By Bryan Burns, Times Correspondent
Thursday, June 7, 2012

TAMPA — The U.S. men's national soccer team begins its 18-month campaign for inclusion in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil Friday at Raymond James Stadium against Antigua and Barbuda, the first opponent in a six-game, round-robin qualifying schedule.

Perhaps no other team during the World Cup qualification process will provide a better chance for the U.S. team to prove how much it has improved under new coach Jurgen Klinsmann since the last time it was involved in a World Cup match, falling 2-1 in extra time to Ghana in a Round of 16 game two years ago in South Africa.

Antigua and Barbuda is the lowest ranked side the United States will face in this third round of World Cup qualification, at least according to FIFA's World Rankings. Collecting a win — and three points — on home soil is critical for the United States, making Friday's matchup as close to a must win as one could expect from an opening round-robin game.

"We have no other choice than having that sense of urgency every single game because we can't kind of relax for even one game in World Cup qualifiers," Klinsmann said.

"It's going to be a marathon over 16 games, and it's a must to-do for us. It's a must to-do for us to go to Brazil in 2014 and then we want to measure ourselves against the best in the world. But it's going to be a tricky World Cup qualifying campaign. … So, we've got to get the job done and that's why we can't allow it to slow down even one second."

The United States follows Friday's qualifying opener with road tests against Guatemala Tuesday and Jamaica Sept. 7, not world soccer powers by any stretch but potentially difficult matchups in hostile environments. A slip-up Friday could have dire consequences for the qualification hopes of the United States, which is looking to earn a spot in its seventh-straight World Cup.

"I think people finally are starting to give credit about how hard it is to win down in countries like Mexico … going to Guatemala, Costa Rica and winning those games," forward Jozy Altidore said. "It's not easy."

Since taking over as coach nearly a year ago, Klinsmann has instituted a more aggressive, attacking style of play with mixed results.

A historic 1-0 win in Italy in February was offset by 1-0 losses to Costa Rica, Belgium and Ecuador over the second half of the 2011 season. In three international friendlies leading up to Friday's match, the United States overwhelmed Scotland 5-1, was outclassed by Brazil 4-1 and looked lethargic in its most recent outing, a scoreless draw against Canada on Sunday.

"I think we're just trying to find that right mix between opening ourselves up and creating chances and making sure we're tight in the back as well," said defender Steve Cherundolo, who has made appearances in three separate World Cups for the U.S. team.

In recent campaigns, the United States has set a precedent of overwhelming opponents in its first match of the World Cup qualifying process. The United States shut out Grenada 3-0 to open qualifying for the 2006 World Cup. In 2008, the United States recorded its largest ever margin of victory after defeating Barbados 8-0.

In Antigua and Barbuda, the United States hopes to find a similarly overmatched adversary.

"We feel good. We feel confident. We feel like we're in rhythm," U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard said. "Our training's been very good. Overall, we're going into these games on a high. Obviously we need to put that into play and get the results."

By Bryan Burns, Times Correspondent
Thursday, June 7, 2012

TAMPA — The U.S. men's national soccer team begins its 18-month campaign for inclusion in the 2014 World Cup tonight when the Americans host Antigua and Barbuda at Raymond James Stadium, the first opponent in a six-game, round-robin qualifying schedule.

Perhaps no other team during the World Cup qualification process will provide a better chance for the U.S. team to show its improvement under new coach Jurgen Klinsmann since the last time it was involved in a World Cup match, falling 2-1 in extra time to Ghana in the Round of 16 two years ago in South Africa.

Antigua and Barbuda is the lowest-ranked team the United States faces in this third round of Cup qualification, according to FIFA's World Rankings. Collecting a win — and three points — on home soil is critical, making tonight's matchup as close to a must-win as one could expect from an opening round-robin game.

"We have no other choice than having that sense of urgency every single game because we can't kind of relax for even one game in World Cup qualifiers," Klinsmann said.

"It's going to be a marathon over 16 games, and it's a must- to-do for us. It's a must-to-do for us to go to Brazil in 2014, and then we want to measure ourselves against the best in the world. But it's going to be a tricky World Cup qualifying campaign. … So, we've got to get the job done, and that's why we can't allow it to slow down even one second."

The United States follows tonight's qualifying opener with road tests against Guatemala on Tuesday and Jamaica on Sept. 7, not world soccer powers but potentially difficult matchups in hostile environments. A slipup tonight could have dire consequences for the qualification hopes of the United States, which seeks its seventh straight World Cup appearance.

"I think people finally are starting to give credit about how hard it is to win down in countries like Mexico … going to Guatemala, Costa Rica and winning those games," forward Jozy Altidore said. "It's not easy."

Since taking over as coach nearly a year ago, Klinsmann has instituted a more aggressive, attacking style of play with mixed results.

A historic 1-0 win in Italy in February — the Americans' first victory over the Azzurri in 11 meetings — was offset by 1-0 losses to Costa Rica, Belgium and Ecuador over the second half of the 2011 season. In three international exhibitions leading up to tonight's match, the Americans overwhelmed Scotland 5-1, were outclassed by Brazil 4-1 and looked lethargic in a scoreless draw against Canada on Sunday.

"I think we're just trying to find that right mix between opening ourselves up and creating chances and making sure we're tight in the back as well," said defender Steve Cherundolo, who has made appearances in three World Cups for the U.S. team.

In recent campaigns, the United States has set a precedent of overwhelming opponents in its first match of the World Cup qualifying process. The United States defeated Grenada 3-0 to open qualifying for the 2006 World Cup. In 2008, the Americans recorded their largest margin of victory, 8-0 over Barbados.

In Antigua and Barbuda, the United States hopes to find a similarly overmatched adversary.

"We feel good. We feel confident. We feel like we're in rhythm," U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard said. "Our training's been very good. Overall, we're going into these games on a high. Obviously we need to put that into play and get the results."

Jurgen Klinsmann

A year into his job, the coach has installed an attacking approach.

Tim Howard

The U.S. goalie says the team is confident and prepared for qualifying.

Clint Dempsey

The forward can help the United States reach its seventh straight World Cup.

4-1-1 Record of the U.S. team in the past six matches.

5 Goals scored against Scotland, the first time since a 6-1 win over Cuba in 2008.

128 Career starts for Landon Donovan, breaking Jeff Agoos' American record.

By the numbers

USA Antigua and Barbuda

313,847,465 (third in world) Population 89,018 (197th)

9,826,675 sq km (third) Total area 442.6 sq km (200th)

28 FIFA world ranking 105

2 CONCACAF ranking 13

9 Times qualified for World Cup 0

By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors-Fitness Editor
Thursday, June 7, 2012

Making news

Catfish tourney to take place in st. Petersburg

Snook, redfish, trout and tarpon get all the press, but most anglers cut their teeth on catfish off local piers. So join the Pertile Family Foundation on June 15-16 for the Cats & Brats Father's Day Weekend Catfish Tournament at Jonny Reno's on the St. Petersburg Pier. There is a mandatory captains meeting at 6 p.m. June 15. Fishing starts at 6 a.m. Saturday. For details, call (727) 896-7366 or go to aquaholicsfishingclub.com.

Rodeo-style event has no entry fee

The Old Salt Fishing Club and WHPT-FM 102.5 ("The Bone") are sponsoring the Fishing Slam on Father's Day weekend. The free event is headquartered out of the Madeira Beach city park, 200 Rex Place. The two-day, 20-species rodeo-style tournament features cash prizes. Organizers hope to break the Guinness World Records mark of 2,220 participants. Last year's event raised $10,000 for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Online registration ends Tuesday. For details, go to oldsaltfishing.org.

Boaters guide available for free

Clearwater Harbor and St. Joseph Sound have some of the best fishing and boating in the bay area. Help protect these environmentally sensitive waterways by learning the lay of the land with the revised boaters guide produced by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program and Audubon of Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries. It includes a detailed map, photographs, information about habitats and wildlife and contact information for boaters and other water enthusiasts. The guide also includes features on Anclote Bar, Anclote Keys, Three Rooker Island, Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island. For a free copy, send an email to the Clear­water Audubon Society at clearwateraudubon society@gmail.com.

Reef cleanup

Do you fish or dive and want to do your share for Tampa Bay's artificial reefs. Join Reef Monitoring for its next cleanup, off Dunedin on June 23. Meet at the new Clearwater Harbor Marina at 8 a.m. Boaters can launch at the Seminole Boat Ramp and tie up at the outer floating docks of the marina. Nondivers can help at a cleanup sponsored by St. Petersburg College Science Adventures Club the same day on the Dunedin Causeway. For details, go to reefmonitoring.org.

Send your outdoor news and notes to ttomalin@tampabay.com.

By Neil Taylor, Times Correspondent
Thursday, June 7, 2012

What's hot: Shallow inshore fishing for trout, redfish and flounder is strong. Catching all three, one type of "slam," is feasible.

Tactics for all three: Use medium spinning outfits with light-braided main lines and a 20-pound fluoro­carbon leader. Natural and live baits work as well as lures. The best choices are 3- to 5-inch plastic tails, but hard-bodied baits also work. The single hook on a light 1/8- to 3/16-ounce jig head pick up less floating grass than treble hook lures. For redfish, go to the shallowest depths, trout about 3 feet and flounder in deeper sand patches that border sea grass, rocks or under docks and bridges. Work the lures just above the bottom.

Neil Taylor charters kayak fishing trips in the Tampa Bay area and can be reached at strikethreekayakfishing.com and (727) 692-6345.

By John C. Cotey, Times Prep Columnist
Thursday, June 7, 2012

The Florida High School Athletic Association is wrapping up the Armwood football case, and so are we. Here are some tidbits we're still talking about, and a few other things that kind of blow our minds:

Stripped! If Armwood's state title and 15 wins are taken away, do we care?

The players don't seem to. The coaches and fans probably don't.

They won it on the field. End of story.

Outside of Seffner, it's a bigger deal. It leaves a blemish, and it's certainly embarrassing. Every time Armwood's 2011 season is mentioned in a reputable publication or on a website, it will include the detail of the title being forfeited for using five ineligible players.

But for those involved? Not as heartbreaking as many feel it should be.

If the starting quarterback or the star receiver or the top defender were one of the five, maybe that raises more questions about Armwood winning the title.

But take all five of those kids declared ineligible off the team, and the Hawks still win the championship.

No offense, guys.

Here's how you'll really know if the forfeits have any effect:

Armwood coach Sean Callahan enters next season with 197 wins. In Week 3, he'll go for win No. 200. If the Hawks prevail, and they serve cake and honor the moment, you'll have your answer about using forfeits as penalties.

Speaking of: If the Hawks have to forfeit games, rival Plant will actually finish 2011 at 15-0, its second perfect season and first since 2006.

And district foe Hillsborough, which lost twice to Armwood last season, goes down at 11-1 and enters 2012 on a 10-game win streak.

Yes, neither coaching staff is likely to accept such stats, but it will be the official record.

Free the kids! The one defense I've heard offered most by the Armwood faithful is that if kids want to go to the school to play football, they should be allowed to. Personally, I have no problem with kids going wherever they want. That's their parents' decision.

But that's not what this is about. This is about parents forging documents and lying about their addresses to get into a school instead of following the rules everyone else lives by.

Let's not get it twisted and act as if this is about not letting people go where they want. Apply via school choice or special assignment like everyone else, or move into the school's zone.

Here's a tip for all you football parents who have kids in the seventh or eighth grade and have visions of gridiron grandeur: Rent!

It's a lot easier to shop your kids to the good football schools with a yearly lease as opposed to a 30-year mortgage.

Oh, and you're welcome.

Mr. Invisible? Two people who have flown completely under the investigation's radar: whomever leaked offensive lineman Jack Lightsey's academic records to ABC Action News, which likely kicked off this whole FHSAA investigation, and Armwood athletic director Don Hill.

No, really, that's his name. Don Hill.

Seems this whole case has been about Callahan and principal Mike Ippolito.

I'm not saying Hill has done anything wrong, but I've never heard an athletic director's name mentioned less in a big-time investigation.

Hands off: So, what exactly does Armwood have to give back if forced to forfeit its win over Miami Central?

According to FHSAA executive director Roger Dearing, Armwood would be required to return the championship trophy.

The players do not, however, have to return their medals. And they also have fancy championship rings, thanks to the diligent fundraising of the booster club and parents.

Isn't it ironic? Does anyone feel bad for Lightsey, the offensive lineman at the center of this case?

He has possibly played back-to-back seasons for teams that went 0-15 after having to forfeit wins.

Again, for those counting, that's going from 29-1 to 0-30.

Lightsey, it should be noted, had nothing to do with the penalties handed down at Orlando Dr. Phillips, his previous school, which coincidentally, lost to Miami Central in the title game.

White Out the records: All this talk about erasing Armwood from the FHSAA record books begs the question: Does the FHSAA really have a record book?

Technically, it's a PDF file online at fhsaa.org.

But saying Armwood will have its season erased from a PDF file on a website used mostly by high school administrators doesn't have quite the same ring as saying it will be banished from the record books.

And most amazing? Those who think the FHSAA punishment will be a deterrent, well, you're all wrong.

Really, really wrong.

Think about this: right in the middle of a highly publicized investigation of a highly publicized uber-successful football program that is likely to lose a state title because players' parents used fake addresses or lied about where they live — nine other parents tried the same thing.

Yep, nine 2012 transfers have been deemed ineligible for using fake addresses, including five who are ineligible for the upcoming regular season.

Right smack dab in the middle of an investigation, with the FHSAA sniffing around, with an investigator knocking on doors, with the school starting to crack down?

Really?

Right smack dab in the middle of that, nine other kids have parents who try The. Exact. Same. Thing.

Mind. Blown.

So, yeah, if you think any of this is a deterrent, well …

John C. Cotey can be reached at cotey@tampabay.com.

Times wires
Thursday, June 7, 2012

Sprint Cup

What: Pocono 400

When/where: Today, practice (Speed, 12:30 and 3:30 p.m.); Saturday, qualifying (Speed, 11 a.m.); Sunday, race (TNT, 1 p.m.); Long Pond, Pa.

Fast facts: David Reutimann is driving the Phoenix Racing entry in place of Kurt Busch, suspended by NASCAR for verbally abusing a reporter after last week's Nationwide race. He will be eligible to return next week, though his future with the underfunded Cup team is uncertain. … The track has been repaved since Brad Keselowski's victory in the August race. … The race and the August event have been reduced from 500 to 400 miles. … NASCAR pioneer Cotton Owens died Thursday in Columbia, S.C. The Hall of Famer who made his mark as a driver and owner was 88. Mr. Owens was part of the Hall of Fame class of 2013 that was announced two weeks ago. He won nine times on NASCAR's top circuit, including the Daytona Beach road course that marked Pontiac's first win in NASCAR. He was perhaps better known as an owner, fielding cars for Hall of Fame drivers such as Junior Johnson and David Pearson.

Standings: 1. Greg Biffle, 486; 2. Matt Kenseth, 485; 3. Dale Earnhardt Jr., 476; 4. Denny Hamlin, 464; 5. Jimmie Johnson, 453; 6. Martin Truex, 441; 7. Kevin Harvick, 440; 8. Tony Stewart, 407; 9. Kyle Busch, 406; 10. Clint Bowyer, 405

Trucks

What: Winstar World Casino 400

When/where: Today, race (Speed, 9 p.m.); Fort Worth, Texas.

Fast facts: Todd Bodine has a record six Texas victories, also a record for most truck victories at a track. The two-time series champ is in his first season with Red Horse Racing. … Thursday's qualifying was rained out, so the starting order is based on points.

Standings: 1. Justin Lofton, 235; 2. Timothy Peters, 234; 3. Ty Dillon, 222; 4. James Buescher, 219; 5. Parker Kligerman, 213

IndyCar

What: Firestone 550

When/where: Today, practice, qualifying (NBC Sports Network, 7:30 p.m.); Saturday, race (NBC Sports Network, 8:45 p.m.); Fort Worth, Texas

Fast facts: Drivers have expressed concern that Texas is a high-banked oval similar to Las Vegas where St. Petersburg resident Dan Wheldon died in a crash in October.

Standings: 1. Will Power, 232; 2. Scott Dixon, 206; 3. Helio Castroneves, 177; 4. Dario Franchitti, 176; 5. James Hinchcliffe, 176

Formula One

What: Canadian Grand Prix

When/where: Today, practice (Speed, 2 p.m.); Saturday, practice, qualifying (Speed, 1 p.m.); Sunday, race (Ch. 13, 2 p.m.); Montreal

Standings: 1. Fernando Alonso, 76; 2. Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber, 73; 4. Lewis Hamilton, 63; 5. Nico Rosberg, 59

Nationwide

Next: Alliance Truck Parts 250, June 16, Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn, Mich.

Standings: 1. Elliott Sadler, 454; 2. Ricky Stenhouse, 442; 3. Austin Dillon, 440; 4. Sam Hornish, 404; 5. Justin Allgaier, 376

NHRA

Next: Thunder Valley Nationals, June 15-17, Bristol (Tenn.) Dragway

Standings: Top Fuel — 1. Spencer Massey, 753; 2. Tony Schumacher, 719. Funny Car — 1. Robert Hight, 857; 2. Ron Capps, 700. Pro Stock — 1. Greg Anderson, 869; 2. Jason Line, 770. Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Eddie Krawiec, 466; 2. Andrew Hines, 325

Times wires
Thursday, June 7, 2012

PARIS — Wind blew in her face, kicking up flecks of clay, and Maria Sharapova stood at the baseline, knowing she needed one more point to reach her first French Open final and return to No. 1 in the rankings.

She rotated her right shoulder, the one surgically repaired 3½ years ago, and served a fault.

Her next try found the mark: a second-serve ace at 104 mph. It was a fitting way to close out a 6-3, 6-3 victory over No. 4-seeded Petra Kvitova in the semifinals at Roland Garros on Thursday, a fitting way to announce Sharapova is once again at the top of her sport.

"It's a long road back; it's a long process. It's a lot of days of frustration and uncertainty, not knowing if you'll ever get there, not knowing how much you want it, not knowing whether (there) would be a moment like that for you again," Sharapova said.

"So there's definitely a lot of tough things you have to go through to get to this point. But when you get here, and you look back at the things that you did, and the work that you put in, and the toughest days that you can remember, it's all really worth it."

The second-seeded Russian faces 21st-seeded Sara Errani on Saturday for the Open title. It's the only major Sharapova hasn't won; she can become the 10th woman to complete a career Grand Slam.

Playing in her first Grand Slam semifinal, Errani beat reigning U.S. Open champion Sam Stosur, a Tampa resident, 7-5, 1-6, 6-3.

"Players like Sharapova, Serena Williams — they're accustomed to making it this far," said Errani's coach, Pablo Lozano. "For us, every day brings a new surprise."

Entering the tournament, Errani was 0-28 against women ranked in the top 10. But she beat No. 10 Angelique Kerber in the quarterfinals then No. 6 Stosur on Thursday — and those upsets were preceded by victories over two past French Open champions, 2008's Ana Ivanovic and 2009's Svetlanta Kuznetsova.

Did she ever doubt she could beat the best?

"It's not a question of believing or not believing," Errani said. "I don't think about that. I just think about playing. I just think about going on court and giving my all. And whatever happens, happens. I've never thought, 'I can't beat someone in the top 10.' "

Records on line for Djokovic, Nadal

A year ago in the French Open semifinals, Roger Federer put a stop to Novak Djokovic's 43-match winning streak.

That also was the last time Djokovic lost at any Grand Slam tournament.

When the two meet on the same stage today, 16-time major champion Federer once again stands in Djokovic's way, with even more at stake. This time, Djokovic will be seeking a 27th consecutive major match victory, which would leave him one shy of becoming the first man in 43 years to win four Grand Slam titles in a row.

"I will try to be out there believing I can win," said the No. 1-ranked Djokovic. "There is no (real) favorite."

The other semifinal features someone else pursuing history: No. 2 Rafael Nadal, who faces No. 6 David Ferrer, is hoping to earn a record seventh French Open trophy, which would break a tie with Bjorn Borg.

Nadal is 50-1 at Roland Garros, the only loss coming in the fourth round in 2009 against Robin Soderling.

"How discouraging is it to play Nadal on this surface? … When Borg played, in my day, he was like the human backboard," said seven-time Grand Slam champion John McEnroe. "He was faster than everyone, fitter than everyone, and you couldn't get a ball by the guy. I saw guys get exhausted in the first set. … It's like the same thing when you play Nadal."

Times wires
Thursday, June 7, 2012

OKLAHOMA CITY — An impromptu party in front of the dugout during a fourth-inning rain delay turned into a celebration that will last a long time for Alabama's softball team.

The Crimson Tide turned the 13-minute delay into the momentum that propelled them to a four-run inning and a 5-4 win over Oklahoma in the deciding game of thee NCAA championship series that ended early Thursday.

Jackie Traina threw a five-hitter and Alabama became the first SEC team to win an NCAA softball title. Alabama (60-8) is the first team from outside the Pac-12 to win the title since Michigan in 2005.

"Who wouldn't want to be the first SEC team to win it?" Traina said. "That just makes it that much better."

Traina struck out Keilani Ricketts to end a game delayed almost three hours at the start by rain. In the fourth, when an another delay set in, Alabama players gathered in front of the dugout and led chants with each other and fans until the delay ended.

"Our team has so much fun,'' Tide designated player Amanda Locke said. "From then on there was no stopping us."

Football: USF announced two kickoff times — home vs. Chattanooga at 7 p.m. on Sept. 1, and at Ball State at 4:30 on Sept. 22. … UCF's Sept. 8 game at Ohio State will start at noon (ESPN2), and its Aug. 30 opener at Akron will start at 7. … Clemson coach Dabo Swinney agreed to a three-year contract extension.

Calathes update: With his basketball contract with Panathinaikos in Greece expired, former Gator Nick Calathes is reportedly looking to return to the United States and play in the NBA. Calathes, 23, a guard, has played in Europe since leaving UF after his sophomore season in 2008-09. He went in the second round of the 2009 NBA draft to the Timberwolves, who then traded him to the Mavericks.

Times wires
Thursday, June 7, 2012

Tigers 7, Indians 5

DETROIT — Brennan Boesch, who entered in a 2-for-38 slump, had two hits for the Tigers. Detroit is 1-5 against Cleveland this year. In the first, Boesch singled and scored. In the fourth, he doubled in a run and scored on Miguel Cabrera's two-run homer. Casey Crosby, in his second career start, got the win. On June 1, he allowed six runs in 31/3 innings against the Yankees.

Times wires
Thursday, June 7, 2012

Giants 8, Padres 3

SAN DIEGO — Buster Posey, Angel Pagan and Gregor Blanco homered to help Matt Cain win his sixth straight start for the Giants. San Francisco has won nine of its past 11. The Padres, who have the majors' worst record, loaded the bases in the sixth (with no outs), eighth (two outs) and ninth (two outs) but failed to score.

Times wires
Thursday, June 7, 2012

Athletics 7, Rangers 1

OAKLAND, Calif. — Coco Crisp hit a solo homer and bases-loaded triple to match his season total for extra-base hits for Oakland. Oakland took three of four, its first series win since taking two of three from the Rays May 4-6. It has scored 33 runs in six games after scoring 32 in its previous 16. Meanwhile, the Rangers, who have lost seven of nine, have scored two or fewer runs five times in June after doing so a combined eight in April and May.

Times wires


Thursday, June 7, 2012

NFL

Concussion lawsuits consolidated

A concussion-related lawsuit bringing together scores of cases was filed Thursday in federal court, accusing the NFL of hiding information that linked football-related head trauma to permanent brain injuries.

Lawyers for former players, including Jim McMahon and the family of Dave Duerson, who shot and killed himself last year, say more than 80 pending lawsuits are consolidated in the "master complaint" filed in Philadelphia.

Plaintiffs hope to hold the NFL responsible for the care of players suffering from dementia, Alzheimer's disease and other neurological conditions. Other former players are asymptomatic but worry about the future and want medical monitoring.

"I want this game to be around, to be a great sport, a sport that my own boys will be able to play," said former Eagles and Patriots running back Kevin Turner, who has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Turner mentioned two coaches of his who would never change their full-contact practices by choice: "Bill Parcells and offensive coordinator Jon Gruden were two very intense people who only knew how to practice one way.''

The suit accuses the NFL of "mythologizing" and glorifying violence through the media, including its NFL Films division.

The league said in a statement that player safety has long been a priority, and it denied misleading players.

More nfl

Ochocinco cut, says he enjoyed Pats time

The Patriots released wide receiver Chad Ochocinco, 34, who in his one season had 15 receptions for an 18.4-yard average and one touchdown but rarely was a key part of the offense. On Twitter, Ochocinco changed his job description to "UNEMPLOYED BLACK GUY" and tweeted that he "thoroughly enjoyed'' the opportunity with New England.

BOY'S PLAN TO KEEP RB: New 49ers running back Brandon Jacobs received a letter this week from a 6-year-old boy named Joseph that included $3.36 in cash from his piggy bank — the child's contribution to try to keep Jacobs with the Giants. The boy's mother, Julie Armento, wrote that she explained to her son that the Giants didn't have enough money to bring Jacobs back on a new contract. Jacobs plans to connect with the boy when the 49ers visit the Jets on Sept. 30.

Around the league: Jaguars will induct Fred Taylor into their ring of honor, the Pride of the Jaguars, at a Sept. 30 game. The former Gator running back joins Tony Boselli in the ring. Also, the Jaguars released defensive end Aaron Kampman, 32, a one-time elite pass rusher who missed 28 games the past three seasons for Jacksonville and Green Bay. … The Saints reportedly made a new contract offer to quarterback Drew Brees.

Et cetera

Olympics: Defending champion Danell Leyva took the early lead at the U.S. men's gymnastics championships in St. Louis, sneaking past John Orozco in the final rotation with a polished parallel bars routine. Leyva, also the world champ in the event, scored 15.800 points to finish at 91.850. Orozco had 91.8. Scores from this weekend will be combined with the scores at the Olympic trials at the end of the month, with the top overall total locking up an Olympic spot. … Olympic swimmers Nick D'Arcy and Kenrick Monk have been directed by Swimming Australia to remove photos of themselves posing with guns from their social media sites. Both apologized. … Coleman Scott clinched a spot on the U.S. freestyle wrestling team, winning twice in a wrestle-off at 132 pounds.

Boxing: Mexico's Antonio Margarito (38-8, 27 KOs), who won three welterweight titles but became one of the sport's most reviled figures after being caught trying to fight Shane Mosley with loaded hand wraps, announced his retirement. "Although the passion and drive are still there, I have to accept that my time to walk away has arrived," said the 34-year-old, sometimes called "Marga­cheato" after he was engulfed in the hand-wrap scandal in 2009. … Freddie Roach will work Manny Pacquiao's corner Saturday night against Timothy Bradley in Las Vegas, then charter a private jet at a cost of $26,000 to fly to his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on Sunday afternoon in Canastota, N.Y.

Soccer: Villarreal coach Manuel Preciado died of a heart attack in Valencia, one day after joining the team. He was 54.

Track: Usain Bolt recovered from a poor start to win the 100 meters in 9.79 seconds in the Bislett Games at Oslo, beating Asafa Powell by 0.06 seconds.

Times wires

SPORT

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Times wires
Thursday, June 7, 2012

Brewers 4, Cubs 3

10 innings

MILWAUKEE — Norichika Aoki homered twice, including leading off the 10th, for the Brewers. The rookie and ex-Japanese batting champ entered with one homer, an inside-the-parker. He also started the eighth with an infield hit then scored the tying run.

Times wires
Thursday, June 7, 2012

Mets 3, Nationals 1

WASHINGTON — R.A. Dickey extended his shutout streak to 24⅔ innings (over four games) as the Mets avoided a three-game sweep. He also won his majors-high ninth game, one more than all of last season, and didn't allow a runner past second. New York's Lucas Duda hit his fifth homer over his past eight games, a two-run shot, and Daniel Murphy ended an 0-for-19 skid with two hits.

Times wires
Thursday, June 7, 2012

Dodgers 8, Phillies 3

PHILADELPHIA — Aaron Harang earned his 100th win (against 98 losses over 11 seasons) for the Dodgers. Los Angeles swept a four-game series in Philadelphia for the first time since May 24-26, 1946, when it played in Brooklyn. The Phillies have lost a season-high six in a row.

Times wires
Thursday, June 7, 2012

OKLAHOMA CITY — At the beginning of the video the Thunder plays before its starting lineup is announced, there's a message on the scoreboard.

RESILIENCY. IT DEFINES OUR TEAM.

That was especially true during Oklahoma City's comeback from an 18-point deficit Wednesday night to beat the Spurs and clinch a spot in the Finals. But that's only the final step in the turnaround.

Three seasons ago Oklahoma City's new team was 3-29 and just hoping to avoid the worst record in league history.

"You can look at it as a negative, but I think as a group and as an organization, we've seen some light, and we've seen that one day we'd be at this moment, and one day we'd have an opportunity to win a championship," said Russell Westbrook, who has gone from a rookie struggling with turnovers to an All-Star.

When Scott Brooks was hired as coach late in 2008, his first task was trying to get the team to be competitive in the fourth quarter. Now, opponents can't seem to put the Thunder away in crunch time.

"Even back then, we weren't losing games. I was telling the guys we were learning how to win games, and there's a big difference between that because we had guys that worked every day and it gave me hope that when we were down they were still practicing, still working hard," Brooks said.

The hard work paid off with the franchise's first shot at the title since 1996 as the Seattle SuperSonics. The team's only title came in 1979, in Seattle.

"I'm not as excited as I thought I'd be," said forward Nick Collison, the only holdover who played in Seattle except for Kevin Durant. "I think we all know we have more work to do."

Oklahoma City had to go through the only three teams to win the West since 1998 — Dallas, the Lakers and San Antonio.

"It's almost like a Hollywood script for OKC. … Those three teams represent 10 of the last 13 championships, and now they're going to play either Boston or Miami, and that'll be 11 of the last 13 championships," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said.

"I don't know if anybody has ever had a run or gone through a playoff playing those kinds of teams. It's just incredible, and I think it's pretty cool for them."

Times wires
Thursday, June 7, 2012

NEWARK, N.J. — Winning Game 4 of the Stanley Cup final did more than keep the Devils alive.

For one game, the Eastern Conference champions showed they could not only play with the Kings, they could beat them, too.

Their 3-1 win in Los Angeles on Wednesday, their first of the series, prevented the Kings' coronation ceremony and forced the NHL to pack the Cup and ship it back to New Jersey for Game 5 on Saturday night.

Now comes the hard part for coach Peter DeBoer and the Devils. They have to follow it up with another win over a team that is 15-3 in the postseason and has not lost consecutive games.

"We know every time we can win a game and chip away, the end goal gets a little closer," DeBoer said Thursday shortly after the Devils' flight from the West Coast landed. "I know it is a cliche, but I think if we win on Saturday night, this series really takes a turn."

On the flight back to New Jersey, DeBoer said his team had the same confidence it has shown throughout the playoffs.

"Every game is Game 7 for us," said rookie center Adam Henrique, whose goal in the third period Wednesday put New Jersey ahead 2-1. "And we have the confidence in the room we can do it. It will be tough, but we are prepared to do it."

AHL final: Mike Kostka scored on a fluky bounce off the glass 9:09 into overtime to give Lightning affiliate Norfolk a 1-0 win over host Toronto and a 3-0 lead in the Calder Cup final. Kostka dumped the puck into Toronto's zone from center ice, and the puck rimmed around the glass, hit a stanchion and bounced almost sideways into an empty net as goalie Ben Scrivens went to play the puck. "I would rather somebody take a pair of steel-toed boots and kick me in a delicate region than to lose a hockey game like that," Toronto coach Dallas Eakins told Toronto's Globe and Mail. Norfolk can win the championship Saturday.

Times wires
Thursday, June 7, 2012

CINCINNATI — Michael McKenry was prepared for the ultimate fastball.

And the reserve catcher caught up with one of Aroldis Chapman's blink-of-an-eye fastballs, doubling in the winning run as the Pirates beat the Reds 5-4 in 10 innings on Thursday.

Chapman, who regularly hits 100 mph, hadn't allowed an earned run in a club-record 24 appearances covering 29 innings. He went in to start the 10th with a 0.00 ERA. He gave up a leadoff double to Clint Barmes, only the eighth hit off the lefty all year.

McKenry, batting .193, knew what was coming next.

"He's a special guy with a special arm," McKenry said. "You've got to prepare for the 100 mph fastball. You can't think about anything else."

The Pirates bench erupted after the double, which came off a pitch that was only 99 mph.

"We knew (McKenry's) numbers," said Pirates reliever Jared Hughes, who escaped a threat in the sixth. "We were really excited on the bench when that happened. That was awesome — maybe the best team win all year."

Said Reds manager Dusty Baker: "McKenry hit a real good pitch. If you catch up to Chapman's fastball, you're going to hit it hard somewhere."

McKenry allowed the Pirates to pull out a game they almost let get away.

His sacrifice fly put Pittsburgh up 4-3 in the seventh. But Joel Hanrahan blew only his second save of this season by giving up a leadoff homer to Ryan Ludwick in the ninth. Chris Resop got his second career save, getting Ludwick on a called third strike with two on to end the game.

The Pirates took two of three from the National League Central leaders and have won nine of their past 12. "Probably as satisfying a win as I've had since I've been here for the ballclub," second-year manager Clint Hurdle said.

Times wires
Thursday, June 7, 2012

PITTSFORD, N.Y. — Yani Tseng isn't accustomed to this: 4-over par in an LPGA Tour major.

Luckily for the Taiwanese star, winner of five majors, there are three rounds to play on a course she dominated a year ago.

Tseng, 23, is chasing leaders Beatriz Recari, Ryann O'Toole, and Giulia Sergas, who each shot 3-under 69 Thursday to tie after the opening round of the LPGA Championship.

Despite matching her worst score of the year at 76, Tseng, the top women's player in the world, was only seven shots off the lead after a round that included six bogeys and only two birdies.

"I just couldn't hit a shot, couldn't hit on the green, couldn't hit on the fairway," Tseng said. "It was really tough for me out there. I was very disappointed. I love the golf course, and I know I can have a low score here."

A year ago she shot 19 under and won by 10 shots.

The second major of the season was shaping up as a tight affair as only 16 players broke par.

Jeong Jang reached 5 under but bogeyed four of her final five holes to finish in a tie at 70 with Mika Miyazato, Cristie Kerr, Se Ri Pak, Na Yeon Choi, Ai Miyazato and Paula Creamer. Lewis, who has won two of her past three starts, had 72.

Cheyenne Woods, niece of Tiger Woods and playing on a sponsor's exemption, shot 3-over 75 in her first event as a pro. She qualified last week for the U.S. Women's Open and was beaming despite an erratic round.

"I've been waiting, waiting for this moment. I couldn't wait to get out here," said Woods, who had three birdies, four bogeys and double bogey. "I was a little nervous starting off, but it felt good to be out there and finally playing. "

Tampa resident Kristy McPherson was at 3-over 75, Seminole's Brittany Lincicome at 76, and Clearwater's Jennifer Gleason at 84.

PGA: Jeff Maggert and John Merrick shot 4-under 66 to share the lead at the St. Jude Classic in Memphis, leaving U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy two strokes back.

Maggert took advantage of teeing off in the first group with calm conditions for the first seven holes and finished with four birdies, eagle and two bogeys. Merrick matched his best round of the year with six birdies and two bogeys.

In other tour news, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson will play in the same group for the opening two rounds of next week's U.S. Open in San Francisco. Also in one group are Luke Donald, McIlroy and Lee Westwood.

Champions: Bill Glasson swiftly polished off his round at Shoal Creek in Birmingham, Ala., finishing before lunchtime and leaving the rest of the Regions Tradition field chasing. Dan Forsman didn't catch up until about four hours later when he completed a run of four straight birdies at No. 14. Forsman and Glasson shared the first-round lead at 6-under 66. Fred Funk was a stroke back.

European: Lee Westwood shot 8-under 64 to lead by three at the Nordea Masters in Bro, Sweden.

No changes, commissioner says: The PGA Tour will not change its policy on mobile devices, continue to allow fans to bring them to events.

"We're committed to making it work," commissioner Tim Finchem told Bloomberg News Service. "If we get to a point where we don't have an acceptable competitive environment, we'll do whatever we need to do, but I don't see that happening."

Phil Mickelson was angered by the lack of enforcement of the policy in the first round of last week's Memorial Tournament and texted Finchem from the sixth fairway. Mickelson withdrew after shooting 7-over 79.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, June 7, 2012

. Up next

at Marlins

Tonight through Sunday

What's new: The Marlins (31-26) had been one of the hottest teams. After starting 8-14, they went a majors-best 21-9 in May. But this week they were swept at home by the Braves, their first series loss since April 24-26. SS Jose Reyes, signed during the offseason, has been on a tear; he had a 15-game hitting streak end Wednesday. RF Giancarlo Stanton has power (14 homers, 41 RBIs), and OF Justin Ruggiano (5-for-13, one homer) has provided a spark since being called up from Triple A on May 27. RHP Heath Bell has returned to the closer's role after a brief demotion.

Key stat: Miami leads the National League with 39 quality starts.

Connections: Ruggiano, LHP Randy Choate and RHP Chad Gaudin are former Rays, as is manager Ozzie Guillen. Rays RHP Burke Badenhop is a former Marlin and INF Sean Rodriguez a Miami native.

Series history: The Marlins lead overall 42-37, including 25-17 in Miami. But the Rays have won three of the past four season series, including 4-2 in 2011.

Joe Smith, Times staff writer