Times wires
Tuesday, July 24, 2012

BARCELONA, Spain — Gold medal at stake or nothing at all, the U.S. basketball team is too good for Spain.

Carmelo Anthony came off the bench to score 23 of his 27 points in the first half, and the Americans beat Spain 100-78 on Tuesday night in a rematch of the 2008 gold-medal game — and possible preview of the next one.

LeBron James added 25 points and Kevin Durant had 13, including 10 in the first 3½ minutes of the third quarter to help the United States break open the teams' final exhibition before heading to London.

Lakers center Pau Gasol had 19 points and Thunder forward Serge Ibaka, a native of the Republic of Congo who became a Spanish national last year, had 16.

SOCCER STARTER: The opening ceremony isn't until Friday but competition begins today.

The women's soccer tournament gets underway including the U.S. team, which begins defense of its gold medal in group play against France in Glasgow, Scotland — more than 400 miles from center stage.

"You can feel the tension start to rise," U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo said. "…It's like, 'unleash the beast.' We're waiting for somebody to unleash us."

Archery also starts today.

ET CETERA: A day after Iran said it would be willing to compete against Israelis, the Iranian most likely to do so was left home. Authorities said judo champion Javad Mahjoob has a critical digestive system infection, forcing him to take antibiotics and not travel. … Brazil's starting soccer goalkeeper, Rafael, was ruled out after he injured his right elbow in practice. … World Anti-Doping Agency president John Fahey said that as of mid June, at least 107 athletes drew doping bans this year, ruling them out of the Games. He acknowledged perhaps not all would have qualified anyway.

Times wires
Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Cubs 5, Pirates 1

PITTSBURGH — Paul Maholm pitched eight strong innings to win his fifth straight start for Chicago. Maholm handed Pittsburgh its first back-to-back home losses since May 22-23. He has allowed just four earned runs in 38 1/3 innings during his winning streak. The left-hander spent his first seven seasons with the Pirates before signing with the Cubs as a free agent last winter.

Times wires
Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Nationals 5, Mets 2

NEW YORK — Adam LaRoche and Washington handed R.A. Dickey his first loss in three months, winning behind Gio Gonzalez's seven crisp innings. LaRoche hit a tiebreaking homer and Gonzalez gave up only two singles in a rematch of All-Star pitchers. Dickey allowed five consecutive hits in the sixth, ending his 11-game winning streak.

Times wires
Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Braves 4, Marlins 3

MIAMI — Tim Hudson pitched seven innings, Jason Heyward drove in two runs and Atlanta snapped a three-game losing streak. Martin Prado and Freddie Freeman drove in runs for the Braves. Jose Reyes homered and drove in two runs for Miami as he extended his hitting streak to 12 games. After giving up Reyes' homer in the second, Hudson retired 16 straight.

Times wires
Tuesday, July 24, 2012

CLEVELAND — Aaron Cunningham ignored the squeeze on his job and instead put one on the Indians' division rival.

His job in jeopardy after a trade earlier in the day, Cunningham bunted home the go-ahead run with a squeeze play, and the Indians beat the Tigers 3-2 Tuesday night and moved within three games of the AL Central leaders.

"I can't worry about anything there except executing the play," said Cunningham, whose role as utility outfielder may end today when the Indians drop a player to make room for veteran utilityman Brent Lillibridge, acquired from Boston.

"It's a huge win," said Travis Hafner, who tripled with one out in the seventh inning off Doug Fister and the score tied at 2.

Lou Marson pinch-ran for Hafner and took off for home as Cunningham, a defensive replacement hitting .175, dropped a bunt in front of the plate. Fister quickly got the ball and tried to shovel it to catcher Alex Avila. It rolled away, Marson scored, and Cunningham took second.

Times wires
Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Phillies 7, Brewers 6

PHILADELPHIA — Hunter Pence singled in the go-ahead run after Carlos Ruiz hit a tying three-run double, and Philadelphia rallied with six runs in the eighth inning. A night earlier, the Phillies scored four in the ninth off Francisco Rodriguez to beat Milwaukee by the same score. The Brewers wasted a sensational outing by Zack Greinke.

Times wires
Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Athletics 7, Blue Jays 2

TORONTO — Yoenis Cespedes hit a bases-clearing single and Oakland won its season-best sixth game in a row. Derek Norris hit a two-run homer and Travis Blackley won his third straight decision as the Athletics improved to 15-2 in July. Oakland (52-44) is eight games over .500 for the first time since July 12, 2008. Travis Snider and J.P. Arencibia hit solo homers for Toronto, whose three-game winning streak ended.

Times wires
Tuesday, July 24, 2012

PITTSBURGH — The Pirates, a surprise contender for a playoff spot this season, bolstered their starting rotation by acquiring LHP Wandy Rodriguez from the Astros for three minor-leaguers.

The Pirates also got cash in the trade that was announced Tuesday night. Pittsburgh sent LHPs Rudy Owen and Colton Cain and OF Robbie Grossman to Houston.

"I feel happy and I feel a little bit bad," Rodriguez, 33, told Fox 26 Sports in Houston. "I've stayed in the Astros organization for many years. I feel good and bad, but I understand the situation because they want to play a lot of young guys."

Rodriguez told the station that it was difficult shaking hands with teammates during the game after the trade was announced.

"Oh my God, I was looking like I wanted to cry," he said. "I feel very bad.

"It's hard. It was an emotional time."

Hoping to make the playoffs for first time since 1992, Pirates general manger Neal Huntington improved one of the top pitching staffs in the National League with the acquisition of Rodriguez, who is 7-9 with a 3.79 ERA for the worst team in the major leagues.

Rodriguez has spent his entire eight-year career with the Astros. His overall record is 80-83 with a 4.04 ERA.

The Pirates began the night 1½ games behind the Reds in the NL Central and in the thick of the wild-card race.

KENDALL RETIRES: C Jason Kendall announced his retirement five days after signing with Double-A Northwest Arkansas, a Royals affiliate. Kendall, 38, was a three-time All-Star in 15 major-league seasons.

J. UPTON OFF MARKET?: Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick tried to put to rest the trade rumors swirling around RF Justin Upton, telling the Arizona Republic he will likely remain on the club the rest of the season. "I think we're better off with him on our team," Kendrick said. "I this whole thing has gotten way more attention than it deserves."

INDIANS-RED SOX TRADE: Cleveland acquired INF/OF Brent Lillibridge from Boston for minor-league RHP Jose De La Torre.

UMP ILL: The Dodgers and Cardinals began their game with a three-man umpire crew because Eric Cooper went out with an illness on a 103-degree day.

BLUE JAYS: OF Jose Bautista, out since July 16 with a sore left wrist, is recovering more quickly than expected and could swing a bat and hit off the tee soon.

CARDINALS: RHP Chris Carpenter expects to begin a rehab program next week after surgery to relieve nerve compression that left his arm and much of the right side of his body numb. … 1B Lance Berkman was taken out for a pinch-runner not long after getting hit by a pitch on his surgically repaired right knee in the third inning.

DODGERS: LHP Ted Lilly, on the 15-day disabled list since late May with shoulder inflammation, threw three 20-pitch simulated innings in the bullpen.

MARINERS: 1B Justin Smoak was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma after a 1-for-20 skid dropped his average to .189.

MARLINS: 3B Hanley Ramirez returned after missing four games with a hand infection and was dropped to the sixth spot in the lineup.

METS: Closer Frank Francisco had a minor-league rehab assignment delayed because of right knee discomfort. The right-hander has been out since June 23 with an oblique strain. … RF Lucas Duda was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo.

TWINS: 3B Trevor Plouffe was diagnosed with a bone bruise after being hit by a pitch on his right thumb and is day to day.

WHITE SOX: C A.J. Pierzynski was out of the lineup with a minor strain in his right oblique.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Rays at Orioles

When/where: 7:05 tonight; Camden Yards, Baltimore

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

Probable pitchers

Rays: LH David Price (13-4, 2.64)

ORIOLES: RH Miguel Gonzalez (2-1, 2.61)

On Price: The American League leader in wins has victories in five of his past six starts and pitched seven shutout innings last week against the Indians. He is 5-2 with a 2.58 ERA in 10 career starts against the Orioles.

On Gonzalez: He has won two of his past three starts, allowing two earned runs over 6 2/3 innings at Cleveland last week. He has held right-handed hitters to a .196 batting average.

Key matchups

Rays VS. GONZALEZ

None have faced

ORIOLES vs. PRICE

Adam Jones 4-for-23

Matt Wieters 7-for-21

Nick Markakis 8-for-26

On deck

Thursday: at Orioles, 12:35, Sun Sports. Rays — James Shields — (8-6, 4.39); O's — Chris Tillman (2-1, 1.15)

Friday: at Angels, 10:05, Sun Sports. Rays — Alex Cobb (4-7, 5.05); Angels — TBA

Saturday: at Angels, 9:05, Sun Sports. Rays — Matt Moore (6-7, 4.23); Angels — TBA

Rays disabled list

(with eligible-to-return date)

C Robinson Chirinos, concussion, 60-day, June 5

* OF Brandon Guyer, left shoulder surgery, 60-day, July 13

3B Evan Longoria, left hamstring tear, 60-day, June 30

RHP Jeff Niemann, right leg fracture, 60-day, July 14

* out for season

Joe Smith, Times staff writer

Sam sequel

With OF Sam Fuld returning from the disabled list Tuesday, manager Joe Maddon hopes he can provide a "sequel" to last season, when he became the "Legend of Sam Fuld." Maddon tried to think of a few titles for No. 2, with "On the Fuld Again," "Fuldfather Part II" and "Austin Powers' Fuldmember" his favorites.

Quote of the day

"Sam Fuld is the reason the Rays were the Rays last year. … He was our spark plug."

LHP David Price on what impact OF Sam Fuld's return could provide.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, July 24, 2012

BALTIMORE — Rays manager Joe Maddon said 3B Evan Longoria had an encouraging workout Tuesday at Camden Yards and is "closer than you think" to a rehab assignment.

Maddon said Longoria, out since May 1 with a partially torn left hamstring, will do another workout today and be re-evaluated, with the possibility a rehab assignment will start soon on this nine-game road trip. Maddon said the rehab stint would be 3-4 games maximum, as it appears Longoria can work his way back earlier as a DH.

"Are we over the hump yet? Not entirely," Maddon said. "But definitely optimistic."

Longoria's full workout Tuesday including running the bases, with Maddon saying he wasn't favoring his leg like before. Longoria had said making the backhand play on a grounder had been an issue, but Maddon said he did it successfully Tuesday.

"If you just came out and watched the whole workout, you'd say there's nothing wrong with this guy at all," Maddon said. "But of course there is."

Maddon said the rehab stint won't be long because "I don't think we're going to count on him playing defense or run a lot, more than just relying on the bat, so that can be a more controllable situation."

TRADE WINDS: The Rays acquired INF Ryan Roberts from the Diamondbacks on Tuesday night, giving them a potential fill-in for Longoria until he's ready to resume full-time duties at third base.

Tampa Bay sent Double-A INF Tyler Bortnick to Arizona for Roberts, 31, who will join the Rays today, when the team will need to make a corresponding move to make room.

Roberts, 31, designated for assignment by Arizona, has played parts of six-big league seasons and was batting .250 with six homers and 34 RBIs this season while playing second and third.

The Rays might not be done, as ESPN.com reported Tampa Bay and the Angels have discussed a deal involving RHP James Shields, which could bring CF Peter Bourjos and C Hank Conger in return.

IN THE FULD: OF Sam Fuld was activated from the disabled list to make his season debut, going 1-for-3 with a walk and bunt single while starting in leftfield.

Fuld, sidelined since having right wrist surgery the last week of spring training, said his timing felt right after he batted .161 in 10 rehab games with Class A Charlotte and Triple-A Durham.

"It was a slow process," he said. "But by the end, I felt ready to go."

The Rays will use Fuld as a fourth outfielder/pinch-hitter, with Maddon saying his biggest concern is how sharp he's going to be quickly. But he said there's no reason to believe Fuld, who made a huge impact last year with his defense and hitting early in the season, "can't replicate something along those lines."

To make room for Fuld on the 40-man roster, Longoria was transferred to the 60-day DL.

LINING UP: OF Desmond Jennings returned to the leadoff spot for the first time in about three weeks, going 1-for-5, and Maddon indicated he'll remain there. "I want to believe he's going to be back for good," he said. "I really do believe if we're going to the promised land this year, he has to be at the top of the batting order doing his thing." 1B Carlos Peña didn't start but entered in the seventh as a defensive replacement and went 0-for-1.

MEDICAL MATTERS: RHP Jeff Niemann (broken right fibula) felt great in his second bullpen session, mixing in his changeup in a 35-pitch session. He will throw another in a few days. … DH Luke Scott (right external oblique strain) is making good progress, though not hitting yet, and is still optimistic of a minimal DL stint.

MISCELLANY: OF Mikie Mahtook, a first-round Rays pick in June 2011, was promoted from Charlotte to Double-A Montgomery.

Times wires
Tuesday, July 24, 2012

NHL

PREDATORS MATCH OFFER FOR WEBER

PHILADELPHIA — Shea Weber can thank the Flyers for one of the richest and longest contracts in the NHL.

But the Predators will pick up the tab.

Small-market Nashville made the bold move Tuesday to match the staggering offer sheet made by the Flyers to keep the two-time Norris Trophy-nominated defenseman.

Nashville matched the $110 million over 14 years offered by the Flyers. Weber, 26, is the Predators' captain and played on a $7.5 million arbitrator's award last season. He had 19 goals and 49 points for a team that reached the second round of the playoffs.

Nashville already lost free-agent defenseman Ryan Suter to Minnesota this summer, and losing Weber would have been a blow to a defense-first team that had 104 points last season.

Philadelphia sought to a void left by defenseman Chris Pronger's absence.

HURRICANES: Jay Harrison signed a three-year extension worth $1.5 million a season starting in 2013-14. The defenseman is scheduled to make $750,000 this season. Carolina also signed former first-round draft pick Zach Boychuk for one year at $625,000 at the NHL level or $105,000 if he is sent to the minors.

LABOR: As negotiations resumed on a collective bargaining agreement, players union executive director Donald Fehr said the union was close to responding to the league's initial proposal. He said a response would likely be ready within two weeks.

NBA

Bulls don't match Rockets for Asik

The Rockets have their center of the immediate future. No, it's not Dwight Howard. Houston got Omer Asik of Turkey after the Bulls decided not to match a three-year, $25 million offer sheet. The 7-footer averaged 3.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and one block in 66 games last season.

SIGNINGS: The Hornets signed their two first-round picks. The No. 1 overall selection, center Anthony Davis, gets a three-year guaranteed deal worth just over $16 million, and guard Austin Rivers signed for $5.9 million guaranteed over three years.

TRADE: Minnesota acquired forward Dante Cunningham from Memphis for guard Wayne Ellington.

ET CETERA

ARENA LEAGUE: Storm receiver Joe Hill was named playmaker of the week. He had eight catches for 215 yards and three touchdowns in a season-ending loss at Spokane on Saturday.

SOCCER: The MLS All-Stars face European champion Chelsea tonight in Chester, Pa., just outside Philadelphia and the home of the MLS' Union.

TENNIS: Top seed Ksenia Pervak was carried off on a stretcher after collapsing from heat exhaustion in the third set Baku Cup in Azerbaijan. American Julia Cohen advanced.

Times wires

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, July 24, 2012

BALTIMORE — After starting his Rays tenure with a splash, infielder Brooks Conrad spent most of the past three weeks in a slump.

Conrad didn't get as many starts, and when he got into some key pinch-hitting situations, he struggled, entering Tuesday in a 1-for-18 skid, with 13 strikeouts.

"I was 1-for-something terrible," said Conrad, who was claimed off waivers from the Brewers on June 21. "Obviously I had some chances."

But Conrad made the most of his opportunity Tuesday night, delivering a go-ahead two-run homer with two outs in the fifth inning to lift the Rays to a 3-1 victory over the Orioles in front of 17,592 at Camden Yards.

Conrad's blast allowed right-hander Jeremy Hellickson to pick up his first win since May 16 and Tampa Bay (50-47) to start a big nine-game road trip against three wild-card contenders on the right foot.

"It was one of the more unexpected sources," manager Joe Maddon said of Conrad. "When they do step up like that it makes a huge difference."

Equally unexpected was how eventful the ninth inning was for All-Star closer Fernando Rodney, who has made most of his 28 saves relatively stress-free. But with one out, Rodney walked two — equaling his total from his previous 21 appearances combined — to bring the potential winning run to the plate in All-Star centerfielder Adam Jones. Rodney, who said he wasn't as sharp partly because he hadn't pitched since Friday, fell behind 3-and-0 to Jones before striking him out swinging on three consecutive changeups. He ended it by striking out Matt Wieters.

"Even if you know what is coming," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said, "it's still tough (to hit)."

Said Jones: "He went to the All-Star Game for a reason."

Maddon said Rodney's strikeout of Jones was "probably the biggest play of the night," but Hellickson made it all possible with an "outstanding" 61/3-inning performance. Maddon said Hellickson was more aggressive with his fastball and more judicious with his changeup, pitching a "brighter" game.

As a result, Hellickson (5-6) allowed just three hits and had his first outing without a walk since April 30.

"I've been saying, I've just got to get ahead of guys," he said. "And I did a good job of that."

Outfielder Sam Fuld, who was activated from the disabled list and made his season debut Tuesday, helped spark the Rays' go-ahead rally in the fifth. Fuld, who went 1-for-3 with a bunt single and a stolen base, worked a one-out walk. Conrad, coming up with two outs, fell behind 1-and-2 to lefty Wei-Yin Chen before ripping a slider into the leftfield seats.

It could be the last hit in Conrad's latest stint with the Rays, who need to make room for infielder Ryan Roberts, acquired Tuesday from the Diamondbacks. But it came at just the right time.

"It felt really good to do something offensively for the team," said Conrad, who has four RBIs in his past 17 games after getting five in his first three with the Rays. "We all know we can hit. It's coming."

Times wires
Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Reds 4, Astros 2

HOUSTON — Drew Stubbs hit a go-ahead homer as Cincinnati rallied for three runs in the ninth inning against Francisco Cordero and tied their longest winning streak of the year at six games. The NL Central-leading Reds sent Houston to its eighth straight loss. Cordero got his first save chance since being acquired in a trade with Toronto last week. Stubbs hit a two-run homer for a 3-2 lead.

Times wires
Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Red Sox 2, Rangers 1

ARLINGTON, Texas — Mike Aviles blooped a tiebreaking single in the ninth inning as Boston ended a four-game losing streak and got back to .500. Texas closer Joe Nathan issued two two-out walks in the ninth before Aviles singled just beyond the reach of shortstop Elvis Andrus. Red Sox reliever Vicente Padilla escaped a first-and-third jam in the eighth.

Times wires
Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Cardinals 8, Dodgers 2

ST. LOUIS — Adam Wainwright's first two RBIs of the season helped knock out Clayton Kershaw in the sixth inning in a game that began in 103-degree heat, and St. Louis ended Los Angeles' five-game winning streak. Wainwright was a career .223 hitter entering the season with five homers and 23 RBIs but was batting .079 (3-for-38) with three singles and 17 strikeouts this season.

Times wires
Wednesday, July 25, 2012

White Sox 11, Twins 4

CHICAGO — Adam Dunn tied it with his major league-leading 30th homer and Dayan Viciedo hit a two-run single to cap a four-run seventh as Chicago rallied and tied the Tigers for first place in the AL Central. Dunn hit a two-run homer off lefty Tyler Robertson to tie it at 4. Casey Fien relieved and loaded the bases ahead of Viciedo's single.

Times wires
Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Diamondbacks 6, Rockies 2

PHOENIX — Joe Saunders scattered three hits over seven innings and Chris Young homered to lead the Diamondbacks to their fifth straight win. Steven Drew and Willie Bloomquist added RBI doubles and Miguel Montero had a two-run single for the Diamondbacks, winners of eight in a row at home. Young also singled, walked twice, stole a base and scored a pair of runs.

Times wires
Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Royals 4, Angels 1

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Will Smith pitched two-hit ball over seven innings in the longest of his five major league starts and Lorenzo Cain hit a two-run homer in the first for the Royals. Smith beat the club that drafted him in 2007 and traded him to Kansas City in 2010. The only hits against the 23-year-old left-hander came in the first inning. Jonathan Broxton allowed two singles during a scoreless ninth for his 23rd save in 27 chances this season.

Times wires
Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Giants 3, Padres 2

SAN FRANCISCO — Brandon Crawford singled home the winning run in the ninth as the Giants improved to 9-2 since the All-Star break. Brandon Belt walked to open the ninth and Angel Pagan singled. Both runners moved up on a wild pitch ahead of Crawford's single against Joe Thatcher. Santiago Casilla pitched the ninth for the win. The Padres have lost 17 of their past 22 against the Giants.

Times wires
Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Mariners 4, Yankees 2

SEATTLE — Alex Rodriguez broke his left hand after being hit by a pitch from Felix Hernandez in the eighth inning. Rodriguez was the third player to be hit by a pitch from Hernandez. He immediately fell, wincing in pain, and was removed from the game. The Yankees said A-Rod had a non-displaced fracture of the left hand, and there was no timetable for his return.