Anthony Salveggi, Times Correspondent
Saturday, April 2, 2011

SEMINOLE — Seminole won twice Friday on its homefield to reach the final of the Steve Georgiadis Memorial Tournament and tonight at 7 will take on IMG Pendleton, which defeated Shorecrest 4-3.

After topping Boca Ciega 8-4 in an afternoon game, the Warhawks routed Berkeley Prep 11-3 in the nighttime matchup.

Seminole took an early lead over Berkeley Prep with two runs in the second thanks to an error and base hits by starting pitcher Alex McGathey and Casey Jennings.

The Buccaneers threatened in the top of the third after McGathey struck out the first two batters. Destin Nichols' double to center was followed by two walks to load the bases. But McGathey came back to end the inning with a strikeout.

The Warhawks tacked on four run in their next turn at bat. With the bases loaded, Michael Mann singled to drive in a pair of runs. Hits by Adam Atkinson and Jordan Meyer added another two scores.

McGathey got into a bit of trouble in the top of the fifth. A single by Dante Bosnic and a passed ball brought the Buccaneers' first two runs across. Kenny Barrett later scored on a groundout by Victor Pellegrino to bring Berkeley Prep within 6-3.

But Seminole extended its lead in the bottom of the inning.

McGathey, who helped his own effort with a double to left-center, came home on a Barrett Pluskat base hit to right. Pluskat then crossed home after a misplay of a Brett Phillips' fly to short left. Scott Withrow and Joey Krehbiel each brought in a run thanks to a single and sacrifice fly, respectively.

McGathey, who pitched five innings, finished with nine strikeouts.

Shorecrest plays Berkeley Prep in the third-place game at 4 p.m. today.

Bryan Burns, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 2, 2011

WESLEY CHAPEL — Rarely has a team dominated local tennis quite like the Wiregrass Ranch boys have this season.

The Bulls won all 13 of their regular-season matches without much of a test from anybody.

They lost one singles match all season, going 64-1. Same with doubles. Heck, only one of the Bulls' five singles players even lost a set all season.

Wiregrass Ranch can also lay claim to the top player on the North Suncoast, sophomore sensation Courage Okungbowa.

As easily as the Bulls romped through the regular season, Okungbowa, a transfer from Alexandria, Va., might have faced even less of a challenge in the No. 1 singles position. Only Land O'Lakes junior Colin Roller, who previously held the top local player title, posed a threat.

Roller was undefeated against Pasco County competition in two-plus seasons but lost to Okungbowa in straight sets, 7-6 (8-6), 6-4. Okungbowa fought off three set points in an opening-set tiebreaker before rallying to win the next five points, the set and eventually the match.

"It was almost like watching a professional match, they were that good," Wiregrass Ranch boys coach David Wilson said. "Courage doesn't get rattled really easily. It seems like nothing bothers him. He goes out and plays the same game all the time."

Okungbowa, given the name Courage by his parents as a reminder of the hardships they faced immigrating to America from Nigeria through Sierra Leone, played No. 1 singles as a freshman for Annandale (Va.) High last year. But his family moved to Florida, partly so their son could play tennis year round.

Okungbowa is 37th in the state in the 16 and under division.

"I think the biggest thing is his consistency," Wilson said. "He doesn't make a lot of mistakes. He doesn't hit a lot of unforced errors. All of his strokes are very consistent."

With Wiregrass Ranch beginning postseason play Wednesday in the Class 3A, District 5 tournament at River Ridge, Okungbowa looks forward to showcasing his game with more on the line.

"It's like a new stage for me," he said. "I want to see how competitive the players are when you get to the top levels."

Last season, Elizabeth and Sarah Means captured Wiregrass Ranch's first state title in tennis after defeating Chamberlain's Nicole Mera and McKenzie O'Brien in the Class 3A overall doubles championship.

Could Okungbowa be next?

"I like to believe that I can do it," he said. "I practice every day and put in a lot of hard work."

With quality players up and down the lineup combined with a tremendous amount of depth, the Bulls will be a serious contender for the team title as well.

District schedule

Note: District tennis is played over two days

Class 3A-5: Wednesday, 9 a.m. and Thursday, 9 a.m. at River Ridge

Teams: Central, Citrus, Hudson, Lecanto, Leesburg, Ridgewood, River Ridge, Springstead, Wiregrass Ranch

Class 2A-5: Monday, 9 a.m. and Tuesday, 9 a.m. at Crystal River

Teams: Belleview, Crystal River, Dunnellon, Hernando, Nature Coast, North Marion, Santa Fe

Class 2A-6: Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. at Wesley Chapel (boys); Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. and Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. at Zephyr Park (girls)

Teams: Anclote, Fivay, Gulf, Land O'Lakes, Mitchell, Pasco, Sunlake, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills

Class A-8: Wednesday, 8 a.m. and Thursday, 9 a.m. at Hillsborough Community College

Teams: Academy at the Lakes, Academy of the Holy Names, Berkeley Prep, Bishop McLaughlin, Cambridge, Carrollwood Day, Seffner Christian, Tampa Catholic, Tampa Prep, Weeki Wachee

Eduardo A. Encina, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 2, 2011

TAMPA — Most high school tennis teams that lose their No. 1 singles player would face a lot of rebuilding — let alone if that player was the back-to-back St. Petersburg Times Hillsborough County Player of the Year.

But when Plant senior Amber Li, a Yale recruit, decided to take off her senior season to play in USTA junior tournaments this spring, the Panthers' singles players just ascended one step into their current roles in the hierarchy.

The Panthers, who have finished either first or second at the state tournament the past three years, actually didn't miss a beat without Li.

New No. 1 Blair Martin, who won a 4A state team No. 2 singles title last year as a freshman, took over the lead role easily. Returners Claire Mitchell Andrews and Carol Marie Fraley took over the Nos. 2 and 3 slots, respectively.

And this season's Panthers — under first-year coach and local pro player Jacquelyn Rosen — enter the postseason in a familiar spot: Hillsborough County's favorite to make another deep run to the state tournament.

"I definitely think we can win states," said Martin, ranked No. 3 in the state in the USTA girls 16s rankings. "It's just going to be a little more of a challenge. I truly think we can do really well. I'm very confident in that. Even without Amber we still have an amazing team. Our players play in (junior) tournaments, so they're experienced on a different level."

Plant enters this week's Class 4A-5 district tournament at Hunter's Green Country club with a 12-0 match record. The Panthers have dropped just two matches all season, and that was when Rosen was trying to get reserves some playing time.

"I think I'm fortunate to have a strong group of girls," said Rosen, who played at Saddlebrook and turned pro at 15, but is a first-time high school coach. "We're pretty deep. I think they all came together as a team this year. I just think I have a pretty strong team."

Saying the Panthers are deep might be an understatement. New No. 4 Natalie Franklin and No. 5 Julia Rodriguez, both juniors, are experienced USTA players. Twenty-four girls came out for tryouts this spring and Plant kept 16. Rosen said her top 14 all play juniors.

"It helps that we have all tournament players," said Fraley, the team's sole senior among the top five. "We know what we're doing and that's helps us make sure we don't fold under pressure. It's second nature to us. We've done it so many times.

"That is the main advantage of being UTSA tournament players," Fraley said. "We deal with that pressure all year around, so we know when to pick it up a notch."

District tennis schedule

Class 4A-5 at Hunter's Green Country Club

Dates: Monday starting at 8 a.m., Tuesday starting at 9 a.m.

Teams: Alonso, Bloomingdale, Brandon, Freedom, Gaither, Newsome, Plant, Riverview, Tampa Bay Tech, Wharton

Class 4A-7 at Sarasota High

Dates: Monday starting at 8 a.m.; Wednesday starting at 8:30 a.m.

Teams: Bradenton Manatee, North Port, Plant City, Sarasota Riverview, Sarasota

Class 3A-8 at River Hills Country Club

Dates: Monday starting at 8 a.m.; Friday starting at 9 a.m.

Teams: Armwood, Chamberlain, Durant, East Bay, Hillsborough, Jefferson, King, Leto, Sickles

Class 2A-10 at Hunter's Green Country Club

Dates: Wednesday starting at 9 a.m.; Thursday starting at 9 a.m.

Teams: Blake, Steinbrenner, Jesuit (boys), Middleton, Robinson, Spoto, Strawberry Crest

Class A-8 at Hillsborough Community College Tennis Center

Dates: Wednesday starting at 8 a.m.; Thursday starting at 9 a.m.

Teams: Academy at the Lakes, Berkeley Prep, Bishop McLaughlin, Cambridge, Carrollwood Day, Holy Names (girls only), Seffner Christian, Tampa Catholic, Tampa Prep, Weeki Wachee

Note: All district tournaments run for two days

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 2, 2011

You might want to get used to seeing Dwayne Roloson in a Lightning uniform, because all things being equal, and if things can be worked out, there is a good chance the 41-year-old goaltender will be back next season.

Yes, this summer was the one in which Tampa Bay, going into the second year of a rebuilding project under general manager Steve Yzerman, was to land its great white free agent whale.

But circumstances might dictate a shorter-term approach.

First, there won't be that many free agent goalie options. If they don't re-sign, Florida's Tomas Vokoun would top the list, followed by Phoenix's Ilya Bryzgalov, though both likely would be too expensive.

Tampa Bay has $10 million tied up in Vinny Lecavalier next season, and with Steven Stamkos' new contract coming, managing the salary cap and payroll is going to be tricky for a team not raising ticket prices.

After Vokoun and Bryzgalov, the fall is precipitous or the talent unproven, though Ottawa's Curtis McElhinney certainly has looked good against his former team. Kidding, of course.

Roloson might be a good way to bridge the gap. He likely will not be as expensive, he certainly is capable, and he wants to stay.

"Yeah, if it's an option," Roloson said. "If the opportunity comes to sign here, it's something I'd like to look at."

A lot has to happen before we get to that point. Yzerman will have to evaluate Roloson in the playoffs and weigh Roloson's contract expectations with his age. No matter how well Roloson plays, he will be 42 next season, and Tampa Bay would not want to get locked in to anything long term.

"If I could, I'd like to play three or four more years," Roloson said. "But it's more what my body says, and my body feels great, no nagging injuries or anything."

That's more than can be said for AHL Norfolk goalie Cedrick Desjardins, who seemed to be in line for the Lightning's backup job next season but has created durability questions by reinjuring the right shoulder that has bothered him since mid January.

It will be interesting to see what happens when free agency opens in July.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 2, 2011

5 questions | D Pavel Kubina

What other sports did you play growing up? I played soccer from when I was 5 years old till I was 16, 17.

What position? Always forward.

Because you could score? No, no. All my life I played defense with hockey, so I liked to play a little offense.

Do you still play? Three games in the summer (in the Czech Republic); 10, 11 guys from the NHL, we play against different towns for charity.

Did you ever try one of those bicycle kicks? Never tried. I'd probably kill myself on it.

Hair-raising scheme

Lightning star Steven Stamkos, above, admitted he doesn't really have the hair to pull off being a spokesman in Canada for Garnier Fructis shampoo.

"It's more the hockey than the actual hair," he said.

He's probably right. When the company recently announced the partnership, Sheila Morin, brand director for Garnier in Canada, said in a release, "The new Fructis anti-dandruff line targets men 18-45, and we know most Canadian men are passionate about hockey."

Still, teammate Mike Smith said, "It was pretty funny when I heard he was doing it. I could see him coming out of the pool and shaking his hair and running his hands through it. He just needs to grow it out a little longer."

Resident artist

When something notable happens to a Lightning player — such as D Mattias Ohlund playing his 900th NHL game — you can be sure assistant coach Dan Lacroix will celebrate with a caricature drawn on the locker-room message board.

Ohlund was depicted walking with a cane. When Steven Stamkos had a goal and four points against the Blues on Feb. 6, Lacroix, to praise the player's skill, drew him with an exaggerated pair of hands.

"The guys see it, they get a chuckle, that's basically it," Lacroix said. "I did more of it when I was a player than a coach. As a coach, you have to pick your spots and can't be as cutthroat."

Quote to note

"The longer he doesn't score, the better for us, because in the playoffs, it's right there, the perfect time for him to get out of it."

Coach Guy Boucher, on Steven Stamkos' scoring drought

Number of the day

8 Goal posts coach Guy Boucher said Steven Stamkos hit in a recent three-game stretch.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 2, 2011

5 questions | D Pavel Kubina

What other sports did you play growing up? I played soccer from when I was 5 years old till I was 16, 17.

What position? Always forward.

Because you could score? No, no. All my life I played defense with hockey, so I liked to play a little offense.

Do you still play? Three games in the summer (in the Czech Republic); 10, 11 guys from the NHL, we play against different towns for charity.

Did you ever try one of those bicycle kicks? Never tried. I'd probably kill myself on it.

Hair-raising scheme

Lightning star Steven Stamkos, above, admitted he doesn't really have the hair to pull off being a spokesman in Canada for Garnier Fructis shampoo.

"It's more the hockey than the actual hair," he said.

He's probably right. When the company recently announced the partnership, Sheila Morin, brand director for Garnier in Canada, said in a release, "The new Fructis anti-dandruff line targets men 18-45, and we know most Canadian men are passionate about hockey."

Still, teammate Mike Smith said, "It was pretty funny when I heard he was doing it. I could see him coming out of the pool and shaking his hair and running his hands through it. He just needs to grow it out a little longer."

Resident artist

When something notable happens to a Lightning player — such as D Mattias Ohlund playing his 900th NHL game — you can be sure assistant coach Dan Lacroix will celebrate with a caricature drawn on the locker-room message board.

Ohlund was depicted walking with a cane. When Steven Stamkos had a goal and four points against the Blues on Feb. 6, Lacroix, to praise the player's skill, drew him with an exaggerated pair of hands.

"The guys see it, they get a chuckle, that's basically it," Lacroix said. "I did more of it when I was a player than a coach. As a coach, you have to pick your spots and can't be as cutthroat."

Quote to note

"The longer he doesn't score, the better for us, because in the playoffs, it's right there, the perfect time for him to get out of it."

Coach Guy Boucher, on Steven Stamkos' scoring drought

Number of the day

8 Goal posts coach Guy Boucher said Steven Stamkos hit in a recent three-game stretch.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 2, 2011

As a member of the Screen Actors Guild, Johnny Damon gets sent DVDs of many new movies. When he popped in one during the winter called The King's Speech, about English King George VI's struggles to overcome a stuttering problem, he was intrigued and touched by a story he could relate to, as Damon grew up with a similar problem. "All the practice he had to do to try to get better and how frustrating it could be at certain times definitely hit home," Damon said. "There were certain words and stuff for me growing up where it took a while for me to spit it out. … I wouldn't say I was very bad, but I'd get caught up on some S words, T words, R words. It kind of always started when I'd hear outside news and my mind would start going off listening to that and not be focused on what I really needed to say."

Damon — who is now considered one of the most quotable, and accessible, players in the game — took some teasing from other kids and responded by eliminating the opportunity. "I was always a very quiet kid," he said. "I didn't talk much probably because I was a stutterer."

Speech therapy helped, but Damon said that it wasn't until his early 20s, when he got to the major leagues with the Royals, that he felt he had it under control, and that his exposure to the media helped him deal with it.

"It comes back every now and then," he said, "but I've learned how to think about what I'm going to say before I say it where before I was just rambling."

All of which makes what the king did even more impressive to Damon.

"I had no idea there was a king with a stuttering problem like that," he said. "So it was definitely a cool movie."

Oldies but goodies

Some Rays are getting creative with their various intro songs. Here are four you don't typically hear at a ballpark:

Song, artist (year) Player

Safety Dance, Men Without Hats (1981) Dan Johnson

Ice Ice Baby, Vanilla Ice (1991) Johnny Damon

Chest Fever, The Band (1968) John Jaso

Magic Carpet Ride, Steppenwolf (1968) Elliot Johnson

Number to make you go hmm …

604 Consecutive Rays games started by pitchers under 30; since RHP Jae Seo on May 24, 2007, on his 30th birthday. The last team to have a longer streak was the 1970-74 Expos, who went 646 games.

Green Man Group

Only five players are left who wore the green as Devil Rays before the 2008 rebranding:

Player, pos Devil Rays debut

B.J. Upton, cf Aug. 2, 2004

James Shields, rhpMay 31, 2006

J.P. Howell*, lhp Aug. 1, 2006

Ben Zobrist, inf/of Aug. 1, 2006

Andy Sonnanstine, rhp June 5, 2007

* Currently on DL

Got a minute? Johnny Damon

Must-see TV show?

Two and a Half Men.

Singer/band you'd most like to be on stage with?

Sevendust — I've performed with them a few times.

Ideal vacation spot?

The Big Island in Hawaii.

Big night out meal?

Filet, king crab legs, a nice bottle of wine.

With your wife Michelle's permission, dream date?

Gwen Stefani.

Rays Rumblings

Expect to see a lot more of Evan Longoria, with new TV commercials coming for Gillette (one with Derek Jeter) and Pepsi Max. … It's an accomplishment that the Rays sold out their opener for a sixth straight time, but with capacity reduced to 34,078 from 36,973, shouldn't it have happened more than a day before? … The only team with a lower opening-day payroll than the Rays' $41 million was Kansas City, at $36 million. Four others are under $57 million. … Longoria was eighth on SI.com's Joe Posnanski's ranking of the game's 32 best players. … According to Team Marketing Report's math, the Rays have the 10th lowest average ticket price ($19.42) and fifth lowest Fan Cost Index ($139.68, for 4 tickets, 2 beers, 4 small sides, 4 hot dogs, parking, 2 programs, 2 caps). … Related: Shouldn't the Rays on their web, pocket or magnet schedules indicate which games are in which of their four pricing categories? … Of ESPN.com's 45 "experts," four picked the Rays to make the playoffs (all as a wild card) and one, fantasy writer Eric Karabell, to reach the World Series. … As of Friday, nothing new on the recovery of the items stolen from the Port Charlotte house shared by David Price, Reid Brignac and Longoria. … Ex-Ray Matt Garza makes his Cubs debut today after going 1-4, 10.38 in the spring and complaining about the mounds and dry air in Arizona. … LHP Scott Kazmir starts today for the Angels in Kansas City, so he won't face the Rays in the upcoming series. … Going by career ERA at the time, the Wall Street Journal named 2005 Devil Ray Dewon Brazelton (5.34) the third-worst opening-day starter in the past 30 years.

By Bob Putnam, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 2, 2011

Largo's courts are in too much disrepair to play tennis.

So the Packers' boys and girls practice at the Highland Recreational Center's cracked courts in Largo and travel for matches. Largo, the only county public school program without a home court, did enough fundraising to hold a few home matches at the Southwest Recreational Complex this year.

"It's tough," Packers coach Mike Pease said. "It's been that way for years."

Despite those obstacles, Largo wins — a lot. The Packers' boys and girls teams made it to regionals the past five seasons, a feat matched only by St. Petersburg during that span.

But Largo has yet to win a district title. The boys and girls teams have finished second the past five seasons. There have been close calls. Four times the boys or girls teams lost by a point.

The champions of the district tournaments will be determined this week, but the sentimental favorite already has been determined.

This is year the Packers could win both team titles.

The girls team is the clear favorite. It is undefeated against its district counterparts and has clinched all seven No. 1 seeds (five singles, two doubles).

Better still, Largo's lineup consists of two juniors, two sophomores and a freshman.

"We have a chance to be good for a while," Pease said.

Kelly Taylor, the lone freshman starter, has made the biggest impact. She rocketed up the depth chart and finished 12-2 playing No. 1 singles. She has not lost a game to a district opponent.

"What I've been able to do this season has exceeded my expectations," Taylor said. "I knew that high school tennis would give me some tough competition, but I've been able to play really well."

The Nos. 2-5 singles girls have lost a combined eight games in six district matches this season. None of the girls has taken private lessons. Some have come out from volleyball. Most have picked up the sport within the past two years.

"We're not a rich country club school," Pease said. "Most of these are self-taught as far as tennis. We have a good team, but it's hard to get players out, especially when you don't have a true home court."

The boys team will need a few upsets to unseat defending district champion Dunedin. But Pease said he didn't have his No. 1 singles player for their regular-season meeting.

"We've been close for so long at the district tournament," Pease said. "We feel like this could be the year. Our goal is to try to win both. That would help give us some recognition. Hopefully, that will help us get our courts resurfaced so we can have home matches."

Schedule

Note: District tennis is played over two days

Class 4A, District 6

Where: McMullen Tennis Center in Clearwater

Begins: Tuesday, 8 a.m.

Teams: Clearwater, Countryside, East Lake, Palm Harbor University, Pinellas Park, Seminole, St. Petersburg

Class 3A, District 7

Where: Osceola (1-3 singles, 1-2 doubles) and Seminole (4-5 singles)

Begins: Wednesday, 8:30 a.m.

Teams: Boca Ciega, Dixie Hollins, Dunedin, Gibbs, Largo, Northeast, Tarpon Springs

Class 2A, District 9

Where: Martha B. King Middle School, Bradenton

Begins: Monday, 10 a.m.

Teams: Bayshore, Booker, DeSoto County, Lakewood, Lemon Bay, Osceola, Southeast

Class A, District 9

Where: St. Petersburg Tennis Center

Begins: Tuesday, 8:30 a.m.

Teams: Admiral Farragut, Calvary Chr., Canterbury, Clearwater Central Catholic, Indian Rocks Chr., Northside Chr., Shorecrest, St. Petersburg Catholic

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 2, 2011

Signing young, talented players to long-term deals, as the Rays did again last week with right-handed pitcher Wade Davis, is a way, and perhaps the only way, for the team to keep them around.

And at some point, the question will be asked about left-handed pitcher David Price.

As it is now, the Rays could keep Price, 25, for four more seasons, though it will be quite costly as he'll be arbitration eligible each year, and he'd hit free agency in 2016 as a 30-year-old in line for mega-millions.

Price said Saturday that he'd be open to a long-term deal with the Rays under the right terms, though of course neither he nor agent Bo McKinnis is going to say what those would be.

"If it's realistic, absolutely, that is something I would definitely do," Price said. "I love it here, absolutely. Everyone here knows that I'm a huge fan of this organization and all the people that are in the clubhouse. I feel like it's the right place for me."

What's "realistic" depends on a lot of things, including how many free agent years are involved. A starting point dollar-wise? Maybe somewhere between Tim Lincecum's two-year, $23 million deal and Cole Hamels' three-year, $21 million deal.

Price, who got a $5.6 million bonus in his original six-year, $8.5 million deal, will make $1.25 million this season, then soar next year as a Super 2 arbitration-eligible.

Third baseman Evan Longoria, who is under Rays control through 2016, said he hopes Price signs up: "I'm locked into a contract, which I'm very happy about, and I hope that something like that could happen with David, whether it be a two-, three-, four-year extension or something longer."

The long-term deals are risky for the Rays but an integral part of their business plan. The deals for Carl Crawford and Longoria (so far) worked out, the Rocco Baldelli and Scott Kazmir ones didn't, and the James Shields, Ben Zobrist and Davis deals remain to be seen.

"Sometimes they work out well and sometimes a little less so," principal owner Stuart Sternberg said. "But without being able to have players have some cost certainty at a price that we can afford, we can't do business."

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

Travis Puterbaugh, Times Correspondent
Saturday, April 2, 2011

TAMPA — In a showdown between the top two Class 5A, District 9 programs, King and Gaither looked less than their best Saturday afternoon, combining for 23 runs, 23 hits and 11 errors in King's wild 13-10 victory.

Gaither (9-4) rallied back from deficits three times in the first three innings. King (11-5) raced to a 6-1 lead with a five-run second, but the Cowboys responded with five runs of their own. The Cowboys took advantage of a leadoff home run by Zach Johnson and three King errors to tie it a 6 after two innings.

Both teams struggled defensively, whether botching routine ground balls, throwing wide of the bag, or sailing pickoff attempts to the fence.

"You look at the errors and everything, you wonder what happened," said King coach James Macaluso, whose team made six errors. "I guess you have those days."

King jumped ahead in the fourth on a three-run blast by Rafael Cedres, then tacked on another run in the fifth on Sam Rowe's RBI single to take an 11-7 lead.

Gather closed the gap to 11-10 thanks to a crazy sequence in the fifth

With two out, Matthew Frey reached on an error at first to score Kevin Rodriguez. After Oscar Mercado singled to center, the throw from the outfield to gun down Frey at third skipped away from King's third baseman, allowing Frey to score. Another throwing error let Mercado race home as the last attempt to get him out hit a bat in the infield and bounded to the backstop.

In the sixth, the Lions' Javaris Reynolds got hit by a Evan Gainey pitch with the bases loaded to bring in Brett Morales, and Matt Smith scored on a fielders choice by Sinjin Sato to increase King's lead to 13-10.

King's Devin Smith drove in three runs with three hits and pitched 21/3 scoreless innings in relief to close out the win.

Times wires
Saturday, April 2, 2011

Cricket

India claims long-sought World Cup

MUMBAI, India — India won the World Cup for the first time in 28 years Saturday with a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka.

Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni provided the runs and helped the great Sachin Tendulkar to his first title in six attempts.

"It's the ultimate thing, and I'm experiencing it," Tendulkar said. "I couldn't have asked for anything better. It's the proudest moment of my life."

Teammates dedicated the victory to him.

"He carried the hopes of the nation for 21 years, so it's time we carried him on our shoulders," Virat Kohli said.

Tendulkar, 37, the leading run-scorer in international cricket, praised his teammates.

"It's never too late, as they say. Thanks to all my teammates. Without such fabulous performance and such consistency, it would never have happened," he said, adding he wasn't too proud to cry. "They were happy tears, so I wouldn't mind crying."

Winter sports

Ford, Mancuso win super-G titles

Tommy Ford and Julia Mancuso mastered the mushy snow conditions at the U.S. championships in Winter Park, Colo., adding super-G titles to their expanding collections.

Ford and Mancuso also won giant slalom crowns at nationals last week.

Ford flew down the twisty course in 1 minute, 10.10 seconds, with Tommy Biesemeyer 0.10 seconds behind.

Mancuso finished in 1:13.34, edging Leanne Smith by 0.20 seconds. She extended her record to 13 national titles.

Et cetera

NFL: Massage therapists Shannon O'Toole and Christina Scavo, who say the Jets blacklisted them for objecting to inappropriate text messages from former QB Brett Favre, are overplaying their ties to the team, the Jets say in court documents in response to a lawsuit. The two worked for the team on a combined total of five days over two years, team officials say. A court date is set for this week. Favre, now retired after spending his 20th NFL season with the Vikings, was fined $50,000 after a league investigation into allegations that he sent lewd messages and photos to former Jets game hostess Jenn Sterger.

Soccer: England beat the U.S. women for the first time since 1988, handing the top-ranked Americans a 2-1 exhibition defeat in London. … Wayne Rooney's hat trick kept Manchester United (66 points) on track to win the English Premier League with a 4-2 comeback win over host West Ham. Second-place Arsenal (59) drew 0-0 with visiting Blackburn. … Sporting Gijon held on for a stunning 1-0 win over host Real Madrid in the Spanish league.

Boxing: Germany's Marco Huck (32-1) retained his WBO cruiserweight title with a unanimous decision over Israel's Ran Nakash (25-1) in Halle, Germany. … France's Hassan N'Dam (26-0) successfully defended his interim WBA middleweight title by earning a unanimous decision over Giovanni Lorenzo (29-4) of the Dominican Republic in Le Cannet, France. … Poland's Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (45-2) kept his WBC cruiserweight title with a split decision over Francisco Palacios (20-1) of Puerto Rico in Bydgoszcz, Poland.

Times wires

Times wires
Saturday, April 2, 2011

Blue Jays 6, Twins 1

TORONTO — Kyle Drabek didn't feel he had his best stuff. The Twins would rather avoid facing him when he does. Drabek pitched seven one-hit innings to earn his first big-league win, and Jose Molina and Jayson Nix hit solo homers for Toronto. "The control of my pitches wasn't the best," Drabek, 23, said. "It was just the situations when I needed a good pitch, it was there. That helped me out a bunch."

Times wires
Saturday, April 2, 2011

Royals 5, Angels 4

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Three hits and two RBIs were not all Chris Getz delivered for the Royals. The second baseman also saved a run in the eighth with a strong relay throw that cut down Alberto Callaspo, who was trying to score from second on Erick Aybar's double. "By the time I got the ball, I saw he was just rounding third base," Getz said. "It was a decent throw, but (catcher Matt) Treanor stayed in there and made a good play."

Times wires
Saturday, April 2, 2011

White Sox 8, Indians 3

CLEVELAND — Edwin Jackson improved to 8-0 in his past nine starts against the Indians, and Gordon Beckham and Carlos Quentin had two RBIs each for the White Sox, 2-0 for the first time since 2005. "We're happy right now," said Jackson, the former Ray who had one shaky inning. "Look around the clubhouse, it's pretty loose and relaxed. That's part of the game. You win when you go out and have fun, and that's what we're doing right now."

Times wires
Saturday, April 2, 2011

Padres 11, Cardinals 3

ST. LOUIS — Clayton Richard had two RBIs without getting the ball out of the infield and pitched six solid innings for the Padres. Albert Pujols homered on the 10th anniversary of his major-league debut and Allen Craig, subbing for ailing Matt Holliday, had a two-run single for the Cardinals.

Times wires
Saturday, April 2, 2011

Cubs 5, Pirates 3

CHICAGO — Pinch-hitter Blake DeWitt, who played himself out of a regular job with a poor spring training, delivered a two-run, two-out, bases-loaded double to cap a five-run eighth inning off two relievers that rallied the Cubs. "Whatever is asked of me. Just keep playing and working," said DeWitt, who hit .186 in the spring.

Times wires
Saturday, April 2, 2011

Nationals 6, Braves 3

WASHINGTON — Rick Ankiel drove in three runs with a homer and suicide squeeze, and Jayson Werth and Wilson Ramos had three hits each for the Nationals in a game that included two rain delays totaling 87 minutes.

Times wires
Saturday, April 2, 2011

Rutgers' C. Vivian Stringer, who has led three schools to the Final Four — Cheyney (1982), Iowa (1993) and Rutgers (2000, 2007) — coached against all of the Final Four teams this season. She breaks down today's semis.

UConn-Notre Dame

Notre Dame needs another strong performance from its guards, Skylar Diggins and Natalie Novosel.

The play in the paint is going to be important as well. So Devereaux Peters has to stay out of foul trouble and attack inside with fellow forward Becca Bruszewski.

On the other hand is UConn star forward Maya Moore, the most focused, determined player I have ever seen. And UConn center Stefanie Dolson has been playing with much more confidence. She's moving well, making good passes, rebounding and wreaking all kinds of havoc in the paint.

Stanford-Texas A&M

This is an interesting matchup because Stanford's triangle offense is conducive to backdoor cuts, which is one way to attack A&M's defense, one of the nation's most aggressive.

The Ogwumike sisters, freshman Chiney and junior Nnemkadi, will be a big factor for Stanford. I'm sure A&M will focus on both forwards, but Chiney is the key. She's hard on the boards and a quick leaper who is so instinctive.

Stanford is going to have all it can handle with forward/center Danielle Adams. She's bound to play well because she didn't do so offensively against Baylor, and a player of her caliber doesn't have very many bad games in a row.

Top Player: UConn's Maya Moore won the Associated Press award for the second time. The senior, who averaged 22.5 points, got 37 of 39 votes from a media panel. Baylor's Brittney Griner got the others. Moore, LSU's Seimone Augustus and Tennessee's Chamique Holdsclaw are the only players to win the award twice.

Top Coaches: UConn's Geno Auriemma, Miami's Katie Meier and Stanford's Tara VanDerveer shared the AP award. Each got 10 of 39 votes. Auriemma led UConn to its fourth consecutive Final Four. VanDerveer's team went 33-2 and ended UConn's 90-game win streak. Meier led Miami to the ACC regular-season title a season after finishing last.

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 2, 2011

UNLV (1991-92)

Maybe the greatest college basketball team assembled. The Runnin' Rebels won the 1991 national championship with a 103-73 drubbing of Duke. With stars Larry Johnson, Greg Anthony, Stacey Augmon and Anderson Hunt returning, the Rebels were heavy favorites to repeat. Johnson was the national player of the year as the Rebels went into the Final Four with a 34-0 record and an average margin of victory of more than 28 points. The Rebels faced Duke in the semifinals, and everyone expected another blowout. But Duke, with Christian Laettner, Bobby Hurley and freshman Grant Hill, upset the Rebels 79-77. UNLV coach Jerry Tarkanian called it the toughest loss of his career.

Georgetown (1984-85)

Georgetown seemed like a lock to repeat after winning the 1984 national title, especially when it faced 10-loss, eighth-seed Villanova in the final, a team it had already beaten twice. Georgetown was 35-2 going into that game, with the losses coming by a combined three points. The Hoyas also had won 17 in a row, with only two of those wins coming by fewer than nine points. In the last college game without a shot clock, Villanova shot 78 percent against the best defensive team in the nation and won 66-64.

Virginia (1980-81)

This team featured Ralph Sampson, considered one of the greatest college players ever. The 7-foot-4, three-time national player of the year led the Cavaliers to a 25-4 regular-season record, including 13-1 in the mighty ACC. But their national title hopes ended in the Final Four against conference rival North Carolina, which then lost to Indiana in the final. Virginia was a No. 1 seed three times during the Sampson era, but this was the closest it came to a national championship.

UCLA (1973-74)

John Wooden's Bruins won 10 national titles from 1964-75. This is one of the two teams that didn't win one. But it was talented, with standouts such as Bill Walton, Keith Wilkes and David Meyers. This was the season UCLA's record 88-game winning streak was snapped by Notre Dame, and the Bruins went into the tournament with three losses. N.C. State, led by David Thompson, ended UCLA's seven-year run as the champ in the semifinals with an 80-77 victory. UCLA returned in 1975 to win it all in Wooden's final season.

Oklahoma (1987-88)

The Sooners had three players — Stacey King, Mookie Blaylock and Harvey Grant — who became first-round NBA draft picks. Their average margin of victory was 25 points. They lost only one of their final 22 games heading into the championship game, and that loss was in overtime. Billy Tubbs' team twice beat Kansas but couldn't beat the Jayhawks a third time. Led by Danny Manning, Kansas beat OU in the final 83-79. The Sooners finished 35-4 and broke 100 points in a game 20 times.

Duke (1998-99)

Duke has won four championships under coach Mike Krzyzewski, but this might have been Coach K's best team. It featured four players who were taken with the first 14 picks of the 1999 NBA draft, including first overall pick Elton Brand. The Blue Devils went 16-0 in ACC play, and their lone loss during the regular season was by two points to then-No. 15 Cincinnati in a Thanksgiving tournament. After that game, the Blue Devils ripped off 32 consecutive victories and were 37-1 when they were upset by Connecticut 77-74 in the championship game at Tropicana Field.

For the first time in the history of the NCAA Tournament, no No. 1 or 2 seeds made it to the Final Four. The four No. 1 seeds — Ohio State, Duke, Kansas and Pitt — were knocked out. The four No. 2 seeds — Florida, Notre Dame, North Carolina and San Diego State — were sent packing, too. So none of the top eight teams that were expected to win the tournament will. It got us thinking about the best teams not to win the NCAA Tournament. Here are some of our most memorable.

Houston (1982-83)

Houston's Phi Slama Jama group, led by Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler, went to the Final Four three seasons, from 1982-84, and any of those Guy Lewis-coached teams could have made this list. But we'll go with the 1983 team, one reason being the '84 team lost to another truly great team: John Thompson's Georgetown Hoyas, led by Patrick Ewing. The 1983 team lost to Jim Valvano's N.C. State Wolfpack in what some consider the greatest upset in title-game history. Despite the loss, Olajuwon was named tournament MVP.

Indiana State (1978-79)

The 1979 national championship game is best remembered for Magic Johnson's Michigan State beating Larry Bird's Indiana State in perhaps the most famous college basketball game of all time. What's often forgotten is how good Indiana State was. The Sycamores were 33-0 going into the final, and Bird was the national player of the year.

Illinois (2004-05)

The 100th season of Illinois basketball looked as if it would be special. The Illini raced to a 29-0 start and didn't lose its first game until the regular-season finale. Bruce Weber's bunch was the No. 1-ranked team from Dec. 9, 2004, through the rest of the regular season. Led by guard Deron Williams and Luther Head, two first-round NBA draft picks in 2005, Illinois won the Big Ten tournament and was 37-1 when it met North Carolina in the NCAA final. But its season ended with a 75-70 loss.

Michigan (1992-93)

The famed Fab Five, led by future NBA stars Chris Webber, Jalen Rose and Juwan Howard, were sophomores and a season removed from advancing to the national championship game as freshmen. The Wolverines went into the tournament as a No. 1 seed with a 26-4 record and went to the final, where they lost to North Carolina in the game in which Webber infamously called timeout in the final minute when Michigan did not have a timeout left. He got a technical foul, and Michigan lost 77-71. That was the closest the Fab Five came to winning a national title.

Memphis (2007-08)

John Calipari's Tigers, led by current NBA star Derrick Rose, left, lost only once during the regular season, by four points to then-No. 2 Tennessee, and entered the NCAA Tournament with a 33-1 record. They got a slight scare in the second round, beating Mississippi State by three, but they won their other games by 24, 18, 18 and 15 points on their way to the final. The Tigers would have won it all had they made a free throw or fouled before Kansas scored on a three-pointer to tie the score at 63 at the end of regulation. Instead, they lost in OT to the Jayhawks 75-68.

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 2, 2011

The poll

Where will the Rays finish in the AL East this season?

Total: 504 votes

Second: 45 percent

First: 26 percent

Third: 20 percent

Fourth: 6 percent

Fifth: 3 percent

Another poll

Will Steven Stamkos, left, reach 50 goals this season?

Total: 368 votes

No: 68 percent

Yes: 32 percent

This week's question

How far will the Lightning advance in the playoffs?

Vote at lightning. tampabay.com.