Times wires
Thursday, March 31, 2011

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Rajon Rondo had 22 points and 14 assists and Paul Pierce scored 21 as the Celtics, in a minor slump, beat the majorly slumping Spurs 107-97 Thursday.

Boston came in having lost three of four. The losses came to Indiana, Charlotte and Memphis, who are a combined nine games below. 500.

"This is a good place to try and gather some momentum," Pierce said. "You talk about the team with the best record. What better place to get back on track than here?"

San Antonio, meanwhile, has lost five in a row and is in danger of falling out of first in the West (and overall in the league). Thursday's loss came despite the return of Tim Duncan, who missed five games with a sprained ankle.

"Of course we want to be No. 1. We don't want to give it away just because we like being underdogs," guard Manu Ginobili said. "We want to win it. We put ourselves in an unbelievable situation."

The Celtics celebrated the return of their own big man: Jermaine O'Neal. The center played for the first time since January's arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. He scored five in 11 minutes and made his only two shots.

Wall suspended: Wizards guard John Wall was suspended for one game for his actions during Wednesday's loss to the Heat. Miami forward Juwan Howard was fined $35,000 and Miami center Zydrunas Ilgauskas $25,000. Wall was playing defense near the 3-point line on Ilgauskas, who while protecting the ball elbowed him in the face twice. Wall then took a swing at him. Wizards center JaVale McGee tried to separate the two and was pushed by Howard. Wall, Ilgauskas and Howard were ejected.

Around the league: Bobcats backup center Joel Przybilla is out for the season with a sore right knee. Przybilla, out since March 7, will have surgery to remove wires inserted in the knee after he twice tore his patella tendon.

Celtics 107, Spurs 97

BOSTON (107): Pierce 8-16 4-5 21, Garnett 9-12 2-2 20, Krstic 0-1 0-0 0, Rondo 11-20 0-2 22, Allen 3-11 6-6 13, Davis 8-12 0-0 16, J.O'Neal 2-2 1-1 5, West 1-3 0-0 2, J.Green 4-7 0-0 8, Pavlovic 0-0 0-0 0, Wafer 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 46-84 13-16 107.

SAN ANTONIO (97): Jefferson 5-11 0-0 14, Duncan 8-12 4-5 20, McDyess 3-8 0-0 6, Parker 9-16 5-6 23, Ginobili 4-13 0-0 9, Bonner 3-9 0-0 8, Hill 2-5 1-1 6, Blair 1-3 1-2 3, Neal 4-12 0-0 8, Splitter 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 39-90 11-14 97.

Boston 31 18 28 30— 107

San Antonio 33 16 21 27— 97

3-Point Goals—Boston 2-11 (Allen 1-4, Pierce 1-5, West 0-1, Rondo 0-1), San Antonio 8-29 (Jefferson 4-8, Bonner 2-6, Hill 1-3, Ginobili 1-6, Duncan 0-1, Parker 0-1, Neal 0-4). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—Boston 49 (Pierce 11), San Antonio 46 (Duncan 13). Assists—Boston 29 (Rondo 14), San Antonio 21 (Parker 8). Total Fouls—Boston 20, San Antonio 19. Technicals—Rondo. A—18,583 (18,797).

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 31, 2011

GAINESVILLE — After seven seasons as Florida coach Billy Donovan's top assistant, associate head coach Larry Shyatt accepted an offer to become Wyoming's head coach.

Shyatt, 59, was Wyoming's head coach in the 1997-98 season.

"I'm truly thankful for the opportunity given by (president) Dr. (Tom) Buchanan and (athletic director) Tom Burman to return to Laramie and the University of Wyoming," Shyatt said Thursday.

He joined Florida's staff as an assistant in 2004 and was promoted to associate head coach in 2007. He was Clemson's coach from 1998 to 2003.

"For me, personally, there's both an excitement and sadness," Donovan said. "Larry is one of my closest friends, and his impact here at Florida over the last seven years has been measurable. He's one of the great minds in basketball, and he deserves this opportunity."

Shyatt is the fifth assistant head coach under Donovan who has left to become a head coach.

Times wires
Thursday, March 31, 2011

INDIANAPOLIS — Lisa Litton still gets those looks when she talks about her son, former Wharton High standout Shawn Vanzant.

It happened last weekend in New Orleans when a fan asked which Butler Bulldog player was her child. Almost as soon as the words came out of Litton's mouth, the other woman blurted out, "You're kidding, right?"

Litton, who is white, and Vanzant, who is black, have gotten accustomed to the dropped jaws and stares the past six years. To them, it really doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. She is his mother, and he is her son, and there's no doubt about that.

"I asked Shawn what should I say when people ask," said Litton, who became Vanzant's legal guardian while he was in high school in Tampa. "Shawn said I shouldn't say anything because, 'If I say you're my mom, that should be good enough.' "

Litton, her husband, Jeff, and their three biological sons — Vanzant's second family — have certainly influenced how things turned out in Vanzant's life.

Vanzant's mother died before his second birthday. His father, who is diabetic, became so ill he could no longer take care of the children. Vanzant's older brother has been arrested, convicted and incarcerated, and at age 16, Vanzant was trying to survive. His grandmother, in Cleveland, offered to take him in. Vanzant wanted to stay with his friends in Tampa.

"I told Coach (Tommy) Tonelli that I was going to have to move, and he said he'd take care of the situation," Vanzant recalled.

Lisa Litton dived in headfirst.

When Wharton's Tonelli explained the predicament, Litton invited Vanzant to spend a few nights in her house. That invitation turned into a lifetime commitment when Vanzant's father signed the guardianship papers over to the Littons.

Now Vanzant's college career is winding down.

The Littons made the eight-hour drive from Tampa to New Orleans for last weekend's region games — including Saturday's final win over Florida — and are heading to Houston this weekend for the Final Four. Lisa Litton, who has battled lupus and breast cancer, is still receiving chemotherapy, though the dosages have been reduced and she's getting them only once a week.

Amid all the changes, Van­zant has emerged as a key cog for the Bulldogs, leading Butler to 13 straight wins and an improbable second straight Final Four.

And mom couldn't be more proud.

"When I'm feeling really sick or down, I always think of his strength and maybe words that he has spoken to pick me up and get me through that tough time," Lisa Litton said. "He has changed my life and truly blessed all of us."

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 31, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — So much has been said about what the Rays are missing after an offseason of departure, with 11 relevant players leaving as free agents and two more in trades — including franchise star Carl Crawford, three other All-Stars, their No. 2 starter and almost their entire bullpen — changing the face and form of their team.

But as they hang their 2010 American League East champion­ship banner tonight moments before David Price throws the first pitch of the new season, they remain confident they have the pieces — even with their payroll down 42 percent to $41 million — for a repeat performance.

"We're going to be a very dangerous team," executive vice president Andrew Friedman said. "I think to a man we feel like we're being underestimated on a national level.

"We have a lot of talent on this team, and our mind-set is to shock the world and defend our AL East crown."

They believe they can absorb the loss of No. 2 starter Matt Garza with the ascension of rookie Jeremy Hellickson and the offense — with the addition of veterans Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez and bounce-backs by B.J. Upton and Ben Zobrist — can be better than last year's, which was third in the AL with 802 runs.

The concerns are the defense, specifically the losses of Crawford in left and Carlos Peña at first, and the massive overhaul of what had been one of the league's best bullpens as they start with a crew short on late-inning experience and success.

"I believe that we are good enough to repeat," manager Joe Maddon said. "I do. I believe the guys that we brought in are really going to surprise some folks. I think guys like Manny and John, keeping them rested is going to permit them to have really outstanding seasons. And then the new guys … have the potential to contribute greatly."

"I think we have a playoff team. I really do," third baseman Evan Longoria said. "A lot has to do with the fact that we're really comfortable together. … And I think the talent's there, 100 percent."

Marc Topkin can be reached at topkin@sptimes.com.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 31, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — LHP David Price has closed out a Game 7 of the League Champion­ship Series and started an All-Star Game.

But he admitted he'll likely have some butterflies tonight before his first opening-day start.

"All five of us starters are going to have a little bit of nerves running out there for the first start of the year, but that just comes with it," Price said. "It makes you feel like you're a kid again, and you appreciate it."

As pumped as Price will be, he said what he's most focused on is getting the Rays off to a good start and his body and pitches are in the right place.

"I feel good right now," he said. "I feel I'm where I need to be."

Price was impressive against Baltimore last season, winning both starts and allowing just one run over 15 innings. But he acknowledged how dangerous its lineup could be with the additions of DH Vladimir Guerrero, 3B Mark Reynolds and 1B Derrek Lee.

"They have a very, very tough lineup," Price said. "They had a very good lineup last year, and they added some guys that are big threats to hit the ball out of the yard. So whenever you pitch against the Orioles, they have some table-setters … and they have four or five guys who can put the ball 30 rows deep."

BANNER DAY: The Rays will hang their American League East championship banner before the game, adding to their 2008 division and AL championship banners. It never gets old for the veterans who have been here through the Devil Rays days.

"I never thought these days would come," said RHP James Shields, who was called up in 2006.

"I don't think there's any reason why we can't do it again."

MISCELLANY: The Rays officially placed LHP J.P. Howell on the 15-day disabled list and added RHP Juan Cruz to set their roster. … RHP Jeremy Hellickson pitched in a Triple-A game in Port Charlotte. He gave up three earned runs on five hits, striking out four and walking one over six innings and 89 pitches.

Times wires
Thursday, March 31, 2011

HOUSTON — When Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun called to recruit Jeremy Lamb, he was shocked by who answered the phone.

The voice belonged to Lamb's father, Rolando, who hit a last-second shot for Virginia Commonwealth to eliminate a Calhoun-led Northeastern team 70-69 in the first round of the 1984 NCAA Tournament.

"I said: 'I don't hate you at all; I just kind of dislike you, and that was working its way down to like,' " Calhoun said. " 'But you can do me a big favor and we can wipe it all out, have your son come and play for me, because he's going to be terrific.' "

Jeremy Lamb thinks his work this season might have helped Calhoun forget about the shot that gave VCU the win. The 6-foot-5 freshman has started 38 of 39 games for the Huskies and is averaging 11.1 points and 4.3 rebounds a game.

"I think he has (forgotten)," Lamb said. "Every now and then he would say something about it, but he doesn't bring it up anymore."

'Family' reunion: One of the first texts Kentucky F Darius Miller received after the Wildcats beat North Carolina for the East Region title last week came from friend Shelvin Mack.

"I told him 'Welcome to the Final Four,' " the Butler guard said.

The two met while playing AAU basketball in eighth grade and became so close they even considered playing at the same school. Though they didn't, Mack and Miller have maintained what Mack describes as a "brother-type" relationship.

Mack has had the upper hand over Miller for years and pointed out that his season has ended after Miller's the past two years. He'd love to make it three straight: "I'm trying to keep that alive."

Kudos for Kemba: UConn's Kemba Walker won the Bob Cousy Award on Thursday as the nation's top point guard. The award, named for the Hall of Fame former Boston Celtics guard, is voted on by a 20-person committee. Walker has averaged 23.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists.

Wichita State wins NIT: J.T. Durley and Graham Hatch scored 12 each to lead a balanced offense, and Wichita State (29-8) rolled to a 66-57 win over top-seeded Alabama (25-12) in the NIT title game at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Around the nation: Purdue coach Matt Painter received an eight-year contract that will pay him at least $2.3 million per year. … Hofstra signed coach Mo Cassara to a five-year contract through the 2015-16 season. … Washington junior G Isaiah Thomas plans to enter the NBA draft but hasn't hired an agent.

Times staff
Thursday, March 31, 2011

Parking at Tropicana Field

Parking costs

Game type Lots 2, 6, 7, 8, 9 Lots 3, 4 Lot 1 General parking Prepaid/General VIP

Diamond/Platinum $20 $30/$30 $30

Gold $15 $20/$30 $30

Silver $10 $20/$15 $30

Free parking

Vehicles with four or more passengers can park free in Lots 2, 6, 7, 8 and 9 for all Sunday games. For all other games, the first 100 cars with four or more people can park for free in Lots 2, 6, 7, 8 and 9 up to one hour before game time. Free parking is not available in VIP, permit or reserved parking areas. All parking is subject to availability.

Permits/reserved parking Disabled parking RV parking

Lots 1 (red), 2 (yellow) Lots 1, 6 and 7, dropoff Lot 8 and 6 (light blue) area at Gate 4, across 16th Street from Lot 1

For details, go to raysbaseball.com

Free downtown shuttle

When: All home games through May 1. More service dates will be added soon.

Today's service hours: 5:10 p.m. until one hour after the game. Service available approximately every five minutes.

Today's stops: Downtown — Second Street between Central Avenue and First Avenue S (under the pedestrian walkway connecting the Bank of America Tower and the South Core garage); Tropicana Field — 16th Street just south of Third Avenue S.

Weekend games: Saturday (1:30-11 p.m.) and Sunday (12:30-9 p.m.); stops at Al Lang Field parking lot, Baywalk parking garage and Vinoy Park (north side of Seventh Avenue NE just west of Bayshore Drive).

Times wires
Thursday, March 31, 2011

INDIANAPOLIS — Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer feels as if she's coming home to the women's Final Four.

She played at Indiana, coached at Ohio State and won four Big Ten titles before turning Stanford into one of the most prestigious women's programs.

Even her college coach, Bea Gorton, plans to be around for the games in Indianapolis.

Now that's a Hoosier welcome.

"She's actually in assisted living and will come down to go to the game," VanDerveer said Wednesday. "That was a long time ago. It's very exciting, and it does have a little special feel to it — and I love the arena."

VanDerveer isn't the only one eager to get inside Conseco Fieldhouse this weekend.

Two-time defending national champ Connecticut, 2001 champion Notre Dame, first-time Final Four participant Texas A&M and VanDerveer's team, which has finished second twice in the past three years, are all ready to play for a national title.

Three of the schools have strong ties to Indiana.

There's VanDerveer, an Indiana University Hall of Famer; UConn forward Kelly Faris, who played prep ball at Heritage Christian; and Notre Dame guard Skylar Diggins, the 2009 Indiana Miss Basketball.

And, of course, South Bend is just a short drive away.

"We're hoping a big Notre Dame crowd follows us down to Indy," Fighting Irish coach Muffet McGraw said. "We are so excited to be playing close to home and hoping for a lot of green in the stands."

Coaching news: Kelly Graves will remain at Gonzaga after a brief discussion about the head coaching job at Washington. … Texas Tech's Kristy Curry, a native of Olla, La., interviewed for the vacant LSU coaching job but will stay with the Aggies.

Times wires
Thursday, March 31, 2011

Braves 2, Nationals 0

WASHINGTON — Returning from major knee surgery, Chipper Jones doubled before scoring the 2011 season's first run on a chilly, damp opening day, and Derek Lowe allowed three singles in 52/3 innings, helping to make Fredi Gonzalez a winner in his debut as Atlanta's manager. Brian McCann drove in Jones in the first, and Jason Heyward led off the second with a homer.

Times wires
Thursday, March 31, 2011

Padres 5, Cardinals 3

11 innings

ST. LOUIS — Cameron Maybin's homer in the ninth tied it, and after his single in the 11th, an outfield throw got away, letting the go-ahead run in.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 31, 2011

Signed on

Rays with multiyear deals:

RHP Wade Davis: Through 2014 with options for 2015-17

RHP Kyle Farnsworth: Through 2011 with option for 2012

3B Evan Longoria: Through 2013 with options for 2014-16

RHP James Shields: Through 2011 with options for 2012-14

C Kelly Shoppach: Through 2011 with option for 2012

INF/OF Ben Zobrist: Through 2013 with options for 2014-15

Times wires
Thursday, March 31, 2011

Angels 4, Royals 2

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jered Weaver allowed just two singles and two walks for the Angels. Torii Hunter and Jeff Mathis, on his 28th birthday, backed him with solo homers. Hunter's, which made it 1-0 in the fourth, was a 446-foot shot and his 27th against the Royals, his most against any team.

Times wires
Thursday, March 31, 2011

Reds 7, Brewers 6

CINCINNATI — Ramon Hernandez hit a two-out, three-run walkoff homer in the ninth, rallying the Reds. Cincinnati loaded the bases with none out, but John Axford fanned Jay Bruce and got Jonny Gomes to hit a sacrifice fly. Hernandez then slammed an opposite-field homer.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 31, 2011

TAMPA — Lightning D Victor Hedman said he has watched the replay of his check on Penguins star Sidney Crosby several times and is positive "it wasn't my hit that created problems."

Crosby has been out since Jan. 5 because of a concussion sustained, it is believed, during the Jan. 1 Winter Classic by a devastating hit to the head from then-Capitals C David Steckel.

He was not sidelined until Jan. 5, after Crosby's head hit the glass at the Consol Energy Center after Hedman's seemingly innocent check from behind.

The Penguins never said which hit caused the injury, "so it was easy for them to point fingers at me," Hedman said.

And some media reports continue to give as much weight to Hedman's hit, for which he was given a minor boarding penalty.

All Crosby said Thursday was, "It probably didn't help."

No wonder reporters surrounded Hedman, 20, asking him what he believes happened.

Hedman said he didn't even know he was checking Crosby. He said, and replays showed, his check was not a head shot.

Besides, he added, "I'm not an overly physical player. I'm not looking for the big hit. It's not fun to see him go down and to see him get hurt. But it's one of those things, you just follow through on a guy. I'd make the same play."

Crosby on Thursday skated with his teammates for the first time since the hit. There is no timetable for his return. The hope is he is ready for the playoffs and a possible first-round matchup with Tampa Bay.

Asked if he expects to be booed by Penguins fans, Hedman said, "If they want to boo me, go ahead. I don't care much about that. It's part of hockey, too."

Malone returns: W Ryan Malone was in the lineup after missing 21 straight games with a groin injury. He had 10:52 of ice time with three shots and five hits and felt "pretty good."

Coach Guy Boucher said he will not overwork Malone and might sit him Sunday at Chicago and April 9 at Carolina in the regular-season finale.

"We want to get him in there, but we want to be smart about it, too," Boucher said.

Desjardins hurt: Cedrick Desjardins could be done for the season after the goalie for AHL Norfolk on Wednesday aggravated the right shoulder injury that has bothered him since mid January.

"We're holding out hope," said Admirals GM Julien BriseBois, who added Desjardins will try to rehab without surgery.

Jaroslav Janus was recalled from ECHL Florida.

Waterlogged: Here's an image: star Steven Stamkos and teammates Steve Downie and Mike Smith, in the rain, pushing Stamkos' stalled Mercedes off Bayshore Boulevard.

Seems Stamkos and Downie were driving to lunch Thursday when the car hit a mini lake.

"There was about 2 feet of water," Stamkos said. "The car is too low. It's not an SUV, so 2 feet of water, it hydroplaned."

When it was clear the car was not going anywhere, Stamkos called Smith for help, and the three pushed it out of the way.

"Then we went to lunch," Stamkos said, adding the car was towed to a dealership.

Odds and ends: The Chicago game will be on Sun Sports. … D Randy Jones (ankle), D Matt Smaby and D Marc-Andre Bergeron were scratched.

Times wires
Thursday, March 31, 2011

NEW YORK — A healthy Curtis Granderson helped give the Yankees their earliest home win ever.

Granderson hit a go-ahead homer leading off the seventh inning and Mark Teixeira had a three-run shot off Justin Verlander, lifting New York over the Tigers 6-3 Thursday in the first March opener in the Bronx.

"It was great — except for the weather," said Granderson, who arrived in New York around 11 p.m. Wednesday after playing in a rehabilitation game with minor-leaguers in Tampa earlier in the day.

CC Sabathia pitched six workmanlike innings, Derek Jeter added a sacrifice fly in the seventh using his new stride-less swing and Mariano Rivera, wearing his socks high for perhaps the first time, earned his first save and 560th of his career.

Newcomers Russell Martin and Rafael Soriano, the AL saves leader for the Rays last year, did their part as the Yankees got off to a quick start on a gray, blustery, 42-degree day.

"Their bullpen and the long ball is what did us in today," Detroit manager Jim Leyland said. "I thought it was actually a decent game for the conditions. It was pretty rough."

Sidelined with a strained side since March 22, Granderson made two spectacular catches against his former team and homered for the third straight opener — off a lefty, no less. He connected against former Yankee Phil Coke (0-1) as New York embarked on its first full season without George Steinbrenner as owner since 1973.

With the flags above the lights in rightfield whipping toward the foul pole, Teixeira connected off Verlander in the third inning. Normally a .235 hitter in the first month of the season, the first baseman didn't get his first hit last season until his fifth game.

"I've been petitioning the league to start in March for years," Teixeira said. "Finally they let us start in March because everybody knows my Aprils."

Slimmed down by 25 pounds and healthy after having surgery on his right knee this winter, Sabathia gave up six hits and three runs — two earned.

Joba Chamberlain, Soriano and Rivera pitched perfect innings and the Yankees retired the last 10 overall. Chamberlain (1-0) got the win.

Times wires
Thursday, March 31, 2011

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. — Brittany Lincicome and Stacy Lewis are splitting more than dinner checks and lodging bills at the LPGA Tour's first major of the year.

The fast friends and occasional road roommates overcame the stifling desert heat to shoot 6-under 66s Thursday, sharing the first-round lead at the Kraft Nabisco Championship.

Sandra Gal and Mika Miyazato were one shot back, while world No. 1 Yani Tseng was in a group in 10th place at 2 under.

Despite playing in the hotter part of an unseasonably scorching day, Lincicome of Seminole and Lewis handled the fast, dry Mission Hills course with similar aplomb after temperatures topped 90 degrees by midday in the Palm Springs area.

The heat is supposed to break on the weekend, but Lincicome worried about the damage.

"Being a course that I love and I love to play, I'd hate for them to lose the greens," said Lincicome, the 2009 Kraft Nabisco champion. "Especially No. 1, and there was one other green turning brown, even — or purple, which can't be good."

Although they aren't rooming together this week because their parents made the trip, they went to dinner together Wednesday night and chatted with Rosie Jones before making identically excellent starts.

"Stacy has been a great friend for a little while now," Lincicome said. "If we don't want our fathers or mothers to go to a tournament, we'll stay together, but she's just a really nice girl. We're kind of the same age, very low-maintenance for both of us, so it's very easy-going."

PGA: Jimmy Walker tied the course record with 9-under 63 to take a two-shot lead over Josh Teater and Nick O'Hern after the first round of the Houston Open in Humble, Texas. Walker matched the record set by Johnson Wagner and Adam Scott in the first round in 2008. Chris Kirk was three back after 66.

Ishikawa pledges earnings: Wanting to do his part to help victims of the earthquake and tsunami that devastated his native Japan, Ryo Ishikawa decided to donate his entire tournament earnings this year — plus a bonus for every birdie he makes — toward relief efforts. "I always believe in myself, but because I am playing for the people of Japan, I feel like I will be playing with a greater purpose this year," he said.

Times wires
Thursday, March 31, 2011

SAN FRANCISCO — Barry Bonds' former personal shopper became the first and only one of the government's 23 witnesses at his perjury trial to say she saw the all-time home run leader receive an injection from his trainer.

Bonds is charged with making false statements in telling a federal grand jury in 2003 that he never knowingly used steroids and human growth hormone and only physicians injected him.

Kathy Hoskins testified Thursday that the scene unfolded at Bonds' bay area home in 2002. As part of her job, she packed his clothes for road trips. Greg Anderson, Bonds' trainer, came into the bedroom as she was filling a suitcase, she said.

"Barry was like, 'Let's do it right here,' " she said. " 'This is Kathy. That's my girl. She ain't going to say nothing to nobody.' So Greg shot him in the belly button."

Hoskins said she didn't ask about the injection, but Bonds volunteered it was "a little something, something for when I go on the road. You can't detect it. You can't catch it."

Also Thursday, Bonds' physician Arthur Ting, contradicted the testimony of Steve Hoskins, Kathy Hoskins' brother and Bonds' former business partner. Steve Hoskins told the jury last week he had as many as 50 discussions about Bonds' alleged steroid use with Ting. Hoskins also testified Ting told him Bonds' 1999 elbow injury, which required surgery, was caused by taking steroids. But Ting repeatedly denied Hoskins' accounts under cross-examination.

There is no session today, and prosecutors could conclude their case Monday.

Zito crash: Giants LHP Barry Zito showed up at Dodger Stadium wearing a neck brace after his car was broadsided at a Los Angeles intersection. Manager Bruce Bochy said an MRI exam will be scheduled, but he is optimistic Zito will make his scheduled start Sunday. The crash, still under investigation, occurred late Wednesday night, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office said. It said Zito was not at fault but did not provide details other than the other driver was not hurt. It added the pitcher was taken to a hospital "just to be checked out."

Blue Jays: Roberto Alomar was hired as a special assistant. The former second baseman, who this summer will become the first player inducted into the Hall of Fame as a Blue Jay, will be involved with baseball operations and community efforts.

Indians: OF Trevor Crowe had right shoulder surgery and will miss at least four months.

Mets: LF Jason Bay will start the season on the DL because of a strained left rib cage. The move is backdated to March 25, so he'll be eligible to return April 9.

Rangers: RHP Brett Tomko, trying to come back from a nerve injury in his right arm that has kept him out of the majors since 2009, was assigned to Triple A. He turns 38 next week.

Rockies: 3B Ian Stewart's left hamstring felt good enough that he avoided starting the season on the DL. That meant OF Willy Taveras was released.

Brooks hospitalized: Hall of Fame 3B Brooks Robinson was hospitalized Wednesday night with a fever and infection. The former Oriole, 73, said he is "responding well to antibiotics."

Tobacco ban: Commissioner Bud Selig said he wants to ban smokeless tobacco in the majors. Smokeless tobacco, including dip and chew, is banned in the minors. Banning it in the majors requires an agreement with the players. Union chief Michael Weiner has previously said he expects the subject to be broached during the upcoming labor talks.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 31, 2011

TAMPA — There was a weird mix of emotions in the Lightning locker room Thursday night.

On one hand, there was the sense of a job well-done. Tampa Bay's 2-1 victory over the Penguins clinched the team's first playoff spot since 2007 in front of an announced sellout of 20,126 in a game with postseason atmosphere and implications.

Owner Jeff Vinik made an appearance, smiling and shaking players' hands, and saying, "With the team we've put in place, I couldn't be more excited."

Still, no one was throwing any parties.

As goaltender Dwayne Roloson said, "Everyone is happy we won, but we can't be complacent. We have to focus on the things we have to do to win hockey games."

The Lightning (42-24-11) did that for the third straight game, and it did so against a team it appears likely to meet in the first round of the playoffs. Steve Downie and Marty St. Louis had first-period goals. Roloson made 36 saves as Pittsburgh had a 37-24 shot advantage, 31-16 after the first period.

But a statement game? One in which potential playoff opponents take each other's measure? Tampa Bay would not go that far.

Perhaps that was because the Penguins were without injured stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. More likely, it was the message that trickled down from the top.

"We've established certain standards and a work ethic," general manager Steve Yzerman said. "We've accomplished a few things, but it doesn't make it a successful season yet."

And though coach Guy Boucher gave credit to players who "battled all year," he complained about how turnovers and penalties sapped the team's momentum and led to the Penguins dominating puck possession.

"I congratulated them," Boucher said, "but I equalized things pretty fast."

Still, given the Lightning has been pretty much a doormat the past three seasons, kudos were in order.

To St. Louis, whose winning tally gave him at least 30 goals for the sixth time in his career. And to Vinny Lecavalier, whose check in the offensive zone separated Kris Letang from the puck before St. Louis scored.

To Simon Gagne, who dug the puck from behind the net so Downie could score. To defenseman Pavel Kubina, who had a game-high five blocked shots. And to Roloson, whom wing Ryan Malone called "great" and Boucher called "solid" and who made 10 saves after Mike Rupp scored 4:31 into the third period to make it 2-1.

"They are a good team," Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said. "They are dangerous."

"We're proud of what we accomplished," Lecavalier said. "But the focus is on the last five games and the playoffs. That's where the real games start."

First Period—1, Tampa Bay, Downie 9 (Gagne, Stamkos), 4:51. 2, Tampa Bay, St. Louis 30 (Lecavalier, Hedman), 10:13. Penalties—Martin, Pit (interference), :39; Kubina, TB (hooking), 11:21; Lecavalier, TB (hooking), 14:20.

Second Period—None. Penalties—Hedman, TB (hooking), 1:59; Orpik, Pit (cross-checking), 11:45; Downie, TB (slashing), 11:45; Kennedy, Pit (roughing), 17:43; Downie, TB (boarding), 17:43; Hedman, TB (roughing), 17:43; Neal, Pit (holding), 19:28; Stamkos, TB (goaltender interference), 19:59.

Third Period—3, Pittsburgh, Rupp 7 (Kovalev), 4:31. Penalties—Rupp, Pit (tripping), 8:31; Kovalev, Pit (cross-checking), 15:36. Shots on Goal—Pittsburgh 6-14-17—37. Tampa Bay 8-6-10—24. Power-play opportunities—Pittsburgh 0 of 5; Tampa Bay 0 of 4. Goalies—Pittsburgh, Fleury 34-20-5 (24 shots-22 saves). Tampa Bay, Roloson 22-24-5 (37-36). A—20,126 (19,758). T—2:32.

By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist
Thursday, March 31, 2011

TAMPA

The champagne can wait. This was a night for clear heads.

A night to remember how far a franchise had come and how agonizing the journey had been. A night to recall the rush of success and the cost it requires.

For the first time since 2007, the Lightning can be called a playoff team, and that is no small accomplishment considering the torture this franchise has endured.

We have gone from owners who had no passion to owners who had no clue. From a revolving door of coaches to a handful of empty checkbooks.

So, yes, when the players reached the locker room after a 2-1 victory against the Penguins on Thursday night, it was more liberation than celebration.

Sort of a release from years of frozen bondage.

"For us, it's been a long time coming, guys that have been here a few years," said Marty St. Louis, who scored his 30th goal of the season. "It's a chance at the big prize again. We haven't played for that in a long time.

"There's been a lot of turmoil the last 2-3 years. Now to finally get back, it's obviously very rewarding with everything that's been done here the last year on and off the ice. I think we should be proud of that."

This Lightning team has made it permissible to forget the miscalculations (Marc Denis), the silliness (Barry Melrose) and the insanity (Tweedle-Barrie and Tweedle-Koules).

It has made it okay to think of possibilities instead of limitations.

It is the steady hand of owner Jeff Vinik and the credibility of general manager Steve Yzerman. It is the honesty of coach Guy Boucher and the devotion of two dozen players.

This team is not yet a Stanley Cup contender, but it is light-years ahead of where it was a year ago.

"It's a long-term plan," Vinik said after the game. "We're very excited to be in the playoffs this year. It's great.

"But we put this team in place to fight (for the playoffs) for many years to come. So hopefully, this is one step on the way to being the world-class team we've talked about."

Of the East teams that have already clinched playoff spots, none have come as far as Tampa Bay.

Philadelphia? Washington? Boston? Pittsburgh? They all made the playoffs last season.

The Lightning has gone from an 80-point season to a 95-point season with five games remaining. Not only did the victory clinch a playoff spot, it guaranteed Tampa Bay's second-best regular season in franchise history, trailing only the Stanley Cup team of 2003-04.

"We have a good group of people that are on the same page," Boucher said. "To me, that's the biggest achievement we've had this year. To have this entire group — and it's a big group — on the same page. It's very rare you get that, wherever you are.

"I find that terrific for a first year. That's what I find special."

Since the franchise's last postseason game, the Lightning has changed ownership twice, fired three coaches and vanquished every single player not named Lecavalier or St. Louis.

Back then, Victor Hedman was 16 and playing in a junior league in Sweden. Steven Stamkos was one year removed from a AAA midget team. And Boucher was making his debut as a head coach in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

"The last two years, especially, were tough," captain Vinny Lecavalier said. "Everybody was going in a different direction. When that happens, you wonder when it's going to come back.

"This year, when Mr. Vinik bought the team and hired Steve and hired Guy, I think that's where I started to believe."

By now, you may have forgotten what playoff hockey feels like in the NHL.

If so, the Lightning and Penguins offered a pretty close approximation on Thursday night. The game was tight, the hits were punishing and the energy was high.

And considering these teams will probably meet in the first round in two weeks or so, the Lightning should be encouraged by winning Thursday night and evening the season series at two victories apiece. But it should also be realistic.

The Penguins were without Sidney Crosby. They were without Evgeni Malkin. They were without as much motivation as the Lightning. And even so, Pittsburgh outplayed Tampa Bay for long periods of time.

Still, this was not a night for being overly critical or unduly enthusiastic. It was a night to recognize what six months of devotion can accomplish. Which is why Vinik came down to shake some hands and Boucher gave his players a few minutes to appreciate what they had accomplished.

The playoffs are back in Tampa Bay, and now we know just how precious that feeling can be.

"It matters. It matters a lot," Boucher said.

"It means that it's not just a dream now. It's not just something you were hoping for."

Times wires
Thursday, March 31, 2011

Dodgers 2, Giants 1

LOS ANGELES — Clayton Kershaw struck out three of his first four batters and nine overall for the Dodgers. Kershaw, 23, was Los Angeles' youngest opening-day starter since Fernando Valenzuela, who was 22 in 1983. Former Yankee Don Mattingly became the first rookie manager to beat the defending World Series champions on opening day since Lou Piniella debuted with the Yankees on April 8, 1986, and beat the Royals 4-2.