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MLB, union reach deal for HGH test

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Times wires
Thursday, June 7, 2012

NEW YORK — Major League Baseball and the players union agreed to testing for human growth hormone on Thursday.

The deal specifies tests for the performance-enhancing substance during the offseason and spring training but during the regular season only if there is a reasonable cause. Both sides said they will study regular-season testing.

Any player who tests positive will be banned from the following All-Star Game. And random tests will be increased to an undisclosed number.

The agreement comes as part of a larger settlement dealing with the case of Brewers LF Ryan Braun. Braun, last season's MVP, was suspended for 50 games after testing positive for an undisclosed performance-enhancer. But the suspension was overturned by an arbitrator.

Shyam Das, since fired by MLB, ruled the urine sample was handled improperly because the drug collector kept it at home from Oct. 1, a Saturday, until the following Monday, when he took it to a FedEx office for shipment to a lab. The drug policy stated the sample was to have been delivered immediately "absent unusual circumstances."

The new deal says "unusual circumstances" include bad weather, personal emergency, traffic accident or the inability to reach FedEx before it closes.

Astros, top pick agree

HOUSTON — SS Carlos Correa, the top overall pick in Monday's draft, and the Astros agreed to a contract that includes a signing bonus of $4.8 million.

It's the lowest bonus for a top pick since the Royals gave RHP Luke Hochevar $3.5 million in 2006, and it's $3.2 million less than what the Pirates gave RHP Gerrit Cole last year. This is the first draft under the new collective bargaining agreement, which heavily restrains spending.

Correa, 17, will return to Puerto Rico to graduate from high school this weekend before joining the rookie Gulf Coast League on Tuesday.

More signings: The Royals gave RHP Kyle Zimmer, the No. 5 pick out of the University of San Francisco, a $3 million signing bonus. … The Braves gave RHP Lucas Sims, the No. 21 pick out of Snellville (Ga.) Brookwood High, a $1.65 million signing bonus. He had orally committed to Clemson.

Lasorda released: Former Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda left a New York hospital three days after suffering a mild heart attack. The Dodgers said Lasorda, 84, will spend a few more days in New York, where he was attending the draft, before returning to Los Angeles.

Braves: X-rays on 1B Freddie Freeman's left index finger were negative, and he is day to day. He was hurt trying to break up a double play Wednesday.

Brewers: 3B Aramis Ramirez, who had been out since Saturday with a strained left quadriceps, appeared as a pinch-hitter and was walked intentionally.

Cardinals: LHP Jaime Garcia went on the DL with a strained left shoulder two days after lasting two innings in a start. To take his spot, RHP Fernando Salas was called up from Triple A. He had a team-high 24 saves last year but was demoted after going 0-3 with a 6.32 ERA in 18 games.

Mets: LF Jason Bay, who was supposed to play after being out since April 23 with a broken rib, instead sat because he felt ill. He told ESPN.com he believes he had an adverse reaction to an antibiotic for a sinus infection.

Nationals: RH reliever Brad Lidge, out 38 games with an abdominal injury, was activated, and RH reliever Henry Rodriguez went on the DL with a strained right index finger.

Rangers: LHP Derek Holland went on the DL with a fatigued left shoulder. RHP Alexi Ogando, a starter until this year, will take his spot in the rotation.

Yankees: RH reliever Joba Chamberlain tweeted he will throw off a mound today for the first time since dislocating his right ankle while jumping on a trampoline in March. But manager Joe Girardi said he was unaware of any plans. … RH reliever Freddy Garcia went on the bereavement list for the death of his grandfather.


Braves 8, Marlins 2

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Times wires
Thursday, June 7, 2012

Braves 8, Marlins 2

MIAMI — Jason Heyward hit two solo homers to help the Braves cap a three-game sweep. The Marlins went 0-for-13 with runners in scoring position and left 11 on base. Miami, swept at its new stadium for the first time, totaled 16 hits and was outscored 21-3.

Examining why a horse hasn't won Triple Crown in 34 years

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McClatchy Newspapers
Thursday, June 7, 2012

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The fervor of the question increases with every passing year. And as the years turn into decades — three and counting — the subject gets dissected so exhaustively that even those deemed experts abandon trying to come up with one concrete answer.

I'll Have Another's victories in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes have gathered the racing world to its latest roundtable discussion over why it has been 34 years since a horse has proven capable of capturing the three-race, five-week gauntlet that is the Triple Crown.

Though 11 horses have accomplished the feat, the current drought has long since passed the previous record, the 25-year gap between Citation's sweep in 1948 and Secretariat's in 1973.

The one thought most agree upon is that if I'll Have Another wins the Triple Crown by taking the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, he'll have done so in an era unlike that of any of his predecessors.

For the majority of the 11 horses that have failed to finish the job since Affirmed won the Triple Crown in 1978, their attempts have come at a time when the racing landscape has changed drastically. As the thoroughbred breed has changed, so, too, have training styles and the attitude within the sport.

"I think it has (become harder to win) because of the reasons for which we breed horses," said Penny Chenery, owner of Secretariat. "Back in the '70s we were still breeding horses to race them, and so much of the industry now is concentrated on sales. So you breed a good-looking, early speed horse who isn't equipped to go a mile and a half, or to run three hard races in five weeks."

Money talks

The monetary action brought on by the auction arena has been arguably the biggest factor in the Triple Crown drought. Where once homebreds ruled the classics, the rise of the commercial marketplace and deep-pocketed buyers in the past 30 years has prompted breeders to produce a different type of horse than previously demanded.

Since buyers need to get as much return as possible on such lofty investments, horses that could inspire a strong following in the breeding shed went to the top of buyers' wish lists, regardless if they had classic ability.

"You have to understand that commercial breeders are breeding what they think they can sell," said bloodstock adviser Ric Waldman, who managed the career of leading sire Storm Cat. "And I think the end user has wanted a speedy horse.

"It's not like we don't want to breed Derby winners; everybody wants a Derby winner. But it goes back to the type of horse we think will make a good stud horse. And the kind of horse we think will make a good stud horse has typically been one that has shown speed and precocity."

Numbers game

With the Kentucky Derby, the Triple Crown's first leg, now the most famous race in the sport and long-shot winners showing a Derby victor can come from anywhere, 19- and 20-horse fields have become the norm in the past decade, increasing the odds that even the most talented horse of a generation could be derailed by a troubled trip.

Citation had to beat 15 total horses en route to his coronation. Secretariat defeated 21. Seattle Slew and Affirmed faced 29 and 20 total rivals, respectively.

I'll Have Another took on 19 in the Derby and 10 in the Preakness, and faces 11 in the Belmont.

"It's not too tough to win the Triple Crown. It's just these fields are always full fields, and it's all about getting a good trip," said Graham Motion, trainer of 2011 Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom. "There is always going to be a horse in the Derby that's not going to get a good trip, and that's what's going to make it so hard to have a Triple Crown winner."

Training trends

How one even gets a horse ready for the Triple Crown races is a different animal than it was in the '70s.

First, there is the trend of trainers wanting to allow more time between starts in hopes of avoiding the dreaded "bounce" factor off big efforts. However, with the 20-horse Derby field being determined in part by graded stakes earnings since 1986, some say they now have to ask more of their prospects earlier in order to secure the crucial money needed.

"It is not a three-race series anymore, it's more like a five-race series," said Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, winner of 13 Triple Crown races.

In trying to breed fast, pretty horses, some argue the durability of the modern thoroughbred has been sacrificed along with stamina. Today's runners might not be the iron horses of the past, but part of the issue behind their perceived fragility may be just that — perception.

Given the way the sport has changed, some like Lukas have said the Triple Crown should change with it, both in terms of the races' distances and spacing.

But Waldman, the bloodstock adviser, said winning the Triple Crown shouldn't be easy.

"While everyone is hoping we have a Triple Crown winner, the fact there hasn't been one in such a long period of time underscores how difficult it is," he said. "You add in the component that maybe we're changing the breed over this period of time and that compounds the difficulty in trying to achieve it."

Red Sox 7, Orioles 0

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Times wires
Thursday, June 7, 2012

Red Sox 7, Orioles 0

BOSTON — Boston's Clay Buchholz recorded his third shutout, all against the Orioles. Baltimore had won seven in a row at Fenway Park. Buchholz threw 125 pitches, two shy of his career high. It was his fourth complete game and first since a five-hitter in an 11-0 win at Baltimore on June 4, 2010. His other shutout was 10-0 in a no-hitter at Fenway on Sept. 1, 2007, his second big-league start.

Tampa Bay Rays: Jeremy Hellickson goes all white? James Shields' horse connection

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

Rays at Marlins

When/where: 7:10 tonight; Marlins Park, Miami

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

Probable pitchers

Rays:

RH Jeremy Hellickson (4-2, 2.69)

Marlins:

RH Ricky Nolasco (6-3, 4.35)

On Hellickson: He has allowed two earned runs or fewer in eight of his 11 starts this year. He has never faced the Marlins. He is 1-0, 4.68 on the road this season.

On Nolasco: He has won two of his past three starts. He is 2-3 with an 8.51 ERA in five starts against the Rays.

Key matchups

Rays vs. Nolasco

Carlos Peña4-for-8, 2 HRs

B.J. Upton 1-for-10

Ben Zobrist 4-for-5

On deck

Saturday: at Marlins, 7:15, Ch. 13. Rays — Matt Moore (2-5, 4.45); Marlins — Carlos Zambrano (4-3, 2.81)

Sunday: at Marlins, 1:10, Sun Sports, FSN. Rays — James Shields (6-4, 4.27); Marlins — Anibal Sanchez (3-4, 3.19)

Rays disabled list

C Robinson Chirinos, concussion, 60-day

RHP Kyle Farnsworth, right elbow strain, 60-day

OF Sam Fuld, right wrist surgery, 60-day

OF Brandon Guyer, left shoulder strain, 60-day

INF Jeff Keppinger, right toe fracture, 15-day

3B Evan Longoria, left hamstring tear, 15-day

RHP Jeff Niemann, right leg fracture, 60-day

Joe Smith, Times staff writer

Wardrobe of the day

RHP Jeremy Hellickson, flying ahead of the team Thursday due to tonight's start in Miami, said he wasn't sure if he would don the all-white wardrobe — as his teammates will — for his commercial flight. "I don't know if I can do it by myself," Hellickson said, smiling. "I don't know if I can handle all the looks." Manager Joe Maddon joked how Hellickson, who lacks a tan, would look in all white: "He may disappear, actually."

Did you know?

The uncle of RHP James Shields, right, Jim Jimenez, is the farrier (provides hoof and foot care) for Triple Crown candidate I'll Have Another. Shields said it has been a whirlwind for Jimenez, whom he saw this week in New York: "It's like their World Series."



Number of the day

12

Consecutive games without recording 10 hits by the Rays until Thursday

Tampa Bay Rays beat New York Yankees 7-3

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

NEW YORK — Rays manager Joe Maddon said David Price was "dripping wet" coming off the mound in the fifth inning.

"He lasted five innings," Maddon said. "But it was almost like he threw a complete game."

The left-hander had reason to be exhausted after a 38-pitch fifth inning in which he retired Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano with the bases loaded, lifting the Rays to a 7-3 win over the Yankees on Thursday.

"That was the game," Maddon said.

The victory, Price's American League-leading eighth of the season, helped Tampa Bay (32-25) avoid a sweep and get back into a first-place tie with Baltimore in the East.

In the game's most pressure-packed moment, Price stuck to his guns after walking two to load the bases with one out.

Price got ahead of Rodriguez 1-and-2 with curveballs and called catcher Jose Lobaton to the mound to say he was going to keep throwing them. Rodriguez fouled off five pitches as he ran the count full. And with the Yankee Stadium crowd of 39,891 on its feet, Price got him swinging on another hook — pitch No. 11 of the at-bat.

"That's the best my curveball has been all year," Price said, "and I wanted to stick with it."

Price then got Cano to ground out to second to thwart the threat, pounding his glove as he walked off the mound.

"David manned up," infielder Drew Sutton said. "It was a big situation."

The Rays' struggling offense stepped up, too, with Maddon's "new-look" lineup racking up 10 hits for the first time in 13 games. Maddon loaded up on right-handed hitters at the top against Yankees ace CC Sabathia with Desmond Jennings (third) and B.J. Upton (cleanup) in the heart of the order.

It worked. The Rays, who had scored one run in their previous 21 innings, scored five in a three-inning stretch thanks to some unlikely sources.

Lobaton, who had four hits all season (in seven games), delivered two hits, including a run-scoring single in the second.

Sutton, in his Yankee Stadium debut, ripped a two-run double in the fourth to make it 5-1 and added a run-scoring double in the ninth.

"I might not want to play here anymore after going 2-for-4 with two doubles," Sutton said, smiling. "I may want to cut it off after that."

With Price leaving after five, having allowed just three hits, Wade Davis helped shut the door with two perfect innings, in which he struck out four.

"I've never seen that out of him. I don't even think as a starter that kind of two-inning dominance," Maddon said. "He was really, really good."

So was Price, who despite having the second-shortest outing of the season helped the Rays win for the sixth time in his seven career matchups with Sabathia.

And as ugly as Tuesday's 7-0 loss was and as forgettable as the offense was in Wednesday's 4-1 loss, the Rays — having won for just the third time in their past nine — left for Miami all smiles in their all-white attire.

"How does that happen?" Maddon said. "We came back and played a much better game."

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@tampabay.com.

Slumping Tampa Bay Rays' Ben Zobrist puts in extra work

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

NEW YORK — With his average hovering around .200, Rays RF/2B Ben Zobrist searched for answers while doing drills with hitting coach Derek Shelton on Thursday afternoon.

Zobrist tried to use his hands more in his swing.

"My body is just getting in the way," he said before the game against the Yankees.

Zobrist singled in a run in the third and walked in the ninth but also hit a comebacker and struck out twice during the Rays' 7-3 win.

Zobrist has had almost a seasonlong struggle to find a comfort zone. Manager Joe Maddon has pointed out that Zobrist, typically a disciplined hitter, has been chasing pitches out of the strike zone, resulting in just nine hits over his past 63 at-bats after Thursday.

But Zobrist said expanding his zone is a result of not being in the right place with his swing.

"You have to think about it," he said. "You have to figure out what it is about your swing that doesn't feel right. Because if you don't feel right in the box, then it's going to be hard regardless of what pitch is thrown. You have to know that your swing is going to do what you want it to do."

Maddon has remained positive with Zobrist, believing the 2009 All-Star — who has hit 20-plus homers in two of the past three seasons — will get back on track. He used Zobrist as the designated hitter Thursday in the hitter-friendly No. 2 spot.

"It happens to everybody at some point. It's happening to him now,' Maddon said of the struggles. "And I'm certain he'll work through it."

GREAT SCOTT: DH Luke Scott didn't start for the second straight game, this time due to a left-hander, CC Sabathia, starting for the Yankees.

The real question is how much Scott will play this weekend in Miami, an interleague series with no DH. Maddon said though Scott is able to play first base if needed, he likely will be used mostly as a pinch-hitter.

With Scott hitting .186 over his past 12 games, Maddon said the weekend could be a good mental break for him: "I just think not grinding so hard should probably help him. This guy cares about as much as anybody does, and he works so hard. So it might be the opportune time to give him a little bit of a break."

PITCHING IN: RHP Jeremy Hellickson said he is a little nervous to be the first Rays pitcher to hit tonight as they begin a string of 15 interleague games (nine on the road).

But Hellickson is feeling good on the mound, where he has been consistent and in his last outing found his curveball.

"It was probably the best curveball I've had since last year," said Hellickson, who took a loss despite allowing two runs (one earned) and striking out eight over 62/3 innings against the Orioles on Saturday.

"I felt a lot more consistent with it and had a lot of confidence in it from the bullpen," he said. "I just felt good throwing it even with two strikes, and I haven't felt that way in a while."

TOUGH TASK: The Rays saw the new-look Marlins a few times during spring training. The group — which includes SS Jose Reyes, LHP Mark Buehrle and RHP Heath Bell sits two games back of first place in the National League East.

"They're very good," Maddon said. "Their pitching is really good. They've got some powerful offensive weapons. Reyes creates another dimension for them. But we like playing good teams."

MISCELLANY: RHP Kyle Farnsworth (right elbow strain) threw to hitters Wednesday at Tropicana Field and everything went well, Maddon said. There is no date for a rehabilitation assignment. … Three players from Double-A Montgomery — RHP Shane Dyer, utility player Omar Luna and DH Kyeong Kang — made the Southern League South Division All-Star team.

Tampa Bay Lightning affiliate Norfolk Admirals takes 3-0 lead in AHL Calder Cup final

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Times staff, wires
Thursday, June 7, 2012

TORONTO — Mike Kostka scored on a fluky bounce off the glass 9:09 into overtime to give Lightning affiliate Norfolk a 1-0 win over Toronto and a 3-0 lead in the AHL championship series Thursday night.

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.

"That's a one in a million thing," Scrivens told Toronto's Globe and Mail. "I was just hoping it wasn't going in."

Toronto coach Dallas Eakins was as frustrated by how the goal was scored as he was the loss.

"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," said Eakins, who played in the NHL for 16 years and is in his third season coaching the Maple Leafs' affiliate.

Norfolk, 42-3 in its past 45 games going back to the regular season, can win the Calder Cup championship in Game 4 at 3 p.m. Saturday in Toronto.

The game will be broadcast on the CBS Sports Network.


LeBron James, Miami Heat rout Boston Celtics to force Game 7 in NBA playoffs

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Times wires
Thursday, June 7, 2012

BOSTON — LeBron James refused to let another season end in Boston.

The Eastern Conference final, and his chase of an NBA championship, are headed back to Miami for a Game 7.

James had 45 points and 15 rebounds, overwhelming the Celtics and leading the Heat to a 98-79 victory Thursday night.

Pushing away elimination right along with every defender who tried to stop him, James shot 19 of 26 and finished four points shy of his playoff career high. He played 45 minutes, finally sitting when the victory was long secured, muting a torrent of vitriol stemming from a Game 5 loss. At one point, as the Celtics called a timeout to stem his assault, James stood and stared stone-faced up into the angry noise, betraying no emotion.

"He was absolutely fearless, and it was contagious," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "The way he approached the last 48 hours, and not only LeBron, but everybody else. Nobody likes getting dirt thrown on your face before you're even dead. He showed great resolve."

Dwyane Wade added 17 points for the Heat, though he continued to struggle early with a scoreless first quarter.

Rajon Rondo had 21 points and 10 assists for Boston. Kevin Garnett and Brandon Bass each scored 12, and Paul Pierce had nine on 4-of-18 shooting.

"We're not going to celebrate this win," James said. "It's a one-game series now, and it's in our building."

At the site of some of James' biggest disappointments, the only disappointed ones were the thousands of fans who filed out of the TD Garden midway through the fourth quarter.

James became the first player to score 25 or more in eight consecutive playoff games against the Celtics since Lakers center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (April 28, 1974 to May 27, 1984).

Miami barely won Game 2 before dropping the next three, but this one was never in doubt. James carried the Heat in the first half while Wade shot 1 of 6.

"That was a good response to the last 48 hours," Spoelstra said. "We have a very stubborn, tough-minded group."

Heat center Chris Bosh, playing his second game since returning from an abdominal strain, logged 28 minutes, finishing with seven points and six rebounds off the bench.

The Celtics were hoping to complete a comeback from a 2-0 deficit, as Oklahoma City did against the Spurs in the West final that wrapped up Wednesday night.

James' season was twice ended in Boston while playing for Cleveland, the Celtics emerging as the winner in a Pierce-James duel in Game 7 of the 2008 East semifinals then beating the Cavs in Game 6 of the second round two years later.

Thursday, James had 30 points by halftime and spent the night silencing the crowd and, perhaps, some of his doubters. He set the tone for the game by making 6 of 7 shots and scoring 14 points in the first quarter.

"I hope now you guys can stop talking about LeBron and he doesn't play in big games," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "He was pretty good. So we can put that to bed and go play Game 7."

Meanwhile, Pierce was 3 of 16 through three quarters, including 0-for-6 on 3-pointers.

James made 12 of his first 13 shots before missing from the perimeter on his final attempt of the half.

Tensions flared early as Ray Allen and Mario Chalmers tangled in the paint, exchanged words and bumped chests. Chalmers drew a technical foul, his third of the series. Chalmers later sent Rondo sprawling to the court in transition. Rondo calmly flipped over and did two knuckle pushups — six fewer than Garnett did in Game 3.

Rondo climbed to third on the Celtics' all-time playoff assist list, passing John Havlicek (825). Rondo has 831, trailing Larry Bird (1,062) and Bob Cousy (937). He is 17th on the NBA's all-time postseason list.

MIAMI (98): James 19-26 5-9 45, Battier 3-7 0-0 8, Haslem 2-6 2-2 6, Chalmers 3-6 0-0 9, Wade 6-17 5-5 17, Bosh 3-8 1-2 7, Miller 0-3 0-0 0, Cole 1-2 0-0 2, Jones 0-0 2-2 2, Howard 0-1 2-2 2, Turiaf 0-0 0-0 0, Anthony 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 37-76 17-22 98.

BOSTON (79): Pierce 4-18 1-2 9, Bass 5-8 2-3 12, Garnett 6-14 0-0 12, Rondo 8-14 5-7 21, Allen 3-7 3-4 10, Stiemsma 0-0 0-0 0, Pietrus 1-4 0-0 2, Dooling 0-2 0-0 0, Daniels 3-4 2-2 8, Hollins 1-1 0-0 2, Pavlovic 0-1 0-0 0, Williams 0-0 0-0 0, Moore 1-2 1-2 3. Totals 32-75 14-20 79.

Miami26291924—98

Boston16261918—79

3-Point GoalsMiami 7-16 (Chalmers 3-4, Battier 2-4, James 2-4, Cole 0-1, Miller 0-3), Boston 1-14 (Allen 1-3, Dooling 0-1, Daniels 0-1, Pietrus 0-3, Pierce 0-6). Fouled OutNone. ReboundsMiami 50 (James 15), Boston 43 (Bass 7). AssistsMiami 15 (James 5), Boston 14 (Rondo 10). Total FoulsMiami 21, Boston 19. TechnicalsChalmers, James, Garnett. A18,624 (18,624).

White Sox 4, Blue Jays 3

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Times wires
Thursday, June 7, 2012

White Sox 4, Blue Jays 3

CHICAGO — Orlando Hudson singled in the winning run with two outs in the ninth for the White Sox, who avoided a three-game sweep. Dayan Viciedo singled, advanced to second on a wild pitch and scored. Rookie Addison Reed struck out Dan Johnson with Jose Bautista on second to end the ninth and earn his first win. Henderson Alvarez shined for the Blue Jays after posting a 6.08 ERA over his previous four outings.

Cardinals 14, Astros 2

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Times wires
Friday, June 8, 2012

Cardinals 14, Astros 2

HOUSTON — David Freese hit a grand slam during a seven-run seventh and a two-run homer in the ninth for the Cardinals. Shane Robinson added a two-run shot during the seventh, and Carlos Beltran a solo shot in the fifth.

I'll Have Another scratched from Belmont Stakes, ending Triple Crown bid

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The Associated Press
Friday, June 8, 2012

NEW YORK — I'll Have Another's bid for a Triple Crown ended with the shocking news that the colt was out of the Belmont Stakes because of a swollen left front tendon.

According to Dennis O'Neill, brother of trainer Doug O'Neill, the horse galloped Friday morning and after a veterinary scan, the tendon seemed "kind of tender."

O'Neill told The Associated Press that, "the horse is sound and happy, but it's not worth it."

No one could immediately recall another instance when a Triple Crown contender pulled out the Belmont Stakes the day before the big race.

"It's not tragic, but it's a huge disappointment," Doug O'Neill said on "The Dan Patrick Show."

Asked if I'll Have Another has raced his last race, O'Neill said: "If I had to wager . I would say yes."

"It's devastating. I thought this was going to be one of the greatest races in history, and I wanted the opportunity to be part of it," said Dale Romans, trainer of second favorite Dullahan. "But this is bigger than that. This is terrible news."

Last September, I'll Have Another came out of a losing effort in the Hopeful Stakes at Saratoga with shin problems and took the rest of the year off.

He returned to racing in February, and won the Robert Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita, putting the colt firmly on the Triple Crown trail.

Doug O'Neill and owner J. Paul Reddam immediately gave I'll Have Another two months off leading up to the Santa Anita Derby, which he won by a nose on April 12.

He followed with victories in the Kentucky Derby on May 5 and the Preakness two weeks later to set up a highly anticipated bid to become racing's first Triple Crown winner in 34 years.

Tampa Bay Storm's Terrence Royal at home in his comfort zone

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By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Friday, June 8, 2012

TAMPA

What started out on torn-up area Pee Wee league fields has taken a journey that now plays out on the tailored carpet of the Tampa Bay Times Forum — and just about every area football surface in between.

Welcome Terrence Royal's world.

"I've always wanted to be here in Tampa," Royal, a fullback/defensive lineman for the Storm, said. "Some of it has been luck of the draw, but it's my home and I love it here."

If there ever was to be a Mr. Tampa Football Award, Royal would have to be under strong consideration. Royal has starred at Wharton, the University of South Florida and now with the Storm. Every home game he's ever played in has been in Hillsborough County.

"I have a close family and there's nothing better than to look up in the stands and see your parents or grandparents," Royal said. "It gives you such a rush. There's nothing better than playing at home."

At Wharton, Royal was a two-time all-state honorable mention player at linebacker before heading to USF. As a Bull, Royal switched to defensive line in order to get on the field faster.

Good move.

Royal excelled on the line, putting his name in the USF record books in the process. He ranks fourth all-time with 47.5 tackles for a loss and his 10 sacks in 2005 are the second best single-season total behind George Selvie's 14.5. Royal is third on the career sack list with 19.5 and second all-time with six fumble recoveries.

"I loved playing (at USF)," Royal said. "We built a lot of things."

Royal was invited to Buccaneers' camp as an undrafted free agent but found his niche when he signed with the Storm in 2008.

"The game was so, so much faster," he said. "A lot of people can't make that switch. They can play outdoor (football) but not indoor. But it fit me perfectly."

After two years on defense, Royal again made a position switch, this time to fullback. In his time with the Storm, Royal's split time between linebacker, defensive line and fullback but said he can't decide which he prefers.

"On offense, it's fun to pancake somebody," he said. "But I like to hit people too and talk trash. It's a different perspective on each side of the ball."

Coach Dave Ewart said Royal's versatility is a throwback to the original two-way AFL players.

"We like him on offense because of his athleticism," he said. "But he can jump in and play defense if we need to. He gives you that option and that's very valuable."

Royal inked a deal last week for his fourth season with the Storm, but his signing brought mixed feelings. To make room on the roster for Royal, the Storm released quarterback and former USF teammate Matt Grothe.

"I remember when he first came to USF and he would just give us hell on the scout team," Royal said. "I told him he was going to be something special and you saw what he did at USF. He was like a little brother to me but he understands it's a business now but I have a strong feeling he'll be back (with the Storm) at some point."

Royal said he's not sure how much longer he'll play the game but there is one thing he would love to add to his Tampa resume — a championship.

"I've thought about quitting but I love to play this game too much," he said. "I probably won't stop until a coach tells me I'm too old but I want to bring a title home to Tampa."

Brandon Wright can be reached at hillsnews@tampabay.com.

Possible move to Big 12 not discussed at Florida State Board of Trustees meeting

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By Joey Knight, Times Staff Writer
Friday, June 8, 2012

SARASOTA — In terms of ACC-to-Big 12 possibilities, there's no sense reading the minutes of Friday's quarterly FSU Board of Trustees meeting.

Not one of those minutes, or milliseconds, was spent on the subject.

"We're not seeking anything, we're not expecting anything, there are no conversations that are going on," FSU president Eric Barron said after the 3 1/2-hour meeting at the Ringling Museum of Art.

Friday's meeting arrived in the wake of school officials saying the 'Noles should at least examine the notion of a move from the ACC to Big 12 if the chance arose.

Among them was outgoing board chairman Andy Haggard, who announced he won't seek a second two-year term. Former Florida House of Representatives speaker Allan Bense was approved to replace him.

"My board chair (Haggard) said clearly that all boards that are responsible would take any opportunity presented and study it," Barron said. "That's not an invitation, that's just a statement of fact."

Barron added a crisp "No," when asked if there was anything to watch for between now and mid-August, when ACC schools must declare any intention to leave.

Elsewhere, the board approved acquiring the Donald L. Tucker Center — FSU's financially beleaguered basketball arena — from the Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center Authority by assuming nearly $6 million of debt.

"We had to get involved to keep the doors open," Barron said.

Additionally, athletic director Randy Spetman clarified previous reports of a $2.4 million budget shortfall in his department. Spetman said FSU got an additional $1.6 million from the ACC on June 1, putting its payout from the league at more than $16 million and negating original fears of a deficit.

The initial projection for the payout was $14 million.

"We have never had a shortfall," he said.

Shooting from the lip

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By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer


Friday, June 8, 2012

tom jones' two cents

The latest from the world of sports.

Biggest switcheroo

NBC is scrambling today. On Friday, a little more than 24 hours before the Belmont Stakes, I'll Have Another was scratched from the race, thus ending the horse's quest to become the first since 1978 to win the Triple Crown.

With a two-hour prerace show starting at 4:30 this afternoon, NBC surely had loaded up on features regarding I'll Have Another's attempt at the first Triple Crown in 34 years. In fact, you would have to think that just about all of the show was dedicated in some way to the Triple Crown angle.

Forget that.

NBC was set to have its most-watched Belmont telecast ever. Now that I'll Have Another has dropped out, interest in the race likely has plummeted, with mostly only avid horse racing fans still interested in watching. As Sports Illustrated's Tim Layden wrote, "It was as if an entire sport had been canceled."

Much of today's broadcast will be about I'll Have Another dropping out of the race, but the pressure is on NBC to fill two hours and make it entertaining. And it has one day to put it all together.

Media tidbits

• I swear ESPN checks the NFL transactions wire every day, looking to add whichever player has just retired to its cast of 1,000 analysts. The latest? Former player Jason Taylor, who will contribute to NFL Live, NFL32, SportsCenter, the Sunday and Monday NFL Countdown shows and ESPN Radio.

• ESPN's Jay Crawford, who used to work in Tampa Bay for Ch. 28, will start co-hosting the noon to 3 weekday SportsCenter with Chris McKendry starting July 9. He replaces John Buccigross, who moves into the 11 p.m. SportsCenter rotation.

• How big is tonight's Celtics-Heat game? Boxing promoter Bob Arum said tonight's Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Bradley fight won't start until after the NBA game has ended.

Worst outcome

Who suffered the most from the Heat beating the Celtics to force a Game 7 in the NBA's Eastern Conference final? Besides the Celtics, that is?

How about the NHL? Already suffering through a series in which ratings are down, tonight's Game 5 between the Devils and Kings has to go up against the Heat-Celtics.

Game 6 of the Celtics-Heat series on Thursday earned an 8.2 overnight rating, meaning 8.2 percent of U.S. households with television sets were tuned in to the ESPN broadcast. That's the best overnight rating ever for an NBA game on cable since records started being kept in 2003.

The record was Game 4 of this series, so imagine what the ratings might be like for tonight's winner-take-all Game 7.

Meantime, Game 4 of the Devils-Kings series drew 2.06 million viewers. That was a 24 percent drop from last year's Game 4 between the Bruins and Canucks. Compare that to the 4.8 million viewers that TNT averaged for 42 NBA playoff games this season.

The NBA, of course, is more popular in the United States than the NHL, but why are NHL numbers down? Maybe it has to do with no real marquee names playing in the final, such as a Sidney Crosby or an Alex Ovechkin. That's not to say the Devils and Kings don't have talented players. They just don't have any household names outside of Devils goalie Martin Brodeur.

Meantime, the NBA is most certainly benefitting from having stars such as LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Kevin Durant still alive in the playoffs.

Farewell of the day

The Montreal Gazette's Red Fisher has retired after covering the Canadiens for 58 years. Yes, you read that right: 58 years. Fisher, 85, began his career in 1954 with the Montreal Star. One of his earliest assignments was covering the Montreal riots after the suspension of Rocket Richard. He went on to cover seven owners, 19 coaches (not counting one-game interim coach Jacques Laperriere) and 17 of the franchise's Stanley Cups.

Quite simply, he might be the best hockey writer who has ever lived. On a personal note, it has been my privilege to know Fisher for the past 20 years. He is humble, always quick with advice or help, and he has a wickedly dry sense of humor. His writing and presence on the NHL beat will be missed.

Three things that popped into my head

1 If the Heat beats the Celtics tonight then LeBron James' 45-point, 15-rebound performance in Game 6 should be considered among the greatest postseason performances ever. If the Heat loses, James' Game 6 becomes insignificant.

2 Call it a hunch: Manny Pacquiao, a 5-1 favorite tonight to beat Timothy Bradley, will lose in a decision.

3 Will we ever see a Triple Crown in horse racing again?


Captain's Corner: Nasty weather slows tarpon bite

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By Jay Mastry, Times Correspondent
Friday, June 8, 2012

What's not hot: Though the passing weather system responsible for the pounding rains and gusty west winds this week have slowed the tarpon activity, it is only temporarily. As we return to our typical summer weather pattern of light easterly winds, look for action to fire back up, particularly along our gulf beaches.

Technique: Chumming has long been effective in nearly all the fishing we do, and tarpon are no exception. Heavy chumming can often slow an oncoming school of tarpon and draw them to your presentation of baits. Chumming with the same bait we're using works well, and shad is my first choice. Each shad can be cut in 10-12 pieces, and we sling them in all directions around the boat. With a hundred tasty morsels all around your baits, the odds increase dramatically that tarpon eventually will find one with the "toothpick" in it.

Tip: An increasingly popular method when tarpon fishing is "chunking," which is particularly effective in an area with good tidal flow. Pieces of greenbacks, whitebait or shad are cut into chunks and steadily let out the back of the boat. Tarpon might be drawn to the chum line and gang up, much the same way mackerel or kingfish do. Using those same chunks or a little larger, fly-line your baits into the mix. Allowing your hooked baits to appear as natural as those that aren't is key. Keep the spool open, and feed the slack out by hand. They now make light-wire hooks that are extremely strong and ideal for this method. Check with your tackle shop.

Jay Mastry charters Jaybird out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 321-2142.

College baseball NCAA Super Region: N.C. State Wolfpack at Florida Gators preview

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By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Friday, June 8, 2012

. fast facts

N.C. State at Florida

What/where: Super Region; McKethan Stadium, Gainesville

Format/next: Best-of-three; winner goes to College World Series

Schedule: 2 p.m. today, 1 p.m. Sunday, 1 p.m. Monday if necessary

TV: Today and Sunday, ESPNU; Monday, ESPN2

Of note: The Gators (45-18) are two wins away from their third consecutive World Series berth. As the No. 1 seed, they went 3-0 in winning last weekend's double-elimination region tournament in Gainesville. … The Wolfpack (43-18), a No. 1 seed for the region tournament it hosted, went 4-1. It beat Vanderbilt in Monday's winner-take-all game 9-7. … Florida opens with righty Hudson Randall (8-2, 2.83 ERA). N.C. State is expected to go with lefty Carlos Rodon (9-0, 1.61 ERA), who was recently named Collegiate Baseball's national freshman of the year and a finalist for the Golden Spikes award for player of the year. … N.C. State third baseman Trea Turner, a Lake Worth native, is hitting .344 and leads the nation in stolen bases (56-of-60). "I take it as a challenge and so does our pitching staff," Florida catcher Mike Zunino said. "We really work hard on holding runners, changing our looks up and, hopefully, just try to limit him as much as we can." … Nine Gators were drafted this week, including Zunino third overall. But coach Kevin O'Sullivan said he likes the way his players practiced: "I think they understand they can't advance if they don't play well this weekend."

Antonya English, Times staff writer

Path becomes clear, leads to red clay final

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Times wires
Friday, June 8, 2012

PARIS — When Maria Shara­pova's opponent in today's French Open final, Sara Errani, was 12 years old, she struck out on her own, leaving behind her family in Italy and heading off to Nick Bollettieri's famed tennis academy in Bradenton.

Far from her parents, and not yet able to speak English well, Errani stuck it out for about 10 months, crying nearly every day. She called home a lot.

"I knew she was determined and focused," her mother, Fulvia, said Thursday after watching Errani win her first Grand Slam semifinal, "so I knew she would figure things out."

Now 25, Errani most certainly has. She figured out she needed to go back to Europe, eventually finding a new coach and a place to train in Spain. She figured out how to overcome the limitations of a 5-foot-4½ frame in a sport filled with taller, harder hitters — such as the 6-2 Sharapova, a three-time major champion who will be standing across the net today at Roland Garros with the title at stake.

Mostly, Errani focused on always improving.

"I play and give my best, and if I don't win, I don't win," she said. "But I don't think about whether I can win the title. I just think about the next match. If I win, then I think about the next one. And if I win again, then the next one.

"But I don't think too far ahead. That doesn't help a player. It's better to take it a step at a time."

Sharapova, 25, is a global superstar and her story is well-known: born in Siberia, moved with her father to Florida as a kid, worked with Bollettieri, too.

"I don't remember crossing paths," Sharapova said. "We have never played against each other, but I certainly know she's a dangerous player because of the way she's played here and because of the way she's performed on clay this year."

Errani's tale is far less familiar; she's not even all that famous in Italy.

Until a quarterfinal run at this year's Australian Open, Errani never had been past the third round at a Grand Slam tournament.

Until this week, she was 0-28 against players ranked in the top 10. Now she's 2-28, thanks to victories over No. 6 Sam Stosur, a Tampa resident, in the semifinals, and No. 10 Angelique Kerber in the quarterfinals. Those upsets followed wins over two past French Open champions, 2008's Ana Ivanovic and 2009's Svetlana Kuznetsova.

And before she sets foot on court today, Errani owns a major title: She teamed with Roberta Vinci to beat Maria Kirilenko and Nadia Petrova 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 in the women's doubles final Friday. That means Errani can become the first player to win the singles and doubles events at the French Open since Mary Pierce in 2000.

Asked to explain her surge this season, the 21st-seeded Errani pointed to her equipment: She switched to a racket with a longer handle — she has cracked repeatedly that growing longer arms wasn't an option — which adds some oomph to her strokes.

The change made such a difference that Errani was willing to pay to get out of her contract with the company that made her old racket.

"It was love at first sight," she said about the new model. "From my first practices with it, I really felt completely different. … It boosted my confidence."

And while Sharapova returns to No. 1 in the world rankings by virtue of reaching her first French final and can become just the 10th woman to complete a career Grand Slam with a win today, Errani is guaranteed to move into the top 10 for the first time.

Errani's coach, Pablo Lozano, was asked whether he expected her to go this far when they first began working together eight years ago.

"No. No. No. Not even a year ago," he said. "To reach the final at a tournament like this, you need to be one of the best 10 or 15 or maybe 20 players in the world."

More than title on line for Djokovic, Nadal

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Times wires
Friday, June 8, 2012

PARIS — Here comes the French Open final everyone expected:

No. 1 Novak Djokovic, one victory from becoming the first man in 43 years to win four consecutive major championships, against No. 2 Rafael Nadal, one victory from becoming the only man to win seven titles at Roland Garros.

Djokovic is undefeated in his past 27 Grand Slam matches, which includes beating Nadal in the final at Wimbledon in July, the U.S. Open in September and the Australian Open in January. Nadal has won 51 of 52 career matches at the French Open; only he and Bjorn Borg have won the clay court tournament six times.

Never before have the same two men met in four Grand Slam finals in a row.

"I have this golden opportunity to make history. This motivates me. It really inspires me. I'm really grateful to be in this position, obviously," said the Djokovic, 25, who owns five Grand Slam titles to Nadal's 10. "And look, I'll try to prepare for that match and get my hands on that trophy, if I can."

Djokovic and Nadal breezed through their semifinals Friday. If this stage of a Grand Slam is supposed to provide a challenge, it did not — which was striking when you consider Djokovic faced 16-time major champion Roger Federer and won 6-4, 7-5, 6-3 in a match that wasn't really that close.

"His mental state and preparation for this match was excellent," said Djokovic's coach, Marian Vadja, "and this has to happen against Rafa."

Nadal found himself flying by the seat of his pants on one point against No. 6 David Ferrer, somehow winning the exchange despite falling on his rump. Otherwise, he was in control en route to a 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 victory.

With his fellow Spaniard serving at 1-1, 30-all in the second set, Nadal produced a masterpiece.

During a point that lasted more than 30 shots, Nadal's feet slipped out from under him as he sprinted toward the net. Suddenly sitting, Nadal raised his left arm to slice a backhand drop shot that prolonged the point and drew Ferrer forward.

Nadal popped up in time for the next shot, a volley-lob that arced over Ferrer's head and settled near the baseline. Ferrer got to the ball, but his forehand landed in the net.

That gave Nadal a break point, and he converted it in much more conventional fashion.

Increasingly confounded by his opponent and the swirling wind, Federer made 46 unforced errors.

"I was struggling to sort of keep the ball in play," said Federer, who is 30 and nearly 2½ years removed from his most recent major championship. "When you're down two sets to love against Novak, it's not the same match anymore. He goes for broke and there is no more fear."

Asked to size up Sunday's final, Federer didn't hesitate.

"I obviously pick Rafa," he said. "I think he's the overwhelming favorite."

Patriot kennel hopes to round out Derby Lane meet with stakes win

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By Don Jensen, Times Correspondent
Friday, June 8, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — First in wins and first in starts, Patriot kennel is missing one thing at the current Derby Lane meet.

A stakes victory.

Jim Mercedes can provide that tonight in the $8,000 T.L. Weaver Memorial Challenge. The 550-yard event (Race 8, 9:33 p.m.) is held in honor of the late track founder and great grandfather to Derby Lane president and chairman of the board Vey Weaver and vice president Richard Winning.

A stakes victory would cap a standout meet for Patriot, the runaway wins leader. Entering Friday, Patriot held a 294-226 edge over Hambleton. Patriot also was first with 2,109 starts, 346 more than Cal Holland. The meet ends June 30. A kennel championship would be Patriot's second at Derby Lane. It won the January-June meet in 2010.

Cal Holland Jr., a former trainer with Floyd & Porter, took over as Patriot's manager-trainer in December when Victor Hall moved to Vermont. The kennel is owned Vinny Savill, 69, of Whitman, Mass.

"Cal has done an amazing job with the kennel," Savill said. "We've won a lot of races at Derby Lane since we've been booked there (in 2009)."

Jim Mercedes, a 29-month-old male owned by Jack Sherck, is one of five finalists sired by Lonesome Cry, a two-time stakes winner and 2003 Derby Lane win leader. Lonesome Cry finished second as the wagering favorite in the 2003 T.L. Weaver. Jim Mercedes starts from the No. 2 box.

The rest of the field from the rail: Jw Titleist (Capabal kennel), Mrl No Access (Lester Raines), Gold Trophy Juvenile winner Flying Lone Wolf (McAllister), Hag Clyde (Alderson), Gabby's Jentowin (Alabama), Sovereign Beauty (D'Arcy) and Donkey Kong (J.E. O'Donnell Jr.).

"Mercedes has really turned it around," Holland said. "At first, he was a little bit ornery. He puts out 110 percent every start that he runs. I really don't do too much to him."

Jim Mercedes is the meet win leader with 16, two more than kennelmate Art Allen and Tiger Boy (McAllister). He started his career at Flagler in Miami. Jim Mercedes has placed in the money (top-four finishes) in 28 of his past 30 starts, winning 15 times.

"He breaks pretty well, he rushes pretty well, he closes pretty well," Savill said. "He doesn't have one special trait, but he's got it all.

"He is absolutely the best dog we've got in the kennel. With a little bit of luck, he'll be special."

HORSES: Thomas McLaughlin has been promoted to vice president of facilities and track surfaces at Tampa Bay Downs in Oldsmar. McLaughlin has been at the Downs since 1983, serving as the oval's track superintendent for the past seven years and assistant track superintendent for the previous 15 years.

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