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Tampa Bay Storm to hold open tryouts again

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By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, April 6, 2011

TAMPA — Dave Ewart promised some personnel changes after the Storm's 54-30 loss Friday to division rival Jacksonville. So the first-year Storm coach is holding an open casting call hoping to find help.

The Storm (1-3), on its bye week before traveling to face Philadelphia on April 15, will hold an open tryout Saturday at the Larry Sanders Progress Village Sports Complex in Tampa.

"We've never held an open tryout during the season before," Ewart said. "But with the bye week it came at a good time. Bottom line is we need to find some guys."

The Storm's preseason open tryout turned out to be fruitful, producing two players who are getting considerable playing time. Former Boca Ciega High standout Michael Lindsey and former Gator Wondy Pierre-Louis were both spotted then. Lindsey is leading the league in kickoff-return average (27.1 yards per game) and kick returns for touchdowns (three), while Pierre-Louis intercepted his first pass last week.

"It's hard to just find guys," Ewart said. "But we're looking for ones like Mike."

Ewart hopes to bolster his list of available players who can compete at the Arena Football League level. With a roster of 24, injuries sometimes make it difficult to practice. In the AFL, players can be brought in on a two-day waiver to work out in hopes of earning a contract.

Help on the Way? The Storm released defensive backs Kreg Brown (Admiral Farragut) and Ken Heatly (Boca Ciega) on Wednesday. Heatly was previously on injured reserve, meaning the Storm has one free roster spot. That slot may be filled by former Storm defensive lineman Tim McGill, who was suspended by the league for the first four weeks of this season. According to league officials, McGill was suspended for violating his AFL player contract. McGill recorded four sacks last season.

Injuries: Linebacker Eric Ortiz, who dislocated his elbow in the season-opening win at New Orleans, is eligible to come off injured reserve next week, and Ewart said Ortiz "should be ready to go" against Philadelphia. Richard Clebert's status for the Soul game remains uncertain after the former USF defensive lineman sprained his knee in practice last week and missed the Jacksonville game.


Blue Jays 5, Athletics 3

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Times wires
Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Blue Jays 5, Athletics 3

TORONTO — Travis Snider hit a three-run home run and Yunel Escobar had three hits before leaving with an injury, lifting the Blue Jays. Former Dixie Hollins standout Jesse Litsch pitched 61/3 innings for his first win since July 20. He missed the end of last season after having hip surgery. Escobar was shaken up after sliding face first into third baseman Andy LaRoche's leg on a triple in the sixth. He left in the seventh after complaining of dizziness.

Reds 12, Astros 4

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Times wires
Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Reds 12, Astros 4

CINCINNATI — Brandon Phillips and Paul Janish had three hits apiece, and the Reds overcame a four-run deficit and remained the NL's only unbeaten team. Cincinnati is 5-0 for the first time since 1990, when it won its last World Series championship. The Astros scored four in the first then fell apart, committing a season-high five errors.

Phillies 10, Mets 7

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Times wires
Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Phillies 10, Mets 7

PHILADELPHIA — Ryan Howard tied a career high with four hits and fell a triple short of the cycle, Ben Francisco also homered and the Phillies bounced back after wasting a 7-0 lead. Placido Polanco had a go-ahead single in the fifth, helping the four-time NL East champions overcome a rough start by Joe Blanton.

Tigers 7, Orioles 3

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Times wires
Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Tigers 7, Orioles 3

BALTIMORE — Alex Avila homered and had a career-high five RBIs to back an effective performance by Justin Verlander, and the Tigers ended the Orioles' unbeaten run. Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez also connected for Detroit, which became the first team this season to score more than one run against Baltimore. The Orioles were trying to match the franchise-record 5-0 start of the 1970 World Series champions.

Rockies 7, Dodgers 5

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Times wires
Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Rockies 7, Dodgers 5

DENVER — Todd Helton and Troy Tulowitzki homered to lead the Rockies to a two-game sweep. Helton's three-run homer off Chad Billingsley gave Colorado a 5-4 lead in the third. Tulowitzki went deep for the second straight day, sending Blake Hawksworth's pitch into the leftfield bleachers an inning later for a two-run shot that made it 7-4.

Lockout ruling won't come soon

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Times wires
Wednesday, April 6, 2011

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The judge hearing the players' request to lift the lockout said it will take "a couple of weeks" to rule.

U.S. District Court Judge Susan Richard Nelson, who also urged both sides to get back to the bargaining table, heard arguments Wednesday.

"It seems to me both sides are at risk and this is a very good time for you to come back to the table," Nelson said.

The players say their careers are being irreparably harmed by the lockout. The owners say Nelson doesn't have the jurisdiction while their complaint is before the National Labor Relations Board.

The lockout was imposed by the owners after negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement broke off March 11.

When Nelson rules, she could side with the players, putting the NFL back in business. Or she could side with the owners and either deny the request or wait to decide until the NLRB rules on the league's contention that decertification of the union was an improper bargaining ploy.

Sears case: Former Bucs guard Arron Sears, jailed since Feb. 2 on a charge of battery on a law enforcement officer, was released and his case closed after he entered a mental health diversion program. If he completes the 18-month program, the charge will be dropped. Sears, 26, has been hospitalized on multiple occasions over the past year under the Baker Act, which permits police to take persons into custody who are believed to be mentally unstable or a danger to themselves. The alleged battery happened in June at Tampa General Hospital on one occasion.

Taylor case: Reporters and cameras will be barred from an evidence hearing in the case against four men accused of killing former Redskins safety Sean Taylor in 2007, a judge ruled. Defense attorneys argued the hearing, on alleging confessions and incriminating statements, should be closed so prospective jurors weren't exposed.

Titans: A lawsuit against the University of Southern California was settled. Terms weren't disclosed. The team sued after USC hired running backs coach Kennedy Pola off the Titans staff a week before 2010 training camp.

Times staff writer Stephen F. Holder contributed to this report.

Giants 8, Padres 4

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Times wires
Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Giants 8, Padres 4

SAN DIEGO — Tim Lincecum struck out 13 in seven innings to lead the Giants. Lincecum left with an 8-1 lead. Closer Brian Wilson, activated from the 15-day disabled list before the game, pitched the ninth in a non-save situation, allowing three runs on two infield singles and a walk.


Hurricanes get huge two points

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Wednesday, April 6, 2011

at 'Canes0213
Red Wings0000
RALEIGH, N.C. — Cam Ward figured out how to stop the Red Wings at just the right time.

Facing a virtual must-win situation to keep his team alive for a playoff spot, Ward made 42 saves to lead Carolina past Detroit 3-0 on Wednesday.

"We refused to give up," said Ward, who entered 0-3 with a 3.35 goals-against average against Detroit.

Jeff Skinner and Derek Joslin scored in the second period and Erik Cole in the third for the Hurricanes, who beat the Red Wings for the first time since 2006, the year they won the Stanley Cup. Carolina has won seven of nine to remain in the hunt for its second postseason berth since that championship season.

"I think we're really coming into our own, playing good five-man hockey," said captain Eric Staal, who had three assists. "It's the time of year when you've got to have your game going to get into the playoffs. We like to think we're right there."

The Hurricanes need help to get where they want to be. The clearest path requires them to win both of their final games and the Rangers, in eighth, lose one of their last two.

"It's a lot of emotions when you get down to this time of year," Skinner said. "It's exciting to come to the rink and have a chance. That's all you can ask for."

Ward recorded his fourth shutout. His best sequence might have come when he made two saves — with defenseman Tim Gleason blocking another puck — during an early rapid-fire pileup in front of the net.

"A couple good point-blank saves on a few of us that turned the game and kept the game tight and in their favor," Detroit center Mike Modano said.

The highlight of the night came on Skinner's goal, his fourth in five games. Staal unloaded a slap shot that bounced off goalie Jimmy Howard's pads. Skinner scooped up the puck near the right post, wrapped it around and tucked it between the left post and Howard's glove to make it 2-0 with 1:13 left in the second.

"The (goal) … killed us, kind of put a knife in us," Detroit coach Mike Babcock said.

Game highlights: Alex Ovechkin had two assists and an empty-net goal to lead the host Capitals past the Panthers 5-2. Washington needs one point in its finale, Saturday at Florida, or one Philadelphia loss to earn the Eastern Conference's top seed. … Dennis Seidenberg and Gregory Campbell scored in 1:18 in the second to help the host Bruins beat the Islanders 3-2. Boston, 6-2-1 over its past nine, still can earn the No. 2 seed in the East.

Around the league: Detroit wing Henrik Zetterberg, eighth in the league with 80 points (24 goals, 56 assists), sustained a lower-body injury against Carolina. Coach Mike Babcock said only he "got his leg tangled up with someone" and will be evaluated today. … The Capitals said defenseman Mike Green, out 19 games with a concussion, likely will play in Saturday's regular-season finale. … Devils wing Zach Parise missed his second straight game. He returned Saturday after missing about four months for right knee surgery and was rested Tuesday. No reason was given for Wednesday's absence. … Flyers goalie Michael Leighton cleared re-entry waivers and was recalled from the AHL. Leighton, who went 8-3 with three shutouts during last season's playoffs, will back up Sergei Bobrovsky and Brian Boucher.

at 'Canes0213
Red Wings0000

First PeriodNone. PenaltiesAbdelkader, Det (tripping), 4:08; E.Staal, Car (slashing), 12:18; Ericsson, Det (tripping), 17:30.

Second Period1, Carolina, Joslin 2 (Stillman, E.Staal), 4:04 (pp). 2, Carolina, Skinner 30 (E.Staal), 18:47. PenaltiesAbdelkader, Det (holding), 3:31.

Third Period3, Carolina, Cole 25 (E.Staal), 5:44. PenaltiesBowman, Car, double minor (high-sticking), 1:36; Modano, Det (high-sticking), 8:32. Shots on GoalDetroit 18-11-13—42. Carolina 15-9-8—32. Power-play opportunitiesDetroit 0 of 3; Carolina 1 of 4. GoaliesDetroit, Howard 36-16-5 (32 shots-29 saves). Carolina, Ward 36-25-10 (42-42). A17,602 (18,680).

at Capitals2125
Panthers0022

First Period1, Washington, Knuble 24 (Laich, Ovechkin), 1:20 (pp). 2, Washington, Chimera 10 (Backstrom, Laich), 19:23 (pp). PenaltiesWeaver, Fla (tripping), :57; Sloan, Was (holding), 5:59; Laich, Was (holding stick), 10:32; Carter, Fla (boarding), 17:11; Hendricks, Was (roughing), 17:11; Booth, Fla (hooking), 18:16.

Second Period3, Washington, Collins 1 (Ovechkin), 11:42. PenaltiesRepik, Fla (tripping), 3:54; Santorelli, Fla (interference), 16:04; Knuble, Was (high-sticking), 16:51.

Third Period4, Washington, Hendricks 9 (B.Gordon, Schultz), 6:37. 5, Florida, Booth 23 (Samsonov, Wilson), 13:44 (pp). 6, Florida, Santorelli 19 (Samsonov, Reasoner), 18:29. 7, Washington, Ovechkin 32 (Backstrom), 19:48 (en). PenaltiesB.Gordon, Was (delay of game), 12:48. Shots on GoalFlorida 18-8-7—33. Washington 6-10-9—25. Power-play opportunitiesFlorida 1 of 4; Washington 2 of 4. GoaliesFlorida, Clemmensen 8-10-7 (24 shots-20 saves). Washington, Varlamov 11-9-5 (33-31). A18,398 (18,398).

at Bruins1203
Islanders0202

First Period1, Boston, Thornton 10 (Paille, Campbell), 19:59. PenaltiesGillies, NYI (roughing), 7:03; Tavares, NYI (hooking), 7:03.

Second Period2, N.Y. Islanders, Grabner 32 (Comeau, DiPietro), 3:24 (pp). 3, Boston, Seidenberg 7 (Kelly, Peverley), 7:51. 4, Boston, Campbell 13 (McQuaid, Kaberle), 9:09. 5, N.Y. Islanders, Grabner 33 (Bailey, Wishart), 14:26 (sh). PenaltiesPeverley, Bos (tripping), 1:52; Gillies, NYI (high-sticking), 5:34; Parenteau, NYI (roughing), 8:04; Chara, Bos (roughing), 8:04; Okposo, NYI (high-sticking), 14:05.

Third PeriodNone. PenaltiesCampanale, NYI (delay of game), 8:34; Boychuk, Bos (roughing), 14:27. Shots on GoalN.Y. Islanders 14-14-4—32. Boston 15-10-8—33. Power-play opportunitiesN.Y. Islanders 1 of 2; Boston 0 of 5. GoaliesN.Y. Islanders, DiPietro 8-13-4 (33 shots-30 saves). Boston, Thomas 34-11-9 (32-30). A17,565 (17,565).

at Devils1214
Maple Leafs0022

First Period1, New Jersey, Kovalchuk 30 (Josefson, Fayne), 13:47 (pp). PenaltiesCrabb, Tor (boarding), 11:54.

Second Period2, New Jersey, Tedenby 8 (Kovalchuk, Elias), 14:29. 3, New Jersey, Tallinder 5 (Mair, Pelley), 15:34. PenaltiesToronto bench, served by MacArthur (too many men), 19:39.

Third Period4, Toronto, Kessel 31 (Lupul, Lashoff), 6:18 (pp). 5, Toronto, Bozak 15, 12:42 (sh). 6, New Jersey, Elias 20, 19:50 (en). PenaltiesAulie, Tor (cross-checking), 1:47; Josefson, NJ (holding), 5:05; Kulemin, Tor (interference), 11:02; Phaneuf, Tor (elbowing), 12:34. Shots on GoalToronto 11-6-7—24. New Jersey 11-10-12—33. Power-play opportunitiesToronto 1 of 1; New Jersey 1 of 5. GoaliesToronto, Reimer 20-9-5 (21 shots-18 saves), Giguere (0:00 third, 11-11). New Jersey, Brodeur 23-25-3 (24-22). A14,207 (17,625).

Playoff chase

With nonshootout wins (first tiebreaker in determining final playoff spots) and games left. Division winners get top three seeds:

East Pts. Wins GR

1. Capitals-y107431

2. Flyers-x103 43 2

3. Bruins-y 101432

4. Penguins-x102 38 2

5. Lightning-x99 38 2

6. Canadiens-x93 40 2

7. Sabres92 36 2

8. Rangers 91 34 2

9. Hurricanes 89342

West Pts. Wins GR

1. Canucks-p113 48 2

2. Sharks-y * 103 42 3

3. Red Wings-y 102 42 2

4. Predators97 37 2

5. Coyotes * 96 37 3

6. Kings * 96 36 3

7. Ducks * 93 40 3

8. Blackhawks *93 36 3

9. Stars91 35 3

10. Flames * 91 31 2

p-Clinched Presidents' Trophy

y-Clinched division x-Clinched playoffs

* Late game

Baffling Bosox remain winless

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Times wires
Wednesday, April 6, 2011

CLEVELAND — Asdrubal Cabrera had four RBIs, Shin-Soo Choo hit a two-run homer and the Indians kept the built-to-win Red Sox winless on Wednesday night with an 8-4 victory that dropped one of baseball's big spenders to 0-5.

Boston is off to its worst start since 1996. The Indians have won three straight.

Cabrera hit a three-run homer off former Rays reliever Dan Wheeler to cap a strange sixth, when mistakes on the mound and in the field cost the Red Sox four runs.

Dennys Reyes, on for starter Daisuke Matsuzaka, hit the first two batters and walked a third, forcing manager Terry Francona to make another switch. Wheeler got Michael Brantley to line to third, where Kevin Youkilis dropped the ball.

Youkilis recovered, stepped on the bag and threw home to veteran catcher Jason Varitek, who touched the plate but didn't realize the force was off, allowing Travis Buck to score. Cabrera then belted a homer to right for a 7-2 lead.

Brewers 5, Braves 4

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Times wires
Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Brewers 5, Braves 4

MILWAUKEE — Prince Fielder drove in his first three runs this season and scored two to lead the Brewers. Fielder had been 0-for-11 when he singled in two runs with the bases loaded in the first against Mike Minor. Fielder scored in the fourth on Yuniesky Betancourt's double, hit an RBI single off Minor in the fifth and scored later that inning on a close play at the plate.

Baseball: Clearwater Central Catholic tops district rival Tampa Catholic 7-5

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By Basil Spyridakos, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, April 6, 2011

CLEARWATER — Clearwater Central Catholic scored early then survived a late scare to defeat Class 3A, District 10 rival Tampa Catholic 7-5 Wednesday.

The Crusaders scored in the top of the first inning on a first-and-third double steal, with Nick Perez sliding home.

But Tampa Catholic starter Nick Sucarichi was shaky, throwing 56 pitches through 2 1/3 innings, allowing five earned runs on four hits with five walks.

After back-to-back walks in the second inning, CCC's Steven Arrango and Eric Simone followed with RBI singles.

"We were opportunistic on offense, and we got the hits when we needed it," CCC coach Todd Vaughan said. "We had the opportunities to score more runs and we didn't do that, and that's something we need to improve on."

CCC (13-7, 4-2) widened its lead to 5-1 on Carter Cashman's three-run homer to leftfield.

"I was looking fastball and he threw me fastball, so I crushed it," Cashman said.

Tampa Catholic (8-10, 3-2) scored once in the fourth, but CCC's Jeff Campbell drove in two with a bases-loaded double in the bottom half of the inning.

Campbell was solid on the mound, going four innings and allowing three earned runs on six hits with only one walk.

"I don't like to walk people, and it's kind of Coach's thing where he doesn't like walks," Campbell said.

The Crusaders scored twice in the fifth and once more in the seventh. With two outs and the tying run at the plate, reliever Charlie Lamar struck out Gio Marrero to preserve the victory.

Captains corner: Dodge the wind and seek out clean water

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By Jackie Otto, Times Correspondent
Thursday, April 7, 2011

What's hot: Wind and severe thunderstorms had kicked up the waters to create a muddy mess just offshore, chasing the kingfish and mackerel to deeper, cleaner waters. For a few days we had good-sized kingfish reports from local fishing piers along the gulf. These fish follow the large bait schools, and when the water gets cloudy the bait disappears.

Fishing inshore allows anglers to hide from the wind in pursuit of redfish and trout. The inshore water temperature has warmed, and trout have gone for deeper water. Fish canals, grass flat edges and white sandy patches for greater numbers of trout. Redfish are still available on strong outgoing tides near oyster bars and the mouth of creeks along Tampa Bay's shoreline. Good numbers of snook are being caught when bait can be found to entice a feeding frenzy.

Techniques: For kingfish and mackerel, choose good tidal movement and a day without wind; look for birds diving on bait pods and travel just offshore to find clean water. Pinellas County Reef as well as the Rube Allen and Betty Rose artificial reefs are all great places to anchor and chum for kings and mackerel.

Inshore, try the leeward (not windy) side of islands, seawalls and creeks if possible. Look for good tidal movement; strong outgoing tides will have redfish, snook and trout waiting for a tasty bait. Shrimp is a good option if whitebait is not readily available.

Tips: Always watch the weather before and during a trip on the water. High winds can be dangerous; no fish is worth risking harm to yourself or your equipment.

Stay inshore on questionable weather days so you are close to the boat ramps in case you need to make a quick exit or find shelter.

Jackie Otto can be reached at Betts Fishing Center at (727) 518-7637 or jackieotto@msn.com.

Two from Dragon's Dojo in Spring Hill win gold at tournament

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By Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Thursday, April 7, 2011

Dragon's Dojo in Spring Hill emerged with two top competitors at last weekend's 2011 USA Tae Kwon Do State Championships in Sarasota.

The tournament was governed by the World Tae Kwon Do Federation, and it was the first time the local academy has competed under the organization.

Carlos Carasquillo and William Schook took home gold medals in their respective divisions. Carasquillo, 16, competed in the 78.1 kilogram black belt division and was barely challenged on his way to the title. Schook, 14, rolled through the 70.1-78.0 kilogram black belt division for his gold.

BRITISH SOCCER CAMP: The First Hernando Youth Soccer Club has teamed up with Challenger Sports, the top soccer club in the United States and Canada, to host a weeklong British soccer camp July 18-22 at Anderson Snow Park in Spring Hill.

Each child will work with a member of the team of more than 1,000 British coaches flown to the United States exclusively to work with these programs. Challenger Sports will hold more than 3,000 camps this summer and coach more than 120,000 children between the ages of 3 and 19.

Space is limited, and parents are encouraged to register their kids as soon as possible. To attend for a half day from 9 a.m. to noon, the cost is $117 for the week for ages 5 to 18. For a full day, the fee is $165 for ages 10 to 18. Goalkeepers ages 10 to 18 can attend from 5 to 8 p.m. for a cost of $117.

Each camper will receive a T-shirt, soccer ball, poster and personalized skills evaluation.

For information, call Robert Andreu at (813) 283-4523 or send e-mail to robertandreu@ bellsouth.net. To register, visit challengersports.com.

FLAG FOOTBALL: The Hernando County Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a men's four-on-four flag football league at Delta Woods Park in Spring Hill starting April 29.

The league is open to men ages 18 and up. Rosters need a minimum of six players; the cost is $275 per team. Games will be played on Friday nights at the park on Deltona Boulevard. Players need to bring their own flag belts.

For information, call Harry Johnson at (352) 540-6356 or (352) 754-4031.

DUNES WOMEN'S GOLF: The Dunes Women's Golf League had its 2011 club championship over the past three weeks, with 40 of 80 eligible players competing.

Barb Breesman was crowned club champion, based on the best two out of three scores.

There were four flights of golfers. Judy Procious (169) had the lowest gross score in Flight 1, with Hazel Mazzuco (147) carding the lowest net score. In Flight 2, Arista Nolff (179) led the way with the low gross score, while Jackie McDonald (145) finished with the low net score. Flight 3's leaders were Sue Um (184) for low gross and Pat Milburn (145) for low net. The final flight leaders were Elaine Phillips (196) and Jean Berezuk (146).

The Dunes Women's League is open to any golfer 18 or older with a USGA handicap index of 38.7 or lower. The group plays a variety of games and tournaments at 8:30 a.m. on Thursdays. Members also participate in two travel leagues each spring/summer.

For information, call Karen Berch at (352) 382-2867.

KIWANIS GOLF: The Brooksville Country Club at Majestic Oaks is hosting the 41st annual Brooksville Kiwanis Golf Invitational on June 1.

The cost is $75 per golfer, which includes golf, cart, dinner and prizes. The shotgun start is set for 1 p.m. The format of the tournament is a four-man scramble. First-come, first-served. The registration deadline is May 20.

Cash prizes, door prizes and prizes for closest to the pin and longest drive will be awarded. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

For information, call Barbara Hitzemann at (352) 442-3412 or visit kiwanisclubofbrooksville.org.

SOUTHERN HILLS 5K: The fourth annual Run through the Hills 5K at Southern Hills Plantation Club in Brooksville will be Saturday.

The goal is to raise money for the Dawn Center and increase awareness about domestic violence. All registration proceeds go to the Dawn Center and the Red Mule Runner's Club Scholarship Fund.

The race will begin at 8 a.m.; a Smile Mile Fun Run will begin at 8:45 a.m. Registration will open at 7 a.m. Entry fees are $20 in advance for the 5K or $25 on race day, and $15 in advance for the fun run or $20 on race day. A T-shirt is guaranteed to everyone who preregisters. Online registration is available at raceit.com or redmulerunners.com.

For information, call Pamela Poisson at (352) 585-2813 or Chuck Boldt at (352) 688-6484.

FASTPITCH SOFTBALL LESSONS: The Hernando County Recreation Department is offering private fastpitch softball lessons at Anderson Snow Park in Spring Hill.

The lessons are available for players ages 7 to 16. April Pelham, a certified Florida fastpitch instructor, will lead all instruction.

Lessons for hitting or catching are $20 for 30 minutes; lessons for fielding or throwing are $15 for 30 minutes. Pitching lessons are available for $20 for 30 minutes, $25 for 45 minutes or $40 for one hour.

For information, contact Penny Oliver at (352) 754-4031 or pennyo@hernandocounty.us.

TENNIS LESSONS: The Hernando County Recreation Department is offering tennis lessons at Delta Woods Park in Spring Hill.

The clinics are open to all ages and skill levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. Private and group lessons are available. Every lesson will be led by a certified instructor.

The cost is $10 for one hour of group lessons and $30 for one hour of private lessons.

For information, contact Penny Oliver at (352) 754-4031 or pennyo@hernandocounty.us.

To notify us of community sports achievements or coming events, contact Derek J. LaRiviere at derekjlariviere@gmail.com or (352) 584-6337.

Chicago White Sox 5, Tampa Bay Rays 1

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, April 7, 2011

CHICAGO — Manager Joe Maddon isn't going to scream or rant or start throwing things around the Rays clubhouse, because that's not his way. "If I thought it would matter or make a difference, I would," Maddon said, "but if that's all it ever took, it would be way too easy."

And there isn't much maneuvering he can do with the lineup. Not when there's B.J. Upton and Sam Fuld hitting, and 11 other guys, well, politely, not for a combined .145 team average that is, by far, the worst in the majors.

So as their season-starting losing streak extended to six games with Thursday's 5-1 loss to the White Sox, all the Rays figure they can do is go back out again today and keep trying — harder, easier, differently, you pick — and keep talking about keeping things together before they fall apart.

Left-hander David Price discussed how "terrible" their 0-6 start was and how "miserable" they felt about it.

Centerfielder Upton admitted they were getting a "little frustrated" and, in essence, "it can't get much worse than it is right now."

Even Maddon, who is perpetually positive, acknowledged how "abnormally weird" and "absurd" to imagine them hitting so poorly.

But it was the words spoken by Johnny Damon as he led a brief players-only postgame meeting that they hope meant the most.

"We just talked amongst ourselves to make sure we stay together," Damon said. "This is not what we envisioned where we were going to be at this point. We can either sulk about it or embrace it and say, 'We have to get better.'

"We have to forget about all this that happened — 0-6, it stinks, we hate to be in this position, but it's not the end of the world. We know we have to go out and start winning games. And we feel like once we do and once we get that and try not to put so much pressure on ourselves, we can start to roll. And we keep saying hopefully sooner than later.

"We're in this together. There's not going to be any separation of why aren't the hitters hitting. No, we're together in this. We're 0-6 together. And now it's time for us to win some games together."

Of course, tonight won't be soon enough, as they became just the 46th team since 1900 to start a season 0-6 (following the Red Sox, who became the 45th earlier Thursday) and have looked so bad in doing so.

Their eight runs total through the six games are the fifth fewest by a team in more than 60 years. They're the first team since the 1992 Tigers not to hold a lead in one inning this far into a season. They've had one inning when they scored more than one run (a two-run homer by Upton) and four innings when they've gotten more than one hit (including the eighth and ninth Thursday).

Oh, and that .145 team average? It's percentage points less than what National League pitchers are hitting.

"You could go into some slumps or dives or whatever and not hit the ball well," Maddon said, "but one run all the time is kind of hard to cope with."

Making it tougher Thursday was the weather, a jolting 39 degrees on a damp and dreary Chicago afternoon. And making that even tougher was batting against former teammate Edwin Jackson, who was sharper Thursday (13 strikeouts, four hits over eight innings) than when they last faced him, which happened to be a June 2010 no-hitter.

"For sure," Upton said.

The Rays have been shocked, of course, at how bad their offense has been. Even more, stunned as to how it has happened, with so many hitters so cold and none seemingly getting any breaks, such as Damon's eighth-inning drive to right — which even Jackson thought was a tying two-run homer — dying at the warning track.

"That's how it's been going for us," Damon said. "I don't think we've got a bloop hit or a broken-bat hit. There's been nothing like that. … You just never see that."

The only solace, and granted it isn't much, for the Rays is they are not the only AL East contender at 0-6.

"We're definitely neck and neck with the Red Sox right now," Maddon said.

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


Johnny Damon leads Tampa Bay Rays' players-only meeting after sixth straight loss

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, April 7, 2011

Veteran outfielder Johnny Damon led a brief, players-only meeting this afternoon after a 5-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox extended the Tampa Bay Rays' season-opening losing streak to six games.

Damon didn't talk for long, and he wasn't the only one, as Felipe Lopez also spoke up, in stressing to the others to stay positive.

"It's real miserable because we feel like our pitchers have been doing a good-enough job to get victories,'' Damon said. "We did have a little talk after, the players, and commended the pitchers for doing this. I've never seen six guys as cold as we've been doing (not counting Sam Fuld, B.J. Upton and Ben Zobrist). ... You just never see that. I don't think we've got a bloop hit or a broken bat hit. There's been nothing like that.''

Outdoors news and notes

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By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, April 7, 2011

Sailing

Rough Waters end Rainbow Regatta Early

Rita Steel led a trio of sailors from the Luffing Lassies of Sarasota to victory Wednesday in the Sunfish class at the 37th annual Florida Women's Sailing Association's Rainbow Regatta at the St. Petersburg Sailing Center and hosted by the hosted by the Salty Sisters of St. Petersburg Yacht Club.

Steel was followed by Ursula Olsen and Nanette Reuss in the only sunfish race that was completed. The 11-mph winds were steady but combined with an incoming tide to make sailing difficult, so all the pram races were cancelled due to the number of boats capsizing in the waves.

The objective of the FWSA is to encourage education and fellowship in all things nautical between member clubs. Five other state clubs were represented: Bitter Ends of Venice, T.I. Tackers of Treasure Island, Dinghy Dames of Davis Island, Mainsheet Mamas of Tampa and Windlasses of Dunedin.

Things to Do

Biking, learning, more sailing

• The Trek Bicycle Store of St. Petersburg will host the St. Pete Bike n' Eat on April 23; a free restaurant tour by bicycle. Starts at the Trek Store (3169 Fourth St. N) at 3 p.m. and ends at Harvey's 4th Street Grill at 6 p.m. For information, call (727) 498-8655.

• The Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (100 Eighth Ave. SE, St. Petersburg) will host MarineQuest 2011 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 30. Through more than 60 exhibits, visitors can explore the world of science for free at the FWRI headquarters. For information, visit www.myfwc.com/research.

• The Clark Mills Sailing Regatta in the gulf and Clearwater Bay will be April 30-May 1. The Clearwater Yacht Club and Clearwater Community Sailing Center are co-hosting the regatta, which expects 100 sailors in the Opti Prams (designed by Clearwater's Clark Mills), Windmills, Lasers, and 420s. For information, call (727) 447-6000.

Rodney Page, Times staff writer

Florida Powerboat Club Poker Run schedule

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By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors Editor
Thursday, April 7, 2011

. fast facts

Powerboat runs

The Florida Powerboat Club runs events from January to November. The Tampa Bay Poker Run was won by seven-year club veteran Gabriele Jasper in his 2,150-horsepower V-bottom named Sollievo. To learn more about poker runs, call (954) 545-1414 or go to www.flpowerboat.com.

April 29-May 1: Naples

May 20-22: Panama City

June 9-11: Jacksonville

June 17-19: Miami

July 21-26: Bimini, Bahamas

Aug. 10-14: Destin-Fort Walton Beach

Sept. 23-25: Fort Lauderdale to Bimini

Oct. 29: Fort Lauderdale Boat Show Bash

Nov. 8-15: Miami to Key West

Poker run boaters not bluffing about speed

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By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors Editor
Thursday, April 7, 2011

On a picture-perfect Saturday morning in April, several dozen million-dollar boats crowded the docks at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort in downtown St. Petersburg.

But these weren't your typical cruisers, sport fishermen and luxury yachts. They were high-performance crafts — so-called "go-fast boats" — some capable of speeds in excess of 100 mph.

There were V-bottoms and catamarans, twin-engine beasts, better suited for the race course than the tranquil waters of Tampa Bay.

Indeed, many of these boats had made their mark in offshore racing and were now retired and retrofitted to accommodate passengers in addition to the traditional driver and throttleman.

"Isn't this great?" asked Michael Allweiss, a St. Petersburg attorney and former powerboat racer, as he climbed behind the wheel of his 38-foot Donzi to participate in the Florida Powerboat Club's first Tampa Bay Poker Run. "It makes me wish I was racing again."

Allweiss and his former racing partner, Adib Mastry, were among the more than 40 crews that turned out Saturday for what organizers hope will become a regular event in Tampa Bay. Each boat paid an entry fee of $695 for a shot at winning $2,500 in cash and prizes.

In a typical poker run, participants start off with a playing card and a map that shows the locations of stops where additional cards can be obtained. At the end of the day, the boat with the best poker hand wins.

Saturday's poker run began at the Vinoy and headed to Egmont Key, where boaters picked up their second card.

Best of the best

Stew Jones, who founded the Florida Powerboat Club in 1993 to promote events such as this, calls the Sunshine State the "Boating Capital of the World."

"You won't find a better place to boat," said Jones, who has about 500 members in his Pompano Beach-based club. "We have thousands of miles of coastline, the Intracoastal Waterway, great bays, rivers and lakes … but the best part is that we can boat year-round. We don't have to wait till the ice clears."

Florida has more registered boats (974,553 in 2008, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics) than any other state in the country. But there is no way to count the thousands of out-of-state boaters who visit Florida on a seasonal basis.

Ask any hard-core boater, and Saturday had its share of die-hard enthusiasts, to name their favorite Florida boating destination and you get a variety of answers. Some like Miami's turquoise-blue waters, others the Florida Keys, and then there are those who prefer the Panhandle with its sugar-sand beaches.

But Allweiss and Mastry will tell you that Tampa Bay is the best place to boat in a state without any bad places to boat.

"If it is rough in the gulf, you can boat in the bay," said Mastry, a St. Petersburg native who co-owns the Mastry Engine Center. "When it is nice and calm in the gulf you can go pretty much anywhere you want. But over on the East Coast, when it gets rough, forget it. You'll never even make it outside."

The key to the bay

Passing beneath the Sunshine Skyway Bridge with Egmont Key straight ahead, I have to agree with my companions. There is no prettier place to boat, sail or paddle than this stretch of water at the mouth of Tampa Bay.

Egmont Key, an island fortress that was once a Union naval base during the Civil War, is one of the most popular boating destinations on the west coast of Florida. Since 1974, the key has served as a national wildlife sanctuary, providing a crucial nesting area for loggerhead sea turtles and numerous threatened and endangered migratory shorebirds.

But the leeward side of this 400-acre island has a mooring area, and on a beautiful spring afternoon, it is not unusual to find dozens of pleasure boaters.

One by one, the poker runners pulled up behind the key and circled the "card boat," where boaters were handed their second card. From there it would be a run of more than 30 miles up the bay to downtown Tampa.

Full throttle

A typical fishing boat might take an hour to make that journey, but the fastest of the poker run boats covered the distance in 20 minutes. The watercraft, many of which cost more than $1 million, are built for one thing: speed. That's why go-fast boats stick to the shipping channel, where larger, big-wake vessels tend to travel.

The other rules for poker runs are simple. No alcohol allowed, or as they say, "Water on water, beer on the pier," and life jackets must be worn at all times.

If you have a performance boat and like to go fast, then this might be the sport for you.

Dr. Remote

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By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, April 7, 2011

Hobey Baker Award: 7 p.m. on ESPNU. The announcement of the top college hockey player of 2010-11.

Friday Night Fights: 11 p.m. on ESPN2. The WBC's No. 2-ranked middleweight, David Lemieux (25-0, 24 knockouts), takes on former middleweight title challenger Marco Antonio "El Veneno" Rubio (49-5-1, 43 knockouts, WBC No. 3).

Showtime boxing: 11 p.m. on Showtime. The main event is a 10-round super middleweight bout between Marcus Johnson (20-15, 15 knockouts) and Dyah Davis (18-2-1, nine knockouts).

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