging up his gloves, saying he "loved every moment of it. Win, lose or draw."

Mosley, 40, lost three of his last four fights, including a dreary bout against Manny Pacquiao in May 2011. His last fight was May 5 on the undercard of the fight between Floyd Mayweather and Miguel Cotto. Mosley lost a lopsided decision to rising Mexican star Canelo Alvarez. Mosley retires with a record of 46-8-1.

Golf

Love qualifies for 23rd U.S. Open

U.S. Ryder Cup captain Davis Love III qualified for the U.S. Open for the third time in the past six years with 2-under 139 in a qualifier at Scioto Country Club and Ohio State's Scarlet Course in Upper Arlington.

Love, who finished tied for 16th at the Memorial Tournament on Sunday, said it never crossed his mind to go home rather than extend an already long week by playing 36 more holes.

"No. Like last year, statistically I hit the ball well enough at the U.S. and the British (Opens) to win," he said. "I definitely want to play." The U.S. Open is June 14-17 in San Francisco. Love, 48, will make his 23rd appearance.

Times wires

Times wires
Monday, June 4, 2012

CORAL GABLES — Willie Carmona had four hits including a home run and drove in three to lead fourth seed Stony Brook to its first region title with a 10-6 win over UCF on Monday night.

Stony Brook (50-12) received a valiant effort from Tyler Johnson, who was pitching on two days' rest. He allowed four runs in 61/3 innings while throwing 119 pitches.

D.J. Hicks hit two home runs UCF (45-17), which led 3-0 before Stony Brook scored five runs in the fourth keyed by a two-run double by Carmona. Pat Cantwell hit a two-run single for a 7-3 lead and Carmona's homer capped the scoring for the Seawolves.

UCF starter Brian Adkins (3-6) allowed four runs in 31/3 innings.

The Seawolves are the third No. 4 seed to win a region tournament (Missouri, 2006; Fresno State, '08) since the field was expanded to 64 teams in 2001.

Region wrap-up

raleigh: Tarran Senay hit a three-run homer in the eighth and a two-run single in the ninth that helped North Carolina State rally to beat Vanderbilt 9-7 in Raleigh, N.C. The Wolfpack will play at No. 1 national seed Florida in the Super Regions. Senay's second hit brought in the go-ahead run as top-seeded N.C. State (43-18) rallied from a 7-3 deficit to reach the Super Regions for the first time since 2008. Reliever Ryan Wilkins earned the win with 42/3 scoreless innings, allowing three hits.

Charlottesville: Drew Harrison pitched six innings in his first career start and Jack Mayfield drove in three runs as Oklahoma beat Appalachian State 5-2 to win the tournament in Charlottesville, Va. Harrison, a first baseman converted to a pitcher this year, allowed three hits and two runs, struck out four and walked three. The Sooners (42-23) completed a comeback that saw them eliminate Army and host Virginia on Sunday then win two against Appalachian State. Oklahoma had 13 hits in winning the opener 14-6, and added 10 more in the clincher.

College Station: Second-seeded TCU defeated third-seeded Mississippi 7-4 in College Station, Texas. The Horned Frogs won four consecutive games in the tournament, including two straight against the Rebels.

WACO: Reliever Dillon Newman allowed only an infield hit in five shutout innings and Jake Miller drove in three runs as Baylor beat Dallas Baptist 8-2 to win the tournament in Texas.

Softball: Oklahoma takes Series opener

OKLAHOMA CITY — Keilani Ricketts struck out 12 in a five-hitter and Oklahoma beat Alabama 4-1 in Game 1 of the best-of-three World Series final.

Jessica Shults, who drove in two runs, tied the score at 1 with a sacrifice fly in the fifth. The Sooners (54-8) went ahead to stay later in the inning on Brianna Turang's run-scoring grounder.

Shults tacked on an RBI single in the sixth before Katie Norris' squeeze brought in Ricketts.

The fourth-seeded Sooners had 11 hits, the second-most allowed by Jackie Traina this season, to win their 12th straight game and snap an 11-game win streak for the Crimson Tide.

Football: Meyer suspends two

Two expected starters for Urban Meyer's first Ohio State team have been suspended.

Ohio State issued a statement saying Meyer had suspended senior tight end Jake Stoneburner and junior offensive tackle Jack Mewhort after they were arrested by police on a misdemeanor charge of obstructing official business. The school had no further comment.

Stoneburner and Mewhort were arrested around 2:30 a.m. Saturday by police in Shawnee Hills, northwest of Columbus, near Muirfield Village Golf Club, where the Memorial Tournament was being held.

No details about the misdemeanor counts were immediately available. The village office said the report would be released today.

Times wires
Monday, June 4, 2012

LOS ANGELES — After another impressive save by Jonathan Quick, Kings captain Dustin Brown skated by his goaltender, shook his head and tried unsuccessfully to not smile.

Quick had just robbed the Devils' Travis Zajac on a point-blank chance, but it has been that kind of postseason for the Kings. Whenever it seems like things can't get better for a team that needed 81 games to qualify for the playoffs, they do. Now it is one game from winning its first Stanley Cup.

Quick made 22 saves in his third shutout of the postseason, Anze Kopitar had a goal and an assist, and the Kings beat the Devils 4-0 in Game 3 of the final Monday to take a 3-0 series lead.

"This was definitely our best game of the series," said defenseman Drew Doughty, who had an assist to give him at least a point in all three games. "I thought (the Devils) took it to us in the first period, but we got a lot better."

The Kings improved to 15-2 in the postseason and took a 3-0 lead in their fourth straight series, an NHL first. No team has won the Cup with a sweep since Detroit wiped out Washington in the 1998 finals. Game 4 is Wednesday in Los Angeles.

The Devils have scored two goals in the series, the fewest in first three games of a Cup final since Blues in 1969.

Asked what's missing right now, New Jersey captain Zach Parise said, "We're not scoring, that's it. We're getting cycles and opportunities, just not scoring.

"We're not going to quit until someone's won a fourth game, so we start over. We've got to win four straight. That's it."

Three NHL teams have come from 3-0 down in a series to win. The last was the 2010 Flyers — for whom current Kings Mike Richards, Jeff Carter and Simon Gagne played — against the Bruins in the East semifinals.

The first goal of the game generated controversy. In a second-period scramble in front of the Devils' net, the puck ended up under the pad of goalie Martin Brodeur. The Kings kept whacking at it, and it eventually went it, the goal credited to Alec Martinez. Brodeur argued with the referees that the play should have been blown dead.

Said Devils coach Peter DeBoer: "That's a momentum-changing call at the time. I hope (the referee is ) right. That's an awful big call if you're wrong."

First Period—None. Penalties—Richards, LA (elbowing), 14:35; J.Carter, LA, double minor (high-sticking), 15:36; Zidlicky, NJ (tripping), 16:57.

Second Period—1, Los Angeles, Martinez 1 (King, Lewis), 5:40. 2, Los Angeles, Kopitar 8 (Brown, Williams), 15:07. Penalties—Kopitar, LA (holding), 6:16; Penner, LA (goaltender interference), 9:41; Gagne, LA (slashing), 18:30.

Third Period—3, Los Angeles, J.Carter 6 (Richards, Mitchell), 4:15 (pp). 4, Los Angeles, Williams 3 (Doughty, Kopitar), 6:47 (pp). Penalties—Fayne, NJ (cross-checking), 3:29; Zidlicky, NJ (high-sticking), 5:30. Shots on Goal—New Jersey 7-9-6—22. Los Angeles 6-9-6—21. Power-play opportunities—New Jersey 0 of 6; Los Angeles 2 of 2. Goalies—New Jersey, Brodeur 12-8-0 (21 shots-17 saves). Los Angeles, Quick 15-2-0 (22-22).

boogaard death: In his final three seasons in the league before dying last year at 28 of an accidental overdose of painkillers and alcohol, Derek Boogaard received more than 100 prescriptions for thousands of pills from more than a dozen doctors for the Wild and Rangers despite his history of addiction, the New York Times reported. Documents compiled by Boogaard's father show his prescription history. They don't show what Boogaard told the doctors or reflect whether the doctors knew what other doctors were diagnosing or prescribing, the newspaper said. The league, teams, team doctors and substance-abuse program directors involved in Boogaard's care declined to discuss any of that with the newspaper.

around the league: The Penguins got a new backup for goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, acquiring Tomas Vokoun from the Capitals for a 2012 seventh-round draft pick.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Monday, June 4, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — Richie Shaffer said he has idolized Rays star third baseman Evan Longoria, modeling his game after him.

"How can you get any better as a third baseman?" Shaffer said. "He's an absolute stud and someone that's going to be a staple in that organization for a long time."

And the Rays hope Shaffer, Clemson's slugging junior third baseman, will also be a big part of their future, selecting him in the first round Monday, No. 25 overall. He joins Longoria as the only third basemen Tampa Bay has drafted in the first round.

Shaffer, 21, arguably the top college hitter in the draft, also played first base and rightfield. The Rays say he'll start at third, and it's his bat that would bring him to the big leagues, with executive vice president Andrew Friedman saying he has a chance to move through the system "relatively quickly."

"He brings real power and power now — not power that we're projecting," scouting director R.J. Harrison said. "He seems like the kind of kid that fits right in with what we're doing."

Shaffer, a right-handed hitter who batted .336 with 13 homers and 46 RBIs as a junior, was at home in Charlotte, N.C., with about 40 friends and family when commissioner Bud Selig called his name.

"It was pretty incredible," Shaffer said. "I honestly actually didn't even hear it. I kind of spaced out, just heard everyone screaming, kind of didn't know what was going on. I realized, looked up and my name was on TV. It was pretty wild, everyone was going crazy at my house. It was a pretty special moment, probably something I'll never forget."

Harrison said the Rays have liked Shaffer since his days at Providence (N.C.) High, and the 6-foot-3, 205-pounder "matured into the kind of player we thought he was going to be."

Shaffer was considered a top-two round pick in 2009, but a broken hamate bone dropped him to the 25th, and he chose not to sign with the Dodgers. He believes he's much more prepared for pro baseball now.

"I feel like I am much more mature, much more physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually ready for this type of environment and this situation," Shaffer said. "And that's something that I don't know if I can honestly say, coming out of high school I was ready for."

Shaffer said he hasn't thought about the logistics of signing yet; the deadline is July 13 at 5 p.m. But Harrison appeared encouraged, saying Shaffer was "tickled to death," and "I expect him to be out playing sooner than later."

Shaffer played first base his first two years at Clemson then switched to third and says he feels comfortable there. Harrison said Shaffer is a patient hitter, tying for first in the ACC in walks and third in on-base percentage.

"He's one of the best hitters I've seen in college baseball in a long time," South Carolina coach Ray Tanner told the Charleston Post & Courier.

With just one pick Monday, Friedman said they explored going in several different directions but felt Shaffer — rated the 21st overall prospect by Baseball America — was the best value. With Jesuit right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. still available when the Rays picked, Harrison was asked if they considered him.

Harrison smiled, "We liked Richie Shaffer."

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Monday, June 4, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — Richie Shaffer said he has idolized Rays star third baseman Evan Longoria, modeling his game after him.

"How can you get any better as a third baseman?" Shaffer said. "He's an absolute stud and someone that's going to be a staple in that organization for a long time."

And the Rays hope Shaffer, Clemson's slugging junior third baseman, will also be a big part of their future, selecting him in the first round Monday, No. 25 overall. He joins Longoria as the only third basemen Tampa Bay has drafted in the first round.

Shaffer, 21, arguably the top college hitter in the draft, also played first base and rightfield. The Rays say he'll start at third, and it's his bat that would bring him to the big leagues, with executive vice president Andrew Friedman saying he has a chance to move through the system "relatively quickly."

"He brings real power and power now — not power that we're projecting," scouting director R.J. Harrison said. "He seems like the kind of kid that fits right in with what we're doing."

Shaffer, a right-handed hitter who batted .336 with 13 homers and 46 RBIs as a junior, was at home in Charlotte, N.C., with about 40 friends and family when commissioner Bud Selig called his name.

"It was pretty incredible," Shaffer said. "I honestly actually didn't even hear it. I kind of spaced out, just heard everyone screaming, kind of didn't know what was going on. I realized, looked up and my name was on TV. It was pretty wild, everyone was going crazy at my house. It was a pretty special moment, probably something I'll never forget."

Harrison said the Rays have liked Shaffer since his days at Providence (N.C.) High, and the 6-foot-3, 205-pounder "matured into the kind of player we thought he was going to be."

Shaffer was considered a top-two round pick in 2009, but a broken hamate bone dropped him to the 25th, and he chose not to sign with the Dodgers. He believes he's much more prepared for pro baseball now.

"I feel like I am much more mature, much more physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually ready for this type of environment and this situation," Shaffer said. "And that's something that I don't know if I can honestly say, coming out of high school I was ready for."

Shaffer said he hasn't thought about the logistics of signing yet; the deadline is July 13 at 5 p.m. But Harrison appeared encouraged, saying Shaffer was "tickled to death," and "I expect him to be out playing sooner than later."

Shaffer played first base his first two years at Clemson then switched to third and says he feels comfortable there. Harrison said Shaffer is a patient hitter, tying for first in the ACC in walks and third in on-base percentage.

"He's one of the best hitters I've seen in college baseball in a long time," South Carolina coach Ray Tanner told the Charleston Post & Courier.

With just one pick Monday, Friedman said they explored going in several different directions but felt Shaffer — rated the 21st overall prospect by Baseball America — was the best value. With Jesuit right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. still available when the Rays picked, Harrison was asked if they considered him.

Harrison smiled, "We liked Richie Shaffer."

Times wires
Monday, June 4, 2012

SAN ANTONIO — Kevin Durant scored 27 and the Thunder is on the brink of the NBA Finals, beating the Spurs 108-103 in Game 5 on Monday night and moving within a victory of a series knockout.

Russell Westbrook added 23 as Oklahoma City took a 3-2 lead in a wildly entertaining Western Conference final. Looking invincible while carrying 20-win streak a week ago, the Spurs have lost three straight and are on the verge of a stunning collapse.

"We played about as hard as we can play,'' Thunder coach Scott Brooks said. "They are not an easy team to guard.''

Manu Ginobili scored 34 in a smashing return to the starting lineup. But trailing 106-103 and the Spurs down to their last shot, Ginobili missed an off-balance 3-pointer in the final seconds.

Game 6 is Wednesday night in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder can punch its ticket to the NBA Finals in the place it hasn't lost all postseason.

It's bringing home just what it needed: the must-win on the road if it's going to pull this series out.

It pulled it off behind its stars. James Harden scored 20, joining Durant and Westbrook as the only Thunder players in double figures.

Harden hit the biggest shot, a 3-pointer with 28.8 seconds left that pushed Oklahoma City's lead to five. He said the ball was supposed to go to Durant, but he had no choice but to let go with the shot clock winding down and Spurs rookie Kawhi Leonard in his face.

"The shot clock was running down and I had to make a play," Harden said. "Leonard was playing great defense on me. I just shot it with confidence. West Conference finals — that's a big shot."

Tony Parker had 20 points and Tim Duncan 18 points and 12 rebounds for the Spurs.

After remaining unbeaten for 50 days before arriving in Oklahoma City, San Antonio has lost three games in five days. The Spurs now must win two straight to avoid seeing their last best chance to win a title in the Duncan era end.

"Championship teams win on the road," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "Oklahoma City just did that."

It's the first time the Spurs have lost three in a row all season.

"That was a total team effort," Brooks said. "Everybody did their job. I thought we played as hard as we can play."

Durant scored 22 in the second half. Westbrook also had 12 assists.

Not wanting the series to slip away, Popovich moved Ginobili to the starting lineup in place of Danny Green, who came in shooting 8-of-28 in this series. It was the first start for Ginobili since March and eighth all season.

OKLAHOMA CITY (108): Durant 10-19 5-6 27, Ibaka 4-6 1-2 9, Perkins 1-4 2-2 4, Westbrook 9-24 5-5 23, Sefolosha 2-4 0-0 5, Collison 3-3 0-0 6, Harden 6-11 5-6 20, Fisher 2-6 2-2 6, Cook 3-3 0-0 8. Totals 40-80 20-23 108.

SAN ANTONIO (103): Leonard 1-4 2-2 4, Duncan 7-10 4-5 18, Diaw 2-5 0-0 5, Parker 5-14 10-12 20, Ginobili 11-21 7-8 34, Blair 1-1 0-0 2, Neal 0-6 2-2 2, Bonner 0-0 0-0 0, S.Jackson 5-9 0-0 13, Green 0-2 0-0 0, Splitter 2-2 1-2 5. Totals 34-74 26-31 103.

Oklahoma City 26 26 29 27— 108

San Antonio 21 23 28 31— 103

3-Point Goals—Oklahoma City 8-21 (Harden 3-4, Cook 2-2, Durant 2-6, Sefolosha 1-3, Fisher 0-2, Westbrook 0-4), San Antonio 9-24 (Ginobili 5-10, S.Jackson 3-6, Diaw 1-2, Parker 0-1, Leonard 0-1, Green 0-1, Neal 0-3). Fouled Out—Perkins. Rebounds—Oklahoma City 40 (Perkins 10), San Antonio 48 (Duncan 12). Assists—Oklahoma City 22 (Westbrook 12), San Antonio 23 (Ginobili 7). Total Fouls—Oklahoma City 25, San Antonio 25. Technicals—Perkins. A—18,581 (18,797).

BOSH MAY RETURN: The Heat upgraded forward/center Chris Bosh's status to "day-to-day," the first deviation by the team after more than three weeks of simply saying his absence was indefinite because of a strained lower abdominal muscle. Coach Erik Spoelstra wouldn't guarantee that Bosh plays in Game 5 tonight but indicated that he might.

AROUND THE LEAGUE: The Trail Blazers hired former Clippers GM Neil Olshey as general manager. The announcement came less than an hour after the Clippers announced that they had decided to part ways with Olshey. … Jim Fitzgerald, who owned the Bucks during a successful era in the early 1980s and went on to own the Warriors, died in Janesville, Wis. He was 86. … Wizards coach Randy Wittman signed a new deal despite going 18-31 after replacing Flip Saunders. … The Bobcats interviewed Lakers assistant coach Quin Snyder in Chicago about their head coaching vacancy, the Associated Press reported. … The Lakers exercised their $16.1 million contract option for next season on All-Star center Andrew Bynum.

Times wires
Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Twins 10, Royals 7

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Justin Morneau and Josh Willingham hit two-run homers, Trevor Plouffe also went deep and Cole De Vries picked up his first major-league victory in his third career start for Minnesota. Morneau's homer in the fifth broke a tie at 4 and helped the Twins win for the sixth time in seven games.

Times wires
Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Rockies 4, D'backs 0

PHOENIX — Rookie Christian Friedrich pitched seven four-hit innings in the best outing of his career, and Colorado won for the seventh time in eight games. The left-hander, 24, allowed no runs for the first time. Wilin Rosario had a solo homer and an RBI infield hit for the Rockies, who snapped a five-game losing streak at Chase Field and pulled within a half-game of Arizona for third in the NL West.

Times wires
Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Athletics 12, Rangers 1

OAKLAND, Calif. — Rookie Jarrod Parker held Texas hitless until the eighth inning and Brandon Inge drove in four runs in Oakland's eight-run second inning. Parker easily worked his way through baseball's highest-scoring offense in his ninth career start before Michael Young grounded a single through the middle for Texas' first hit leading off the eighth. Parker got a warm ovation from the crowd of 10,120.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, June 5, 2012

If, from a coaching standpoint, the Lightning's Guy Boucher had one thing to change about last season it would be this: more quickly identifying the correct slots in which to put players to maximize their production. "It took us a longer time than I expected to find out who was what, who was able to fill what role," he said. "It's something (next season) I'd like to accelerate." It has been a busy offseason for Boucher, 41, who was an assistant coach for Canada at the world championship. Though Canada fell to Slovakia in the quarterfinals, he said the stint broadened his coaching perspective, which only can help as he tries to boost the Lightning's power play (tied for 25th in the 30-team league), its fortunes on the road (13 wins, tied for second worst) and get it back to the playoffs. "It was a great opportunity to perfect yourself as a human being and a coach," Boucher said.

What did you take away from the world championship?

You get to share with other NHL coaches which you don't normally do during the year, and you get to pick their brains. You see European coaches you didn't know and you're able to watch their practices, get some ideas. And because you play against different teams from different countries, they all have different styles, so it gives you a different perspective on what you're doing and it can give you some ideas to bring back to your team. It's a great opportunity to coach other guys at such a high level and to be able to not just learn but to apply what you got.

How disappointing was it to not get past the quarterfinals?

It was a weird ending for three out of four favorite teams. I mean, on the same day, three favorites, us the U.S. and the Swedes all lost and we all lost in the last moments, so it was a weird kind of Twilight Zone day.

What did you think of Swiss star Damien Brunner, whom Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman has been open about wanting to sign?

He's very fast. He's got a great shot. He's very opportunistic in the sense that he reads the spaces very well; wherever the puck's on the ice, it seems to follow him. He's very good at getting open at crucial moments offensively.

Can he fill a top-six role?

That's certainly not something I would like to project. That's putting too much pressure on him. First, we need to be able to sign him. Two, we'd have to see how he adapts. Those Europeans, they all have their adaptation period. It's a very different game over there and therefore you never know.

What do you take from last season that you can apply to 2012-13?

It took us a longer time than I expected to find out who was what, who was able to fill what role. It's something (next season) I'd like to accelerate, get guys in their slots and try to improve the beginning of the season. You're not going to win a Stanley Cup in the first month or month and a half, but when you put yourself behind the eight ball to start it's more difficult to get confidence, and that was something for us.

Is that coaching evaluations?

It's just we had some new players; I personally put them in slots and some of those players weren't able to play in those slots and I might have given them a longer chance than I probably will (next season). I want to be able to start on a good note. Now, that's easily said. If you get new players it does take time to get to know those guys and where they fit and all that, but certainly I'm going to put a lot of time and work into figuring out the new guys if there are any and really trying to put the guys in the slots they're best at.

You call the power play "your baby," so from a coaching standpoint, what can be done to help?

Teddy Purcell was on the power play to finish the year and he clicked with the guys, so there's good information to start the year. That fits into the same thing about what I said; we figured out a lot of stuff as the year went on. It took, for instance, Teddy Purcell about a half a year to be able to be consistent and play as a real top-two line guy, so we won't have that problem next year. This information sometimes takes a lot of time to gather during the year. So, there were a lot of good things that happened last year, and that's what we have to draw from.

It is clear assistant coach Wayne Fleming, who has brain cancer, will not return. Will you add an assistant or, as Yzerman hinted, a coaching consultant?

We're still looking at things. Right now it's more of a thinking period and looking at options — what would be the best, which people are available, too, and if we want to add to our staff. That kind of decision, it's not something that's urgent. It's something I want to take my time with to make sure we do the right thing. In the end it's what's going to help the players the most.

With some of your top guys aging — Marty St. Louis will be 37 in July — is there more urgency to win now?

You always feel urgency to win no matter what, so it really doesn't change anything. I think the only one — Vinny (Lecavalier) is 32, so that's not old — is Marty. We have (Mattias) Ohlund and he's 35, but I don't know what's going to happen to Ohlund (who is rehabbing major knee surgery). So, Marty is the only one and I'll be honest with you, he's going to be 37 but he plays like he's 32. He's so in shape, he's one of those guys that if he wants to play another five years he will. The urgency we have is we want to put a really good team on the ice and put on a really good show, and that doesn't change whether he's 37 or not. We want to be better than we were last year. We're expecting ourselves to be better.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, June 5, 2012

If, from a coaching standpoint, the Lightning's Guy Boucher had one thing to change about last season, it would be this: more quickly identifying the correct slots in which to put players to maximize their production.

"It took us a longer time than I expected to find out who was what, who was able to fill what role," he said. "It's something (next season) I'd like to accelerate."

It has been a busy offseason for Boucher, 41, who was an assistant coach for Canada at the world championship. Though Canada fell to Slovakia in the quarterfinals, he said the stint broadened his coaching perspective, which only can help as he tries to boost the Lightning's power play (tied for 25th in the 30-team league), its fortunes on the road (13 wins, tied for second worst) and get it back to the playoffs.

"It was a great opportunity to perfect yourself as a human being and a coach," Boucher said.

What did you take away from the world championship?

You get to share with other NHL coaches, which you don't normally do during the year, and you get to pick their brains. You see European coaches you didn't know, and you're able to watch their practices, get some ideas. And because you play against different teams from different countries, they all have different styles. So it gives you a different perspective on what you're doing, and it can give you some ideas to bring back to your team. It's a great opportunity to coach other guys at such a high level and to be able to not just learn, but to apply what you got.

How disappointing was it to not get past the quarterfinals?

It was a weird ending for three out of our four favorite teams. I mean, on the same day, three favorites — us, the U.S. and the Swedes — all lost, and we all lost in the last moments. So it was a weird, kind of Twilight Zone day.

What did you think of Swiss star right wing Damien Brunner, whom Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman has been open about wanting to sign?

He's very fast. He's got a great shot. He's very opportunistic in the sense that he reads the spaces very well. Wherever the puck's on the ice, it seems to follow him. He's very good at getting open at crucial moments.

Can he fill a top-six role?

That's certainly not something I would like to project. That's putting too much pressure on him. First, we need to be able to sign him. Two, we'd have to see how he adapts. Those Europeans, they all have their adaptation period. It's a very different game over there, and therefore, you never know.

What do you take from last season that you can apply to 2012-13?

It took us a longer time than I expected to find out who was what, who was able to fill what role. It's something (next season) I'd like to accelerate; get guys in their slots and try to improve the beginning of the season. You're not going to win a Stanley Cup in the first month or month and a half. But when you put yourself behind the eight ball to start, it's more difficult to get confidence. And that was something for us.

Is that coaching evaluations?

It's just we had some new players. I personally put them in slots, and some of those players weren't able to play in those slots. And I might have given them a longer chance than I probably will (next season). I want to be able to start on a good note. Now, that's easily said. If you get new players, it does take time to get to know those guys and where they fit and all that. But certainly I'm going to put a lot of time and work into figuring out the new guys — if there are any — and really trying to put the guys in the slots they're best at.

You call the power play "your baby." So from a coaching standpoint, what can be done to help?

Teddy Purcell was on the power play to finish the year, and he clicked with the guys. So there's good information to start the year. That fits into the same thing about what I said. We figured out a lot of stuff as the year went on. It took, for instance, Teddy Purcell about a half a year to be able to be consistent and play as a real top-two line guy, so we won't have that problem next year. This information sometimes takes a lot of time to gather during the year. So there were a lot of good things that happened last year, and that's what we have to draw from.

It is clear assistant coach Wayne Fleming, who has brain cancer, will not return. Will you add an assistant or, as Yzerman hinted, a coaching consultant?

We're still looking at things. Right now, it's more of a thinking period and looking at options — what would be the best, which people are available, too, and if we want to add to our staff. That kind of decision, it's not something that's urgent. It's something I want to take my time with to make sure we do the right thing. In the end, it's what's going to help the players the most.

With some of your top guys aging — Marty St. Louis will be 37 in July — is there more urgency to win now?

You always feel urgency to win no matter what, so it really doesn't change anything. I think the only one — Vinny (Lecavalier) is 32, so that's not old — is Marty. We have (Mattias) Ohlund, and he's 35. But I don't know what's going to happen to Ohlund (who is rehabbing major knee surgery). So Marty is the only one. He's going to be 37, but he plays like he's 32. He's so in shape. If he wants to play another five years he will. The urgency we have is we want to put a really good team on the ice … and that doesn't change whether he's 37 or not. We want to be better than we were last year. We're expecting ourselves to be better.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Throughout Bryan LaHair's hot start with the Cubs, he's received his share of messages from family and friends.

After all, LaHair, 29, a former St. Petersburg College star, labored 10 years in the minors before his first shot, and now has more homers than fellow first basemen Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder.

But some of LaHair's most inspirational text messages come from one of his biggest fans: Rays first baseman Carlos Pena:

"Proud of you," Pena will write. "Keep ripping the baseball."

LaHair credits Pena, his teammate last year in Chicago, for mentoring and encouraging him. Pena says he can relate to LaHair, both in their Massachusetts roots, and overcoming struggles of an up-and-down journey.

"It was a turning point in my life when I got a chance to meet 'Los," LaHair said. "As soon as I got called up, he took me under his wing, his locker was right next to mine. I'd pick his brain about being a player on and off the field, some of the keys that he uses to allow himself to stay humble and show gratitude."

LaHair has hit .313 with 10 homers as the Cubs everyday first baseman, knowing touted prospect Anthony Rizzo is waiting in the wings in Triple-A. LaHair, the Mariners 39th-round pick in 2002, is embracing every moment, playing in Wrigley Field, finding himself on ESPN highlights and hearing talk about All-Star voting.

"I kept saying, 'You have to dream, you have to be able to dream and believe it in your heart and it will happen to you,'" Pena said. "And he's doing it.'"

**

LaHair took an interesting road to St. Pete College.

He grew up in Worcester, Mass, in a baseball family with his younger brother, Jeff, 27, playing four years of independent ball, including with Pena's brother, Omar.

Eckerd College baseball coach Bill Matthews, who recruited LaHair, knew he was something special – the long arms, mental approach and physical tools, even in a 170-pound frame.

"He could run, he could throw, he could hit. He played short, played the outfield," Matthews said. "He was one of those guys where I really knew I had no chance."

LaHair went to Clemson, but quickly decided, "it wasn't the place for me." Former Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi, who coached LaHair's basketball team at Holy Names High (Mass), suggested he try St. Petersburg College, coached by fellow Worcester-area native, Dave Pano.

LaHair played with current Angels catcher Bobby Wilson on the Titans 2002 team that Pano said was "probably the best team I had overall."

And now he's joined several other former Titans who have recently played in the majors, including righthander Pedro Beato (Mets), righty Nick Massett (Reds), and outfielder Alfredo Amezaga (Marlins) and infielder Steve Lombardozzi (Nationals).

"There was never any doubt he was going to be able to play," said Pano, who is now a minor league coach with the Jays. "It was just a question of getting the opportunity to play everyday, and he's finally got it."

LaHair didn't get his first big-league chance until 2008, playing in 45 games for the Mariners. He'd then spend six consecutive seasons in Triple-A, between Seattle and Chicago, hitting 25-plus homers and above .300 in three of them.

LaHair said his wife, Nichole, helped him stick with it.

"I had a hunger inside of me to get where I wanted to be," LaHair said. "I just wasn't giving up until someone recognized what I was doing and give me an opportunity, and I'm thankful."

Rays outfielder Sam Fuld, who played with LaHair in 2010 with Chicago's Triple-A squad, said he was surprised the 6-5, left-handed hitting slugger didn't get a shot earlier, pointing out how underrated he is as an all-around player. LaHair racked up a minor-league best 38 homers and 109 RBI last year in Triple-A before a September call-up.

"Sometimes, people in the game have overemphasized the nature of the idea of a 4A player, a guy who can hit in Triple-A and not in the big leagues," Fuld said. "He had that label to a certain extent, but it's a good thing he's shedding it."

**

LaHair said it was a huge "weight off my back," to have manager Dale Sveum say before camp he'd start Opening Day.

He admits his life has changed, though he says he's had to use Pena's advice on humility and strength in his first two months. There was his sizzling start, five homers and .390 average in April, and his 2-for-25 slump near the end of May, when his average dipped under .300.

So what's been the best part?

"I think it's just the satisfaction and the rewards of all the hard work and seeing my family and friends enjoy it the way they're enjoying it," LaHair said. "Those things kind of magnify for me."

LaHair doesn't know how long it will last, with Rizzo hitting .363 in Triple-A, but he would love to stay with the Cubs, and will carry this confidence-building experience wherever he goes.

And Pena believes LaHair will stick.

"Are you kidding me? That guy rakes, his whole life," Pena said. "I'm glad he's getting his chance, and it goes to show you, if you give people opportunities, look what he's doing."

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@tampabay.com

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, June 5, 2012

The Tampa Bay Rays have activated LF Desmond Jennings from the disabled list.

OF Rich Thompson has been optioned to Triple-A Durham to make room.

Jennings, the Rays primary leadoff man and leftfielder, spent the weekend on a rehab assignment with Durham, recovering from a left knee sprain.

Jennings could be in the lineup tonight against the Yankees, who are starting LHP Andy Pettitte.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Paul Gruber was among the league's best left tackles during his 12 NFL seasons, despite never making a Pro Bowl.

But because he did not play on a team with a winning record until 1997, when the Tony Dungy-led Bucs, wearing pewter and red for the first season, defeated the Detroit Lions in the NFC wildcard game, recognition did not come easily to Gruber.

All that is about to change.

Gruber will become the fourth inductee into the Bucs Ring of Honor during the 2012 season, joining Lee Roy Selmon, coach John McKay and tight end Jimmie Giles.

"I think that's probably true, I didn't get a lot of recognition,'' Gruber told the Times from Colorado Tuesday. "But it was a game I enjoyed playing and I enjoyed competing every week at a high level. Recognition is not really why I did what I did.''

The Bucs have scheduled a news conference for Wednesday to reveal that Gruber, a first-round pick from Wisconsin in 1988, will enter the Ring of Honor. He will be officially inducted during halftime of a game in the 2012 season when the Bucs wear their orange and white throwback uniforms.

In a way, Gruber is a perfect link from the Buccaneers of the 70's and 80's with the current era which began with the purchase of the franchise by Malcolm Glazer from the Hugh Culverhouse estate in 1995.

Gruber said the highlight of his career was beating the Lions 20-10 in NFC wildcard game, the final NFL contest played at Tampa Stadium. The next week, the Bucs lost the divisional playoff at Green Bay 21-7.

The Bucs missed the post-season in 1998, when Raymond James Stadium opened. But the next year, they advanced to the NFC Championship game against the St. Louis Rams, losing 11-6.

Gruber, who never missed a game in his career due to injury, was unable to play however. He fractured his leg in the regular-season finale at Chicago, a game in which the Bucs clinched the NFC Central title. Gruber retired after the '99 season.

"Beating Detroit in that playoff game was a special feeling and probably the highlight of my career,'' Gruber said. "It broke a streak of no playoff wins since 1982 and was the last game played at Tampa Stadium.''

These days, Gruber lives a few hours outside of Denver, Colorado. An avid outdoorsman, he has spent his retirement enjoying his family and dabbling in real estate.

Gruber said he was preparing to fly to Tampa for Wednesday's news conference.

"It's a real honor,'' Gruber said. "I haven't played the game in quite awhile, so to be recognized in this way is really special. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone.''

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Eric LeGrand remains confident he'll walk one day. But overcoming his paralysis is bound to take time, though he's committed to the process.

In the meantime, the former Rutgers player who was paralyzed in a game two years ago and ceremoniously added to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' roster last month will settle for helping change the lives of others.

First, LeGrand, who on Tuesday was introduced by his former coach, Bucs coach Greg Schiano, helped inspire his new teammates, speaking with Bucs players after their morning practice at One Buc Place.

Later, in his first press conference since joining the roster last month, LeGrand announced that he will be starting a charitable organization to help others in similar predicaments, an effort that will be partially funded by sales of his Bucs jersey.

"It's going to be the Eric LeGrand Foundation," LeGrand said. "It's going to help spinal cord research and also help people who don't have the right insurance or the right equipment in their recovery, all the stuff I was fortunate to have because of my insurance."

But mostly, LeGrand used Tuesday's session with reporters to share his gratitude for the many great experiences he's had of late. Most are a result of the Bucs' decision to place him on their roster, a move that came in the same year that LeGrand would have been eligible for the NFL draft.

"I've been playing this game since I was 5-years old," LeGrand said. "My whole goal was to get to the NFL and be able to support my family and play the game that I love. But when that accident happened in 2010, it just stopped and I didn't know what was going to happen.

"Laying there on the field, I didn't know if I was going to die right there, was that going to be the end of my life. But it just shows you, good things happen to good people."

The Bucs see the move as something of a tribute to LeGrand's fortitude and strong will. He was, per usual, smiling throughout his visit to One Buc Place on Tuesday despite being paralyzed from the neck down.

LeGrand continues to show his resilience, not just mentally but physically. He elatedly shared that he is experiencing sensations in areas doctors told him he never would.

"I wasn't going to let doctors tell me that this wasn't going to happen or just a bunch of negative stuff," he said. "I just go ahead and fight and get to where I want to get to. I always believe in Coach Schiano's saying that where there's a will, there's a way. You can will stuff to happen in this world. If you believe in yourself and you believe in the man up above, anything is possible."

LeGrand said he's currently undergoing a type of therapy that aims to "shock" the nervous system into responding, and doctors are seeing results.

"They saw the muscle activity, when I'm trying to tell the muscle to move and there are little shocks down there," LeGrand said. "That's what they can't explain because they've never seen anything like it before. It's just miracles. I can't explain it if they can't explain it. I just say it's me believing in God and working hard every day and being an athlete, going out there and fighting through my therapy every day."

BY Capt. Tim Whitfield
Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Fit to be tide. Fishing out of the south shore has been anywhere from fantastic to subpar, and you would think the tide plays a part in that. But on consecutive trips fishing the same pattern the bite was day and night. On Day 1 we caught four snook, two reds and a handful of nice-sized trout using artificial baits. Day 2 resulted in three trout and several missed opportunities. What was the difference? Got me.

Hot to trout. What has been hot has been trout and snook inshore. Using a variety of live, dead and artificials, the bite for the most part has remained fairly consistent. Look for fish working points with moving water. Snook are feeding well at these locations, the closer to a pass the better. Trout are on the outside flats just outside the bar on low tide and inside on high. The bar stretches from north of Simmons park to Port Manatee.

Seeing red. Redfish are scattered all over the potholes with mullet in the area. Tarpon were chewing good on the full moon and should continue over the next couple of weeks until the big migration to spawn offshore.

Pro tip. Hydration is a must this time of year. Forgo the adult beverages and carbonated cold drinks. Water and some of the other sports drinks will make your time out there more enjoyable. Of course an early start with your choice of artificial bait will have you fishing while everyone else is gathering bait, and you can be done before the afternoon heat.